iHeartPodcast Network

Emmy-winning actor tells the story of America’s top NFL prospects as they prepare for Draft Day and for their lives to be forever changed

NEW YORK – September 15, 2020 – iHeartRadio, the No. 1 commercial podcast publisher globally, and Treefort Media today announced “DRAFTED,” a new docuseries podcast in association with Klutch Sports Group and narrated by Emmy-winning actor Keegan-Michael Key that follows top college football players as they prepare to enter the NFL Draft. The first two episodes will launch Monday, September 21, with two new episodes releasing each week. Listen to the official “DRAFTED” trailer now on iHeartRadio and everywhere podcasts are heard.

Through exclusive audio footage, “DRAFTED” will tell captivating, entertaining and emotionally moving stories of eight draft picks from Klutch Sports Group including three of the top 15 picks Chase Young, Jeff Okudah, Mekhi Becton and more as they prepare to have their lives changed forever. The podcast will take listeners behind-the-scenes with these NFL prospects as they live their lifelong dreams of playing football at the highest level of competition, giving a glimpse into their lives before, during and after NFL Draft Day.

“I'm excited to be part of this series because it gives mega fans like myself intimate access and insight into the world of these incredible athletes,” said Key. “It’s really special to be able to hear everything they’re going through, and experience their nerves, excitement and tension leading up to one of the biggest events of their lives. I look forward to every moment.”

“Dreams become a reality on Draft day,” said Rich Paul, Founder of Klutch Sports Group and Head of UTA Sports. “We couldn’t be more excited that listeners and fans will be able to come along on this journey with our players every step of the way through their Draft week.”

“We are thrilled to have iHeartRadio as a partner for our new show ‘DRAFTED.’ It is a privilege to bring ‘DRAFTED’ to football fans everywhere and share these uniquely raw and compelling first-person accounts as the athletes approach a pivotal milestone in their lives,” said Kelly Garner, Founder and Executive Producer of Treefort Media. “We are incredibly proud of this podcast and look forward to sharing these 12 episodes with iHeart’s massive audience.”

“iHeart couldn't be more excited to partner with the talented storytellers at Treefort Media on ‘DRAFTED’ which will provide football fans an exclusive, intimate and highly entertaining look into these young players' lives as they take a massive step forward in their professional careers,” said Sean Titone, Lead Executive Producer of Sports for the iHeartPodcast Network.

The series is distributed by the iHeartPodcast Network which is home to more than 750 original podcasts with over 225 million downloads each month. iHeartRadio Original Podcasts span every category from business, sports, spirituality and technology to entertainment, family, comedy and true crime – and everything in between – making iHeartRadio the largest publisher of podcast content in the world. The platform is also home to the most successful podcast of all time, “Stuff You Should Know,” and creator of hits like “The Ron Burgundy Podcast” and the “Atlanta Monster” series as well as fosters over a hundred shows from its on-air talent like the popular “Bobbycast” and “The Breakfast Club” radio show podcasts. These shows are distributed on all major podcast platforms including the iHeartRadio app.

About Treefort Media

Treefort Media is an award-winning podcast company dedicated to immersive audio storytelling. The Treefort team creates and produces original premium audio series across all genres, as well as branded content for a variety of top-tier brands and partners.

Pact calls for dozens of new podcasts that build on E&Y’s hit series’ and IP from 

across MTV, Comedy Central, VH1, CMT and others

Slate leverages success of existing The Daily Show podcasts with reimagined iconic shows 

including Yo! MTV Raps

New York, NY - September 9, 2020 @ 2:45pm ET – ViacomCBS’ Entertainment & Youth Group today announced a three-year pact with iHeartMedia. The deal calls for the biggest global commercial podcast publisher to create dozens of original podcasts, both new and those that leverage iconic IP and extend powerhouse franchises from the biggest and most beloved brands.

The breadth of the portfolio – comprised of MTV, Comedy Central, Paramount Network, Smithsonian Channel, Pop TV, CMT, VH1, TV Land and Logo – will enable diverse and inclusive audio offerings that cater to every demographic and age group – from the coasts to the heartland – and across genres including music, comedy, pop culture and history. The initial slate includes:

 Comedy Central

• The Daily Show with Trevor Noah will be expanding its library of content by producing additional, original podcasts from the Correspondents and more.

MTV

• Yo! MTV Raps, the seminal music and interview series that introduced hip hop to a general audience.

These upcoming series’ join two from Comedy Central - The Daily Show with Trevor Noah: Ears Edition, launched in 2018 and featuring episode highlights and extended interviews and has delivered more than 170M+ downloads to date,  and The Daily Show: Podcast Universe, launched in 2019 and is an original, five-episode mini-series where each episode parodies a popular podcast or podcast genre.

“We are excited to partner with iHeartMedia, the leading global commercial podcast publisher to expand our hit shows and IP into hit franchises,” said Keyes Hill-Edgar, Chief Operating Officer, Entertainment & Youth Group, ViacomCBS. “iHeart’s wide distribution and availability across a number of leading platforms align well with our global reach and audiences.”

“These are some of the most iconic brands in the world.  First and foremost – as fans of these brands – we wanted to see them have a really strong presence in podcasting,” said Conal Byrne, President, the iHeartPodcast Network. “So our plan is simple: We will swing all of our resources behind these incredible brands – with support from our production teams, our huge distribution and marketing muscle, and the biggest and best audio sales team in the country – to make sure they get the audience they deserve in this incredible new medium.”

All of the audio series will be distributed through the iHeartPodcast Network and available on iHeartRadio in addition to wherever fans find their favorite podcasts.

Hosted by Pete Buttigieg, the original 20-episode podcast tackles today’s most important political issues and how the next 10 years will confront our country’s greatest challenges

NEW YORK – September 2, 2020 – iHeartRadio, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally, and Pete Buttigieg announced today the launch of “The Deciding Decade with Pete Buttigieg,” an original 20-episode podcast series on the issues and choices that will define America’s next chapter. Hosted by the former presidential candidate and Mayor of South Bend, Indiana, episodes for the new podcast will be released weekly each Wednesday beginning September 9. Listeners can hear the official audio trailer now on iHeartRadio and everywhere podcasts are heard.

This year has opened with chaos: a global pandemic, accelerating climate change, and national and global anguish over racial and economic inequality. However, Pete Buttigieg—the first openly gay presidential candidate to win the Iowa Caucuses, former mayor, Harvard graduate and Afghanistan War veteran—believes this moment holds the potential of leading to a new and much better chapter. On “The Deciding Decade,” Pete is joined by leading activists, politicians, authors, scholars, entertainers and more to discuss and confront America’s greatest challenges and the key to unlocking the potential of the next decade. 

“The choices we make in the months and years ahead will define America for decades to come. I’m eager to have honest, intimate conversations about the challenges facing us and the ways we can respond with so many individuals I admire,” said former Mayor Pete Buttigieg. “I’m thrilled to join the impressive and diverse voices that make up the iHeartPodcast Network.”

On the premiere episode of the “The Deciding Decade,” Buttigieg speaks with former federal prosecutor Preet Bharara about his life and work as US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, the dangerous long-term impact of the Trump Administration's politicization of the Justice Department, and what justice can and should look like in a post-Trump era.

Additional episodes will feature conversations and interviews that pave the way for enduring and positive change, including dialogue from influential leaders such as Congresswoman Barbara Lee; New York Times bestselling author Glennon Doyle; economist and racial disparity expert Professor Darrick Hamilton; Award-winning actor and activist Billy Porter; Saturday Night Live’s Colin Jost and many more. This singular podcast engages voices of all ages, races and creeds about the work they are doing to shape this era.

“Pete created a groundswell of excitement during his presidential campaign run, and he is one of the most admirable and energetic young leaders of our time,” said Conal Byrne, President of the iHeartPodast Network. “We’re excited to bring Pete’s sharp intellect and remarkable eloquence to The iHeartPodcast Network.” 

“The Deciding Decade with Pete Buttigieg” will be distributed by the iHeartPodcast Network, which is home to more than 750 original podcasts with over 225 million downloads each month. iHeartRadio Original Podcasts span every category from business, sports, spirituality and technology to entertainment, family, comedy and true crime – and everything in between – making iHeartRadio the largest publisher of podcast content in the world.

About Pete Buttigieg 

Pete Buttigieg served as two-term mayor of South Bend, Indiana and was a Democratic candidate for president of the United States in 2020. A graduate of Harvard University and an Oxford Rhodes Scholar, Buttigieg enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserve and became a lieutenant when he was deployed to Afghanistan in 2014. In April 2019 he announced his candidacy for president and in February 2020 won the Iowa Caucuses, becoming the first openly gay person to ever win a presidential primary or caucus.

Initial slate includes new podcasts from top political analysts John Heilemann, Jennifer Palmieri, David Plouffe and Steve Schmidt

New York - September 1, 2020 - Today, iHeartMedia, the No. 1 commercial podcast publisher globally, and The Recount, a groundbreaking new media platform at the intersection of politics and culture, announced a new partnership to co-produce a series of podcasts ahead of the historic 2020 election. The first three weekly shows — “Hell and High Water with John Heilemann,” “Just Something About Her with Jennifer Palmieri,” and “Battleground with David Plouffe and Steve Schmidt” — will debut this month, and continue into 2021, on iHeartRadio and everywhere podcasts are heard.

“The 2020 election is, without question, the most important election of our lifetime, and this exciting trio of podcasts from hosts who've operated at the highest level of politics will help listeners cut through the bullshit and understand the big picture of what's happening ahead of Election Day and beyond," said John Heilemann, co-founder and Executive Editor of The Recount. “Our content is resonating on our platform and across social media and we are excited to bring it to podcasting with iHeartMedia.”

“Getting smart on politics is no longer optional,” stated EVP of Programming and Development for The Recount, Nomi Ernst Leidner. “Partnering with iHeartMedia enables us to venture into podcasts and continue producing high quality content that educates people on politics in a digestible and engaging way.”

“Hell and High Water with John Heliemann” focuses on the turmoil and upheaval roiling America in 2020. Best-selling author and TV host John Heilemann will have a series of conversations with the people shaping our culture in politics, entertainment, business, technology and beyond. Heilemann will explore how the country is grappling with this tumultuous moment and attempting to pull through and rise above it. Trailer available now, here. Episode one debuts September 8. 

“Battleground with David Plouffe and Steve Schmidt” features two of America's storied political strategists — Barack Obama's 2008 campaign manager and John McCain's 2008 chief strategist. Opponents then and co-hosts now — Plouffe and Schmidt will dissect America's most consequential political battles, from the current presidential campaign to the hurdles facing the next administration to the key issues, beyond the election, impacting voters around the country. Listeners can hear the trailer now, here. Podcast will launch September 14.

“Just Something About Her with Jennifer Palmieri” is hosted by the former communications director for the Obama White House and Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign. Palmieri explores why — after decades of making steady progress — women find themselves banging up against the same glass ceilings. The show features interviews with powerful women from business, politics, the arts and journalism to learn how they found a way to break through and create their own path to success. The weekly podcast will be available beginning September 24.

“iHeartMedia is the perfect partner for The Recount. Matching our talented programming team with the largest commercial podcast publisher will deliver our high value content to the largest audience possible,” said President and COO for The Recount, Kenny Miller. “On the heels of our programming partnership with Twitter, this ambitious podcast slate is our next step in developing a unique news brand natively on industry leading audience platforms.”

“The Recount is an expert in understanding how to reach audiences on social media in today’s digital world. People are checking the news more frequently and want access to the easiest format possible,” said President of the iHeartPodcast Network, Conal Byrne. “Pairing our network with The Recount’s focus on accessible content creates a powerhouse slate of political podcasts that will help our listeners better understand politics as we approach the 2020 election.” 

The slate will be distributed by the iHeartPodcast Network, which is home to more than 750 original podcasts with over 225 million downloads each month. iHeartRadio Original Podcasts span every category from business, sports, spirituality and technology to entertainment, family, comedy and true crime – and everything in between – making iHeartRadio the largest publisher of podcast content in the world.

About The Recount

The Recount is a leading media platform at the intersection of politics, business and culture solving two central problems: information overload and the time famine. The Recount produces high quality content across a suite of digital, social and experiential products and currently features more than a dozen short-form programs, including The Daily Recount, Recap 2020, and Rewind. Co-founders John Heilemann and John Battelle launched the media venture in 2019. For more information, visit www.therecount.com.

The iHeartPodcast Network and Newt Gingrich’s Gingrich 360 team up for a four-year, multi- series deal to launch new conservative-leaning podcasts with millennial and Gen Z voices

The first podcast in the new slate, “Rob Smith is Problematic,” available today 

ARLINGTON, VA and NEW YORK – August 24, 2020 – Building on the successful launch of the “Newt’s World” podcast, Gingrich 360 will co-produce several new podcast series with iHeartMedia for the next generation of conservatives with four new shows set to join the iHeartPodcast Network this year. The first podcast to launch through the new partnership is “Rob Smith Is Problematic,” a weekly podcast available now featuring America’s favorite gay, Black, conservative Veteran. Posting each Tuesday, Smith and his guests will tackle topics and offer unique perspectives you won’t find elsewhere.

The entire slate will focus on finding and cultivating voices and personalities that expand the audience for conservative values with content that informs, entertains and empowers people. Specifically, the shows will feature smart, entertaining personalities who connect with under-represented voices. 

“I enjoy the personal connection and immediacy of podcasting,” said former US House Speaker and Gingrich 360 Chairman Newt Gingrich. “I am excited to expand the Gingrich 360 brand with iHeart to develop and produce series with millennial, African American, Hispanic, and Gen Z voices. They will help define and lead the next generation of Americans as we overcome challenges and find new opportunities.” 

This September, the slate will also debut “Outloud With Gianno Caldwell.” The second podcast in the lineup will share the life lessons Caldwell learned while being raised on the south side of Chicago and inspire listeners to be the victor, not the victim in their own life.

Established podcast, “Newt’s World,” hosted by professor, historian, futurist and former Speaker of the US House of Representatives Newt Gingrich, will also join the iHeartPodcast Network and anchor the upcoming slate. “Newt’s World” has grown to more than six million listens in a short period of time. With three new episodes a week, Newt shares his lifetime of knowledge and access to the world’s most interesting minds. From history to health, and national security to science, “Newt’s World,” offers stories, conversations and context from the past, present, and future to uncover new perspectives, knowledge and insight. 

The partnership will also include the option to extend the content to other platforms such as TV or film as spin offs to the podcast series.

“We are passionate about finding authentic talent and building connections with the audience,” said Gingrich 360 President and CEO Debbie Adler Myers. “Taking these brands to other platforms through the iHeart marketing machine to help expand audiences is a targeted way to get these important voices heard.”

About Gingrich 360

Gingrich 360 is a full circle American consulting and media production group that connects the past, present, and future to inspire audiences, solve challenges, and develop opportunities. Founded by Speaker Newt Gingrich, the team at Gingrich 360 possesses decades of experience in American politics and policy; television and film production; and journalism and media. We produce films, television and podcast series, and documentaries. Through Gingrich 360, Newt also authors fiction and non-fiction bestsellers; publishes his syndicated newsletter; and produces the Newt’s World podcast. Gingrich 360 also offers strategic planning, consulting, and training for organizations seeking to solve public policy concerns. We have unique strengths and experience in health, learning, national security, and politics. We also help develop messaging with an emphasis on earned and social media. Visit Gingrich360.com for more information.

GroupM is the exclusive sponsor of lineup’s full podcast slate

“You Down?” with Obama’s Other Daughters, “Go Ask Ali” and “Criminalia” launch this month

Future shows include “#Matter,” “American Coup,” “Black Girl Lost,” and multiple companion shows for Shondaland’s ABC and Netflix series, including “Bridgerton” for Netflix

New York, NY - Aug 11, 2020 - Today, iHeartMedia, the No. 1 commercial podcast publisher globally, and Shondaland Audio, a division of Shondaland, founded by award-winning television writer and producer Shonda Rhimes, announced the division’s upcoming lineup. Co-Produced with iHeartRadio, three new original podcasts will launch as part of the partnership, which was first announced and formed late last year. “You Down?” with Obama’s Other Daughters, “Criminalia” and “Go Ask Ali” will debut this month on iHeartRadio and everywhere else podcasts are available. As a result of GroupM’s sponsorship deal—the first for the iHeart and Shondaland Audio partnership—the largest global media investment network’s clients have exclusive access to the entire slate of original podcasts.

Also announced today were future shows that span a variety of genres and formats including: “#Matter,” “American Coup,” “Black Girl Lost,” and multiple companion shows for Shondaland’s ABC and Netflix series, including “Bridgerton” for Netflix. The lineup joins previously launched podcast “Katie’s Crib,” a bi-weekly podcast following “Scandal” and “Waitress” actress Katie Lowes, which joined the slate in its third season this past May. The show will release a new episode on August 13th featuring actress Gabrielle Union.

“Shonda Rhimes is an absolute creative powerhouse and developing these first few shows together has indicated what a strong partnership iHeartMedia and Shondaland have formed with Shondaland Audio,” said Conal Byrne, President of the iHeartPodcast Network. “The breadth and depth of content that’s in progress as part of this partnership is unparalleled, and we’re thrilled to work beside the Shondaland team to bring Shonda’s unique storytelling magic to podcast listeners everywhere.”

Rhimes will oversee development of the Shondaland Audio slate with Chief Design and Digital Media Officer, Sandie Bailey, who will manage day-to-day operations as the company introduces incredible talent and stories to hundreds of millions of podcast listeners across the country.

“Podcasts allow for innovative and intimate storytelling and that’s exactly what this slate offers: deeply human stories through a range of genres and formats aimed to engage the varied and ever- growing podcast listenership,” said Bailey. “iHeartMedia has been an incredible partner in forming Shondaland Audio, and I’m thrilled that audiences will soon hear more from our collaboration with this new offering of shows.”

Progressive clients including T-Mobile and Unilever have signed on as brand partners of the upcoming slate of podcasts within the exclusive GroupM sponsorship.

“We’re excited to be a first and only partner in support of the rich and diverse perspectives and stories that are signature to Shondaland. This partnership serves as added reinforcement of our priority to elevate multicultural voices—audiences and programming talent—in direct connection with our previously announced Multicultural Marketplace,” said Susan Schiekofer, GroupM’s Chief Digital Investment Officer. “We understood from the outset of these discussions at the end of last year how beneficial a deal like this could be for our clients. The unique slate-wide ownership position allows us to create custom integrations for clients across so many different opportunities. We’re looking forward to helping bring this audio slate to life.”

In 2017, Shondaland began broadening its digital footprint with the launch of Shondaland.com and later entered podcast territory with “Katie’s Crib,” featuring Katie Lowes welcoming guests for open and honest conversations about everything parenting, from fertility and postpartum life to the ups and downs of raising tiny humans.

Shondaland Audio Shows Releasing This Month Include:

August 11th
“You Down?” with Obama’s Other Daughters – Hosted by four members of the all Black, all female comedy troupe known as Obama’s Other Daughters: Maame-Yaa Aforo, Ashley Holston, Yazmin Monet Watkins and Shakira Ja’nai Paye. These hilarious and opinionated friends come together for laughs and brutal honesty in this talk-show style podcast featuring fun, irreverent discussions as they offer their unique perspective and comedic take on all things culture. The group also executive produces, writes and stars in Comedy Central Digital series, and produces and performs under Kevin Hart’s Laugh Out Loud Network banner.

August 18th
“Criminalia” – In this podcast, veteran Holly Frey (cohost of the award-winning podcast “Stuff You Missed in History Class”) and co-host Maria Trimarchi (writer, journalist and researcher) ask the question “what can we learn from the criminals and crimes of the past?” “Criminalia” is a dark, yet playful look at historical true crime.

August 20th
“Go Ask Ali” – Hosted by actress and New York Times best-selling author, Ali Wentworth who has become a comedic authority on wading through all the chaos that is modern life. Ali speaks with doctors, experts and friends about "How to grow a teenager in a pandemic" and "how to grow a relationship in a pandemic."

Upcoming Shondaland Audio Show Details Include:

“#Matter” – This scripted drama will be written, produced and directed by Dylan Brown (writer/producer, “Raising Kanan” and “Mac and Devin go to High School”), and told through the lens of a reporter looking back at a case of police brutality, as a father intervenes in his teenage son's beating and later finds himself, his badly hurt son and a wounded cop barricaded in a nearby restaurant as they all struggle to stay alive. Set to launch this fall.

“American Coup” – A scripted series from writers Aaron Tracy (writer, “Law and Order: SVU”) and Andrew Lenchewski (co-creator, “Royal Pains”) that explores the incredible, untold story of Edith Wilson, the woman who hijacked the Oval Office. As a writing team, Aaron and Andrew have sold original TV pilots to USA Network, Freeform, Lionsgate, and Alcon Entertainment. Set to launch this winter.

“Black Girl Lost” – This documentary-style podcast, produced by award-winning filmmaker and writer dream hampton and hosted by award-winning journalist Yesha Callahan, looks at the complexities behind the growing numbers of missing Black women and girls. Asking the questions who takes them and why? But most importantly, does anyone care about Black girls lost? The show will also feature thought-provoking interviews around a number of these unsolved missing persons cases. Set to launch early next year.

More details will be released at a later date on future Shondaland Audio podcasts including multiple companion shows for Shondaland’s ABC and Netflix series, including “Bridgerton” for Netflix.

In addition to the shows announced today, listeners can expect a steady stream of new podcasts from Shondaland Audio over the next couple of years.

About Shondaland

Shondaland is the pioneering storytelling company founded by award-winning writer and producer Shonda Rhimes. The company has produced the television series "Grey's Anatomy," "Private Practice," "Scandal," "How To Get Away With Murder," "For The People" and "Station 19” for ABC. Through the company’s unprecedented shift to streaming, it is producing content exclusively for Netflix including upcoming series “Bridgerton,” “Inventing Anna” and “Notes on Love.” In recent years the company has expanded into other divisions including launching the website Shondaland.com, part of the Hearst Digital Networks, and Shondaland Audio, part of the iHeartPodcast Network. The company is rooted in the ideals of creating content that changes culture, changes perceptions and writes the future.

Dan Patrick and the iHeartRadio team will select 10 up-and-coming creators to produce pilot episodes; and fans will vote for one to become The Next Great Podcast to join The iHeartPodcast Network

Los Angeles and New York – August 3, 2020 – iHeartRadio, the No. 1 commercial podcast publisher globally, announced today the search for The Next Great Podcast. The campaign will launch in collaboration with content creation platform Tongal to help reach up-and-coming creative talent for a chance to develop a new original show for The iHeartPodcast Network.

Beginning today through Thursday, August 27th, creators around the world can pitch for the chance to produce a new podcast series of any genre—from comedy to true crime, and sports to pop culture—and to work with The iHeartPodcast Network to launch the new series.

“iHeartRadio has built a global stage for some of the world’s biggest podcasts, and now they’re using their platform to create an incredible opportunity for up-and-coming voices,” said James DeJulio, Tongal Co-Founder and CEO. “At Tongal, our mission has always been about connecting emerging talent to opportunity, so we’re excited to be working with iHeart to power this search and champion new voices and new ideas in the podcasting space.”

Creators will be asked to submit a short synopsis and treatment that describes their podcast idea, along with links to past work and an optional audio trailer and pitch video. Pitches will be narrowed down by a panel of podcasters, led by head judge and legendary broadcaster Dan Patrick, and 10 semifinalists will be awarded $1,000 to further develop their idea into a 10-minute pilot. These pilots will be shared on “The Next Great Podcast” feed in the fall for fans everywhere to listen and vote. One winner will be crowned “The Next Great Podcast,” featured on iHeartRadio stations across the country and work closely with Patrick and iHeartRadio’s team of expert podcast producers to develop their podcast into an original series for distribution by The iHeartPodcast Network.

“Audio is thriving and is the breeding ground for some of the best IP out there right now,” said Conal Byrne, President of The iHeartPodcast Network. “Podcasting has always been an ideal place for cultivating new talent and we are excited to join forces with Tongal to reach their impressive community of creatives as we search for the next great podcast.”

“This is a passion project for me. There’s so much great talent out there that hasn't had the luxury of a head start from a major media company,” said Dan Patrick. “This is that head start that will recognize and grow someone who has the dream to become a podcast star.”

Creators can go to NextGreatPodcast.com to apply and learn more.

Slate includes “The MLK Tapes,” next installment in the Monster series and first foray into weekly podcasts, including new project from host Payne Lindsey

“Sworn” returned with two-episode premiere, covering topics including racial bias in the justice system, featuring the case of Georgia's first exoneree, Calvin Johnson

(ATLANTA and NEW YORK -- July 20, 2020) -- Award-winning content creation company Tenderfoot TV, and iHeartMedia, the No. 1 commercial podcast publisher globally, will deepen their relationship and create a slate of nine new iHeartRadio Original Podcasts to air beginning today through 2022. The upcoming podcast slate will focus on limited series as well as several weekly shows, a new strategy for Tenderfoot TV, who has garnered over 500 million downloads for its true crime hits since the company’s launch in 2016.

“iHeart has been an essential partner for Tenderfoot TV over the last several years. It was important to both of us that our next projects together explored important issues and brought new formats to the table, while still providing the storytelling experience our listeners expect,” said Donald Albright, president of Tenderfoot TV. “With the addition of real time, weekly formats, we’re able to amplify more stories than ever before, while sticking to our commitment of bringing forth real change in cases that have either been ignored or forgotten.”

The new collaboration will kick off with the second season of “Sworn,” Tenderfoot TV’s popular criminal justice system podcast that exposes the untold stories and hard truths behind major cases. The newest episode will focus on racial bias in the criminal justice system and explore the case of Georgia's first exoneree, Calvin Johnson, who served 16 years in federal prison for a crime he did not commit. “Sworn” season two is available today on iHeartRadio and everywhere podcasts are heard. Fans can listen here now.

Additionally, new investigative series podcasts for the slate will include “The MLK Tapes,” produced in partnership with author Bill Klaber, co-creator of “The RFK Tapes,” set to premiere January 2021; and the next Installment of the Monster podcast series, which has over 100 million downloads with the success of “Atlanta Monster” followed by “Monster: The Zodiac Killer,” “Monster Presents: Insomniac” and “Monster: D.C. Sniper,” set to debut early next year.

As part of the slate, Tenderfoot TV will also release their first set of weekly podcasts co-produced by iHeartRadio. Tenderfoot TV co-founder and popular host of “Up and Vanished,” “Atlanta Monster” and “Radio Rental,” Payne Lindsey, will host and executive produce a new series that will cover a different case each episode. The slate will also include an additional weekly series in 2021, with details forthcoming.

“In Tenderfoot TV, Donald Albright and Payne Lindsey have built one of the most innovative podcast studios out there – especially in the true crime space,” said Conal Byrne, President of the iHeartPodcast Network. “iHeart and Tenderfoot have been in partnership for a long time together – from ‘Atlanta Monster’ to ‘Zodiac Killer’ to ‘DC Sniper.’ We here at iHeart want to support creators like Tenderfoot however we can – and that means doubling down on a collaborative slate of incredible, new, groundbreaking shows, to redefine the true crime genre yet again.”

The slate will be distributed by the iHeartPodcast Network which is home to more than 750 original podcasts with over 215 million downloads each month. iHeartRadio Original Podcasts span every category from business, sports, spirituality and technology to entertainment, family, comedy and true crime – and everything in between – making iHeartRadio the largest publisher of podcast content in the world. These shows are distributed on all major podcast platforms including the iHeartRadio app, which additionally distributes more than 320,000 shows.

About Tenderfoot TV

Founded by Atlanta director and independent filmmaker, Payne Lindsey, and music industry veteran, Donald Albright, Tenderfoot TV is a hub for creators and storytellers. The company launched in August 2016 with the release of the viral true crime podcast, “Up and Vanished.” It has since created additional breakthrough podcasts including the critically acclaimed “Atlanta Monster” as well as the true crime hits “To Live and Die in LA”, and “Culpable.” Tenderfoot is also developing multiple projects for TV and film, but podcasts remain the company’s primary focus, having amassed over 500 million total downloads in just 3 years. Tenderfoot strives to tell compelling and important stories. No rules. No restrictions.

New weekly podcast to launch this fall from the award-winning producers and correspondents of VICE News

JUNE 24, 2020 - BROOKLYN, NY –  iHeartMedia, the No. 1 commercial podcast publisher globally, and VICE Media Group, the world’s largest independent youth media company,  announced today at the VICE Media Group NewFront presentation “VICE News Reports,” a new weekly investigative series covering critical news subjects from around the world. “VICE News Reports” will be co-produced by iHeartRadio and VICE News. As part of the new partnership, iHeartMedia will have a first-look option to co-produce additional podcasts based on VICE Media Group content. “VICE News Reports” will debut this fall on iHeartRadio and everywhere podcasts are available.

The year-round weekly series will feature in-depth, on-the-ground reportage, tapping into VICE’s extensive global network of diverse, award-winning journalists, offering rare access audio that brings the listener directly into the story unlike any other program. With an immersive, vérité, in the field approach, the half-hour episodes will provide unique reporting on the biggest news stories in the world and delve into underreported events beyond the 24-hour news cycle. 

The series will include a mix of long and short form reports, feature stories, multiple episode series and more, all told in the signature VICE News style. Topics to be covered include exclusive reporting from the frontlines of global conflicts and civil uprisings; a deep dive into the rise of the alt-right in the states and abroad; and a multi-part investigation into the debate about arming teachers in America’s schools. 

“At VICE News we provide a comprehensive look at complex news issues by reporting where others do not, and amplifying voices that are going unheard,” said Jesse Angelo, President, Global News and Entertainment, VICE Media Group. “Audio allows us to go further; the medium lets us dive into the nuance and involve the audience in intimate ways that cannot be achieved with video. We are excited to explore this even more with ‘VICE News Reports’ and iHeartRadio.” 

“With today’s busy schedules, listeners are always looking for engaging content, especially on global critical topics of interest,” said Conal Byrne, President of the iHeartPodcast Network.  “We are excited to launch this new investigative series with VICE, keeping listeners up-to-date on the latest current events, while also uncovering untold truths in today’s tumultuous climate.”

In 2019, VICE expanded its audio operation under the leadership of Kate Osborn, longtime audio veteran and former producer for NPR, BBC, and Rachel Maddow. Replicating its unconventional approach to video storytelling with audio, VICE has produced award-wining and critically acclaimed audio series such as Chapo: Kingpin on Trial, Uncommitted: Iowa 2020, and The Distance: Coronavirus Dispatches. 

“VICE News Reports” is a weekly VICE News and iHeartRadio Original Podcast set to debut this fall. The series will be distributed by the iHeartPodcast Network which is home to more than 750 original podcasts with over 215 million downloads each month. iHeartRadio Original Podcasts span every category from business, sports, spirituality and technology to entertainment, family, comedy and true crime – and everything in between – making iHeartRadio the largest publisher of podcast content in the world. These shows are distributed on all major podcast platforms including the iHeartRadio app, which additionally distributes more than 320,000 shows. 

About VICE Media Group

VICE Media Group is the world’s largest independent youth media company.  Launched in 1994, VICE has offices in 35 cities across the globe with a focus on five key businesses: VICE.com, an award-winning international network of digital content; VICE STUDIOS, a feature film and television production studio; VICE TV, an Emmy-winning international television network; a Peabody award-winning NEWS division with the most Emmy-awarded nightly news broadcast; and VIRTUE, a global, full-service creative agency with 25 offices around the world.  VICE Media Group’s portfolio includes Refinery29, the leading global media and entertainment company focused on women;  PULSE Films, a London-based next-generation production studio with outposts in Los Angeles, New York, Paris and Berlin;  i-D, a global digital and bimonthly magazine defining fashion and contemporary culture; and Garage, a digital platform and biannual publication converging the worlds of art and design.

The iHeartPodcast Network will produce companion podcasts for

HBO Max original and legacy show content

NEW YORK, NY – June 23, 2020 – iHeartRadio, the No. 1 commercial podcast publisher globally, and WarnerMedia Entertainment, the WarnerMedia business unit that includes HBO, HBO Max, TNT, TBS, truTV, Rooster Teeth and Crunchyroll, today announced a partnership to co-produce a slate of companion podcasts for HBO Max’s upcoming catalog of original and legacy shows.

The first podcasts to debut will include companion podcasts for the comedy thriller series “Search Party,” created by Sarah-Violet Bliss, Charles Rogers and Michael Showalter, and sci-fi drama “Raised by Wolves,” directed and executive produced by Ridley Scott. These podcasts, along with the entire slate of co-produced companion podcasts, will be available on HBO Max, iHeartRadio and everywhere podcasts are heard.

The new slate of companion podcasts will play as standalone productions in their own right, but will often center around and help promote HBO Max programming. As part of the deal, iHeartMedia will also get a first-look priority to produce HBO Max companion podcasts during the term of the agreement. Additionally, iHeartMedia and WarnerMedia Entertainment will both commit marketing resources to promote the podcasts and other HBOMax content across the iHeartPodcast Network and other iHeartMedia broadcast and digital platforms. Together, WarnerMedia Entertainment and iHeartMedia may also produce podcasts for WarnerMedia Entertainment’s television networks, TNT, TBS and truTV.

“We look forward to working with iHeartMedia as we continue to find new ways to break ground and create opportunities for our storytellers to do what they do best,” said Kevin Reilly, President, TBS, TNT, and truTV and Chief Content Officer, HBO Max. “Today’s streaming fans are hungry for more content the second they finish an episode of their favorite shows, and podcasts are a great way to keep those fans engaged while also giving our roster of creative talent additional tools to extend the worlds of their shows and stories.”

“We’re beyond thrilled to forge this new partnership with WarnerMedia Entertainment to create an exciting slate of companion podcasts based on the incredible content coming to HBO Max,” said Conal Byrne, President, iHeartPodcast Network. “WarnerMedia Entertainment’s networks and brands have long been a marvel in the entertainment industry, and we’re ecstatic for the opportunity to be a part of their legendary storytelling and to bring this trove of new content to the iHeartPodcast Network.”

About “Search Party”

Primarily set in New York City, “Search Party” follows a group of privileged, self-absorbed twenty-somethings whose search for a long-lost missing friend leads them down a dark and shocking path of no return. The first two seasons of the show are currently available on HBO Max and all episodes of Season 3 will debut on the streamer on June 25.

Click HERE for press assets and additional information on the series.

About “Raised by Wolves”

“Raised by Wolves” centers around two androids, Father and Mother, tasked with raising human children on a mysterious new planet. As the burgeoning colony of humans threatens to be torn apart by religious differences, the androids learn that controlling the beliefs of humans is a treacherous and difficult task.

About HBO Max

HBO Max is WarnerMedia’s direct-to-consumer offering, which debuted May 27, 2020. With 10,000 hours of curated premium content, HBO Max offers powerhouse programming for everyone in the home, bringing together HBO, a robust slate of new original series, key third-party licensed programs and movies, and fan favorites from WarnerMedia’s rich library including motion picture and TV series from Warner Bros., highlights from New Line, and catalog titles from DC, CNN, TNT, TBS, truTV, Turner Classic Movies, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Crunchyroll, Rooster Teeth, Looney Tunes and more.
Website: HBOMax.com