Industry News

Black Information Network Launches Altadena Podcast Series

iHeartMedia and BIN: Black Information Network announced a new podcast series set to debut on March 24 titled, “To Altadena, With Love.” The five-part series focuses on the devastating impact of the Eatonimg fires on the historic Black middle-class community of Altadena, California. The company says, “This groundbreaking series will explore the significance of Altadena, its legacy and the personal stories of survivors and community members who lived through one of the region’s most destructive natural disasters.” The series is hosted by Black Information Network journalist Mimi Brown.

Industry News

WOR, New York Unveils “Mendte in the Morning”

iHeartMedia names Larry Mendte the new, permanent host of the morning drive program on news/talk WOR, New York. “Mendte in the Morning” airs from 6:00 am to 10:00 am on 710 WOR, The Voice of New York. WOR program director Tom Cuddy says, “Since joining our team in 2023 as our news director andimg morning drive news anchor, Larry has built a strong connection with our listeners, who have responded very positively to his time as our interim morning show host. His remarkable career, which includes an astounding 97 Emmy awards and stints at WABC Radio, Channel 7 Eyewitness News, WPIX/11 and ‘Access Hollywood,’ speaks for itself. With all of this experience, he’s the ideal choice to wake up the tri-state area.” Longtime New York radio news anchor Jacquelyn Karl will deliver updates on “Mendte in the Morning,” while Natalie Vacca will continue in her role as executive producer.

Industry News

iHeartMedia Presents Special Show for International Women’s Day

Over the weekend, iHeartMedia presented special programming in celebration of International Women’s Day that spotlighted four of its women staffers: Angela Yee, host of “Way Up with Angela Yee”; Eileenimg Woodbury, vice president of marketing at iHeartMedia Los Angeles; Sarah Spain, host of iHeart Women’s Sports “Good Game” podcast; and Jessica Marventano, executive vice present of government affairs. The 30-minute special aired on iHeartRadio stations nationwide on March 8 and 9. The interviews were conducted by Debra Mark from KFI, Los Angeles; Nathalie Rodriguez and Erica Rodriguez from WIOD, Miami and Kathy Walker from KOA, Denver.

Industry News

iHeartMedia Chief Legal Officer Jordan Fasbender to Exit

iHeartMedia announces that Jordan R. Fasbender, the executive vice president, chief legal officer andimg secretary is resigning from her positions with the company, effective on or around April 1. She is taking another position outside of the company. Fasbender will remain in her current position through April 1. iHeartMedia notes that Fasbender’s exit “is not the result of any disagreement with the company on any matter relating to the company’s operations, policies or practices.”

Industry News

Montague Upped to Promotions Director for iHeartMedia NYC Stations

iHeartMedia New York promotes David Montague to promotions director for New York City stations news/talk WOR-AM and music outlets hip hop WWPR-FM and classic rock WAXQ-FM. iHeartMedia Newimg York director of marketing and promotions Emily Magelof says, “David’s creativity, vision, and dedication have been instrumental in driving our brands. We are excited for him to continue elevating our promotional efforts, ensuring even greater success in the future.” Montague comments, “I am truly honored for this accomplishment and excited for the future. I want to thank my support system at iHeartMedia, friends and family for their continued confidence and believing in me.”

Industry News

iHeartMedia Reports Q4 2024 Revenue Up 4.8%; Full Year Revenue Rises 3%

During the fourth quarter of 2024, iHeartMedia brought in $1.1 billion, an increase of 4.8% over the same period in 2023. For the full year of 2024, revenue was $3.85 billion, an increase of 3% over the full year of 2023. The company breaks down its operating results by division and Multiplatform Group (which includesimg radio stations) Q4 2024 revenue was $684 million, flat compared to Q4 of 2023. The company’s Digital Audio Group Q4 2024 revenue was $339 million, an increase of 7%. Withing the Digital Audio Group, podcast revenue was $140 million, an increase of 6%. For the fourth quarter of 2024, the company reports net income of $31.9 imgmillion. For the full year of 2024, it reports a net loss of $1 billion. iHeartMedia chairman and CEO Bob Pittman states, “Our fourth quarter Adjusted EBITDA of $246 million was up 18.2% vs. prior year, our highest percentage increase in almost three years, and our consolidated revenues were up 4.8% compared to the prior year, demonstrating the inherent operating leverage in this business. We are pleased that we successfully completed the comprehensive exchange transaction discussed last quarter – extending the majority of our debt maturities by three years; keeping our consolidated annual cash interest expense essentially flat; and providing overall debt reduction. This provides the company with the flexibility to remain focused on creating shareholder value in 2025 and beyond.”

Industry News

2025 Black Effect Podcast Festival Set for April 26 in Atlanta

iHeartMedia and Charlamagne Tha God announce that the Black Effect Podcast Festival will take place on Saturday, April 26 from 12:00 noon to 8:00 pm at Pullman Yards in Atlanta. Charlamagne Tha God will join the festival alongside some of the Black Effect’s most popular personalities for a day full of live podcastimg tapings and discussions aimed at aspiring podcasters in the Black community. He says, “We’re excited to return to Atlanta, building on the incredible momentum of the podcast industry and the growing impact of Black creators in the space. As the influence of Black voices continues to shape culture and drive conversations, The Black Effect remains committed to powerful storytelling, meaningful brand collaborations and unforgettable live experiences. This year, we’re celebrating not just where we’ve been – we’re embracing the limitless future of Black podcasting and the influence it holds.”

Industry News

iHeartMedia and Qatar Partner for Regional Podcasting Hub

iHeartMedia announces a multi-year partnership with the Government Communications Office of the State of Qatar to create a thriving podcasting industry in the Middle East and North Africa. iHeartMedia says, “The partnership brings world-class podcasting infrastructure to Qatar and will spark a wave of creative storytelling across the MENA region, leading to the region becoming a global podcasting hub.” iHeartMedia will developimg a state-of-the-art podcast studio in Qatar, accompanied by a lineup of original shows and the introduction of some of the world’s most popular podcasts to Arabic-listening audiences. It will also execute specialized masterclasses to nurture local talent and host global industry events, including Web Summit gatherings, positioning Qatar as a meeting point for the world’s top podcasting voices. iHeartMedia CEO Bob Pittman comments, “Podcasting has exploded in the US and is now a mass-reach medium. And iHeartMedia, with our expansive network as the #1 podcaster in America, is in a unique position to grow strong listenership around the globe. iHeartPodcasts features a massive catalog of original shows spanning every category and this new partnership creates an opportunity to work with a long roster of incredible creators and distribute even more content to new audiences in the Middle East.”

Industry News

iHeartMedia Promotes Jessica Fuller in Asheville

iHeartMedia Asheville names Jessica Fuller senior vice president of sales for the cluster that includesimg news/talk WWNC-AM, sports talk WPEK-AM “ESPN Asheville,” plus five music brands. She says, “I couldn’t be more thankful for the mentorship and support I’ve received throughout my career at iHeart, which has brought me to this exciting opportunity. Working alongside such talented colleagues in this beautiful, resilient mountain town is a true privilege. I look forward to continuing to grow with iHeartMedia and helping our amazing clients succeed with the best strategies in the business.”

Industry News

Matt Jones Inks New Deal with iHeartMedia Kentucky

Air personality Matt Jones and iHeartMedia sign an exclusive five-year agreement for Jones to continue his current role as host of “Kentucky Sports Radio” on NewsRadio 630 WLAP-AM in Lexington, SportsTalk 790img AM in Louisville and 51 other stations around Kentucky. iHeartMedia Kentucky/Memphis area president Kristy Beebe states, “We are incredibly excited to extend our partnership with Matt Jones and ‘Kentucky Sports Radio.’ Matt’s unique insights and engaging style have made him a beloved figure in the sports community, and we are proud to continue bringing his show to our dedicated audience. This renewal underscores our commitment to delivering top-notch sports content and maintaining our position as the leading audio company in the region.”

Industry News

iHeartMedia’s KGB-AM Named SDFC’s English Radio Partner

Major League Soccer’s San Diego FC announces that iHeartMedia’s KGB-AM “San Diego Sports 760 AM” will serve as the club’s official English-language broadcast radio partner while Grupo PSN’s TUDN 1700 AM will be the club’s official Spanish-language radio partner. The multi-year partnerships ensure comprehensiveimg live match coverage, expert analysis, and exclusive club content for San Diego FC fans across the region. San Diego FC CEO Tom Penn comments, “We are thrilled to welcome iHeartMedia and Grupo PSN as our official radio broadcast partners. These partnerships will allow us to connect with fans in both English and Spanish, ensuring that every moment of San Diego FC’s journey is accessible to our passionate supporters.”

Industry News

Audio Companies Cue Up for Earnings Reports

The earnings reports season is upon us and iHeartMedia, Inc. announces that it will issue financial results forimg the fourth quarter of 2024 and the full year ending December 31, 2024 on Thursday, February 27. The company will conduct a conference call at 4:30 pm ET, following the release of its earnings announcement, to discuss its financial results and business outlook.

imgTownsquare Media, Inc also announces that it will release fourth quarter 2024 financial results before the market opens on Monday, March 17. The company will host a conference call to discuss certain fourth quarter 2024 financial results on that day at 8:00 am ET.

Industry News

iHeartMedia Partners with BBC Studios

iHeartMedia and BBC Studios announce a multi-year partnership that will make iHeartMedia the exclusive third-party advertising reseller of BBC podcasts to the U.S. market. iHeartMedia’s audio sales force will work closely with BBC Studios to represent its slate of premium podcasts and to amplify BBC’s content portfolio.img In early 2024, BBC Studios launched a dedicated audio unit to maximize creative and commercial opportunities for the BBC’s premium podcast output in the global audio market. iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group CEO Conal Byrne says, “BBC has held its position as one of the most respected, highest-quality brands in media for decades, and we couldn’t be more honored and excited to expand our relationship and represent their podcasts titles in the exploding U.S. podcast market.”

Industry News

Outstanding Speakers Joining “GENERATIONS 2025” Agenda

The lineup of industry speakers set to speak at the forthcoming GENERATIONS 2025 conference being presented by TALKERS at the forthcoming Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) convention – IBSNYC 2025 – continues to grow.

img

A stellar line-up of speakers have already signed up to speak at this groundbreaking industry event including (in alphabetical order): Vince Benedetto, CEO, Bold Gold Media Group; Chris Berry, VP News/Talk/Sports, iHeartMedia; Scot Bertram, General Manager, WRFH, Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, MI / Lecturer In Journalism; Mike Gallagher, talk show host, Salem Radio Network; Dom Giordano, talk show host, WPHT, Philadelphia; Lee Harris, Director of Integrated Operations, NewsNation / WGN, Chicago; Michael Harrison, Publisher, TALKERS; Matthew B. Harrison, Esq., VP/Associate Publisher, TALKERS; Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner; Harry Hurley, morning talk show host, WPG, Atlantic City; Jeff Katz, talk show host, WRVA, Richmond, VA; Chad Lopez, President, WABC, New York, Red Apple Media Group; John T. Mullen, general manager, WRHU-FM/WRHU.org, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY; Walter Sabo (a.k.a. Walter M Sterling), consultant / talk show host / WPHT, Philadelphia / Talk Media Network; Rich Valdés, talk show host, Westwood One; with several more to be announced in the next few days. See agenda and accompanying stories below.

Sheraton Times Square New York Hotel
New York East Room
Saturday March 8, 2025
12:30 pm – 4:30 pm

AGENDA

12:30 – 1:00 pm Keynote Address “Welcome to the Brave New World”

Speakers:
Michael Harrison, Publisher, TALKERS
Matthew B. Harrison, Esq., VP/Associate Publisher, TALKERS; Harrison Media Law, Senior Partner

1:10 – 1:40 pm Fireside Chat “Setting the Stage”

Facilitator: Michael Harrison, Publisher, TALKERS
Special Guest: Chad Lopez, President, WABC, New York, Red Apple Media Group

1:50 – 2:20 pm Discussion: “Launching and Managing a Career in a Changing Media Industry”

Moderator: Dom Giordano, talk show host, WPHT, Philadelphia
Speaker: John T. Mullen, general manager, WRHU-FM/WRHU.org, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY
Speaker: TBA
Speaker: TBA

2:30 – 3:00 pm Discussion: “Old School/New School/Next School – Learning from Each Other”

Moderator:  Harry Hurley, morning talk show host, WPG, Atlantic City
Speaker:  Vince Benedetto, CEO, Bold Gold Media Group
Speaker: Scot Bertram, General Manager, WRFH, Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, MI / Lecturer In Journalism
Speaker: Walter Sabo (a.k.a. Walter M Sterling), consultant / talk show host / WPHT, Philadelphia / Talk Media Network

3:10 – 3:40 pm Discussion: “Radio’s Place in a Diverse, Digital World”

Moderator: TBA
Speaker: Mike Gallagher, talk show host, Salem Radio Network
Speaker: Rich Valdés, talk show host, Westwood One
Speaker: TBA

3:50 – 4:20 pm Discussion: “Finding Truth in an Age of Misinformation”

Moderator: Lee Harris, Director of Integrated Operations, NewsNation / WGN, Chicago
Speaker:  Chris Berry, VP News/Talk/Sports, iHeartMedia
Speaker: Jeff Katz, talk show host, WRVA, Richmond, VA
Speaker: TBA

4:20 – 4:30 pm Wrap Up:  Group Chat

Industry News

iHeartPodcasts Official Partner for 2025 Web Summit Qatar

iHeartMedia announces that its subsidiary iHeartPodcasts will serve as the official podcast partner for the 2025 Web Summit Qatar. A press release says the second edition of Web Summit Qatar is set to gather more than 20,000 technology and business leaders, founders, world-leading investors, media and a recordimg 1,250 startups at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre from February 23 – 26. Sessions at the event will feature iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group CEO Conal Byrne, as well as iHeartPodcasts talent including Malcolm Gladwell, Jay Shetty, David Eagleman, and Jonathan Strickland. Additionally, as part of the partnership, Web Summit Qatar will introduce the iHeart Podcast Creator Studio, featuring an on-site iHeartPodcasts Recording Studio and attendee lounge for live show taping on the showroom floor.

Industry News

Former Des Moines Sports Radio Hosts Launch Streaming Show

Sports talk radio personalities Ross Peterson and Travis Justice exited iHeartMedia’s sports talk KXNO, Des Moines on November 4 of 2024 as the company was making staff cuts across the country. But the twoimg decided they didn’t want to call it quits and began formulating a plan to take their talents to the digital realm. According to a report in the Des Moines Register, they are launching the streaming program “The Rush” today (1/27). The 6:00 am to 8:00 am show streams live on YouTube, X/Twitter, Facebook and other social media platforms five days per week. The duo survived a round of layoffs in 2020 after their program was canceled but listener blowback caused management to bring them back. Read the Register story here.

Industry News

iHeartMedia Names Brian Long PD for KFI, Los Angeles

iHeartMedia names programming pro Brian Long program director for its Los Angeles talk stations KFI, KEIB, and sports KLAC. Long most recently served with Bonneville’s Phoenix station group. He takes over theimg role that opened up after longtime programmer Robin Bertolucci exited the company in December. iHeartMedia EVP of programming for Los Angeles John Peake says, “Programming KFI, KLAC and KEIB, requires a unique skill set, and Brian checks every box. His exceptional track record in ratings and revenue success, combined with professional play-by-play broadcasts, makes him the ideal leader to manage our partnerships with the world champion Dodgers and the Los Angeles Chargers.” Long comments, “I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to lead these powerful iHeartMedia brands in Los Angeles and to work with some of the best talent in America. I truly could not be more excited to embrace this new challenge.”

Industry News

Alan Hirschbein Joins iHM Bay Area as VP of Sales

Media sales pro Alan Hirschbein is named vice president of sales for iHeartMedia’s Bay Area operations. Hirschbein most recently served as senior director at SiriusXM. He began his career at Susquehanna Broadcasting and later served with CBS RADIO and Inner City Broadcasting, before joining KGO, Sanim Francisco. iHM region president AJ Punjabi says, “Alan’s deep experience in both traditional broadcast and digital audio innovation makes him the ideal leader to drive our business forward. His results-driven approach and commitment to client success will strengthen our market leadership across platforms.” Hirschbein comments, “I’m energized to join iHeartMedia’s tremendous leadership team as vice president of sales. As the enduring leader in broadcast radio, iHeartMedia has also transformed itself into a dynamic force in podcasting and digital audio, standing at the forefront of audio innovation. I’m eager to contribute to this continued evolution and help our partners harness the unmatched reach and engagement that only iHeartMedia can deliver.”

Industry News

Wildfire Threatening Mt. Wilson Brought Under Control

According to a report from Inside Towers, the Eaton Fire that was threatening Mount Wilson and the numerous broadcast facilities located there was brought under control late last week. Although the blaze did reach the summit area of the mountain, it did not affect broadcast operations, according to iHeartMedia engineer Doug Irwin. Mount Wilson is the site of 21 FM radio signals and several TV stations.

Industry News

iHeartMedia’s Jeff Littlejohn Retires; Steve George Promoted

Longtime iHeartMedia executive Jeff Littlejohn, who most recently served as executive vice president of engineering, is retiring from the company. Steve George will step into the role, effective immediately. The company says that Littlejohn will continue in an active consulting role. He retires after 32 years withim iHeartMedia, first starting in 1992 as chief engineer for the Cincinnati cluster. He was part of the team that created the first version of the iHeartRadio App and worked with Toyota and Ford on the first integration of iHeartRadio.  More recently, Littlejohn helped spearhead a modernization of iHeart’s studio facilities and conversion to cloud-based audio systems. iHeartMedia Markets Group president Hartley Adkins says, “There are few people in the industry with the expertise and longevity that Jeff has and we’re grateful for the incredible work he’s done for iHeart. We’ve been fortunate to rely on him for over three decades and I’m so thankful we’ll keep drawing from Jeff in his new consultancy role.”

Industry News

Ewell Named Market Manager for iHeartMedia Wilmington

iHeartMedia Wilmington names Katie Ewell market president for the Wilmington, Delaware group. She hasim been serving the company as market president for the Salisbury, Maryland operations. iHeartMedia Mid-Atlantic Area president Brit Goldstein says, “Katie has done incredible work in Salisbury, consistently demonstrating exceptional leadership and creativity. By adding the Wilmington market to her purview, she will bring her outstanding approach to partnership and innovative solutions to the entire Delmarva Peninsula.  I’m excited to see Katie and the team flourish in her expanded leadership role.”

Industry News

WRKO, Boston Raises More Than $67,000 for Disabled Veterans

iHeartMedia news/talk outlet WRKO, Boston raised more than $67,000 during the station’s ninth annual DAV Radiothon to benefit the Disabled American Veterans Department of Massachusetts. The radiothon took place on Friday (11/8) and featured talk hosts Jeff Kuhner, Chuck Zodda, Mike Armstrong, Grace Curleyim and Howie Carr encouraging listeners to donate and raise funds for the DAV of Massachusetts’ homeless shelter and transportation programs. iHeartMedia Boston director of operations, news, talk and sports Bill Flaherty says, “Once again, the WRKO listeners responded in support of our Veterans. Their generosity provides much needed services for those who sacrificed so much for our country.” Since 2016, the DAV Radiothon has raised over $1,125,000 to benefit veterans in the community.

Industry News

iHeartMedia Tulsa Expands 1300 “The Patriot” to FM and HD

The PatriotiHeartMedia Tulsa has expanded the reach of 1300 The Patriot (KAKC-AM), “Oklahoma’s home for Real Talk,” to additional platforms.  The station is now simulcasting to its new home on 93.5 FM and 106.1 HD2, in addition to its current frequency at 1300 AM and streaming on iHeartRadio.  “‘The Patriot’ has become a trusted voice in Oklahoma, and this expansion is a testament to its success,” says JC Lowe, area president for iHeartMedia Tulsa. “By broadening our reach to FM and HD, we’re ensuring that even more listeners can engage with the high-quality talk and news content that ‘The Patriot’ delivers every day.”  JJ Ryan, SVP/programming iHeart Media Tulsa adds, “The expansion to FM and HD radio allows our audience to enjoy ‘The Patriot’ on whichever platform they prefer — whether that’s on AM, FM, HD radio, or digitally through iHeartRadio. Regional news director and PD Brian Gann has done an outstanding job in transforming KAKC-AM into a trusted source for both local and national news.  We’re proud to continue offering top-tier programming from national personalities including Michael DelGiorno, Glenn Beck, and Clay Travis & Buck Sexton.”

Industry News

Copier to Lead iHeartMedia Orlando/Melbourne

iHeartMedia names Judy Copier regional president for the Orlando/Melbourne market that includes talkim WTKS-FM and news/talk WFLF-AM in Orlando and news/talk WMMB in Melbourne. Copier most recently served the company as metro president in Salt Lake City. iHeartMedia division president Tom McConnell says, “Orlando/Melbourne is an important market for iHeartMedia with incredible growth potential. Judy is an exceptional leader and has delivered strong results in a number of executive roles. I am confident she will build upon the market’s incredible success and strong reputation with its listeners, advertising partners and the community.”

Industry News

iHeartMedia Names Bob Morgan Area President for Upstate New York

Bob Morgan

Bob Morgan has been named area president for iHeartMedia’s newly created “Upstate New York Area.”  iHeartMedia Upstate New York has a strong cross-platform presence and includes a number of iconic brands and franchises – both broadcast and digital – encompassing more than 39 stations comprised of music, talk and news formats including news/talk “NewsRadio” WHAM, Rochester.  Morgan will oversee all aspects of operations across these platforms including live events. He will report to Dan Lankford, division president for iHeartMedia.