iHeart Extends Morning Shows During Pandemic
• iHeartMedia announced that more than 65 of its morning shows across some 50+ markets will officially extend their on-air shifts by at least one hour, due to increased listener demand received through daily call-ins and social media feedback during the COVID-19 pandemic. That extension includes the syndicated Elvis Duran and The Morning Show and The Breakfast Club in New York, the Nashville-based The Bobby Bones Show and L.A.’s On Air with Ryan Seacrest and Big Boy’s Neighborhood.
“Given the amount of positive feedback our stations were receiving from their listeners, our on air talent began asking them if they should stay on air longer in the mornings — and the response was incredible; for example, Elvis Duran received more than 65,000 likes and more than 12,000 comments when he asked his social media followers about extending his morning show,” said Tom Poleman, Chief Programming Officer of iHeartMedia. “This listener feedback, combined with the data we are seeing with our on-demand shows, is a testament to the connection that our radio personalities have with their listeners, and the fact that broadcast radio still holds such a unique place in American culture especially during a time of crisis. These on air voices are a trusted friends with close emotional connections to their listeners, and they inspire their communities; and help them cope with anxiety and concern; and provide entertainment and stress relief.”
In addition to each station’s regular programming schedules, air personalities across the country will continue to serve and inform communities during these unprecedented times with the latest COVID-19 facts, with special local market broadcast reports on the latest news provided by iHeartRadio’s 24/7 News Network every hour.
