Top iHeartMedia morning shows, including New York’s Elvis Duran and The Morning Show and The Breakfast Club, Nashville’s The Bobby Bones Show and Los Angeles’ On Air with Ryan Seacrest and Big Boy’s Neighborhood, will extend their daily airtime for an additional hour+ because of increased listener demand received through daily call-ins and social media feedback during the COVID-19 pandemic.
iHeartMedia also recently released data and insights on how Americans are consuming podcasts during the pandemic, noticing an uptick in the on-demand podcasts category with Top 5 on-demand shows up 9 percent month-to-date. In addition, with consumers spending more time at home, iHeartRadio usage across digital platforms has seen an overall increase in smart speakers – for some (Sonos) as high as 57 percent, 60 percent on web, 35 percent through smart TVs and social engagement with on-air personalities has increased 19 percent.
“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.”
Beginning April 7, more than 65 morning shows across more than 50 markets will officially have extend their morning shows by at least one hour. In addition to each station’s regular programming schedules, on-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.
