iHeartMedia Morning Shows Extend Airtime Due To Demand During COVID-19 Pandemic

iHeartMedia morning shows including Nashville’s “The Bobby Bones Show,” New York’s “Elvis Duran and The Morning Show” and “The Breakfast Club,” and Los Angeles’ “On Air with Ryan Seacrest” and “Big Boy’s Neighborhood” are extending 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.

Currently more than 65 morning shows across more than 50 markets have officially extended 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.

“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,” 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 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.”

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 nine 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 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.

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Lorie Hollabaugh

Hollabaugh, a staff writer at MusicRow magazine, has over 20 years of music business experience and has written for publications including American Profile, CMA Close Up, Nashville Arts And Entertainment, The Boot and Country Weekly. She has a Broadcast Journalism and Speech Communication degree from Texas Christian University, (go Horned Frogs), and welcomes your feedback or story ideas at [email protected].

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