HeartPodcasts and Thoroughbred Studios Team Up To Develop New Podcast Slate Examining Monumental Historic Events of This American Century

The two-year deal includes the development of four podcasts – the debut series tells the inside story of the first Moon landing and what happened to the men who made history

NEW YORK – August 5, 2024 – iHeartPodcasts, the No. 1 podcast publisher according to Podtrac, today announced it has joined forces with Thoroughbred Studios, a joint venture from entertainment industry giants Jeff Bewkes (previously Chairman/CEO of Time Warner), Sir Howard Stringer (previously Chairman/CEO of Sony Corporation) and television veteran Jeremy Fox, to develop a new podcast slate that will delve into some of the biggest stories on what really happened in this American century. 

“There is always a lot of interest in historical dramas, especially when paired with real talent and big name writers,” said Bewkes. “I’m impressed with what iHeart has done in the industry, the podcast platform they have built and their vast listener reach. I’m confident we have a shared vision for our slate and look forward to its successful launch.”

As part of the deal, the companies will co-produce a minimum of four podcasts over the next two years. The first show will debut early 2025 and will recount the often overlooked gritty realities of the renowned astronauts that made it to the moon. Additional podcasts to join the slate will draw from hidden truths behind historical U.S. events over the last century, including the Vietnam War. More details on the full slate of podcasts will be announced at a later date.

"Partnering with the right people is key when developing captivating new storylines,” said Will Pearson, President of iHeartPodcasts. “We're thrilled to have the deep media expertise and proven creative success that Jeff, Sir Howard and Jeremy bring to Thoroughbred Studios and this amazing show slate. iHeartPodcasts is committed to telling the kinds of stories that resonate with listeners and push beyond our perceptions of what we think we know — this partnership will do just that.”

All shows in the slate will be distributed by iHeartPodcasts and will be available on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard. 

About iHeartMedia, Inc.

iHeartMedia (NASDAQ: IHRT) is the number one audio company in the United States, reaching nine out of 10 Americans every month. It consists of three business groups.

With its quarter of a billion monthly listeners, the iHeartMedia Multiplatform Group has a greater reach than any other media company in the U.S. Its leadership position in audio extends across multiple platforms, including more than 860 live broadcast stations in over 160 markets nationwide; its National Sales organization; and the company’s live and virtual events business. It also includes Premiere Networks, the industry’s largest Networks business, with its Total Traffic and Weather Network (TTWN); and BIN: Black Information Network, the first and only 24/7 national and local all news audio service for the Black community. iHeartMedia also leads the audio industry in analytics, targeting and attribution for its marketing partners with its SmartAudio suite of data targeting and attribution products using data from its massive consumer base.

The iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group includes the company’s fast-growing podcasting business -- iHeartMedia is the number one podcast publisher in downloads, unique listeners, revenue and earnings -- as well as its industry-leading iHeartRadio digital service, available across more than 500 platforms and 2,000 devices; the company’s digital sites, newsletters, digital services and programs; its digital advertising technology companies; and its audio industry-leading social media footprint.

The company’s Audio & Media Services reportable segment includes Katz Media Group, the nation’s largest media representation company, and RCS, the world's leading provider of broadcast and webcast software.

Visit iHeartMedia.com for more company information.