iHeartMedia Announces The Largest Song Roadblock In History To Celebrate The Release Of Twentieth Century Fox’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” Film

A version of Queen’s Classic Hit Song, “Bohemian Rhapsody,” in its entirety to Play Across More Than 650 iHeartMedia Music Radio Stations Nationwide on November 1 at 9 a.m. Local Time 

New York, NY – October 25, 2018 – iHeartMedia, the leading audio company in America which also has a greater reach in the U.S. than any other media outlet, today announced it will celebrate the release of the Twentieth Century Fox and Regency Enterprises film, “Bohemian Rhapsody,” about the life of iconic rock band, Queen with a first ever nationwide song roadblock on November 1 at 9 a.m. across more than 650 iHeartMedia music stations and websites nationwide.

As part of the largest song roadblock in history, all 650-plus iHeartMedia music stations and websites nationwide will play an entire six-minute version of Queen’s iconic hit song, “Bohemian Rhapsody,” at 9 a.m. local time, providing unprecedented instant awareness for the film’s November 2 release.

In addition, iHeartMedia has enlisted some of the biggest names in music to share special tributes about how Queen impacted their music careers and lives on iHeartRadio.com/BohemianRhapsody. Local iHeartMedia stations throughout the country will also air promos and brand spots to count down the days until “Bohemian Rhapsody” is in theaters and remind fans about the roadblock. The promotion will also include an all-day digital takeover across the iHeartRadio network, including iHeart.com and station websites, featuring streaming audio and banners.

“There’s an amazing moment in ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ where the executive at EMI Records, Ray Foster, says that radio will never play ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ because it’s too long,” said Tom Poleman, Chief Programming Officer for iHeartMedia. “He obviously was wrong. We’re thrilled to help celebrate Queen and this incredible film with a first-ever massive roadblock that only a company with iHeartMedia’s unparalleled reach could achieve.”

Bohemian Rhapsody is a foot-stomping celebration of Queen, their music and their extraordinary lead singer Freddie Mercury. Freddie defied stereotypes and shattered convention to become one of the most beloved entertainers on the planet. The film traces the meteoric rise of the band through their iconic songs and revolutionary sound. They reach unparalleled success, but in an unexpected turn Freddie, surrounded by darker influences, shuns Queen in pursuit of his solo career. Having suffered greatly without the collaboration of Queen, Freddie manages to reunite with his bandmates just in time for Live Aid. While bravely facing a recent AIDS diagnosis, Freddie leads the band in one of the greatest performances in the history of rock music. Queen cements a legacy that continues to inspire outsiders, dreamers and music lovers to this day.

“This nationwide celebration of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ will allow multiple generations of music lovers to enjoy the work of the incomparable QUEEN and the late Freddie Mercury,” said Twentieth Century Fox Marketing executives Julie Rieger and Michelle Marks. “From lifelong QUEEN fans to those hearing the song for the first time, listeners across the country will be able experience the eclectic energy of this undeniably groundbreaking group through this exciting partnership with iHeartMedia.

About Twentieth Century Fox Film

One of the world’s largest producers and distributors of motion pictures, Twentieth Century Fox Film produces, acquires and distributes motion pictures throughout the world.  These motion pictures are produced or acquired by the following units of Twentieth Century Fox Film: Twentieth Century Fox, Fox 2000 Pictures, Fox Searchlight Pictures, Twentieth Century Fox Animation and Fox Family. 

 

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 250 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.