Syndicated radio personality Charlamagne Tha God is about to make his mark on podcasting. The New York-based morning man is teaming up with iHeartMedia to create The Black Effect Podcast Network, which will feature a variety of Black voices with content across a variety of genres. The network stems from a years-long relationship between Charlamagne and iHeart, which syndicates his morning radio show, “The Breakfast Club,” from flagship hip-hop/R&B “Power 105.1” WWPR-FM New York. The replay podcast of the radio show will serve as the flagship podcast for The Black Effect Podcast Network.
The audio giant says the multi-genre venture will feature a roster of marquee talent and culture-shifting voices committed to enlightening, educating and entertaining audiences, curated by the radio host.
“The vision for The Black Effect is to amplify, elevate, and empower emerging and established talent,” said Charlamagne. “Our goal is to shift the narrative from Black creators signing transactional deals, to instead forming legacy partnerships that build generational wealth while allowing each creative to have an equitable stake in their future."
The Black Effect Podcast Network creatives will include comedian-actress Jess Hilarious, social justice activist Tamika Mallory and attorney-TV Host Eboni K. Williams, among others. The network, which has partnered with other podcasts, will debut with 18 podcasts this fall. The creators say the programming is designed to offer information and interaction from diverse perspectives.
“Blackness controls the cool. Blackness is the culture, but Black Voices are not monolithic,” said Charlamagne. “The only way to appreciate the diversity of thought and experiences in Black culture is to build a platform for those voices to be heard.”
The Black Effect Podcast Network launch lineup will include:
"Drink Champs" with N.O.R.E and DJ EFN
"All The Smoke" with Matt Barnes
“The 85 South Show” with Karlous Miller, DC Young Fly and Clayton English
"Whoreible Decisions" with Mandii B and Weezy
"Dropping Gems" with Devi Brown
"Holding Court" with Eboni K. Williams
"Carefully Reckless" with Jess Hilarious
"Street Politicians" with Tamika Mallory and Mysonne
"Hot Happy Mess" with Zuri Hall
"Untitled" with Bonang Matheba
"Hello Somebody" with Senator Nina Turner
"P.O.D." with Ashley and Tammy
"Straight Shot No Chaser" with Tezlyn Figaro
"Laugh and Learn" with Flame Monroe (executive produced by Tiffany Haddish)
"Checking In" with Michelle Williams
"Cut To It" with Steven Smith Sr.
"No Ceilings" with Glasses Malone
"Gangster Chronicles" with MC EIHT, Reggie Wright Jr. and James McDonald
The new network will also produce limited series podcasts in conjunction with high-profile creators and talent, musical artists, actors, actresses, sports and literary superstars to support their upcoming films, music releases and related projects.
Bob Pittman, Chairman and CEO of iHeartMedia, calls Charlamagne “an unparalleled multi-platform creator” who is uniquely qualified to bring The Black Effect Podcast Network to life. “As our country’s number one audio company and podcaster, we have both the responsibility and the opportunity to give new voices a massive audience platform for creativity and innovation—and for important ideas that need to be heard,” said Pittman.
PepsiCo Beverages, in collaboration with its agency partner OMD, has signed on as an inaugural partner of the network with others to be announced. PepsiCo had already been collaborating with Charlamagne and iHeart on his radio show.
“We knew we wanted to support this groundbreaking partnership as soon as Charlamagne and iHeart shared their vision for the network,” said Katie Haniffy, PepsiCo Beverages Head of Media. “This opportunity connects our brands to consumers through the newer trusted medium of podcasting, and more importantly, supports the overall PepsiCo strategic initiative to invest in Black communities and support diverse voices.”
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