Real Voices, Real Connection: iHeart Declares Its Content ‘Guaranteed Human.’

Artificial intelligence is being used by more podcasters for show production, but listeners of series produced by iHeartPodcasts will now have a flesh-and-blood creator behind them. That’s because iHeartMedia is doubling down on its positioning as one of the last “truly human” mass-reach entertainment platforms. In a memo to staff, Chief Programming Officer Tom Poleman says the “Guaranteed Human” branding will now be used to reinforce the message of real voices and real connection.

Poleman says the move formalizes what iHeart has already been leaning into: companionship, authenticity, and human-driven content in a media landscape increasingly shaped by AI. “We don’t use AI-generated personalities. We don’t play AI music that features synthetic vocalists pretending to be human. And the podcasts we publish are also Guaranteed Human,” he wrote. “Thank you for leaning into our commitment to keep everything we do real and authentic.”

In addition to podcasts, iHeart will also use the “Guaranteed Human” branding as a central part of the company’s on-air radio identity — from hourly legal IDs to new sweepers that reinforce the message of real voices and real connection.

Why It Matters: Listener Research

What is driving the emphasis on human creation is listeners. iHeart’s research, outlined in the Poleman memo, suggests significant listener anxiety around AI — and increasing value placed on human-made media:

• 90% want their media created by real humans, even though 70% use AI tools themselves.

• 92% say nothing can replace human connection, up from 76% in 2016.

• Two-thirds report social media makes them feel worse and more disconnected.

• Nine in ten say human trust can’t be replicated by AI.

At the same time, listeners express deep concern about AI’s long-term implications:

• 82% worry about its impact on society.

• Three-quarters expect AI to complicate their lives.

• Two-thirds fear job loss from AI — and another two-thirds worry AI could someday go to war with humans.

The company says the data shows 96% of consumers find “Guaranteed Human” content appealing, driving its decision to solidify the message across all platforms.

AI As a Tool — Not a Replacement

Poleman stressed that iHeart encourages AI-powered operational tools — such as scheduling, analytics, show prep, and workflow automation — but draws a sharp line at AI-generated personalities or content that attempts to mimic human creativity. “Those tools help us reach more people efficiently, while preserving the human creativity and authenticity that define our brand,” he said.

The push, Poleman added, reflects audience expectations. “When listeners interact with us, they know they’re connecting with real voices, real stories, and real emotion. That’s our superpower, he said. “Sometimes you have to pick a side — we’re on the side of humans.”