Ted Cruz’s Political Podcast ‘Verdict’ Hits Radio Via Premiere Syndication.

The verdict is in, and iHeartMedia has decided that Ted Cruz is radio-ready. The Texas Republican already picked up a side gig to his day job as a U.S. Senator with the launch of his political podcast. Now in its fifth year, Verdict with Ted Cruz has become a weekly one-hour radio show. Premiere Networks quietly launched the show, which Cruz hosts with radio personality and podcaster Ben Ferguson, last weekend on more than 100 radio stations nationwide.

“Verdict gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at what’s really happening in Washington,” Cruz said in the announcement. “We’re excited to begin reaching even more people across the country who are hungry for in-depth conversations on the most important issues facing our nation.”

Originally launched as a show featuring Cruz giving a defense of President Trump during his impeachment trial five years ago, the show has morphed into one of the most listened-to political podcasts. Reaching millions of listeners across the country, it features Cruz and Ferguson breaking down the most important news stories of the day and what they mean for Americans, going behind the scenes of the political debates that define our country.

The new weekend one-hour radio show is an extension of the podcast, featuring Cruz and Ferguson as they recap the week in news and politics and give listeners a preview of the days ahead.

“As the political landscape continues to shift, this show will be a major force driving the national conversation — especially when it comes to breaking down the real story behind the headlines coming out of Washington,” said Ferguson. “Expect bold analysis, insider access, and no-nonsense commentary that will shape how the country understands what’s really going on in our nation’s capital.”

Cruz debuted his show on his own in January 2020 and then partnered with iHeart’s Premiere Networks in 2022 to expand the podcast to three days a week in 2022 with the addition of Ferguson as co-host.

“Senator Cruz is a political insider whose views and opinions are valued by audiences,” said Julie Talbott, President of Premiere Networks. “We’re always looking for engaging and entertaining programming that resonates with listeners, and the continued success of Verdict made the decision to expand the program to radio a no-brainer. By harnessing the immense power of broadcast radio, we’re confident Verdict with Ted Cruz will reach millions more listeners across America every week.”

Verdict currently is the 12th most listened-to political show on Apple Podcasts. It ranks at No. 33 on Spotify’s listing of the most consumed shows on its platform. It ranked No. 39 on iHeartRadio.