iHeartMedia has begun its annual switch to holiday music across more than 95 radio stations nationwide. The company announced that, starting this month, listeners will hear a mix of contemporary holiday hits and classic songs from artists such as Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, and Frank Sinatra around the clock through Christmas Day.
As part of its seasonal programming, iHeartMedia will also bring back the “iHeartRadio Holiday Special.” Hosted by Mario Lopez, the special will feature interviews with musicians including Goo Goo Dolls, Gwen Stefani, Lady A, Meghan Trainor, Pentatonix, and Taylor Momsen of The Pretty Reckless. These artists will discuss their favorite holiday songs and traditions. The broadcast is scheduled for November 26 at 7 p.m. local time on iHeartRadio stations nationwide and on the Holiday Season Radio via the iHeartRadio app at 7 p.m. ET.
Each year during the holidays, iHeartMedia transitions many of its key market music radio stations to an all-holiday format until Christmas Day. This move has positioned iHeartMedia as a leading destination for holiday music listening in the United States.
Listeners can access additional holiday-themed content through the iHeartRadio app on over 500 platforms and 2,000 devices. The app offers original stations such as “iHeart Christmas,” “North Pole Radio” hosted by Santa Claus, “iHeart Christmas Classics,” as well as genre-specific channels like iHeartCountry Christmas, iHeart Christmas Jazz, iHeart Christmas Rock, and iHeart Christmas R&B.
Tom Poleman, Chief Programming Officer for iHeartMedia said: “Every holiday season, our stations set the tone with beloved festive tunes that span generations from Christmas classics to today’s newest holiday songs. Our Holiday Special resonates so deeply with our listeners because it’s more than just our radio stations flipping to holiday music, it’s a heartfelt celebration where artists open up and share personal stories behind the season with fans. It’s a time of joy and nostalgia — and we’re honored to be part of it year after year.”
State Farm is listed as a partner for this year’s iHeartRadio Holiday Special.
