iHeartMedia, formerly Clear Channel, reaches more than 245 million listeners a month, giving it the largest reach of any radio or television outlet in America. The media company delivers music, news, talk, sports and other content to diverse audiences across multiple platforms. Now, iHeartMedia is teaming up with GLAAD to distribute LGBT resources to on-air hosts.
Drawing from GLAAD's Media Reference Guide, the new on-air guide covers the basics of terminology, harmful stereotypes that the LGBT community faces, anti-LGBT slurs to avoid, and the general tips for keeping LGBT-related content fair, accurate, and inclusive. iHeartMedia is sharing the guide with its 859 broadcast radio stations in over 150 markets.
“It’s time radio turns up the dial on equality,” said GLAAD President & CEO Sarah Kate Ellis. “iHeartMedia is changing the conversation by empowering its hosts to talk about LGBT people with the dignity and respect they deserve. As momentum for equality surges forward in our courts, it’s more important than ever that we make sure cultural acceptance keeps up.”
"iHeartMedia's radio stations reach a variety of listeners nationwide, and one of our responsibilities is to portray our local communities accurately and fairly," said Clay Hunnicutt, Executive Vice President and General Manager of National Programming Platforms for iHeartMedia. "We are proud to partner with GLAAD to provide a customized reference guide for on-air and programming talent. GLAAD is a valuable resource that sets the standard for media representation of the LGBT community and they continue to help us educate and serve our radio listeners.”