iHeartMedia marks Earth Day with new year-long campaign to help protect the planet

iHeartMedia celebrated Earth Day yesterday with the unveiling of a new initiative that encourages listeners to make small changes aimed at preserving the environment. The year-long campaign is dubbed iHeartRadio Earth.

The first phase of the project targets the environmental impact of listeners’ new habits formed by the COVID-19 outbreak. With millions of Americans staying at home, the country has seen increased water and energy consumption as well as increased potential for food waste. The company partnered with the Naitonal Environmental Education Foundation to offer tips and create PSAs to help listeners offset those changes. The content will play for audiences across iHeartRadio’s stations and platforms.

Later on in the year, iHeartRadio Earth will have other facets. Upcoming efforts include a series of local environmental events, social media activations, endorsements from on-air talent and celebrities, a new podcast slate, and messaging within existing podcasts.

“iHeartMedia reaches 9 out of 10 Americans every day. If every one of our listeners took one or two small steps within their day-to-day routines to do things like conserve energy and reduce waste and water, we have a massive opportunity to make lasting impact on the world today and for the future,” iHeartMedia Chairman and CEO Bob Pittman said. “Through iHeartRadio Earth we will continually inform, educate and inspire our listeners to drive social change by providing them with information, opportunities and resources to make a difference for the environment.”

“As we stay home to try to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus, many of us are beginning to recognize the importance of connecting with nature,” said Meri-Margaret Deoudes, president and CEO of the National Environmental Education Foundation. “Spending more time indoors has also significantly increased household water, energy and food consumption. With these factors in mind, we are excited to collaborate on the iHeartRadio Earth campaign by providing listeners with helpful tips for saving money and reducing their impact on the environment.”

Anna Washenko