Audio Ink

NPR and iHeartRadio have begun a new partnership. More than 30 of NPR’s most popular podcasts are now available through iHeartRadio. The addition of NPR further grows iHeartRadio’s podcast library, which currently features more than 9,000 shows across 19 different categories.

Station website creator Vipology has signed Perry Publishing & Broadcasting to create content for its 16 radio station websites. Perry VP/GM Kevin Perry said, "Vipology's content specifically targets our listeners and is such a great deal. Our individual markets can now spend more time supporting our clients and advertisers.”

Former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Miesha Tate and former Green Bay Packers linebacker and MMA enthusiast A.J. Hawk have joined the roster of hosts covering mixed martial arts on the SiriusXM Rush channel (channel 93 on satellite radios and the SiriusXM app).

The Ramsey Network can be found on SiriusXM Triumph channel 132 weekdays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. ET. Anchored by The Dave Ramsey Show, which joined SiriusXM last year, the new four-hour block includes programming from Ramsey personalities.

Sun Broadcast Group and Shazam have entered into a multi-year contract extension to continue their Shazam for Radio platform. The service allows programing and advertising content on radio stations across America to be recognized by the Shazam app, launching interactive experiences in real time on listeners' mobile devices.

According to the June Triton Digital ranker, the Boston market showed the largest increase at 2.2% compared to May 2017. Seattle-Tacoma was next with an increase of 1.78%, followed by Philadelphia at 1%. The biggest fall-off was in Denver, off 5.2%, Washington DC was next at 5%, and Phoenix was at 3.79%. For the month of June (M-F/6A-8P) Pandora lead all listening, followed by Spotify, iHeart, and NPR. Check out the ranker HERE.

Fanpage, a startup whose app allows users to create fan pages, connect with others based on compatibility, and compete to become the biggest fan, has raised $3 million and is partnering with Townsquare and iHeartMedia. The company plans to spend a major portion of the money on user acquisition, including radio, digital, and live event campaigns with iHeart and Townsquare.

SiriusXM and ESPN are teaming up to deliver an exclusive 24/7 college sports channel, programmed by SiriusXM. ESPNU Radio on SiriusXM (channel 84) will debut Thursday, August 31, and will be available exclusively to SiriusXM subscribers via satellite radios, the SiriusXM app and on connected devices, including smart TVs, Amazon Alexa devices and Sony PlayStation.

The Super Bowl XXI MVP will be an NFL analyst on SiriusXM's Mad Dog Sports Radio (channel 82) throughout the 2017 season. He will join host Christopher "Mad Dog" Russo each week for Simms and the Mad Dog, an hour-long program where the duo will discuss the news from the league that week and preview the coming weekend's matchups.

The hey, girl. podcast was created by author Alex Elle. During each weekly 30-minute episode, Elle sits down with women who inspire her, from friends to family members and anyone else who fascinates her. They share their journeys of struggle and self-discovery. Entering its second successful season, hey, girl. has racked up 180,000 downloads so far.