iHeartMedia and FilmNation Entertainment Unveil New Original Podcast “SNAFU” Hosted By Actor and Comedian Ed Helms

Launching October 5, the historical comedy series will debut with the story of Able Archer 83, the NATO military exercise that almost caused a real nuclear war in November of 1983

Listen to the Trailer HERE

NEW YORK, NY -- September 28, 2022 – iHeartMedia, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, and FilmNation Entertainment, today announced "SNAFU,” a new original iHeartPodcast executive produced and hosted by actor, writer and comedian Ed Helms. Premiering October 5, the seasonal non-fiction comedy series will dissect some of history’s greatest screw-ups. The word “SNAFU” is a military acronym coined by soldiers in World War II which stands for “Situation Normal: All F***** Up.” Fans can listen to the trailer now, HERE.

On his first podcast endeavor Helms said, “I’m so thrilled to be jumping into the podcast space with 'SNAFU.' Not only is the story hilarious, utterly terrifying and somehow completely true, but it also finally gives my inner history nerd a chance to come out and party.”

Throughout the first season, Helms will tell the story of Able Archer 83, the NATO military exercise that almost caused a real nuclear war in November of 1983… or did it? Using first-hand interviews, archival audio and extensive research from both the U.S./NATO and Soviet sides, the series will pull back the curtain on what has often been called by historians “the closest we came to nuclear war since the Bay of Pigs.” Helms will also conduct interviews with notable guests including actor Matthew Broderick, former national security official Dr. Fiona Hill, former KGB sleeper agent Jack Barsky, and nuclear expert Dr. Jeffrey Lewis.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with FilmNation to launch this unique non-fiction series and honored to have the incredibly smart Ed Helms as our host,” said Will Pearson, Chief Operating Officer of iHeartPodcast Network. “Ed’s comedic take on these largely unknown historical blunders is both entertaining and educational, and we’re excited to offer history buffs new stories to enjoy.”

“SNAFU” is a production of iHeartPodcasts, FilmNation Entertainment, and Pacific Electric Picture Company, in association with Gilded Audio. Executive producers are Dylan Fagan for iHeartPodcasts, Milan Popelka for FilmNation Entertainment, Ed Helms and Mike Falbo for Pacific Electric Picture Company, Andy Chugg and Whitney Donaldson for Gilded Audio. Producers are Alyssa Martino and Tory Smith for FilmNation Entertainment, Sara Joyner and Carl Nellis for Gilded Audio.

The series is distributed by iHeartPodcasts and will be available on iHeartRadio and everywhere podcasts are heard beginning Wednesday, October 5.

About iHeartMedia, Inc.

iHeartMedia (NASDAQ: IHRT) is the number one audio company in the United States, reaching nine out of 10 Americans every month. It consists of three business groups.

With its quarter of a billion monthly listeners, the iHeartMedia Multiplatform Group has a greater reach than any other media company in the U.S. Its leadership position in audio extends across multiple platforms, including more than 860 live broadcast stations in over 160 markets nationwide; its National Sales organization; and the company’s live and virtual events business. It also includes Premiere Networks, the industry’s largest Networks business, with its Total Traffic and Weather Network (TTWN); and BIN: Black Information Network, the first and only 24/7 national and local all news audio service for the Black community. iHeartMedia also leads the audio industry in analytics, targeting and attribution for its marketing partners with its SmartAudio suite of data targeting and attribution products using data from its massive consumer base.

The iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group includes the company’s fast-growing podcasting business -- iHeartMedia is the number one podcast publisher in downloads, unique listeners, revenue and earnings -- as well as its industry-leading iHeartRadio digital service, available across more than 250 platforms and 2,000 devices; the company’s digital sites, newsletters, digital services and programs; its digital advertising technology companies; and its audio industry-leading social media footprint.

The company’s Audio & Media Services reportable segment includes Katz Media Group, the nation’s largest media representation company, and RCS, the world's leading provider of broadcast and webcast software.

Visit iHeartMedia.com for more company information.