Half a decade into its mission, The Black Effect Podcast Network has delivered an undeniable impact for Black talent and Black listeners

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NEW YORK – October 7, 2025 – Five years ago, iHeartMedia and Charlamagne Tha God launched The Black Effect Podcast Network with one goal: becoming the world’s largest podcast publisher dedicated to Black listeners, bringing together the most influential and trusted voices in Black culture for stimulating conversations around social justice, pop culture, sports, mental health, news, comedy and more. Today, that platform is stronger than ever and continues to grow. 

“Our mission has always been to build a dedicated platform where Black voices can thrive. We have accomplished that mission and more,” said Charlamagne Tha God. “The past five years have been extraordinary, and the future of the Black Effect excites us. We will keep inspiring, empowering and creating culture and opportunities for all.” 

Five years into its mission, The Black Effect has delivered an undeniable impact for Black talent and listeners. Major milestones include: 

• Launching a dedicated podcast network that is home to more than 60 shows including  – including "The Breakfast Club," “R&B Money,” "All The Smoke," "Drink Champs," "85South Show" and more.  Plus, over the next year, The Black Effect plans to introduce 10 more shows to its podcast network.
• Generating 11 million monthly downloads, underscoring its expanding scale and reach.
• Venturing into new genres including Parenting, True Crime and Literature with the addition of “Good Moms, Bad Choices,” “Hunting 4 Answers” and two Black Effect original series “BLK LIT” and “Family Therapy.”  
• Expanding the Black Effect brand with two new groundbreaking network partnerships – The Drink Champs Podcast Network and, coming soon, the All The Smoke Podcast Network.  
• Maintaining a position on top podcast charts and winning numerous accolades including NAACP Image Awards, Webby Awards, iHeartPodcast Awards and Signal Awards in recognition of their exceptional storytelling and impact.

“The Black Effect Podcast Network is a testament to what happens when talent meets opportunity,” added Dollie S. Bishop, President, The Black Effect Podcast Network. “As we celebrate this major milestone, we remain committed to uplifting the power of Black Media representation, shaping the future for Black creators, amplifying unique voices,  and leading boldly into the next era of culture and creativity.”

The power of the platform extends beyond the audio space. The Black Effect has forged partnerships with leading brands including AT&T and Nissan, and created events such as The Black Effect Podcast Festival, that bring fans and creatives together and inspiring conversations that matter. 

The Black Effect Podcast Network is available on the iHeartRadio app, iHeart.com, and everywhere podcasts are heard.

About The Black Effect Podcast Network
The Black Effect Podcast Network is a transformative network founded by renowned cultural architect, executive producer, bestselling author, and media mogul Charlamagne Tha God and in a historic joint venture with the world’s number one commercial podcast publisher, iHeartMedia, Charlamagne and iHeartMedia created the groundbreaking first-ever Black Effect Podcast Network, celebrating the most essential Black culture-shapers on the planet—in education, politics, entertainment, sports and pop culture. The Black Effect Podcast Network gives rise to emerging and established content creators and storytellers whose perspectives and creative vision have been marginalized and overlooked while serving an audience that has been underserved. The Black Effect Podcast Network helps its partners define their place in podcast culture through influence, ideas, and experiences that engage, inspire, inform, and empower.