NYC Radio: iHM, Charlamagne Tha God Sign $200M Extension

Radio personality Charlamagne Tha God has signed a five-year, reportedly $200 million extension with iHeartMedia, securing his role as co-host of the nationally syndicated The Breakfast Club and expanding his Black Effect Podcast Network.

The deal, finalized in August 2025 but publicly detailed on December 19, positions Charlamagne—real name Lenard McKelvey—to build what he calls "the BET of podcasting," with plans to launch 10 additional shows in 2026. 

It comes amid iHeartMedia's separate partnership with Netflix to stream video episodes of The Breakfast Club and 14 other podcasts starting in 2026.

iHeartMedia President and COO Rich Bressler praised Charlamagne as "a transformative voice in audio" who amplifies diverse voices and drives cultural change. Charlamagne expressed gratitude, stating, "When it comes to iHeartMedia, gratitude will always be my attitude. They’ve created space for me to grow not just as talent, but as an executive and true partner."

The Black Effect, a 2020 joint venture, has produced over 60 shows featuring hosts like former NBA players Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson, and entrepreneurs Daymond John and John Hope Bryant. It contributes significantly to iHeartMedia's podcast revenue, which reached $448.8 million in 2024.The Breakfast Club, now in its 15th year and reaching over 7 million monthly listeners, remains a cultural powerhouse known for candid interviews with figures from politics and entertainment. The extension places Charlamagne in elite company alongside podcasters like Joe Rogan, whose Spotify deal was reportedly worth $250 million.