iHeartRadio Introduces Voice-Enabled Song Requests with Alexa

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, July 21, 2021

iHeartRadio has announced an interactive new way to send song requests and dedications with Alexa-enabled devices. Teaming up with Amazon they have built iHeartRadio's new, first-to-market Request a Song feature for Alexa, which allows listeners to better connect with the radio DJs and stations they love.

Using an Alexa-enabled device, one can simply use their voice to seamlessly request songs and even dedicate them to family and friends. Alexa will then send the request to the station, where radio DJs can queue them for on-air playback in front of millions of other listeners.

"We're excited that for the first time our listeners will be able to talk to us directly through Alexa," said Chris Williams, iHeartRadio Chief Product Officer. "This is a direct line to allow our audience to talk back, to share their thoughts and help influence what you hear on the radio."

iHeartRadio is already experimenting with the latest Alexa updates to deliver even more interactive features in the future: such as Q&As with DJs and show hosts, voice-driven polls, contests and much more.

iHeartRadio's new Request a Song feature for Alexa is rolling out today on select stations including 97.5 WCOS South Carolina, 104.7 KISS FM Phoenix, 106.1 KISS FM Dallas and XL1067 Orlando-with more set to launch across the country soon!