Audacy's ''I'm Listening'' Broadcast Returns September 25

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, September 10, 2024

I'm Listening

Audacy's initiative, "I'm Listening," continues with its ongoing mental health dialogue by advocating and elevating stories through its annual broadcast special on Wednesday, September 25, from 7-9pm local time. In partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), the program will engage artists, actors and medical professionals in conversations highlighting mental health resources and the lifesaving benefits of open communication.

Audacy's "I'm Listening" serves as a safe space for those struggling with mental health, encouraging them to call in with their experiences and learn about mental wellness tools, showing them that they are never alone.

Radio personality and co-host of NBC's "Today" and host of "The Voice," Carson Daly, and Audacy's syndicated Country host Katie Neal, will return to host the broadcast alongside psychologist, author, scientist and founder of the mental health nonprofit, The AAKOMA Project, Dr. Alfiee "Dr. Alfiee" M. Breland-Noble, and AFSP's Chief Medical Officer Dr. Christine Yu Moutier. The group will set aside time during the special to shine a spotlight on several areas, including adolescents and children, the election and news cycle, veterans and first responders and postpartum depression.

"I'm honored to return as host for Audacy's 'I'm Listening' broadcast and broaden the mental health conversation through their audio network," said Daly. "More so now than ever it is important that we all look for ways to maintain and encourage our mental wellness. 'I'm Listening' provides the audience with critical resources and connects them with the celebrities they know and love by sharing stories from some of the biggest names in music and sports. I encourage everyone to join the conversation on September 25."

"'I'm Listening' is a culmination of our continuous effort to demonstrate how talk saves lives by curating intentional content and asking our guests quality questions," said Audacy Senior Vice President of Programming Dave Richards. "Our digital platform and portfolio of over 220 stations allows us to be a constant companion in listeners' mental health journeys nationwide, giving us multiple channels to offer those struggling an avenue for expression, access to support, candid conversations and a community that actively listens as they courageously share their stories. We welcome everyone to join as we uncover another layer of this discussion together."

"Reaching people with authentic stories that resonate and that highlight resiliency are known to increase help-seeking, connection and save lives. The 'I'm Listening' initiative provides an incredible platform to reach people with the message that they are not alone and that their mental health matters," said AFSP CEO Bob Gebbia. "We are honored to be partners with a media company like Audacy that values our expertise and our voices in shaping our culture's narrative toward uplifting mental health and suicide preventio."

Audacy has raised over $2 million in support of national and local organizations by collaborating with partners like AFSP on events and experiences, including the upcoming annual We Can Survive concert, starring Justin Timberlake, New Kids On The Block, Tate McRae and more at Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, on Saturday, September 28. A portion of the event's proceeds will benefit AFSP, and listeners can donate to the nonprofit using the digital fundraising platform, Fandiem, for the chance to win tickets to the show.

"We always like to acknowledge our fans for having the strength to get through whatever they were or are going through. Maybe our music helps a little, but they do the hard work," said Donnie Wahlberg, New Kids On The Block, We Can Survive performers. "Musicians getting the word out can help people. If we can deal with it or express our vulnerabilities, it can encourage other people to do the same."