Charlamagne Tha God is taking his media empire to new heights. The influential radio host, podcast executive, and entrepreneur has signed a five-year, $200 million deal with iHeartMedia, solidifying his place among the most powerful creators in audio entertainment.
According to a news release, the agreement ensures Charlamagne’s continued role on “The Breakfast Club,” the long-running morning show syndicated across more than 100 iHeartMedia stations, while significantly expanding The Black Effect Podcast Network, his joint venture with the audio giant.
Charlamagne, 47, has been clear about his long-term vision. He previously told Forbes that his goal is to make The Black Effect “the BET of podcasting,” a platform dedicated to developing, distributing, and monetizing Black-led audio content at scale.
“When it comes to iHeartMedia, gratitude will always be my attitude,” Charlamagne said in a statement. “They’ve created space for me to grow not just as talent, but as an executive and true partner through The Black Effect Podcast Network.”
Photo credit: Jamel Toppin
“To say that I’m thankful is an understatement. iHeart is the biggest and best audio company on the planet, and audio is the foundation on which the whole media conglomerate will be built. Podcasting, live events, TV and film, and documentaries—the sky is the limit. Radio will always be at the core of it,” he added.
The Black Effect, which launched in 2020, has experienced rapid growth. According to Deadline, the network now features more than 60 shows and generates approximately 11 million monthly views. The Breakfast Club remains its flagship program, with podcast replays surpassing 1 billion downloadsearlier this year.
“People really do understand the business of podcasting now….You can look at someone’s audio downloads and know what they should be getting paid,” Charlamagne told Forbes.
Rich Bressler, iHeartMedia’s president and COO, praised Charlamagne’s influence and impact, stating that “Charlamagne has been a transformative voice in audio, redefining what it means to create content that sparks dialogue and drives cultural change.”
“Through The Breakfast Club and his growing podcast network, he’s amplified diverse voices, tackled tough conversations, and built platforms that resonate nationwide. His influence has helped shape the future of audio, and we’re energized by what lies ahead,” Bressler added.
The renewed partnership comes as iHeartMedia continues to expand its reach across platforms. The company recently announced a deal with Netflix that will bring select video podcasts, including The Breakfast Club, to the streaming service beginning in 2026, further extending Charlamagne’s influence beyond audio and into visual media.
With this landmark deal, Charlamagne Tha God reinforces his mission to build sustainable, powerful platforms for Black voices in entertainment.
