iHeartRadio Bans AI-Generated Music and Personalities Across All Stations Under "Guaranteed Human" Initiative

New York, NY – iHeartRadio, the leading audio media company, has officially prohibited the use of AI-generated music and artificial intelligence personalities across all its stations as part of its new "Guaranteed Human" initiative. The company announced the policy in a memo to staff from Chief Programming Officer and President Tom Poleman, emphasizing a commitment to authentic human connection in broadcasting. This move positions iHeartRadio as a major player drawing a clear line against the increasing integration of AI in media content.

The decision stems from iHeartRadio's internal research indicating a strong listener preference for human-created content. According to Poleman's memo, "70% of consumers say they use AI as a tool, yet 90% want their media to be from real humans," and "92% say nothing can replace human connection." This initiative aims to reassure listeners that the voices and music they hear are genuinely human, fostering a sense of authenticity and companionship.

Starting in late November, the "Guaranteed Human" policy mandates that iHeartRadio DJs include a line in their hourly legal IDs affirming their human status. This directive extends to all podcasts published by the company, which must also be "Guaranteed Human." The company's stance directly addresses the rapid advancements in AI, which have enabled the creation of highly realistic synthetic voices and music that are often indistinguishable from human-made content.

The ban comes amidst a burgeoning landscape of AI-generated audio, with platforms like Deezer estimating 50,000 full AI-generated songs added daily and AI music company Suno reportedly generating 7 million tracks per day. While iHeartRadio is rejecting AI in on-air roles and music, it clarified that AI tools would continue to be utilized behind the scenes for tasks such as scheduling, audience insights, data analysis, and workflow automation. This strategic separation aims to leverage AI for efficiency without compromising the human element of its public-facing content.

The initiative has sparked discussions within the music and media industries, with many questioning whether other streaming platforms and broadcasters will follow suit. iHeartRadio's bold declaration, as summarized by the tweet from Genius, "iheartradio bans AI-generated music and AI personalities on all its stations under their new 'guaranteed human' initiative," highlights a growing debate about the role of artificial intelligence in creative fields and the value of human artistry.