Charlamagne Tha God reportedly renews iHeartMedia deal for $200M

Charlamagne Tha God has renewed his partnership with iHeartMedia, extending his run on “The Breakfast Club” and doubling down on the Black Effect Podcast Network, the audio venture he helped build into a leading platform for Black-led shows.

The new multi-year agreement keeps Charlamagne – born Lenard McKelvey – as a co-host of the weekday morning program on Power 105.1 in New York, which is syndicated nationwide, and its weekend spinoff, “Weekends with The Breakfast Club.”

Financial terms were not disclosed by iHeartMedia. However, several media and business outlets have reported the deal is valued at about $200 million over five years, making it one of the most lucrative contracts in the audio industry.

Charlamagne described the renewal as a continuation of what he called a genuine partnership, saying iHeartMedia has allowed him to evolve beyond a radio personality into an executive and curator. Audio, he said, remains the foundation for broader ambitions that include podcasting, live events, film and documentary projects.

iHeartMedia President and Chief Operating Officer Rich Bressler credited Charlamagne with reshaping audio conversations by blending politics, pop culture, mental health and social commentary, a mix that has pushed “The Breakfast Club” far beyond traditional radio audiences.

The show, which recently marked its 15th year on air, is among the most influential hip-hop and R&B morning programs in the United States. Interviews from the show regularly drive news cycles and dominate social media. Charlamagne and his co-hosts – DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious and Loren LoRosa – were inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2020.

The renewed deal also cements the future of the Black Effect Podcast Network, launched in 2020 as a joint venture between Charlamagne and iHeartMedia. The network has introduced more than 60 shows spanning news, comedy, sports, culture and mental health, and draws an estimated 11 million monthly downloads.

Earlier this year, the “Breakfast Club” replay podcast surpassed 1 billion downloads, underscoring the franchise’s reach across digital audio platforms.

The agreement comes as podcasting enters a more consolidated phase, with major media companies locking in top talent to stabilize audiences and advertising revenue.