Audacy’s mental health-focused listener initiative is continuing this year, with an annual broadcast special scheduled for the last Wednesday of September, from 7pm to 9pm local time.
In partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), “I’m Listening” is designed to engage artists, actors and medical professionals in conversations highlighting mental health resources and the lifesaving benefits of open communication.
As Audacy sees it, “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.
Hosting the special program are nationally syndicated Country radio personality Katie Neal and Carson Daly, who co-hosts NBC’s “TODAY” show and was associated with Audacy predecessor CBS Radio as morning host of the former Top 40 KAMP-FM 97.1 in Los Angeles.
Joining Daly and Neal are Dr. Alfiee M. Breland-Noble, psychologist, author, scientist, and founder of mental health non-profit The AAKOMA Project; and AFSP 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 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.”
Audacy has raised more than $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, featuring Justin Timberlake, New Kids On The Block, and Tate McRae at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., on Saturday, September 28.
A portion of the event’s proceeds will benefit AFSP.
The “I’m Listening” broadcast special is supported by BetterHelp.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with a mental health crisis, call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. For more information about “I’m Listening,” please visit www.ImListening.org.
