A Decade of Mental Health Advocacy on Air
Audacy is marking the tenth anniversary of its "I’m Listening" mental health initiative this year. The company will run its annual broadcast special between September 8 and September 13, 2026. This programming period aligns with National Suicide Prevention Month and World Suicide Prevention Day, which falls on September 10. The broadcaster aims to provide resources and encourage open conversations about mental wellness through its national platform.
Since the campaign started in 2017, it has evolved into a staple of the network’s public service efforts. The special format brings together a mixture of music artists, news figures, and medical experts. These participants share personal experiences and provide guidance to listeners seeking help. Organizers estimate that the campaign has raised more than $2 million for various local and national non-profit organizations during its lifespan.
Expert Perspectives and Diverse Topics
The 2026 program features a wide list of contributors from the entertainment industry. Carson Daly of NBC’s "Today" and "The Voice" returns as a host alongside Katie Neal, the voice of the syndicated program "Katie and Company." Music acts scheduled to participate include Ed Sheeran, Kelly Clarkson, Jelly Roll, Gracie Abrams, Keith Urban, Shaboozey, Tate McRae, The Smashing Pumpkins, and Shinedown.
Beyond entertainment, the program relies on clinical expertise to address complex issues. Dr. Alfiee M. Breland-Noble, founder of The AAKOMA Project, and Dr. Christine Yu Moutier, Chief Medical Officer at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, will provide commentary. The discussions will cover how social media and artificial intelligence affect mental states, along with specific considerations for veterans and first responders. The segment on seasonal depression will also aim to provide practical coping strategies for those affected by climate or environmental shifts.
The Lasting Impact of Audio Media
Dave Richards, Senior Vice President of Programming for Audacy, highlighted the role of radio in reaching people during difficult times. He noted that the need for honest dialogue about mental health is as urgent today as it was when the project began a decade ago. The program seeks to bridge the gap between people in distress and the professional organizations equipped to assist them. The intimacy of audio allows for a unique connection that print or video media often struggle to replicate.
The special will stream on the Audacy app and website, in addition to airing across the company’s terrestrial station portfolio. The initiative has expanded its footprint through live events like the "We Can Survive" concert series, which aligns with the mission of the broadcast special. By pairing celebrity influence with professional clinical advice, the company seeks to reduce the stigma associated with seeking treatment for psychological disorders. Listeners are encouraged to monitor the company’s social feeds for ongoing updates regarding the broadcast schedule.
As the industry changes, this project serves as a reminder of how traditional broadcast assets can function as community hubs. The reliance on familiar voices helps build trust, which is necessary for effective mental health outreach. The effectiveness of these efforts remains a key metric for media companies as they balance commercial operations with public service mandates.