News Bites for August 5…
…The inaugural “Audacy Oceanfront Concerts” will take place Aug. 25-28 in Virginia Beach featuring performances from Ava Max, The Offspring, Third Eye Blind, Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals, Charlotte Sands, Nicky Youre, Yung Gravy, Judah & the Lion, Mod Sun, and Meg Myers. The weekend concert event, which is presented by Vans, is part of the 60th annual East Coast Surfing Championships (ECSC). “The ECSC brings the very best of the surfing community together and we’re excited to join the festivities on the beach through this concert series,” Audacy Senior VP/Market Manager Bennett Zier said in a release. “This collection of talent will surely add energy and excitement to this legendary event and we can’t wait for the surfing and singing this summer.”
…iHeartMedia’s Black Effect Podcast Network and Comedy Central launch “Hell of a Week,” a weekly late-night podcast that tackles the most pressing topics and social issues of today––“with none of the BS and all of the comedy.” Charlamagne Tha God co-host of Premiere Networks’ “The Breakfast Club” is joined on the podcast each week by comedians, celebrities, and thought-leaders “to debate current events permeating politics and culture through deep dive conversations, sketches, and social experiments,” according to press materials. The debut episode features SNL’s Kenan Thompson, comedian Andrew Schulz, political strategist Lis Smith, and writer Coleman Hughes. New episodes will be released each Monday.
…Advertising Week organizers are gearing up for this fall’s show and audio is expected to have a bigger stage at this year’s event. Richard Larsson, Advertising Week’s Head of Podcasting, told Marketing Brew, that this year will be the first time that podcasting will have its own track at the conference. “I don’t think there’s any single topic like this that has garnered as much attention this year on an increasing basis than last,” he said. “It’s been phenomenal how many partners are interested in podcasting.” There is no word on panel specifics so far, but Larsson said the aim will be to “demonstrate the power of this medium.” Advertising Week runs Oct. 17-20 in New York.
…“Under Appreciated with Flash Garments,” hosted by musician, songwriter and creative director Flash Garments is added to the “Up On Game Podcast” network, helmed by Fox Sports Radio’s LaVar Arrington. “Flash knows everybody, is very well respected and has a lot to say,” Arrington said in a release. “I think listeners will really enjoy this inspiring and enlightening program, and we look forward to sharing it with our audience every Friday.”