The majority of programming syndicated by iHeartMedia is distributed through its subsidiary, Premiere Networks. However, several iHeartMedia radio shows are syndicated by their local stations without the aid of Premiere. Talk shows of this type are generally broadcast through Orbital Media Networks, Inc. (formerly Clear Channel Satellite Services); music programs of this type are generally prerecorded and distributed through a company intranet service known as Premium Choice.
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Talk shows
The following is a list of radio programs which are syndicated by iHeartMedia but are not distributed by its radio network subsidiary, Premiere Networks. In general, iHeartMedia syndicates a show outside of Premiere either as a cost-cutting measure, or because the show's talent has specifically requested syndication as condition to work for, or continue working for, the company. Talk shows currently syndicated by iHeartMedia are listed in the table below. Talk shows formerly syndicated by iHeartMedia (as Clear Channel Communications) include America's Trucking Network, Kidd Kraddick in the Morning, Lex and Terry, MJ Morning Show, Springer on the Radio, The Schnitt Show, and The War Room with Quinn and Rose. Talk shows syndicated by iHeartMedia that have moved to Premiere include Elvis Duran and the Morning Show and The Bobby Bones Show.
Premium Choice
On April 15, 2009, Clear Channel Radio (now iHeartMedia) announced the start of Premium Choice, a menu of national format options available to local radio stations, their HD Radio digital subchannels, and the iHeartRadio platform.
According to a weekly online newsletter distributed by the website CountryAircheck.com, Clear Channel sent out a company-wide email on May 1, 2009 which stated the following: "The Premium Choice program is not something we are talking openly about in the industry or in the public or in the press... No CC employee should be discussing PC with the media or with record reps." Jerry Del Colliano, author of the blog Inside Music Media and founder of the trade publication Inside Radio, has said that Clear Channel plans to replace local on-air talent with national Premium Choice content, with "nothing local, little live and everything cheap." In March 2014, the market research firm Edison Research stated that Clear Channel (now known as iHeartMedia) has "long pursued a strategy of eliminating local talent in its smaller markets via voice tracking and their Orwellian-named 'Premium Choice' networks."