True Crime Tonight: iHeartMedia & KT Studios Launch Interactive Live Radio + Podcast
The true crime genre is experiencing a renaissance—fuelled by a rising demand for gripping narratives, shocking twists, and real-time justice updates. Taking full advantage of this momentum, iHeartMedia, in strategic collaboration with KT Studios, has officially launched “True Crime Tonight”—a one-of-a-kind live radio format that also doubles as a next-day podcast series.
Airing Sunday to Thursday at 10 p.m. local time, this two-hour show is where real stories meet real-time reactions.
Whether you’re a seasoned sleuth or a newcomer to the true crime universe, True Crime Tonight promises to deliver an unparalleled blend of suspense, interaction, and investigative journalism.
True Crime Tonight is not just a radio show—it’s a multimedia, multi-platform experience.
Live Radio Broadcast: Airs on 20+ iHeartMedia radio stations across the U.S.
Podcast Format: Available the next day via the iHeartRadio app and all major podcast platforms.
Genre: True Crime, Real-Time Analysis, Live Audience Interaction
Schedule: Live from Sunday to Thursday, 10 p.m. local time
Duration: 2 hours per episode
This hybrid model merges the immediacy of live radio with the on-demand flexibility of podcasting, marking a major shift in how media is consumed in the modern age.
🎙️ Meet the Hosts: Voices You Can Trust
At the helm of True Crime Tonight are three well-respected names in the crime media landscape:
👤 Stephanie Lydecker
Founder, KT Studios An award-winning producer known for pushing storytelling boundaries in true crime narratives.
👤 Courtney McKenna Armstrong
Veteran Crime Producer Her sharp instincts and deep industry experience make her an indispensable asset to the show’s production and pacing.
👤 Baudi Moovan
Crime Analyst and Netflix Star Renowned for her role in Don’t F**k With Cats, Baudi brings a deep analytical lens to every case.
🧩 What Makes This Show Different?
“True Crime Tonight” stands out because it’s:
🔴 Live & Unscripted – Hear updates and reactions in real time.
📞 Listener-Driven – Call-ins are encouraged, creating dynamic and unpredictable conversations.
🧠 Expert-Powered – In-house analysts and guest experts provide professional insights.
🕵️♂️ True Crime with a Pulse – Follow active cases as they unfold.
🎧 On-Demand Access – Missed the live show? The podcast version drops daily.
📡 “Podcast, Meet Broadcast”: A Vision Comes to Life
This launch is part of iHeartMedia’s broader “Podcast, Meet Broadcast” initiative. The idea is simple yet revolutionary: blend the intimacy and narrative depth of podcasts with the immediacy and community of live radio.
According to Tom Poleman, Chief Programming Officer at iHeartMedia:
“The show will feature live caller interactions and real-time updates, ensuring it remains incredibly engaging and up to date.”
This initiative represents a strategic shift in iHeartMedia’s content strategy—aiming to blur the lines between traditional and new-age audio journalism.
📈 Why True Crime Still Rules the Airwaves
True crime isn’t just popular—it’s a media phenomenon. Here’s why:
Massive Audience Base: 70% of podcast listeners have tuned into a true crime show at least once.
High Engagement: True crime fans are among the most loyal and vocal audiences.
Community-Driven: Online forums, social media discussions, and crowd-sourced investigations fuel interest.
Timely & Topical: New cases emerge weekly, keeping content fresh and urgent.
iHeartMedia’s Conal Byrne noted, “True crime remains one of the most popular podcast genres, and this new show aims to bring it to a wider and more interactive audience through radio.”
💡 The Format Breakdown: What to Expect Each Night
Each episode of True Crime Tonight is packed with carefully curated segments:
🔹 Opening Brief:
Case-of-the-day introduction and key updates.
🔹 Hotline Calls:
Listeners call in to share theories, tips, or questions.
🔹 Expert Segment:
Deep dives with criminologists, law enforcement, or investigative journalists.
🔹 Real-Time Reactions:
Hosts respond to breaking news or live developments in active cases.
🔹 Final Five:
A wrap-up with takeaways, cliffhangers, or teasers for the next episode.
📱 How to Join the Conversation
One of the most exciting features of True Crime Tonight is its two-way communication model.
🎧 Ways to Engage:
Call In Live: Share your opinion or ask a question.
Social Media Tags: Use #TrueCrimeTonight on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, or Threads.
Community Forums: Join discussions on Reddit and Facebook groups.
Live Chat: Available via the iHeartRadio app during broadcasts.
🗣️ Reactions from Industry Experts
Many in the media world are calling True Crime Tonight a potential game-changer.
Sarah Keene, audio content strategist:
“This show is designed to be sticky—once you tune in, you’re hooked. The interactivity, the expertise, the timeliness. It’s all there.”
James MacMillan, podcast marketing consultant:
“The SEO and discoverability potential of blending podcasting with nightly live content is massive. This could redefine audio journalism.”
🌐 The Business Angle: What This Means for the Industry
This isn’t just entertainment—it’s a media business milestone.
Sponsorship Value: Advertisers love loyal, niche audiences—true crime fits the bill.
Cross-Promotion Opportunities: The show will likely fuel listenership across KT Studios’ and iHeart’s other content.
Scalability: Success could inspire similar formats in other genres—politics, tech, sports.
📍 Where to Tune In
📡 Live Broadcast:
Available on 20+ iHeartMedia stations across the U.S.
Check local listings for station availability.
🎧 Podcast Replay:
iHeartRadio App
Spotify
Apple Podcasts
Google Podcasts
Amazon Music
Episodes drop Monday through Friday—don’t miss a moment.
🔮 Final Thoughts: Is This the Future of Audio Storytelling?
With True Crime Tonight, iHeartMedia and KT Studios have carved a new lane in the crowded true crime landscape. It’s more than just a show—it’s a fully immersive media experience that respects the genre’s roots while pushing its boundaries.
Key Takeaways:
True crime is evolving—and fans are driving that evolution.
The blend of podcast + live radio brings a fresh dynamism to storytelling.
Real-time audience interaction builds community and loyalty.
This could set a new standard for content delivery across genres.
