iHeartRadio issues companywide ban on AI-generated music and synthetic on-air personalities

iHeartRadio announces companywide ban on AI-generated music and artificial on-air voices

iHeartRadio has formally prohibited the use of AI-generated music and artificial voices across all of its platforms, according to a new internal memo shared with staff. The move follows a surge in AI-driven creators gaining traction on major streaming charts, including the digital artist Solomon Ray, whose AI-generated work recently reached No. 1 on Apple Music’s Christian Songs and Christian Albums rankings.

In the memo, Tom Poleman, President of National Programming for iHeartMedia, emphasized that the company is reaffirming its commitment to real human broadcasters and artists. Poleman stated that the network is focused on “authentic human connection,” and that this principle will now guide official policy — meaning no AI-produced music, no synthetic DJs, and no artificial callers or avatars integrated into programming.

“We guarantee we’re never playing AI music,” Poleman said in the communication. “There won’t be AI music, AI listeners, none of that.”

The decision arrives amid intense debate within the broader music industry as AI-generated tracks achieve significant popularity and provoke discussions about creativity, ownership, and artistic legitimacy. Solomon Ray’s rise, in particular, has prompted renewed scrutiny in Christian music communities over the role algorithms could play in shaping inspirational or faith-based genres.

According to the memo, iHeartMedia’s stance reflects increasing concern from both musicians and audiences about the expanding presence of AI in entertainment. The company noted that its research indicates listeners continue to prefer human-created songs and live radio personalities who offer relatability, emotion, and imperfections — qualities audiences reportedly feel cannot be replicated by artificial systems.

For now, iHeartRadio is opting to preserve a fully human soundscape, resisting industry shifts toward algorithmic artistry.