MOVE MARKS A MAJOR STANCE IN THE MEDIA INDUSTRY AS AI CONTENT CONTINUES TO RAPIDLY EXPAND
iHeartRadio has announced a full ban on AI-generated music and AI-generated radio personalities as part of its new “Guaranteed Human” program, emphasizing authenticity in broadcasting.
iHeartRadio, the largest radio broadcaster in the United States, has introduced a sweeping new policy banning AI-generated music and AI-generated on-air personalities across all of its stations. The initiative, formally titled “Guaranteed Human,” aims to preserve human creativity, transparency, and authenticity amid the rapid rise of artificial intelligence in the entertainment industry.
The company stated that while AI tools can help behind the scenes, the broadcast content that listeners hear — DJs, hosts, voices, and music — must be entirely human-created. Executives described the policy as a proactive step to maintain trust with audiences as concerns grow over deepfake audio, synthetic artists, and AI-generated radio hosts.
The decision comes at a time when AI-generated songs, celebrity voice clones, and automated podcast personalities are becoming increasingly common on streaming platforms and social media. While some media companies are experimenting with AI-driven talent, iHeartRadio executives argue that radio has a responsibility to maintain human connection and integrity.
Industry analysts say the move sets a significant precedent, especially as other broadcasters weigh how much AI-generated content to allow. Some believe the policy could spark similar human-first initiatives elsewhere; others say it may slow innovation or overlook potential AI benefits.
iHeartRadio emphasized that the ban applies specifically to broadcast content and does not restrict internal AI use for editing, analytics, scheduling, or operations. The company says the initiative will help rebuild trust in traditional media during a period of widespread public skepticism fueled by AI misinformation.
According to iHeartMedia leadership, listeners will soon see a new seal across stations and digital platforms reading “Guaranteed Human” — signaling that content was made by real people, not machines.
