Radio has always been about connection. We’re the original town square — reaching nine in ten Americans every week, creating space for communities to come together. That makes us uniquely positioned to lead the conversation around one of the most urgent issues of our time: mental health.

That’s why at Audacy, we’re leveraging our best assets to keep awareness and prevention front and center year-round through our I’m Listening campaigns. We believe talk can save lives. And we use the power of our platforms — radio specials, a star-studded concert, celebrity interviews, local events, social media, and PSAs — to normalize conversations about mental health and shine a light on suicide prevention.

Our I’m Listening platform features three essential ingredients that brings awareness, support, and resources to millions: The We Can Survive fundraising concert, our annual I’m Listening radio special hosted by NBC’s Carson Daly and Audacy’s Katie Neal, and a deep partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) — all of which has raised more than $2 million to date. 

And it’s not just big stages. Our local hosts open up about their own journeys, making space for listeners to feel less alone. When a trusted voice says, “I’m listening,” it resonates.

In Philadelphia, The New 96.5’s popular host Bennett openly discusses his lifelong struggles with anxiety and mental health, reminding fans: “It’s ok to not be ok.”

Mental health conversations hit hardest when they come from people fans admire and trust. That’s why our programming features voices from every corner of culture — musicians, athletes, actors, and influencers — sharing personal stories and reducing stigma.

Mental health and suicide prevention used to live in the shadows. Now, we’re helping bring them into the light.   

“It’s our responsibility and an opportunity to talk about something we all experience,” Audacy’s Director of Programming Corey Crockett said.  

Celebrities help elevate these important discussions. By partnering with influential hosts, beloved creators, Grammy-winning artists, and championship athletes, we reduce stigma and empower listeners.

Likewise, our I’m Listening national radio special invited bold-faced names in music, sports, and social media discussing how mental health has touched their lives. Audacy stations simulcasts the special in honor of September’s National Suicide Prevention Month. 

This year’s program featured discussions with Cynthia Erivo, Alex Warren, Kane Brown, LISA, Lewis Capaldi, Shirley Manson, Tate McRae, 311, Amy Lee, and Ne-Yo. 

Experts Dr. Alfiee M. Breland-Noble and AFSP’s Dr. Christine Yu Moutier offered tools on wellness and awareness, with extra focus on first responders, postpartum depression, AI, and social media.

For many celebrities, this is personal. Artist Waka Flocka Flame stands up for suicide prevention and mental health because, “There are a lot of people going through it, even the ones you think are smiling,” he said. 

This work isn’t just for us. Brands with shared values have a meaningful opportunity to stand alongside us in supporting mental health awareness. Activations, sponsorships, PSAs, and on-site experiences give advertisers a way to connect with audiences on an issue they care deeply about.

And consumers notice. Nearly half of Gen Z say they want to support brands that champion mental health — more than any other social cause. When advertisers align with I’m Listening, they’re not just gaining exposure; they’re showing solidarity.

Spreading awareness and improving access to critical ‘988’ services is an important goal for City of Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services (DBHIBS). With Philadelphia’s The New 96.5 station at the helm, the client was able to activate creative and high-engagement sponsorships all year long through Audacy’s I’m Listening partnership.

Host Partnership
Combination of radio, streaming, and video content with 96.5’s Bennett — ranging from traditional spots to custom vignettes

Podcast
Mental health-focused podcast hosted by Bennett and 988 staff

I’m Listening Broadcast
Official sponsor for I’m Listening broadcast

On-Air Programming Across Philadelphia’s Cluster of Radio Stations
Leveraged artist content for vignettes across the cluster of Philadelphia stations, and partnered with KYW News Radio Programming for 988 professionals to create authentic local vignettes about the 988 program and the need

We Can Survive VIP Experience
Listener contesting for VIP concert experience

We Can Survive Onsite Activations
On-the-ground activations, on-stage signage, and a live broadcast right from the Prudential Center

An online therapy company leveraged Audacy’s multiplatform opportunities to raise mental health awareness and promote its brand. 

The campaign featured:

The campaign boosted the brand’s visibility and delivered on campaign goals.  

Radio’s mission is uniting communities and sharing information, and there’s no conversation more urgent than mental health, self-care, and suicide prevention. The more we talk, the more lives we can save. That’s a message worth spreading.