iHeartMedia Partners with Stand Up To Cancer® for Ninth Annual Fundraising Special, Bringing Nashville to the Forefront of Cancer Awareness
iHeartMedia, one of the largest audio and media platforms in the world, has announced it will once again join forces with Stand Up To Cancer® (SU2C) for the organization’s ninth biennial fundraising special. The highly anticipated event, which has become one of the most impactful and widely recognized telecasts supporting cancer research, will air live on Friday, August 15, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET and PT / 7 p.m. CT.
For the first time in the event’s history, iHeartMedia will deliver a dedicated audio-only broadcast of the telecast, bringing the special directly to listeners across the country via iHeart Country’s nationwide radio network and the iHeartRadio app. This expansion ensures that millions of Americans can take part in the broadcast, even if they’re on the go, while further amplifying Stand Up To Cancer’s mission of uniting communities in the fight against one of the world’s most pervasive diseases.
A First for Nashville and a Milestone for SU2C
This year’s SU2C fundraising event is also significant for another reason: for the very first time, the special will be broadcast from Nashville, Tennessee, at The Pinnacle, a state-of-the-art venue located in the heart of Music City. Nashville has long been synonymous with music, culture, and resilience, making it a fitting backdrop for a night dedicated to stories of survival, hope, and progress in cancer research.
The biennial SU2C telecast will air not only across iHeartMedia’s platforms but also through more than 30 participating media outlets throughout the United States. This wide distribution reflects the continued importance of raising awareness and funds for cancer research through collective national participation.
The one-hour, commercial-free broadcast promises to combine the power of celebrity performances, inspiring survivor stories, and updates from leading researchers. By weaving together entertainment and education, the program creates both an emotional and informational impact, motivating viewers and listeners alike to contribute to lifesaving cancer research.
The Role of iHeartMedia in Expanding SU2C’s Reach
In announcing the collaboration, iHeart executives emphasized that supporting cancer research aligns with the company’s longstanding philanthropic commitments. Rod Phillips, Executive Vice President of Programming for iHeartCountry, highlighted the company’s dedication to health-related initiatives, particularly in pediatric cancer research.
“iHeartCountry radio stations have a long history of supporting the critically important work of pediatric cancer initiatives, and this collaboration is a natural extension of our commitment to invest in research that will lead to a cure,” Phillips said. “We look forward to using our unparalleled reach to amplify the vital mission of Stand Up To Cancer by uniting communities across America in the fight against cancer.”
Through its vast network of broadcast stations, digital platforms, and streaming services, iHeartMedia reaches hundreds of millions of listeners each month, making it uniquely positioned to extend SU2C’s mission far beyond traditional television audiences. By offering the audio-only broadcast for the first time, iHeart will connect with audiences who may not typically watch the telecast but can be reached while commuting, working, or enjoying time with family.
A Legacy of Collaboration in Cancer Research
Stand Up To Cancer was founded in 2008 with the bold vision of accelerating cancer research through collaboration, innovation, and public engagement. Over the past 17 years, SU2C has united more than 3,100 leading scientists from over 210 institutions across 16 countries. By fostering cross-disciplinary teamwork, SU2C has been instrumental in breaking down silos in medical research and accelerating the pace at which discoveries move from laboratories to clinical application.
This unprecedented collaboration has helped lead to dozens of new treatment approaches, advances in early detection, and clinical trials that are directly improving survival rates. According to SU2C, these research initiatives have contributed to saving tens of thousands of lives worldwide. Many survivors featured during the annual telecast are living testaments to how SU2C-funded research has transformed cancer treatment from theory into reality.
Music, Survivors, and Scientific Breakthroughs
The 2025 special promises an unforgettable evening filled with musical performances, stories from cancer survivors, and powerful reminders of why continued funding is essential. Nashville’s influence will be unmistakable, with country artists and other performers bringing energy, emotion, and hope to the stage.
In addition to the entertainment, viewers and listeners will hear directly from SU2C-funded researchers, who will explain recent scientific breakthroughs and the importance of maintaining momentum in research funding. From early detection methods that increase survival rates to innovative immunotherapy treatments showing promising results, these updates will highlight the tangible progress being made thanks to public support.
Survivors and their families will also share their journeys—stories of courage and perseverance that underscore how vital it is to continue supporting the mission. These deeply personal accounts connect the public to the real-world impact of research dollars, turning statistics into faces, voices, and narratives of survival.
The Broader Impact of the Fundraising Special
Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, touching nearly every family in some way. The American Cancer Society estimates that over 2 million new cancer cases will be diagnosed in the United States this year alone. Events like SU2C’s annual telecast are critical not only for raising funds but also for maintaining public attention on the urgent need for better treatments, increased prevention, and equitable access to care.
By bringing together celebrities, musicians, medical experts, survivors, and major media platforms, the SU2C broadcast functions as both a fundraiser and a national awareness campaign. It turns a complex medical challenge into a shared cause—one that transcends political, geographic, and social boundaries.
iHeartMedia’s involvement this year further strengthens the campaign by leveraging the power of radio and digital streaming, making it easier for people in all corners of the country to tune in and participate. With its extensive footprint in urban, suburban, and rural markets, iHeart’s partnership ensures that SU2C’s message resonates across diverse communities.
