RadioInsight EXCLUSIVE: iHeartMedia is in the process of leasing additional signals to further grow some of their newer programming initiatives such as Black Information Network in markets such as New York, Philadelphia, and Washington DC.

Philadelphia sports blog Crossing Broad reported on Monday that iHeart will be leasing “610 ESPN” WTEL Philadelphia. WTEL currently airs a mix of brokered sports shows and ESPN Radio national programming, similar to iHeart’s “Fox Sports The Gambler” 1480 WDAS/102.5 W273DO with Fox Sports Radio and sports betting programs. We have independently verified their report and it is expected either 610 or 1480/102.5 will become the Philadelphia affiliate for the “Black Information Network” as we previously reported the company had registered domains for the market, with the “Gambler” on the other.

Philadelphia is not the only market where an LMA is imminent. iHeart is expected to begin operating a second AM in New York City by the start of September. We expect the BIN programming to arrive there and on a translator in Montgomery AL currently leased to another operator. We’ve been told there are negotiations ongoing for other markets including Washington DC for either Black Information Network or other programming initiatives.