iHeartMedia
iHeartMedia (NASDAQ: IHRT) is America's largest audio media company, operating 860+ radio stations in 160 US markets, the iHeartRadio streaming app (188M users), and the #1 podcast publisher (iHeartPodcasts, 164M monthly downloads), serving national advertisers, local businesses, and 250M+ monthly listeners across broadcast, digital, podcast, and live event platforms.
- Company typePublic
- Founded1972
- HeadquartersSan Antonio, United States
- Headcount5,001–10,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What iHeartMedia does
iHeartMedia, Inc. is a publicly traded (NASDAQ: IHRT) American multiplatform audio media company founded in 1972 (formerly Clear Channel Communications) and headquartered in San Antonio, Texas. The company operates 860+ owned broadcast radio stations across 160 US markets, reaching 250M+ monthly listeners (approximately 9 of 10 Americans), and runs the iHeartRadio digital streaming app with 188M registered users distributed across 500+ platforms and 2,000+ devices. Its core products include the iHeartRadio app, iHeartPodcasts (the #1 podcast publisher globally with 164M monthly downloads per Podtrac/Triton 2026), the Premiere Networks radio syndication business (100+ programs to 8,000+ affiliates), the TTWN traffic/weather data service, Katz Media Group sales representation (3,400+ radio and 400+ TV stations), RCS broadcast software, AudioGraph ad-tech, and a live-events portfolio (iHeartRadio Music Festival, Jingle Ball Tour, iHeartCountry Festival, iHeartPodcast Awards).
iHeartMedia monetizes primarily through advertising, with five revenue streams: broadcast radio advertising, digital audio advertising (Digital Audio Group revenue grew 18% to $327M in Q1 2026), podcast advertising (revenue +27% YoY to $147M in Q1 2026), event sponsorships and ticketing, and network/syndication fees. Pricing is predominantly quote-based for enterprise advertisers via direct sales, with multi-year national packages, monthly local-market station buying, and emerging programmatic access through AudioGraph integrations with Yahoo DSP and Amazon DSP. Customer segments split between national brand advertisers (Capital One, Disney+, Hulu, GEICO, Hyundai, Hershey, Burlington) and long-tail local businesses across 160 markets, sold through field sales and Katz Media Group representation. The company carries approximately $4.7B in net debt, reported $3,865M in FY2025 revenue, and Q1 2026 revenue of $884M (+9.6% YoY), with a current market capitalization of approximately $528M.
iHeartMedia firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- iHeartMedia
- Legal name
- iHeartMedia, Inc.
- Website
- https://iheartmedia.com
- Company type
- Public
- Founded year
- 1972
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 5,001–10,000 employees
- Short description
- iHeartMedia (NASDAQ: IHRT) is America's largest audio media company, operating 860+ radio stations in 160 US markets, the iHeartRadio streaming app (188M users), and the #1 podcast publisher (iHeartPodcasts, 164M monthly downloads), serving national advertisers, local businesses, and 250M+ monthly listeners across broadcast, digital, podcast, and live event platforms.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
iHeartMedia industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Audio Media and Advertising
- NAICS
- Radio Broadcasting Stations (51611)
- SIC
- Radio Broadcasting Stations (4832)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Radio Streaming & Catch-Up Audio Platforms (MPAIADAJ)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Talk/News/Sports Radio Networks & Syndication (MPAIAEAG), Podcast Hosting & Enterprise Solutions (Private/Branded Podcasts) (MPACADAF), Audio/Podcast/Streaming Media Buying (MPAAABAF)
Keywords
Where iHeartMedia is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- San Antonio
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices5 records
Markets served
iHeartMedia business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Broadcast Radio Advertising: Advertising revenue from over 860 owned radio stations across 160 markets. Offers local activation with national reach, targeting diverse audiences in local markets nationwide.
- Digital Audio Advertising: Digital audio revenue including streaming audio ads on iHeartRadio app. Digital Audio Group grew 18% to $327 million in Q1 2026.
- Podcast Revenue: Revenue from podcast advertising and distribution. Podcast revenue surged 26.9% year-over-year to $147 million in Q1 2026, making it a key growth driver.
- Event Sponsorships and Tickets: Revenue from major live events including iHeartRadio Music Festival, Jingle Ball Tour, iHeartCountry Festival, and other branded experiences. Partners include Capital One, Disney+, Hulu, and other national brands.
- Network and Syndication Fees: Revenue from Premiere Networks syndicating 100+ radio programs to 8,000+ station affiliates and TTWN reaching 200M+ monthly listeners.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | National advertising campaigns |
| Transaction based/ take rate | Monthly | Local market radio advertising |
| Usage-based | Pay-as-you-go | Programmatic digital advertising via AudioGraph |
Go-to-market motion4 records
Distribution channels10 records
Marketing channels7 records
iHeartMedia product offering
Product offeringCore offering
iHeartMedia operates America's #1 audio media company, combining 860+ owned broadcast radio stations across 160 US markets, the iHeartRadio digital streaming platform (188M registered users), the #1 podcast publisher globally (iHeartPodcasts with 164M monthly downloads), radio network syndication (Premiere Networks, TTWN, NBC News Radio), and live events. The company sells multi-platform advertising—broadcast, digital, podcast, and event sponsorships—to national brands, local businesses, and advertising agencies, leveraging its proprietary AudioGraph technology for digital-like targeting and attribution across broadcast radio inventory.
Product overview
iHeartMedia operates as America's #1 audio company with a multi-platform portfolio consisting of broadcast radio stations (860+ stations across 160 markets), the iHeartRadio digital streaming service, podcast publishing (iHeartPodcasts as the #1 podcast publisher globally), radio networks (Premiere Networks, TTWN, NBC News Radio), media services (Katz Media Group, RCS software), and live events. The ecosystem includes specialized podcast networks (Black Effect, My Cultura, Women's Sports Audio Network, Outspoken, Big Money Players) and the AudioGraph advertising technology platform. The company reaches 9 out of 10 Americans monthly across broadcast, streaming, podcasts, and events.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- iHeartRadio All-in-one audio streaming service combining thousands of live broadcast radio stations, millions of podcasts, music playlists, and personalized Artist Radio stations available across 500+ platforms and 2,000+ devices with 188M registered users.
- Broadcast Radio Stations Over 860 owned radio stations in 160 markets across America featuring diverse formats including Top 40, Country, Hip Hop, Rock, Classic Rock, News & Talk, and Sports, reaching 250M+ monthly listeners.
- iHeartPodcasts The #1 podcast publisher globally with 164M monthly downloads featuring hit shows like Stuff You Should Know, Las Culturistas, On Purpose with Jay Shetty, and exclusive celebrity content distributed to all major podcast platforms.
- AudioGraph Advertising technology platform that brings digital-like targeting, identity-based planning, and outcome-based measurement to broadcast radio at scale, powered by Triton Digital technology and TransUnion data with privacy-safe identity spine.
- Premiere Networks The #1 radio network syndicating 100+ radio programs to 8,000+ station affiliates, reaching nearly 250M listeners monthly with programming including Ryan Seacrest, Sean Hannity, Bobby Bones, Steve Harvey, and The Breakfast Club.
- TTWN (Total Traffic and Weather Network) Industry-leading provider of traffic and weather content services reaching 200M+ monthly listeners across 230+ markets in the US and Canada, serving 2,400+ radio and TV affiliates plus automotive, navigation, and government partners.
- Katz Media Group Leading media representation firm serving 3,400+ radio stations and 400+ television stations with advertising sales representation services.
- RCS (Radio Computing Services) World's leading provider of broadcast and webcast software used by 10,000+ radio stations, TV music channels, and Internet stations worldwide for automation, music scheduling, and newsroom operations.
- iHeartRadio Music Festival Largest multi-genre music festival in the world featuring top artists performing live over two days at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, broadcast on iHeartRadio stations and streamed on Disney+ and Hulu.
- iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour Annual holiday music event featuring top artists in a sold-out 10-city national tour with a nationally broadcast event on iHeartRadio stations and a two-hour network television special on ABC.
- iHeartRadio Music Awards Annual awards event celebrating the most listened-to artists and songs on iHeartRadio stations and the iHeartRadio app, featuring live performances and surprise collaborations.
Quantifiable outcome
- 75% higher KPI outcome vs. traditional demographic-based ad plans using AudioGraph
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use iHeartMedia
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
iHeartMedia technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration14 records
AI capability3 records
Feature4 records
iHeartMedia partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
24 partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core, flagship and major.
- TogethxrminorJoint launch of 'Everyone Watches Women's Sports' podcast co-hosted by Ari Chambers, Jordan Chiles, and Sam Jay. New weekly audio and video podcast covering women's sports headlines and debates.
- Global Gaming League (GGL)minorHistoric deal making iHeartMedia the first video game partner for GGL. GGL launches GGL PRIMES global gaming competition platform with structured pathway from amateur to professional gaming.
- Amazon AdscoreiHeartMedia acts as local reseller of Amazon's audio and video inventory including Prime Video, Twitch, Amazon Music, Fire TV, and Alexa. Gains access to Amazon DSP capabilities for targeting across digital audio, podcasts, and streaming content. 870 radio stations available for programmatic advertising.
- WhispminorMulti-year partnership to expand reach of Perks Pass rewards platform across iHeartMedia's network reaching 270M monthly listeners through radio, streaming, podcasts, and live events.
- Bed Bath & BeyondminorNational media partnership for 'Legendary Coupon Hunt' promotion running June 22 through July 13, 2026. Amplified across iHeartMedia's national reach.
- Triton DigitalcoreTechnology partner powering AudioGraph advertising suite that brings digital-like targeting and measurement to broadcast radio. Created AudioGraph as industry-wide solution to expand across broadcast radio landscape in 2027.
- TransUnioncoreData partner providing identity graph and audience enrichment for AudioGraph targeting capabilities. Enables privacy-safe ID-based audience segments.
- Yahoo DSPcoreDSP partnership for programmatic broadcast radio buying via AudioGraph. Yahoo ConnectID already improved match rates on iHeartMedia's digital inventory; broadcast radio added through AudioGraph.
- NetflixflagshipExpanded video podcast partnership adding new shows featuring Kate Hudson, Oliver Hudson, Lele Pons, and Martha Stewart to Netflix. Daily live streaming of The Breakfast Club launched June 1. iHeartMedia retains all audio-only rights while Netflix gains exclusive video distribution.
- NXXT GolfminorLandmark media partnership described as 'a defining bet on golf's next generation'. Multi-platform collaboration details not fully specified.
- Byrna TechnologiesminorMedia partnership with Fox Sports through iHeartMedia to promote less-lethal personal security solutions across 200+ radio stations nationwide through Fox Sports Radio and Premiere Networks.
- Beach Football League (BFL)minoriHeartRadio named Official Audio and Radio Partner for 2026 season and beyond. Integration of iHeartMedia's radio, digital, podcast, social, and live event platforms into BFL beach football events. Launched with Santa Cruz Beach Classic, expanding to New England, Miami, and Santa Monica.
- Procter & Gamble (P&G)majorJoint launch of Elton John Impact Awards honoring LGBTQ+ icons including Jonathan Bailey, Laverne Cox, Melissa Etheridge, Billie Jean King, Orville Peck, and Chappell Roan. Evolved from 'Can't Cancel Pride' concert raising $17M+ over five years.
- It's a PenaltyminorGlobal anti-human trafficking campaign ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup. iHeartMedia among partners including American Airlines, Booking.com, Uber, Airbnb, Hard Rock, and IHG Hotels. Campaign spans US, Mexico, and Canada.
- FOX SportsflagshipPartnership to stream all 104 FIFA World Cup 2026 matches on iHeart audio platforms from June 11 to July 19. Coverage available on iHeartRadio app and 100+ broadcast stations nationwide including US Men's National Team matches.
- Une Femme WinesminorMulti-year partnership described as one of the most expansive audio collaborations for a wine brand. Integration across broadcast radio, podcasts, and live music events as sweeping national campaign. Brand produces 300K cases annually with 70%+ YoY growth.
- Magellan AIcoreExpanded partnership to extend attribution measurement to broadcast radio using iHeartMedia's simulcast data. Maps broadcast radio listeners to measurable outcomes including web visits, form fills, leads, and purchases.
- Omnicom Media IntelligenceminorJoint research on audio advertising effectiveness showing 22-point ad recall lift and 20-point purchase intent lift with host-read ads. Host-read executions generate 2X recall vs. 30-second spots.
- TikTok Podcast NetworkcoreTikTok Podcast Network launched with iHeartMedia featuring creator-hosted shows. GEICO as exclusive launch partner.
- America250flagshipiHeartMedia named Official Audio Partner for US Semiquincentennial celebration of America's 250th anniversary. Partnership creates unified national listening experience for July 3-4 celebrations reaching 250M Americans.
- TNA WrestlingminorMulti-platform collaboration making iHeartMedia Presenting Sponsor of TNA Wrestling's Pay-Per-View Pre-Shows and Dream Seats premium seating program throughout 2026. Launched April 11 at TNA Rebellion in Cleveland.
- TikTokcoreLaunch of TikTok Radio from iHeart and TikTok Podcast Network featuring five creator-hosted programs. GEICO as exclusive launch partner for podcast network. Station available via digital platforms and 28 broadcast stations across major US cities.
- Premiere NetworkscoreiHeartMedia radio networks division syndicating 100+ radio programs to 8,000+ station affiliates reaching nearly 250M listeners monthly. Includes Ryan Seacrest, Sean Hannity, Bobby Bones, Steve Harvey, and The Breakfast Club.
- Total Traffic and Weather Network (TTWN)coreIndustry-leading provider of content services reaching 200M+ monthly listeners across 230+ US and Canada markets. Services 2,400+ radio and TV affiliates plus automotive, navigation, and government partners.
Scale indicators15 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights7 records
iHeartMedia competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Apple Music: Tech giant's music streaming service and long-standing dominant podcast directory. Competes directly with iHeartMedia in digital audio streaming and podcast ad inventory monetization.
- Spotify: World's largest digital audio streaming platform with 600M+ users and a leading podcast platform. Competes with iHeartMedia primarily in digital audio streaming, podcast distribution, and programmatic audio advertising.
- Amazon Music: Tech giant's music streaming and podcast service and an iHeartMedia partner via the Amazon Ads reseller arrangement. Competes with iHeartMedia in digital audio streaming and audio ad inventory at scale.
Direct peers
- SiriusXM: Satellite and streaming audio competitor with national coverage. Engaged in failed merger discussions with iHeartMedia in April 2026 over regulatory divestiture requirements. Directly overlaps in streaming radio, podcasts, and ad-supported audio.
- Townsquare Media: US-focused radio broadcaster with ~320 stations across 60+ markets, with strength in small-market and rural geographies. A direct competitor to iHeartMedia in regional and local radio advertising sales.
- Cumulus Media: The next-largest commercial radio broadcaster in the US with ~400 stations. Emerged from 2024 bankruptcy restructuring. A direct head-to-head competitor to iHeartMedia in national broadcast radio advertising and local market activation.
- Audacy: Third major US radio broadcaster (formerly CBS Radio/Entercom), operating over 200 radio stations. Emerged from 2024 bankruptcy. Directly comparable to iHeartMedia across broadcast radio, digital streaming, and podcast monetization.
Regional players
- Salem Communications: US radio broadcaster focused on Christian and conservative talk formats with ~100 radio stations plus digital properties. A smaller-scope direct competitor to iHeartMedia in national broadcast radio and digital audio advertising.
- Beasley Media Group: US radio broadcaster with ~60 radio stations primarily in eastern markets plus digital audio properties. A regional competitor to iHeartMedia in local broadcast radio and digital audio sales.
- Cox Media Group: US radio and television broadcaster with a mix of major-market stations and digital audio assets. A regional competitor to iHeartMedia in broadcast radio inventory and audio ad sales.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
iHeartMedia social profiles
Digital presenceiHeartMedia financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
iHeartMedia leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles15 records
iHeartMedia subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries10 records
iHeartMedia funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
iHeartMedia M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A7 records
Investments23 records
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about iHeartMedia
What does iHeartMedia do?
iHeartMedia operates America's #1 audio media company, combining 860+ owned broadcast radio stations across 160 US markets, the iHeartRadio digital streaming platform (188M registered users), the #1 podcast publisher globally (iHeartPodcasts with 164M monthly downloads), radio network syndication (Premiere Networks, TTWN, NBC News Radio), and live events. The company sells multi-platform advertising—broadcast, digital, podcast, and event sponsorships—to national brands, local businesses, and advertising agencies, leveraging its proprietary AudioGraph technology for digital-like targeting and attribution across broadcast radio inventory.
Is iHeartMedia a public or private company?
iHeartMedia is a public company. It is classified as public and is currently operating.
When was iHeartMedia founded?
iHeartMedia was founded in 1972. It employs 5,001 to 10,000 people.
Where is iHeartMedia based?
iHeartMedia is headquartered in San Antonio, United States, in the North America region.
How does iHeartMedia make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Broadcast Radio Advertising is the primary driver. The others are digital Audio Advertising, podcast Revenue, event Sponsorships and Tickets and network and Syndication Fees.
Who are iHeartMedia's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Apple Music, Spotify and Amazon Music. Direct peers are SiriusXM, Townsquare Media, Cumulus Media and Audacy. Regional players are Salem Communications, Beasley Media Group and Cox Media Group.
Does iHeartMedia have an API?
No public API is recorded for iHeartMedia.
What industry is iHeartMedia in?
iHeartMedia's product category is Audio Media and Advertising. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAIADAJ, Radio Streaming & Catch-Up Audio Platforms, with a secondary code of MPAIAEAG, Talk/News/Sports Radio Networks & Syndication. Its NAICS code is 51611 and its SIC code is 4832.