iHeartMedia

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.

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

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

• Audio advertising
• Broadcast radio networks
• Podcast publishing
• Digital audio streaming
• Live event marketing

Headquarters

HQ city

San Antonio

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. 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.
2. Digital Audio Advertising: Digital audio revenue including streaming audio ads on iHeartRadio app. Digital Audio Group grew 18% to $327 million in Q1 2026.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels10 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core 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

Named customers10 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration14 records

AI capability3 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core, flagship and major.

• TogethxrminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 July 2026Joint 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)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 July 2026Historic 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 AdscoreTechnology or Integration · 28 June 2026iHeartMedia 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.
• WhispminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 25 June 2026Multi-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 & BeyondminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 22 June 2026National media partnership for 'Legendary Coupon Hunt' promotion running June 22 through July 13, 2026. Amplified across iHeartMedia's national reach.
• Triton DigitalcoreTechnology or Integration · 18 June 2026Technology 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.
• TransUnioncoreTechnology or Integration · 18 June 2026Data partner providing identity graph and audience enrichment for AudioGraph targeting capabilities. Enables privacy-safe ID-based audience segments.
• Yahoo DSPcoreTechnology or Integration · 18 June 2026DSP partnership for programmatic broadcast radio buying via AudioGraph. Yahoo ConnectID already improved match rates on iHeartMedia's digital inventory; broadcast radio added through AudioGraph.
• NetflixflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 June 2026Expanded 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 GolfminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 June 2026Landmark media partnership described as 'a defining bet on golf's next generation'. Multi-platform collaboration details not fully specified.
• Byrna TechnologiesminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 28 May 2026Media 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)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 19 May 2026iHeartRadio 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)majorGTM or Marketing Partner · 18 May 2026Joint 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 PenaltyminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 14 May 2026Global 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 SportsflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 May 2026Partnership 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 WinesminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 6 May 2026Multi-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 AIcoreTechnology or Integration · 30 April 2026Expanded 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 IntelligenceminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 April 2026Joint 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 NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 April 2026TikTok Podcast Network launched with iHeartMedia featuring creator-hosted shows. GEICO as exclusive launch partner.
• America250flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 March 2026iHeartMedia 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 WrestlingminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 16 March 2026Multi-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.
• TikTokcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 March 2026Launch 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 NetworkscoreStrategic or Co-development PartneriHeartMedia 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)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry-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

Broad 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

• Xx.com/iHeartRadio
• Facebookfacebook.com/clearchannel
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/2539
• Instagraminstagram.com/iheartmediaofficial

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Subsidiaries10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A7 records

Investments23 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about iHeartMedia