Cumulus Media
Cumulus Media is an audio-first media company operating ~394 owned-and-operated radio stations across 84 U.S. markets and the Westwood One network reaching 7,800+ affiliated stations. It serves local and national advertisers with broadcast, digital, podcast, and integrated marketing services, generating $741.7M in 2025 revenue.
- Company typePublic
- Founded1997
- HeadquartersAtlanta, United States
- Headcount1,001–5,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Cumulus Media does
Cumulus Media is an audio-first media company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, operating as America's second-largest radio station owner. The company runs approximately 394 owned-and-operated radio stations across 84 U.S. markets and, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Westwood One, distributes nationally-syndicated sports, news, talk, and entertainment programming to more than 7,800 affiliated stations. Its content portfolio is anchored by exclusive multi-decade rights with the NFL (39th year), NCAA, the Masters, US Soccer, AP News, and the Academy of Country Music Awards, supplemented by the Cumulus Podcast Network, which generates over 1.5 billion annual podcast downloads, and digital and voice-activated streaming platforms that together produce more than 5 billion annualized impressions.
The company's technology stack combines traditional audio broadcasting infrastructure with digital streaming, mobile applications, podcast distribution, and voice-activated device support (including Alexa). A January 2026 partnership with Eon Media added AI-driven metadata extraction across the station network to support content discoverability and audience insights. Cumulus generates revenue primarily through B2B advertising across four streams: local broadcast radio spot sales, national network advertising via Westwood One, digital advertising across on-demand and streaming platforms, and integrated digital marketing services serving approximately 3,000 clients. Pricing is quote-based and varies by market, format, daypart, audience reach, and campaign scope, with multi-year contracts typical for both local and national advertisers.
The company is publicly traded on OTCQB under the ticker CMLS.Q after a Nasdaq delisting in May 2025, and filed for prepackaged Chapter 11 bankruptcy on March 5, 2026, with court approval of its reorganization plan on April 15, 2026, to eliminate approximately $600 million of debt and transfer equity ownership to lenders. As of 2025, net revenue was $741.7 million (down 10.3% year-over-year), Adjusted EBITDA was $52.0 million (down 37.1%), and Q1 2026 revenue declined 12.2% year-over-year to $164.4 million, reflecting the secular decline of broadcast radio advertising against digital audio competition.
Cumulus Media firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Cumulus Media
- Legal name
- Cumulus Media Inc.
- Website
- https://cumulusmedia.com
- Company type
- Public
- Founded year
- 1997
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1,001–5,000 employees
- Short description
- Cumulus Media is an audio-first media company operating ~394 owned-and-operated radio stations across 84 U.S. markets and the Westwood One network reaching 7,800+ affiliated stations. It serves local and national advertisers with broadcast, digital, podcast, and integrated marketing services, generating $741.7M in 2025 revenue.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Cumulus Media industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Radio Broadcasting & Audio Advertising
- NAICS
- Radio and Television Broadcasting Stations (5161), Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers (5162), Motion Picture and Video Industries (5121)
- SIC
- Radio & Tv Broadcasting & Communications Equipment (3663), Television Broadcasting Stations (4833)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Talk/News/Sports Radio Networks & Syndication (MPAIAEAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Radio Content Production & Studios (On-air Production, Imaging, Jingles) (MPAIAEAL), Podcast Networks & Studio Platforms (MPAIADAC), Internet Radio & Streaming Broadcast Stations (Simulcast/Online-only) (MPAIAEAE)
Keywords
Where Cumulus Media is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Atlanta
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Cumulus Media business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others
Revenue model
- Broadcast Radio Advertising: Traditional AM/FM radio spot advertising sold locally through station sales teams and nationally through network sales. Revenue declined 16.3% in Q1 2026 compared to prior year.
- Network Advertising: National audio advertising through Westwood One's network programming including NFL, NCAA, and other syndicated content. Network revenue down 24.9% in Q1 2026.
- Digital Advertising: Digital advertising across on-demand, mobile, social, and voice-activated platforms. Digital revenue decreased 8.3% in Q1 2026 but digital marketing services grew 34%.
- Digital Marketing Services: Integrated digital marketing services provided to approximately 3,000 clients, offering campaign execution, post-campaign analysis, and strategic planning for digital advertising initiatives.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Local radio advertising packages |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Network advertising packages |
| Subscription | Annual | Digital marketing services |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels7 records
Cumulus Media product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Cumulus Media is an audio-first media company that sells advertising across three primary channels: (1) 394 owned-and-operated local radio stations across 84 U.S. markets; (2) the Westwood One national audio network distributing syndicated sports (NFL, NCAA, Masters), news, talk, and entertainment programming across more than 7,800 affiliated stations; and (3) the Cumulus Podcast Network of original podcasts. The company also provides integrated digital marketing services to approximately 3,000 business clients across on-demand, mobile, social, and voice-activated platforms.
Product overview
Cumulus Media is an audio-first media company operating as a platform-plus-networks architecture with three primary divisions: (1) local radio broadcasting through approximately 394 owned-and-operated stations across 84 U.S. markets; (2) national audio distribution via Westwood One, serving over 7,800 affiliated stations with syndicated sports, news, talk, and entertainment programming from brands including the NFL, NCAA, Masters, and AP News; and (3) original podcast content through the Cumulus Podcast Network. The company generates revenue by providing advertisers with local, national, and digital reach through broadcast, on-demand, mobile, social, and voice-activated platforms, supplemented by integrated digital marketing services (~3,000 clients), research & insights offerings, and branded content campaigns via the 'Your Music Plus' audio series.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Westwood One Sports: Sports programming network broadcasting NFL, NCAA, and other major sporting events
- Podcast Download Report
Products and services
- Cumulus Media Radio Stations High-quality local programming through 394 owned-and-operated radio stations across 84 markets in the United States, featuring various formats including country, news/talk, sports, rock, alternative, and CHR. Sold to local and regional advertisers via regional sales teams.
- Westwood One America's largest national audio network, delivering nationally-syndicated sports, news, talk, and entertainment programming from iconic brands including the NFL, NCAA, Masters, US Soccer, AP News, and Academy of Country Music Awards across more than 7,800 affiliated stations.
- Cumulus Podcast Network
Quantifiable outcome
- Radio advertising delivers 14% average increase in website traffic according to Sampled case study analysis.
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Cumulus Media
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Cumulus Media technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration1 record
AI capability3 records
Feature3 records
Cumulus Media partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered supporting, strategic and core.
- The Media Audit and TOMA.SolutionssupportingCumulus Media partnered with The Media Audit and TOMA.Solutions to sharpen local edge with advanced consumer insights and market intelligence, enhancing data-driven sales capabilities.
- Eon MediastrategicCumulus Media partnered with Toronto-based Eon Media to develop AI-driven audio initiatives. The joint partnership leverages Eon Media's in-house AI technology to extract metadata from Cumulus Media's 395 U.S. radio stations and digital assets, aiming to enhance audience engagement, content discoverability, and unlock new monetization opportunities across radio and digital platforms.
- AudacycoreCumulus Media's Westwood One and Audacy announced the rebranding of the Infinity Sports Network to Westwood One Sports, effective December 29, 2025. Westwood One assumed programming and distribution for most syndicated sports content including 'The Jim Rome Show,' while Audacy continues producing BetMGM Network programs. The expanded network includes live coverage, on-demand streaming, and podcast distribution.
- RumblestrategicCumulus Media and Rumble announced a strategic partnership to combine video and audio content distribution. Under the agreement, Westwood One distributes audio and video content on Rumble's platform while collaborating to maximize advertising opportunities for brand partners through multi-platform solutions, creating new monetization opportunities for creators.
- Signal Hill InsightssupportingCumulus Media partners with Signal Hill Insights to produce the semi-annual Podcast Download report, providing industry-leading research on podcast consumption, platform preferences, and listener behavior trends.
Scale indicators10 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Cumulus Media competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Spotify: Spotify is the leading global music and podcast streaming platform with significant advertising-supported revenue. Comparable as a competing destination for Cumulus's digital audio inventory, podcasts, and listener attention.
- Sirius XM Holdings: Sirius XM is a satellite radio subscription service with a large original content and podcast portfolio that competes for advertiser and listener attention alongside Cumulus's Westwood One network and podcast business.
- NPR: NPR operates a national network of member stations and a major podcast platform, competing for the same news/talk audiences and underwriting dollars that Cumulus and Westwood One target.
Emerging players
- SoundCloud: SoundCloud is a digital audio streaming and creator platform with podcast and music capabilities. Comparable as an emerging digital audio competitor for Cumulus Podcast Network creators and listeners.
Direct peers
- Salem Communications: Salem Communications (now Salem Media Group) operates radio stations nationally with a focus on Christian and conservative talk formats, plus digital and publishing assets. Comparable as a U.S. radio broadcasting operator with overlapping advertiser mix.
- Townsquare Media: Townsquare Media operates ~320 radio stations in mid-sized U.S. markets plus a digital marketing services arm (Townsquare Interactive). Comparable to Cumulus as a smaller-scale radio operator with a parallel digital services pivot.
- Emmis Communications: Emmis Communications owns and operates radio stations in major U.S. markets (e.g., Hot 97 in New York) and has been active in digital audio and podcasting. Comparable as a radio broadcaster pivoting toward digital audio.
- Beasley Broadcast Group: Beasley Broadcast Group operates radio stations in multiple U.S. markets and a digital/audio streaming business. Comparable as a smaller, publicly traded direct competitor in local radio broadcasting.
- iHeartMedia: iHeartMedia is the largest U.S. radio operator with roughly 860 stations, iHeartRadio digital platform, and a major podcast network. Directly comparable to Cumulus across owned-and-operated stations, national audio network, digital, and podcast verticals.
- Audacy: Audacy operates ~200 U.S. radio stations, the Audacy streaming app, and a leading podcast portfolio; it partnered with Cumulus on the Westwood One Sports rebranding. Comparable as a direct competitor in radio broadcasting, digital streaming, and podcasts.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Cumulus Media social profiles
Digital presenceCumulus Media financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Cumulus Media leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
Cumulus Media subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries4 records
Cumulus Media funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Cumulus Media M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A4 records
Investments1 record
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Cumulus Media
What does Cumulus Media do?
Cumulus Media is an audio-first media company that sells advertising across three primary channels: (1) 394 owned-and-operated local radio stations across 84 U.S. markets; (2) the Westwood One national audio network distributing syndicated sports (NFL, NCAA, Masters), news, talk, and entertainment programming across more than 7,800 affiliated stations; and (3) the Cumulus Podcast Network of original podcasts. The company also provides integrated digital marketing services to approximately 3,000 business clients across on-demand, mobile, social, and voice-activated platforms.
Is Cumulus Media a public or private company?
Cumulus Media is a public company. It is classified as public and is currently operating.
When was Cumulus Media founded?
Cumulus Media was founded in 1997. It employs 1,001 to 5,000 people.
Where is Cumulus Media based?
Cumulus Media is headquartered in Atlanta, United States, in the North America region.
How does Cumulus Media make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Broadcast Radio Advertising is the primary driver. The others are network Advertising, digital Advertising and digital Marketing Services.
Who are Cumulus Media's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Spotify, Sirius XM Holdings and NPR. SoundCloud is listed as an emerging player. Direct peers are Salem Communications, Townsquare Media, Emmis Communications, Beasley Broadcast Group, iHeartMedia and Audacy.
Does Cumulus Media have an API?
No public API is recorded for Cumulus Media.
What industry is Cumulus Media in?
Cumulus Media's product category is Radio Broadcasting & Audio Advertising. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAIAEAG, Talk/News/Sports Radio Networks & Syndication, with a secondary code of MPAIAEAL, Radio Content Production & Studios (On-air Production, Imaging, Jingles). Its NAICS code is 5161 and its SIC code is 3663.