iHeartMedia is joining the bandwagon of original podcast production. The media conglomerate has inked a deal with Einhorn’s Epic Productions to create an original scripted podcast, the first for iHeartMedia. Continue Reading
While there is no earnings call for iHeartMedia scheduled during the media giant’s bankruptcy process, the normal regulatory filing (10-Q) was made. From that document, a few interesting points can be gleaned. Continue Reading
In a significant rollout of new advertiser products, iHeartMedia is today launching iHeartMedia Analytics, a digital attribution service for broadcast radio. The company is seeking to transform how advertisers plan, buy, and measure their campaigns in the largest array of commercial stations in the U.S. Brian Kaminsky, iHeart’s President of Revenue Operations and Insights, offers details to RAIN News. Continue Reading
The rumor mill turns once more. After a back-and-forth earlier this year that eventually came to naught, Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei said in the company’s Q1 earnings call that the company is still potentially interested in acquiring iHeartMedia. “iHeart is an attractive free-cash flow generator,” he said. “At the right price, I think it would be additive to our music holdings.” Continue Reading
Carrie Lieberman has joined iHeartMedia as vice president of podcast revenue strategy. In this role, she’ll be responsible for expanding the podcast portfolio, increasing revenue, and strategic partnerships. She joins the company after two years as the director of content distribution, licensing & business development at First Look Media. Continue Reading
iHeartMedia has hired Justin Nesci for the newly created role of executive vice president of advanced audio and data revenue. In this position, he will be responsible for data-driven, audio strategies for a range of the company’s platforms. That will include the SmartAudio platform, a programmatic ad tool for delivering targeted messages to listeners. Continue Reading
iHeartMedia has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The radio station operator, the biggest in the United States, has reached a deal with its creditors that will reduce its debt burden by about half to roughly $10 billion. It made the filing in the late hours on Wednesday, March 14, after several extensions and last-minute negotiations. Continue Reading
iHeartMedia might file for bankruptcy as soon as this weekend, according to multiple reports, and Liberty Media disclosed that it has already acquired some of the debt that it wishes to. Liberty’s Q4 earnings call yesterday provided timely information. Continue Reading
Liberty Media, majority owner of Sirius XM and minority owner of Pandora, has offered a term sheet that would grant it ownership of a 40% stake in iHeartMedia for $1.159 billion. This move is an eleventh-hour deal in reaction to iHeartMedia’s difficult financial situation. It also isn’t the first time Liberty has broached a last-minute audio investment. Continue Reading
Podtrac has released its January 2018 ranking of the top 10 podcast publishers, a list of the highest performers among companies that use its measurement tools. iHeartMedia has returned to the chart, acknowledged by an explanatory footnote. Continue Reading
Billboard has released its Power 100 list for 2018, a ranking of the most influential leaders in the music business. The list includes several executives from streaming services alongside the stalwarts from major labels, talent management, and concert promotion. Continue Reading
Podcast measurement firm Podtrac has revised two of its Podcast Industry Ranking charts for November audience size, citing IAB podcast measurement guidelines. The action removed iHeartMedia from the Top 10 Podcast Publishers chart, and the Top 10 Snackable Podcasts chart (formerly Top 15 Snackable Podcasts). Continue Reading