iHeartMedia

iHeartMedia partners with The Recount for three new political podcasts

Posted on by Brad Hill

This appears to be a short-term partnership, at least to start — iHeartMedia and The Recount plan to launch three new political podcasts focused on the upcoming election. Perhaps the podcasts will continue post-election, but the stated launch rationale is “to inform voters’ decisions and actions leading up to this historic moment.” The Recount is a media platform best known for its The Daily Recount video series. Click through for descriptions of the new shows. Continue Reading →

Bob Pittman on podcasting, ubiquity, paywalling (Q2 earnings)

Posted on by Brad Hill

In last week’s iHeartMedia (IHRT) earnings call, CEO Bob Pittman discussed podcast strategy, podcast strategy, and podcast strategy. And a bit of radio. The financials included the entire business, and the COVID effect. But the go-forward mission leans heavily into on-demand audio, both as a stand-alone advertising business, and a synergistic opportunity with the largest array of commercial radio stations in the U.S. Click through for quotes. Continue Reading →

Tenderfoot TV and iHeartmedia hook up for podcast co-production

Posted on by Brad Hill

Tenderfoot TV, which produces for television, film, and podcasting, is partnering with iHeartMedia in an agreement that will create nine original shows  for the iHeartRadio Original Podcasts division. The upcoming podcast slate will focus on limited series as well as several weekly shows, a new strategy for Tenderfoot TV, who has garnered over 500 million downloads for its true crime hits since the company’s launch in 2016. Some of the collaborative shows will be completely new; the two companies will also co-produce new seasons of existing shows. Continue Reading →

Stock chart update: SPOT, SIRI, IHRT, ETM

Posted on by Brad Hill

Here is the latest in our perio;dic update of major audio stock performance. In the chart below, we see the violent fluctuations in stock value for Spotify (SPOT), SiriusXM (SIRI), iHeartMedia (IHRT), and Entercom (ETM). These four companies embody numerous audio creation, distribution, and technology entities, including: Gimlet Media, Parcast, Anchor, Pandora, AdsWizz, Simplecast, iHeartPodcast Network, Stuff Media, Cadence13, RADIO.com, and Pineapple Street Studios. Continue Reading →

iHeartMedia earnings: Listening up, advertising down, digital everything is the way forward

Posted on by Brad Hill

In iHeartMedia’s Q1 earnings call, Chairmand and CEO Bob Pittman laid out his company’s revenue trendlines, a review of strategic decisions, and his views of a hopeful future. In simple coronavirus strokes: Listening is up, advertising is down, and digital initiatives are providing the best result and will propel future recovery. Continue Reading →

iHeartMedia partners with Uno Radio Group for expansion into Puerto Rico

Posted on by Anna Washenko

iHeartMedia has entered a partnership with Uno Radio Group, a leading Puerto Rico broadcaster. The move that will extend the iHeartRadio brand to Puerto Rico. Uno Radio Group listeners will receive access to iHeartMedia’s content and programming, and iHeart’s advertising partners will be able to work with Uno Radio Group’s stations. Continue Reading →

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Artist and consumer rights organizations petition Justice Department to block Liberty Media/iHeart deal

Posted on by Anna Washenko

Liberty Media is a powerful force in music, with holdings in Sirius XM, Pandora, and Live Nation/Ticketmaster. After the Sirius XM and Pandora deal closed, the rumors turned next to Liberty having an interest in iHeartMedia. A group of consumer rights advocates and an artists’ rights organization have teamed up to send a letter to the Justice Department to oppose that possible acquisition. Continue Reading →

iHeartMedia introduces new podcast of commencement wisdom for 2020 graduates

Posted on by Anna Washenko

iHeartMedia’s latest new podcast is an effort to recapture a note of normalcy for students. The new show is titled Commencement: Speeches for the Class of 2020. Each episode will feature insights and advice from celebrity speakers aimed at high school and college students who will not have graduation ceremonies because of the coronavirus pandemic. Continue Reading →

iHeartMedia cites “strong audience and revenue growth” for podcasting in coronavirus financial update

Posted on by Brad Hill

iHeartMedia released a lengthy and bullet-point-heavy financial update meant to reassure investors during coronavirus uncertainty. Podcasting is positioned as the leading digital business, with listening growth continuing during apotentially prolonged coronavirus emergency. Other digital assets are highlighted. Continue Reading →