iHeart Q1 Revenue Up on Digital, Podcast Gains
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, May 11, 2026 | 3:23pm CT |       |
|
iHeartMedia reported first quarter 2026 results showing revenue growth driven by its digital audio and podcasting businesses, despite declines in profitability and continued pressure on cash flow.
The company posted total revenue of $884 million for the quarter ended March 31, up 9.6% from a year earlier. Operating income improved to $1.5 million compared to a loss of $25 million in the first quarter of 2025.
Digital Audio Group revenue increased 18% to $327 million, fueled by a 27% jump in podcast revenue and a 12% gain in other digital advertising. The segment remained a key growth driver, although its adjusted EBITDA was essentially flat year-over-year.
The company’s Multiplatform Group, which includes broadcast radio, reported revenue of $493 million, up 4%, but saw adjusted EBITDA decline 33% due in part to higher expenses tied to strategic marketing initiatives and softer broadcast advertising demand.
Overall adjusted EBITDA fell 11.4% to $93 million. iHeart also reported negative free cash flow of $114 million and cash used for operating activities of $93 million during the quarter.
CEO Bob Pittman said the company expects 2026 to benefit from the midterm election cycle and reaffirmed full-year guidance, including approximately $800 million in adjusted EBITDA and about $200 million in free cash flow.
As part of its outlook, iHeartMedia also announced a new cost-savings initiative targeting $50 million in annualized reductions, in addition to previously announced savings measures.
The company ended the quarter with $135 million in cash and nearly $495 million in total available liquidity, as it continues to focus on expanding digital revenue streams and managing its debt position.
|
|
iHeartMedia reported first quarter 2026 results showing revenue growth driven by its digital audio and podcasting businesses, despite declines in profitability and continued pressure on cash flow.
The company posted total revenue of $884 million for the quarter ended March 31, up 9.6% from a year earlier. Operating income improved to $1.5 million compared to a loss of $25 million in the first quarter of 2025.
Digital Audio Group revenue increased 18% to $327 million, fueled by a 27% jump in podcast revenue and a 12% gain in other digital advertising. The segment remained a key growth driver, although its adjusted EBITDA was essentially flat year-over-year.
The company’s Multiplatform Group, which includes broadcast radio, reported revenue of $493 million, up 4%, but saw adjusted EBITDA decline 33% due in part to higher expenses tied to strategic marketing initiatives and softer broadcast advertising demand.
Overall adjusted EBITDA fell 11.4% to $93 million. iHeart also reported negative free cash flow of $114 million and cash used for operating activities of $93 million during the quarter.
CEO Bob Pittman said the company expects 2026 to benefit from the midterm election cycle and reaffirmed full-year guidance, including approximately $800 million in adjusted EBITDA and about $200 million in free cash flow.
As part of its outlook, iHeartMedia also announced a new cost-savings initiative targeting $50 million in annualized reductions, in addition to previously announced savings measures.
The company ended the quarter with $135 million in cash and nearly $495 million in total available liquidity, as it continues to focus on expanding digital revenue streams and managing its debt position.
Advertisement |
Latest Radio Stories
Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall Honors Radio Veterans
The Massachusetts Broadcasters Association inducted seven broadcasting professionals into the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame during a ceremony held June 4 at the Renaissance Hotel and Conference Center in Framingham, recognizing distinguished careers in radio and television. Among the 2026 More |
Charlie & Debbie Move to Mornings on WSOC-FM
Longtime WSOC-FM (Country 103.7) Charlotte personalities Charlie & Debbie are named the Beasely outlet’s new morning show hosts. The duo will officially take over mornings beginning June 22. Charlie & Debbie have been a familiar presence on the station for more than two decades. Their move from afternoons to More |
iHeart Shareholders Approve Expanded Incentive Plan
iHeartMedia shareholders have approved a significant expansion of the company’s long-term incentive compensation program, authorizing an additional 13 million shares for employee equity awards and extending the plan for another decade. The changes were approved during iHeartMedia’s Annual Meeting of More |
Advertisement |
Report: Audio Remains Key for Small Business Growth
Small businesses face increasing pressure to make every marketing dollar count as they navigate a growing number of advertising channels and heightened demands to demonstrate return on investment, according to a new Audacy Insights report. The report, entitled “Small Business Budgets. Big Expectations. More |
Jesse Garcia Named PD of K105 in Fort Wayne
Federated Media has promoted veteran programmer Jesse Garcia to Program Director of Country WQHK (K105) in Fort Wayne, IN, effective immediately. He will continue serving as Program Director of sister Country WBYT (B100) in South Bend. Garcia has spent more than 16 years programming B100, where he also hosts More |
Entravision Launches AI Co-Hosted Radio Show
Entravision Communications says it has made history with what it describes as the first AI co-hosted Spanish-language radio show in the U.S., as its Los Angeles morning program “Al Aire y Sin Permiso” continues to post strong audience growth. The show, heard weekdays from 8-10am on KLYY-FM (Jose 97.5) in More |
Advertisement |
Advertisement |
| Airchecks | Promotions | Ratings | Submissions |