{
  "id": 19248067,
  "title": "iHeartMedia Q3 2026 slides: podcast gains offset by radio decline",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/09/iheartmedia-q3-2026-slides-podcast-gains-offset-by-radio-decline",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-11-09T23:57:33.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Investing.com",
    "slug": "investing-com",
    "url": "https://www.investing.com/news/company-news/iheartmedia-q3-2026-slides-podcast-gains-offset-by-radio-decline-93CH-5013739"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On November 9, 2026, iHeartMedia (NASDAQ:IHRT) disclosed its third quarter 2026 financials, showing a mixed performance as robust podcast revenue could not fully compensate for declining traditional radio business. Overall revenue reached $1.03 billion, a modest 3.3% increase year-over-year, falling short of the anticipated $1.07 billion and prompting a 35% post-market stock drop to $1.15.\n\nThe results highlight the ongoing struggle for the largest audio company in the United States: while digital transformation is gaining traction, its growth hasn't sufficiently offset the decline in core radio operations. The Multiplatform Group, encompassing traditional broadcast radio, saw adjusted EBITDA plummet 43% to $68 million, compared to the guidance range of $180 million to $220 million. Consequently, consolidated adjusted EBITDA decreased to $170 million, down from $205 million in the same period last year.\n\nDespite these challenges, iHeartMedia's Digital Audio Group led the charge with $389 million in revenue, up 13.8% year-over-year, fueled by strong podcast performance. Podcast revenue surged 24.4% to $174 million, while digital revenue, which excludes podcasts, grew 6.4% to $215 million. However, the segment adjusted EBITDA contracted 2.3% to $127 million, signaling margin compression to 32.8% from 38.1% in the previous year.\n\nThe Multiplatform Group, comprising the company's traditional radio operations, experienced the most significant setbacks, with revenue falling 4.9% to $562 million (down 7% excluding political advertising) and adjusted EBITDA dropping 42.9% to $68 million. Segment adjusted EBITDA contracted sharply to 12.1% from 20.2% in Q3 2025.\n\nOne notable bright spot was the Audio & Media Services Group, which reported a 22.6% revenue increase to $82 million and an impressive 65.9% jump in adjusted EBITDA to $38 million, achieving a 45.9% margin. The company's trade and barter arrangements, which have a timing mismatch, contributed to a notable EBITDA headwind, creating an approximately $100 million net negative impact in Q3 2026. However, over the life of each contract, these arrangements ultimately neutralize their impact on cumulative adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}