iHeartMedia announced that its streaming audio inventory will now be available to Amazon’s Demand‑Side Platform (DSP), allowing Amazon advertisers to reach millions of listeners across smartphones, smart speakers, tablets, and gaming consoles through addressable, measurable inventory that was previously sold only through traditional radio sales channels. The integration is live on Amazon DSP and represents a significant step in iHeartMedia’s strategy to monetize its legacy broadcast reach through digital channels.
The partnership gives Amazon DSP customers access to a data‑rich audience that can be targeted and tracked with the same precision as digital ads, a capability that has been a long‑standing goal for iHeartMedia. By turning its broadcast assets into a programmatic platform, iHeartMedia can compete with pure‑play digital audio providers and capture a larger share of the cross‑device advertising market. The deal also signals a broader industry shift toward data‑driven audio advertising, as Amazon’s advanced targeting signals are combined with iHeartMedia’s deep listener insights.
iHeartMedia and Amazon have already laid the groundwork for a phased rollout. Beginning in 2026, Amazon DSP will be able to programmatically sell iHeartPodcasts and the company’s broadcast radio stations, extending the programmatic offering beyond streaming audio. This expansion will allow advertisers to reach audiences on traditional radio frequencies as well as on-demand podcast content, further broadening the reach of Amazon’s advertising platform.
In the most recent quarter, iHeartMedia reported revenue of $933.65 million, beating the consensus estimate of $912.35 million. The revenue increase of 0.5% year‑over‑year was driven by modest gains in digital audio and podcast advertising, offsetting a slight decline in the multiplatform group. However, the company posted an earnings‑per‑share loss of $0.54 versus the expected $0.28, a miss largely attributable to higher operating costs and a one‑time restructuring charge. While revenue growth was modest, the company’s GAAP operating income swung from a $910 million loss in Q2 2024 to a $35 million profit in Q2 2025, and adjusted EBITDA rose to $156 million from $150 million, reflecting improved operational leverage.
Management guidance for the next quarter indicates a low‑single‑digit decline in consolidated revenue, but an increase in revenue excluding political advertising, which is expected to fall. Adjusted EBITDA is projected to be between $180 million and $220 million, a range that signals confidence in maintaining profitability despite the anticipated dip in political ad spend. The guidance reflects the company’s focus on sustaining growth in its digital audio segment while managing the seasonal volatility of political advertising revenue.
Lisa Coffey, Chief Business Officer of iHeartMedia, said the partnership “unlocks scale with deep listener engagement and proven performance.” She added that making broadcast radio addressable, measurable, and programmatic will “enable marketers of all sizes to buy with greater ease and consistency.” Meredith Goldman, Director of Amazon DSP, noted that the integration “simplifies campaign management and offers unique measurement capabilities,” positioning Amazon DSP as a comprehensive omnichannel solution for advertisers seeking to connect with consumers across media.
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