Photograph Credit score: iHeartMedia
iHeartMedia and SiriusXM are in early merger discussions, with music trade vet Irving Azoff and Apollo International Administration advising on the matter.
Following early rumblings of a possible merger between iHeartMedia and SiriusXM, initially reported by Bloomberg, a supply has now confirmed to Selection that the businesses are in early discussions for a merger—not the acquisition of 1 by the opposite. The supply additionally said that any reviews of economic uncertainty at iHeartMedia are unfaithful.
Combining the 2 corporations would unite the most important terrestrial radio community in america with the most important satellite tv for pc radio community to create a radio powerhouse, the likes of which have by no means been seen. Sources stated that the target of such a merger can be to “present better scale and associate with artists to create platforms.”
Nevertheless, there are many causes that such a merger is smart, with either side dropping listeners and affect within the streaming period. It’s obvious that each corporations assume they’d be stronger collectively than aside at this stage within the sport.
Notably, the talks are stated to be within the earliest phases, and there are not any ensures {that a} deal will end result from the discussions. Sources additionally famous that Azoff shouldn’t be within the technique of buying both or each corporations, however is advising together with Apollo.
Regardless, being concerned within the deal in any respect places Azoff in an advantageous place, with super holdings throughout the leisure spectrum. His Full Cease administration represents heavy-hitters like Harry Types and the Eagles, whereas his Oak View Group covers stay leisure. He additionally stays a fixture throughout performing rights with International Music Rights, the US-based reply to ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC.
iHeartMedia reportedly reaches 250 million months listeners throughout 850-plus stations, whereas SiriusXM boasts 33 million subscribers as of 2025. Final 12 months, iHeart reported income of $3.86 billion, which was pretty according to the earlier 12 months, with podcast income up 26%.
SiriusXM is because of launch its first-quarter 2026 earnings on April 30, so the information of merger discussions couldn’t be extra well timed.
