• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, July 9, 2025

iHeartMedia Bulks Up on Podcast Tech

  • iHeartMedia is pushing further into the podcast space with its purchase of ad tech firm Triton Digital for $230 million.
  • In September, iHeartMedia bulked up its broadcast radio offerings through the launch of iHeartSports.
The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Broadcast behemoth iHeartMedia is investing hundreds of millions in the podcast game.

The audio giant, which boasts 850 broadcast radio stations and a podcast network with a monthly audience of over 29 million, acquired ad and analytics platform Triton Digital from E.W. Scripps for $230 million. With the purchase, the company aims to cash in on content like its recently launched iHeartSports network.

The move is iHeartMedia’s latest push into the podcast space, where it competes primarily with Apple, which leverages the ubiquity of its iPhones, and Spotify, which uses its market penetration in music streaming. iHeartMedia leans on its presence as the biggest broadcast radio provider in the U.S. to carve out its place in the podcasting market.

The company is simultaneously beefing up its sports broadcast offerings through iHeartSports, which provides short-form local and national updates.

  • Launched in September, iHeartSports provides sports updates to over 500 broadcast stations and their digital streams.
  • The offering leans on nationally known analysts and personalities such as Colin Cowherd, Dan Patrick and Joy Taylor, who also have podcasts through iHeartMedia.
  • In February, Spotify made its own major push into sports podcasting with its $196 million purchase of The Ringer and its 30+ sports and culture podcasts.

Triton provides ads and audience analysis to major audio providers, including Spotify, ESPN Radio, Pandora, CBS Radio, and even prior to the acquisition, iHeartMedia.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jul 6, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Mexico forward Marcel Ruiz (14) heads the ball in front of United States midfielder Brenden Aaronson (11) in the second half during the 2025 Gold Cup Final at NRG Stadium.

USMNT Struggles Still Produce Big Gold Cup Ratings for Fox

The U.S. team’s recent issues culminated in a loss to Mexico.
Malika Andrews
exclusive

Joe Buck, Malika Andrews to Guest-Host ABC’s ‘Good Morning America’

Elle Duncan and Laura Rutledge have also had discussions.
Jun 10, 2025; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) drops back to pass during minicamp at their South Side facility.
opinion

Steelers Win-Now Mode Is Good News for NFL Media Partners

The conservative “Steeler Way” has finally adapted—and media partners are happy.
Leo Messi

TNT, Club World Cup Ride Messi to Surprisingly Solid Debut Ratings

TNT Sports carries about a third of matches in the U.S.

Featured Today

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.
July 5, 2025

Baseball’s Celebrity Row: Behind MLB’s First-Pitch Ritual

Often planned, sometimes spontaneous, the ritual throw is baseball’s celebrity row.
July 4, 2025

3,000 Hot Dogs, $20K in Prizes: Behind the Nathan’s Eating Contest

Nathan’s serves up thousands of hot dogs and $20,000 in prize money.
July 3, 2025

Geoffrey Esper Can’t Catch a Break at Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

“Hot dogs is not one of my favorite competitions of the year.”
Paige Bueckers
exclusive

Women’s March Madness Expansion Wouldn’t Yield More ESPN Money

ESPN is not required to pay extra if women’s March Madness expands.
July 2, 2025

Paramount Settles Trump Suit Ahead of NFL Season, Skydance Merger

The deal likely allows the much larger Skydance merger deal to proceed.
Feb 7, 2025; Storrs, Connecticut, USA; UConn Huskies center Tarris Reed Jr. (5) reacts after his basket against the St. John's Red Storm in the first half at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion.
July 8, 2025

After Decade Apart, ESPN and Big East Rekindle Media Rights Relationship

After a decade-plus apart, the network will stream hundreds of conference events.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
June 24, 2025

Fever vs. Aces Draws 5th-Largest TV Audience of 2025 WNBA Season

ESPN will carry seven more Indiana Fever games this year.
June 23, 2025

NBA Finals Game 7 Is Most-Watched Since 2019, but Series Drops 9%

Game 7 drew 16.35 million viewers, the most-watched NBA game since 2019.
June 19, 2025

Pacers Force Game 7, Could Spark Big Ratings Boost for NBA Finals

Game 7 could boost NBA Finals ratings after a slow start this year.
June 17, 2025

Stanley Cup Final Delivers Drama but Struggles for Eyeballs in U.S.

U.S. viewership fell while Canadian audiences for the event rose slightly.