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iHeartMedia(IHRT) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-11-10 22:30
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3 2025, the company generated an EBITDA of $205 million, slightly above the midpoint of the guidance range of $180-$220 million and flat compared to the prior year [4][15] - Consolidated revenue for the quarter was down 1.1% year-over-year, at the high end of the guidance of down low single digits [12][20] - Excluding political impacts, consolidated revenue was up 2.8% [12][20] - The company reported a GAAP operating loss of $116 million, including a $209 million impairment charge related to FCC licenses [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Digital Audio Group generated revenue of $342 million, up 13.5% year-over-year, and adjusted EBITDA of $130 million, up 30.3% [4][16] - Podcast revenue within the Digital Audio Group was $140 million, growing 22.5% year-over-year [17] - Non-podcast digital revenue grew 8% year-over-year to $202 million [17] - The Multi-Platform Group's revenue was $591 million, down 4.6% year-over-year, with adjusted EBITDA of $119 million, down 8.3% [6][17] - The Audio and Media Services Group revenue was $67 million, down 26% year-over-year [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The largest advertising category gainers were healthcare, telecom, professional services, and retail, while political, financial services, food and beverage, and entertainment saw declines [12][13] - The company has diversified advertising revenue, with no category exceeding 5% of total advertising revenue [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to achieve full-year adjusted EBITDA margins in the mid-30s and is focused on maximizing operational efficiency through technology and cost management [5][10] - A new partnership with TikTok was announced, which will integrate TikTok creators into iHeart's ecosystem, enhancing monetization opportunities [6][22] - The company is investing in its proprietary audience database to improve targeting and measurement capabilities [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the advertising environment, noting positive discussions with advertisers despite potential uncertainties from a government shutdown [10][30] - The company expects to generate meaningful free cash flow in Q4 and anticipates a strong revenue cycle for political advertising in the upcoming election year [19][27] Other Important Information - The company is on track to generate $150 million in net savings for 2025, with an additional $50 million in savings expected to begin in 2026 [9][15] - The net debt at the end of the quarter was approximately $4.7 billion, with total liquidity of $510 million [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Free cash flow and debt repayment strategy - Management acknowledged the negative free cash flow in Q3 but expects meaningful cash flow in Q4, with plans to repay the ABL facility [24][25] Question: Multi-Platform Group revenue trends - Management confirmed that Q3 revenue for the Multi-Platform Group met expectations and expressed confidence in future growth [26][27] Question: Programmatic initiatives and revenue impact - Management stated that agreements with major DSPs are in place, and programmatic initiatives are expected to grow similarly to podcasting revenue [33][34] Question: Podcasting growth sustainability - Management indicated that podcasting revenue growth remains strong, with local advertising contributing significantly [51][54] Question: Competitive advertising environment - Management noted that radio advertising is experiencing a renaissance, with studies showing its effectiveness in campaigns [59][60] Question: Sponsorship and events revenue outlook - Management clarified that the decline in sponsorship revenue is due to minor issues and expects stability moving forward [75][76]
KAMALA HARRIS WANTED TO GO ON JOE ROGAN?
The Diary Of A CEO· 2025-10-31 19:01
I wanted to do Joe Rogan show and there was a lot of games being played. I think podcasting is a very powerful medium for people to get information. A lot of people that is a main source of information and it's important for us to support that.>> Joe says you wanted he wanted him to come to you which is very unlolike in terms of he doesn't really travel. Do you wish you'd gone and done the show for three hours at his studio. >> A lot of people advised me not to do a show because they assumed, as it turned o ...
X @Bloomberg
Bloomberg· 2025-10-30 20:33
As linear TV declines and podcasters become video stars, companies outside the audio realm are rushing to license their programs https://t.co/jZsk4PUZbN ...
X @Andy
Andy· 2025-09-12 23:07
Media Format Trends - Streaming has surpassed podcasting as the primary media format in the crypto space [1] - Clippings featuring prominent figures are now a key strategy for brand distribution [1] Narrative Control - Clippings are considered a top lever for managing narratives in the current attention-driven environment [1]
X @Andy
Andy· 2025-09-12 15:34
Industry Trend & Shift - The industry is rapidly shifting from podcasting to streaming due to the demand for real-time content and shorter time commitments [1] - Clips are becoming the preferred format for content consumption, serving as a "Trojan horse" to attract audiences [1] - The initial advantage of livestream "TV format" is diminishing as the market becomes saturated [1] Rollup TV's Strategy - Rollup TV aims to innovate beyond traditional formats and overlays in the next 100 days [2] - The company plans to transform viewers into active participants through two-way interactions to build a loyal fan base [2] - Rollup TV will launch new shows with unique formats, focusing on topics like tokenization, stablecoins, and AI [2][4] Future Vision - Streaming and clipping are becoming standard, requiring continuous innovation to maintain a competitive edge [3] - The company emphasizes the importance of growing the pie and collaborating with others in the media space [3] - Rollup TV is doubling down on its vision for media by introducing shows with a fresh new look [4]
PodcastOne (NASDAQ: PODC) Reports Record Q1 Fiscal 2026 Financial Results
Globenewswire· 2025-08-13 12:00
Core Insights - PodcastOne reported record revenue of approximately $15 million for Q1 Fiscal 2026, marking a 14% increase from $13.2 million in Q1 Fiscal 2025 [7][9] - The company achieved an Adjusted EBITDA of $580,000, a significant improvement of 284% year-over-year [9][10] - PodcastOne's guidance for Fiscal 2026 anticipates revenues between $55 million and $60 million, with Adjusted EBITDA projected at $3 million to $5 million [10][9] Management Commentary - Kit Gray, President and Co-Founder, emphasized PodcastOne's legacy in the podcasting industry and its commitment to audio-first entertainment, which has set industry standards [2][6] - The company is well-positioned to leverage relationships with over 500 major advertisers, capitalizing on the growing podcasting market [3][6] Industry Context - The podcasting industry is thriving, with over 4 million podcasts globally and advertising revenues expected to exceed $2.4 billion in the current year [3][6] - PodcastOne has expanded its video production efforts, resulting in a 200% increase in video views year-over-year across platforms like YouTube and TikTok [5][6] Financial Performance - Q1 Fiscal 2026 results showed a net loss of $1.054 million, an improvement from a net loss of $1.366 million in the same quarter last year [7][9] - The company reported a Contribution Margin of approximately $2.4 million, representing a 59% increase from the previous year [9][27] Podcast Offerings - PodcastOne added 14 new podcasts in Q1 Fiscal 2026, bringing the total to over 200 on its network [9][4] - The diverse offerings include popular titles such as LOVE MURDER and Detox Retox, catering to a wide audience [4][5]
Legendary Dallas Morning Show The Musers Expands to Podcasting With Exclusive Weekly Episodes
Globenewswire· 2025-07-30 13:00
Core Insights - Cumulus Media has announced the addition of "The Musers: The Podcast" to its Cumulus Podcast Network, featuring hosts George Dunham, Craig Miller, and Gordon Keith, who are known for their long-standing morning show in Dallas-Fort Worth [1][4] - The podcast offers exclusive content not available on the radio show, showcasing the hosts' unique humor and chemistry [2][3] - New episodes of the podcast will be released weekly on Wednesdays and will be accessible on major platforms like YouTube and Apple Podcasts [3] Company Overview - Cumulus Media is an audio-first media company that reaches a quarter billion people monthly through various platforms, including 400 radio stations across 84 markets [6] - The company provides a range of programming, including sports, news, and entertainment, and operates the largest audio network in America through Westwood One [6] - Cumulus Media also offers integrated digital marketing services and live event experiences, enhancing its advertising capabilities [6] About The Musers - "The Musers" has been a staple in morning radio for over 30 years, consistently rated as the top show in its market since 1995 and recognized with a Marconi Award [4][5] - The hosts have engaged in numerous charity events, raising millions for various causes [5]