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Top Radio News
Peter Naylor Named Nielsen's First Chief Client Officer
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, November 12, 2025 | 2:20pm CT |
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Nielsen has appointed veteran advertising executive Peter Naylor as its first Chief Client Officer, a newly created position designed to strengthen relationships with advertisers and publishers across traditional and digital media. Naylor will report directly to Nielsen CEO Karthik Rao. In his new role, Naylor will collaborate closely with Nielsen's sales, product, and research teams to ensure the company continues to meet client needs amid rapid changes in viewing and advertising behavior.
"The key to Nielsen's continued success is working closely with our clients to build the best marketing intelligence platform in the world," said Rao. "Peter is the perfect person to help that mission, building on Nielsen's momentum of Big Data Panel measurement, live streaming innovation and our AI transformation."
Naylor brings extensive experience from top media organizations. He previously served as Netflix's first VP of Global Advertising Sales, where he built the company's ad business from the ground up, and as Head of Sales for the Americas at Snap Inc., where he helped increase revenue by 50 percent. Earlier, as SVP of Advertising Sales at Hulu, Naylor helped establish ad-supported streaming models now standard across the industry.
"As a Nielsen customer for over 20 years, I'm thrilled to support our partners during this dynamic time in media," said Naylor. "I look forward to helping clients find even more success with Nielsen data while ensuring our products continue to evolve with their needs."
Naylor has also served on the boards of the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB), the International Radio and Television Society (IRTS), and the She Runs It Foundation.
Nielsen continues to lead in cross-platform measurement, integrating Big Data + Panel methodologies that power audience ratings across TV, streaming, radio, and digital platforms. Its measurement systems are widely regarded as the industry standard for media planning and performance tracking.
Cumulus Adds Shots Podcast Network to Its Portfolio
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, November 12, 2025 | 4:32pm CT |
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Cumulus Media has expanded its podcast lineup with the addition of the Shots Podcast Network to the Cumulus Podcast Network, marking a move into creator-led audio entertainment. Under the agreement, Westwood One's Cumulus Podcast Network will distribute, market, and monetize Shots Podcast Network content, while Shots will continue to produce and own all of its shows.
The Shots Podcast Network, known for its viral content and massive fanbase, includes hit shows such as Full Send Podcast hosted by Kyle Forgeard, One Night with Steiny featuring Aaron "Steiny" Steinberg, and The Rush with Maxx hosted by NFL star Maxx Crosby.
With more than 2.2 million YouTube subscribers and 430 million total views, Full Send has become a pop-culture staple, featuring guests including Donald Trump, Elon Musk, Mike Tyson, Dana White, and Stephen A. Smith. The show's blend of humor, authenticity, and controversy has fueled its appeal among young adults.
One Night with Steiny has rapidly grown its audience with unfiltered celebrity interviews and comedic banter, while The Rush gives football fans inside access to the NFL through Crosby's perspective and guest appearances from top players like Davante Adams and Cam Jordan.
"This partnership with Cumulus is a game-changer," said John Shahidi, CEO of Shots Podcast Network. "Their infrastructure allows us to amplify our creators and connect with audiences in new ways."
Collin Jones, President of Westwood One and the Cumulus Podcast Network, added, "Shots is one of the most dynamic and influential creator networks in media today. Their fearless approach and massive fan engagement make them a perfect fit for our network."
Shots Podcast Network shows are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and across the Cumulus Podcast Network's digital platforms, with new episodes dropping weekly.
Podcast Ad Spending Surges Across Key Sectors in Q3 2025
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, November 12, 2025 | 4:27pm CT |
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Investment in podcast advertising continued to accelerate through the third quarter of 2025, with strong gains across industries including food, wagering, investing, energy, and health services, according to the latest iHeart x Magellan AI Podcast Advertising Benchmark Report released by ARN.
The quarterly analysis found that most brands kept ad creative between 15 and 30 seconds, favoring mid-roll placements to boost brand awareness. Overall ad loads rose compared to the same period in 2024, underscoring the growing value marketers are placing on podcast audiences.
Educational, News, and Kids & Family shows captured the largest share of total ad airtime in Q3. Leading all advertisers was Entain Group, which ran campaigns across both local and international podcasts such as Hello Sport, Tradies, and Alpha Blokes in the lead-up to the AFL and NRL Finals.
The report ranked the Top 10 advertisers for Q3 2025 as follows:
- Entain Group
- Westpac
- BetterHelp
- Shopify
- Airbnb
- The Walt Disney Company
- Suncorp Bank
- Amazon
- Hyundai Motor Group
- Wise
"Podcasting's growth continues to climb," said Corey Layton, ARN's Head of Digital Audio. "This quarter saw brands across every sector doubling down, tapping into the medium's unmatched attention and trust. Marketers are becoming increasingly sophisticated in crafting campaigns that sound native, connect emotionally, and cut through in the moments when listeners are most engaged."
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SSRS Finds WNBA Fandom Surged to Record Levels in 2024
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, November 12, 2025 | 2:27pm CT |
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Edison Research, now part of SSRS following its October acquisition, is highlighting new data from the long-running SSRS Sports Poll showing the extraordinary rise in U.S. sports fandom for the WNBA.
The SSRS Sports Poll, which has tracked American sports engagement since 1994, found that the WNBA became the women's sport with the largest overall fan base in the country in 2024 - reaching 110 million fans ages 12 and older. The league gained 17.3 million new fans over the course of the year, the biggest single-year increase in fandom ever recorded by the Sports Poll for any sport or league.
Women's college basketball also saw remarkable growth in 2024, adding 12.4 million fans. The rise of stars such as Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese fueled audience expansion across both the college and professional levels of the sport.
The NFL also posted strong gains, increasing its U.S. fan base by 9.5 million during the same period - growth coinciding with Taylor Swift's highly publicized appearances at Kansas City Chiefs games.
The SSRS Sports Poll continues to track trends in sports fandom and will release additional findings later this year.
Cafe Mocha Celebrates 15 Years with Salute THEM Awards
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, November 12, 2025 | 10:20am CT |
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Syndicated Cafe Mocha radio show marked its 15th anniversary with a star-studded celebration at the historic Howard Theatre in Washington, DC. The milestone event, dubbed the "Crystal Anniversary," coincided with the annual Salute THEM Awards, recognizing cultural and community excellence.
The awards, an extension of the show's Saluting Our Culture Tour, honored prominent figures advancing culture, empowerment, and representation. Filmmaker Ryan Coogler received the inaugural HBCU First LOOK "I Aspire" Global Impact Award, presented in partnership with Howard University's Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts. Coogler reflected on his creative connection to Boseman, noting the shared legacy of Black Panther as a symbol of cultural pride and artistic achievement.
Other honorees included Marsai Martin (Bridging The Gap Award), Lynn Whitfield (Legend Award), Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (Champion for Change Award), Virginia Ali of Ben's Chili Bowl (Business Legacy Award), Edna Kane Williams of AARP (Corporate Trailblazer Award), Angel Gregorio (Community Activist Award), and R&B artist Kenny Lattimore (SWAG Award).
Hosted by Yo-Yo, Jawn Murray, and Laila Muhammad, the sold-out evening featured performances by The String Queens, Anthony Brown, and Keith D. Robinson. The event also launched the 3rd Annual HBCU First LOOK Film Festival at Howard University.
Proceeds from the Salute THEM Awards benefit the Mocha Cares Foundation, which supports women and children affected by domestic violence and provides mentorship opportunities for HBCU students. Sponsors included AARP, OCTFME, ESPN, TV One/CleoTV, iHeartMedia's Black Information Network, and Howard University partners.
JVC's Food Fight Helps Feed Long Island Families
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, November 12, 2025 | 2:55pm CT |
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JVC Broadcasting's annual Food Fight Against Hunger once again brought Long Island listeners and communities together, with all seven JVC stations -- Party 105, LI News Radio, La Fiesta, My Country 96.1, En Vivo 1440 AM & 93.3 FM, and Big Hits 98.1 -- teaming up for the two-day event to fight local food insecurity.
Listeners and local partners demonstrated remarkable generosity, contributing more than 22,000 pounds of food, along with $1,055 in gift cards, $240 in turkey certificates, and $538 in cash donations to help Long Island families in need this holiday season.
"Thank you for a truly outstanding job. All our gratitude to the JVC staff at both locations on both days - they were absolutely fantastic," said Bruce Shepard, VP and GM of JVC Broadcasting NY. "Taking their weekend to help others, that's what local radio does. While we started off a little slow, we ended up doing very well given the current times."
JVC Broadcasting CEO John Caracciolo added, "We are so proud of our incredible staff for giving up their weekend to help our Long Island community. This is how local radio shines - people helping people, neighbors helping neighbors. JVC and our listeners continue to prove that local radio is better than all the rest."
All donations from the event will benefit families in Brookhaven and Riverhead.
Tkachuk Brothers Launch ''Wingmen'' Digital Talk Series
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, November 12, 2025 | 2:46pm CT |
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Wave Sports & Entertainment has unveiled Wingmen, a new weekly digital talk series hosted by NHL All-Stars Brady and Matthew Tkachuk, debuting Thursday, November 13. The show marks the first original series hosted by active NHL players.
Matthew Tkachuk, a two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Florida Panthers, and his brother Brady, captain of the Ottawa Senators and a four-time All-Star, will bring their trademark energy, humor, and sibling banter to the new format. Each episode invites fans into their world with behind-the-scenes stories, locker room insights, and candid conversations from across the NHL.
"We've seen what Wave has done with other athletes and were immediately drawn to the idea of building something fresh for hockey fans," said Brady Tkachuk. "Wingmen is our way of bringing people inside our world-the laughs, the banter, the not-so-friendly chirps, and everything in between." Matthew added that the series will capture the excitement of the NHL season and their anticipation for playing together again for Team USA at the upcoming Winter Olympics.
"Wingmen is exactly the kind of series we love to create, one that connects fans with two of the most exciting players and personalities in their sport," said John Kelly, Director of Strategy at Wave.
Wingmen premieres November 13, with new episodes every Wednesday on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other major platforms.
Izzy Mitchell Named PD at 95 Triple X Burlington
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, November 11, 2025 | 2:09pm CT |
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Vox AM/FM promotes Izzy Mitchell to Program Director for CHR WXXX-FM (95 Triple X) in Burlington, VT. Mitchell currently serves as midday host on 95 Triple X, program coordinator and host for WERS-FM in Boston, and podcast operations intern with CNN. Beginning in January 2026, she will move to the afternoons from 2-7pm.
In her new role, Mitchell will oversee daily programming, content, sound design, promotions, record label relations, and audience engagement strategies.
"We're thrilled to welcome Izzy to our management team," said Vox AM/FM Operations Manager Ted Richards. "She's one of the brightest young talents in the industry, and her winning attitude will help us connect with listeners in new and creative ways. Izzy represents the next generation of radio leadership -- and she's exactly who we need."
Mitchell expressed gratitude for the opportunity, saying, "To be trusted with leading the station is an incredible honor. I'm excited to build on what makes 95 Triple X special and keep it a real part of the community. I grew up listening to radio in Vermont, and to be part of that now feels a lot like coming home."
WERS Brand Manager Ken West added, "We're incredibly proud of Izzy. Her leadership skills, fun personality, and natural ability to connect with audiences will shine through immediately at 95 Triple X."
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Roger Rafson Joins Media Services Group as Managing Dir.
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, November 11, 2025 | 4:58pm CT |
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Media Services Group has announced the addition of veteran media broker Roger Rafson as Managing Director. With decades of experience in broadcast station brokerage, valuations, and media transactions, Rafson is widely recognized for his industry insight and proven track record in facilitating successful radio and television deals. Previously, he founded CMS Station Brokerage, before moving to Strategic Alliances as Senior VP.
Based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Rafson has represented both buyers and sellers in markets nationwide. His appointment strengthens Media Services Group's national presence and underscores the firm's commitment to providing comprehensive brokerage and advisory services to broadcast clients.
"Roger's joining marks a strategic expansion for our firm," said Bob Heymann, Managing Director at Media Services Group. "His reputation, integrity, and deep industry knowledge will make him a valuable asset to our clients and our team."
McVay, Orchard Partner on ''Fear of Failure'' Project
| RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, November 12, 2025 | 0:01am CT |
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Radio Hall of Famer and longtime media consultant Mike McVay has joined forces with Kelly Orchard, a second-generation broadcaster turned psychotherapist, to address one of radio's most personal challenges -- fear of failure.
Their new collaboration, Flipping the Format on the Fear of Failure, combines Orchard's decades in radio and clinical psychology to create a framework for emotional intelligence and positive leadership within the industry.
"This project captured my interest because of the human need that exists," said McVay, founder of McVay Media Consulting. "People in our industry are facing more than ratings pressure; they're facing uncertainty, stress, and burnout. Kelly's approach connects those realities to real, actionable tools."
Central to the project is Orchard's W.K.R.P. Framework -- Winning Mindset, Know Thyself, Resilience/Responsibility/Respect, and Positive Psychology -- a system that blends her therapeutic expertise with lessons learned from inside radio stations.
"Radio taught me how to lead, how to fail, and how to get back up," said Orchard, M.A., LMFT. "I was raised in the business -- my father engineered the first 'Boss Radio' broadcast at KHJ in Los Angeles -- and those lessons shaped my work as a therapist. Now I get to give them back to the industry that raised me."
Orchard, who began her radio career at 16 when her family launched a station in California's High Desert, now coaches teams and executives on leadership and workplace wellness. Her earlier book, Dead Air: The Day the Music Died, released earlier this year, explores similar emotional themes through fiction.
McVay and Orchard plan to roll out companion workshops and presentations designed to help broadcasters "flip their internal format" by improving mindset, communication, and culture. Their core message: mental health and leadership health are inseparable.
PickleJar, LRN to Syndicate ''Up All Night'' Nationally
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, November 11, 2025 | 11:12pm CT |
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PickleJar Entertainment Group, a Texas-based music and entertainment software company, has announced a strategic broadcast partnership with Local Radio Networks (LRN) to serve as the national distribution partner for its flagship overnight country radio program, "PickleJar Up All Night."
The agreement expands PickleJar's brand presence and audience engagement through a nationwide affiliate strategy. LRN will collaborate with local and regional broadcasters to distribute the show, which airs weeknights from Nashville and is hosted by Katie Cook and Scott Gaines. The program features artist interviews, exclusive live performances, and interactive fan segments that capture the energy of Music City.
The deal also introduces new engagement tools in the PickleJar Live App for listeners tuning in through LRN affiliates.
"We're thrilled to partner with Local Radio Networks to take PickleJar Up All Night to stations across the country," said Kristian Barowsky, President and Co-Founder of PickleJar Entertainment Group. "LRN's infrastructure and broadcast expertise make them the ideal partner to help us connect artists, fans, and radio in new and meaningful ways."
"Local Radio Networks is excited to work with PickleJar to syndicate Up All Night nationwide," added LRN CEO Steve Swick. "Together, we'll create a new model for our Country music affiliates-combining PickleJar's innovative platform with LRN's proven delivery of high-quality programming."
Senate Schedules FCC Oversight Hearing for December
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, November 11, 2025 | 2:01pm CT |
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Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, has scheduled a full committee hearing for December 17 to conduct oversight of the Federal Communications Commission. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr will testify alongside Commissioners Olivia Trusty and Anna Gomez.
The hearing follows weeks of controversy surrounding Carr's public comments about ABC late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. Carr faced bipartisan backlash after urging broadcasters to take Kimmel off the air over remarks related to the alleged assassin of Salem Media syndicated host Charlie Kirk. The incident has reignited debate over the FCC's role in regulating broadcast content under its "public interest" standard.
Committee Democrats, including Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-WA), are expected to question Carr on both the controversy and his broader deregulatory agenda. Cantwell has previously accused Carr of sidestepping congressional oversight and advancing media consolidation that, she argues, undermines competition and localism.
Cruz himself has criticized Carr's approach to the Kimmel episode, calling it "dangerous as hell" on his Verdict podcast, warning that government interference in broadcast speech "will end up bad for conservatives." The December hearing is expected to draw sharp exchanges from both sides of the aisle over free speech, media concentration, and the limits of FCC authority.
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WGN Radio Wins Three Honors at 2025 IBA Silver Domes
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, November 11, 2025 | 1:49pm CT |
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WGN-AM Chicago earned three top honors at the 2025 Illinois Broadcasters Association (IBA) Silver Dome Awards, including two distinctions for its newsroom. The annual ceremony, celebrating excellence in Illinois broadcasting, took place November 6 at the InterContinental Hotel in Chicago.
Among the evening's highlights, longtime WGN sports anchor Dave Eanet received the 2025 Chicago/W. Russell Withers Jr. Broadcast Pioneer Award, recognizing his more than three decades of contributions to the station and Illinois broadcasting. Eanet is best known as the radio voice of Northwestern University football and men's basketball and frequently appears as a fill-in anchor on the WGN-TV sports desk. The award honors the late W. Russell Withers Jr., a founding member of the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation.
WGN Radio also collected three Silver Dome Awards:
- Best Continuing Coverage - "Trial of Michael Madigan" (WGN Radio)
- Best Feature - "Chicago Teachers Told to Pass Migrant Students" (Sylvia Snowden, Ryan Burrow)
- Best Radio Personality - John Williams
Photos from the awards ceremony are available here.
Skyview, MusicMaster Form Network Audio Sales Pact
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, November 11, 2025 | 10:15am CT |
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Skyview Networks has announced a new multi-year partnership with MusicMaster, a broadcast radio music scheduling service, for exclusive network audio sales beginning January 1, 2026. The deal gives Skyview exclusive access to advertising inventory from MusicMaster's extensive affiliate base, which will be marketed by Skyview's national sales team to expand network reach and boost revenue opportunities.
"Through our partnership with Skyview Networks, we're expanding the ways our clients can benefit from barter while creating additional opportunities for stations and advertisers across the industry," said Laurie Knapp, CEO of MusicMaster. "Skyview's proven success in network audio sales and their reputation for strong, collaborative partnerships make them the ideal ally as we continue to serve our broadcasters with the most effective business solutions in the industry."
"MusicMaster is a leader in innovation across the audio landscape, and we are thrilled to welcome them to our network audio sales portfolio," added Steve Jones, President and CEO of Skyview Networks. "This partnership will further elevate our portfolio in the industry to deliver even greater value, creativity, and growth opportunities for our buyers and agency clients."
The Podglomerate Boosts Podcast ROI with Magellan AI
| RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, November 11, 2025 | 1:44pm CT |
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In the latest case study, The Podglomerate, a full-service podcast company representing more than 70 shows and 30 million monthly downloads, has turned to Magellan AI to quantify what really drives audience growth and engagement across its network.
Founded in 2016, The Podglomerate produces, monetizes, and markets podcasts for major clients including NPR, Netflix, Harvard, and Microsoft. As the podcast industry matured, advertisers demanded clearer proof that marketing investments were translating into real, lasting audience growth -- a gap the company has filled using Magellan AI's attribution and analytics platform.
By measuring 4.1 million impressions through Magellan AI, The Podglomerate found that about 51% of new listeners returned for multiple episodes, confirming strong retention beyond the first touch. In 2025 alone, pod-to-pod campaigns identified nearly 10,000 new listeners, providing concrete evidence of discovery-to-loyalty conversion.
Magellan AI's tracking tools also helped detect delivery or tracking issues early, allowing the recovery of five-figure media value across campaigns. As Chartable phased out, The Podglomerate increased its Magellan AI-tracked campaigns by 90% year over year, making the platform a cornerstone of its analytics and planning process.
Through Magellan AI, The Podglomerate gains real-time airchecks, attribution data, and performance insights that guide planning, optimize buys, and ensure delivery accuracy -- turning listener data into actionable proof of performance and measurable ROI.
Jimmy Farrell Named VP & Market Manager for CMG Miami
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, November 10, 2025 | 2:23pm CT |
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Cox Media Group (CMG) has appointed Jimmy Farrell as Vice President and Market Manager of CMG Miami Radio, effective immediately. In his new role, Farrell will oversee the company's four stations in the market -- WFEZ (Easy 93.1 FM), WFLC (Hits 97.3), WEDR (99JAMZ), and WHQT (Hot 105 FM). Farrell succeeds Ralph Renzi, who had led CMG Miami Radio since 2017 and is departing to pursue another opportunity.
A 32-year broadcast veteran, Farrell most recently served as VP and Market Manager for CMG Jacksonville Radio since 2022. Under his leadership, the Jacksonville cluster raised more than $1 million for the Child Cancer Fund of Jacksonville, logged over 1 million community service moments, earned a 2023 Marconi Award for CHR Station of the Year (WAPE), and achieved record audience shares in 2025.
"Jimmy is a terrific leader who builds strong teams and achieves extraordinary results," said Rob Babin, President of CMG Radio. "After succeeding in roles of increased responsibility across the CMG Radio business, he's earned the deep respect and trust of his teams and the industry. I know CMG Miami Radio will thrive under his leadership, just as the Jacksonville team has done."
For Farrell, the move marks a return to where his career began. A graduate of the University of Miami, he started as an intern for CMG Miami early in his career.
"I'm very excited to come home to lead CMG Miami Radio and continue their outstanding efforts to positively impact our loyal listeners, outstanding communities and clients," said Farrell. "I'll miss our CMG Jacksonville team, but I look forward to the meaningful opportunity in front of me."
Farrell also serves as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Ronald McDonald House Charities in Jacksonville and plans to continue similar community leadership efforts in Miami.
iHeartMedia Q3 Revs Slip 1%, Digital Audio Up 14%
| RADIO ONLINE | Monday, November 10, 2025 | 5:35pm CT |
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iHeartMedia reported third quarter 2025 revenue of $997 million, down 1.1% from the prior year. Excluding political advertising from the 2024 election cycle, revenue increased 2.8%. The company posted a GAAP operating loss of $116 million compared to operating income of $77 million a year ago, including $209 million in non-cash impairment charges tied to FCC licenses. Adjusted EBITDA remained flat at $205 million.
The Digital Audio Group was the company's strongest performer, with revenue rising 14% to $342 million and podcast revenue up 22% to $140 million. Adjusted EBITDA for the segment climbed 30% to $130 million, yielding a 38.1% margin.
By contrast, the Multiplatform Group -- which includes broadcast radio, networks, and live events -- reported revenue of $591 million, down 5%. Excluding political revenue, the decline was 3%. Adjusted EBITDA fell 8% to $119 million with a 20.2% margin. The Audio & Media Services Group saw revenue drop 26% to $67 million, primarily reflecting reduced political advertising.
Free cash flow was negative $33 million, with $10 million in cash used for operations. The company ended the quarter with $192 million in cash and $510 million in total available liquidity.
Chairman and CEO Bob Pittman highlighted iHeart's new partnerships with Amazon Ads and TikTok as part of its strategy to expand cross-platform opportunities. "We continue to take important steps in the evolution of our company," said Pittman. "We're committed to unlocking the value of our unparalleled assets and creating innovative opportunities for advertisers and consumers."
President, COO and CFO Rich Bressler added that iHeart remains on track to achieve $150 million in cost savings this year and expects an additional $50 million in annual savings beginning in 2026. "We run the company with a relentless focus on efficiency, leveraging AI-powered tools and services to make our operations more effective," Bressler said.
Looking ahead, iHeartMedia expects Q4 consolidated revenue to decline in the low-single digits but grow mid-single digits excluding political. Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter is projected between $200 million and $240 million.
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