Home Login RADIO ONLINE RSS Facebook
Advertisement

Report: Talks Between iHeartMedia, Apple Are Ongoing


iHeartMedia
iHeartMedia

A new report from Financial Times says talks between Apple and iHeartMedia are ongoing with the possibility of Apple acquiring a financial stake in the company, which filed for bankruptcy earlier this year. While no deal is forthcoming, it appears Apple is still considering how an investment in the radio giant could help it promote Beats 1 and Apple Music to iHeartMedia's and iHeartRadio's listeners across the U.S.

"According to people familiar with the negotiations, Apple has considered buying a stake in the radio group, as well as signing a marketing or promotional partnership," the Financial Times wrote. "Another option under consideration is for Apple to acquire iHeartRadio's streaming platform, which would be a relatively cheap way to reach the service's 120m registered users."

Financial Times also reported that a partnership between Apple and iHeartMedia "could see Apple Music's Beats 1 radio station, which is only available through its apps, make its debut on broadcast radio. Extra distribution would give Beats 1 and Apple Music greater awareness among older audiences who are later adopters of streaming services."

An unnamed music industry source told FT, "Terrestrial radio is not the force it once was, but there are millions of people listening to the radio. These radio listeners will inevitably migrate to online services, and they could be herded towards Apple."

Apple Music's listener base has grown to 56 million subscribers, up from 50 million in May of this year, pushing past Spotify and becoming the largest music streaming service in the U.S., but not globally as Spotify still holds that title.

Advertisement

Latest Radio Stories

Jack Speer Retires from NPR After More Than 25 Years
Jack Speer
Jack Speer
NPR's longtime newscaster Jack Speer has announced his retirement, closing a chapter on a career that spanned more than a quarter-century and left an enduring mark on public radio journalism. Speer, whose steady presence and clear delivery became a familiar voice to millions of listeners, joined NPR in 1998. More

KMBY to Celebrate 90th Anniversary with Birthday Bash
KMBY-AM & FM in Monterey
KMBY-AM & FM in Monterey
One of Monterey Bay's most enduring broadcast institutions, KMBY (1240 AM and 106.7 FM), is turning 90 -- and the station is inviting the entire community to celebrate the milestone with a two-day birthday party next weekend. The festivities will take place at KMBY Studios at 651 Cannery Row, Monterey, on More

Amanda Lee Joins KJ103 Morning Show in Oklahoma City
Amanda Lee
Amanda Lee
iHeartMedia has announced that Amanda Lee will be the new morning co-host for KJYO (KJ103) Oklahoma City. Effective immediately, Lee joins hosts TJ and JRod for the newly rebranded "TJ, Amanda, & JRod in the Morning." In her new role, Lee will help guide listeners through the morning with a mix of current More
Advertisement

Lil Shawn Power Joins Party-FM as First On-Air Host
Lil Shawn Power
Lil Shawn Power
Q-Broadcasting's Party FM has adds its first air personality, bringing longtime local radio figure Lil Shawn Power to the afternoon lineup. The bilingual Rhythmic CHR outlet, which airs on WONQ-AM (1030) Oviedo-Orlando and FM translators W230AL (93.9) and W278CN (103.5), had been operating jockless since its More

Joe Bullard Departs 96.1 Jamz After Nearly Three Decades
Joe Bullard
Joe Bullard
Longtime Tallahassee radio personality Joe Bullard has unexpectedly parted ways with WHBX-FM (96.1 Jamz), reports WCTV-TV, ending a remarkable run that spanned nearly 30 years on the Cumulus Urban AC outlet. Bullard's final day on the air was June 17, according to a statement from his family. There was no More

iHeartPodcasts Launches ''American History Hotline''
''American History Hotline''
''American History Hotline''
iHeartPodcasts has launched a new original series titled American History Hotline, a weekly show hosted by musician and history enthusiast Bob Crawford. The podcast debuts today with two inaugural episodes that take listeners on a deep dive into some of the most curious and critical moments in U.S. history. More

Return to Menu

Advertisement

Subscribe to our Newsletter
Radio news and headlines delivered right to your e-mail box -- and it's free.

Advertisement

Advertisement