Radio Giant Finds Savings and Tech Opportunities in Tough Times

iHeartMedia, the largest broadcast radio company in the U. S. , is planning significant cost cuts and debt restructuring to save $200 million in 2025. These moves come in light of weak advertising trends and recent staff layoffs. The company has renegotiated 80% of its long-term debt, extending maturities and keeping cash interest expenses flat. CEO Bob Pittman sees these changes as crucial steps towards optimizing the company's balance sheet and focusing on transformation. The layoffs, part of iHeartMedia's "modernization journey, " aim to create a leaner, more efficient organization. Previously, the company faced three rounds of layoffs in 2020 due to an advertising slump during the pandemic. Technology is at the forefront of these changes, with plans to reduce annual expenses by $150 million in 2025. The use of technology allows the company to leverage talent more effectively, broadcasting on-air personalities across different locations to enhance the quality of content in every market.iHeartMedia's third-quarter revenue increased by 5. 8% to $1. 01 billion, aligning with the company's guidance for mid-single-digit growth. Excluding political revenue, growth was 2. 0%. Adjusted EBITDA remained flat at $204 million, despite falling within the lower end of the guidance range. The multi-platform group, which includes broadcast stations and networks, showed a slight revenue decrease of 1. 1% to $619. 5 million, with adjusted EBITDA down 20. 1%. In contrast, the digital audio group experienced a 12. 7% revenue increase to $301 million, with a 6. 8% boost in adjusted EBITDA, largely driven by growth in podcast and political advertising revenue.