Netflix has announced a partnership with iHeartMedia to stream over 15 video podcasts, including popular shows like The Breakfast Club, starting in early 2026 in the U.S. This move aims to compete with YouTube by offering exclusive video podcast content, with iHeartMedia retaining audio rights. The deal follows a similar partnership with Spotify, expanding Netflix's presence in the growing video podcast market.
Netflix is in negotiations with iHeartMedia to license and potentially gain exclusive rights to popular video podcasts, aiming to compete with YouTube and expand its content offerings, which could lead to podcasts being removed from YouTube and gaining a new audience and prestige through Netflix.
Senator Ted Cruz hosts the iHeartMedia podcast Verdict without direct compensation, but iHeart has paid over $630,000 to a super PAC supporting his campaign, raising concerns about potential campaign finance violations. The podcast is produced by Cruz's leadership PAC and monetized by iHeart, with ad revenue funneled to the supporting PAC. Meanwhile, podcasting acquisitions include Night acquiring The Roost from Rooster Teeth and Sony purchasing Neon Hum, reflecting a trend of companies seeking infrastructure and client services over original content.
Despite the decline of other legacy media, radio has shown surprising resilience with a stable listenership over the past decade, only experiencing a 10 percentage point drop compared to pay TV's 20 percentage point fall. Radio's success is attributed to its accessibility, local engagement, and interactive nature, including contests and community trust in hosts. Major radio companies like iHeartMedia have embraced digital formats such as podcasts, which complement traditional broadcasting. However, the industry faces advertising challenges post-Covid-19, with iHeartMedia's broadcast advertising revenue expected to decline. Nonetheless, the company's overall revenue, including digital, remains strong, suggesting a potential future where digital growth may offset declines in traditional radio.
Former ABC News anchors Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes, who were let go by the network due to their off-camera affair, are teaming up with iHeartMedia for a new podcast called "Amy & T.J." The podcast, set to premiere on December 5, will be the first time Robach and Holmes publicly address their relationship. In addition to hosting and executive producing the podcast, they will also collaborate on other programming for iHeartPodcasts. The podcast will cover current events, pop culture, and more, and will be available on major podcast platforms.
Sports radio hosts Don Geronimo and Crash Young were banned from the Commanders training camp after making sexist comments about reporter Sharla McBride during a live broadcast. Geronimo referred to McBride as "Barbie" and insinuated she was a cheerleader, while Young made inappropriate remarks. The Commanders swiftly denounced the incident and took action, stating that they have worked hard to ensure a safe and respectful workplace. The team's partnership with iHeartMedia is being assessed, and the incident highlights the ongoing issue of sexism and misogyny in the sports industry.
Bradley Cooper's production company, Lea Pictures, has signed a multiyear audio deal with iHeartPodcasts, the podcast division of iHeartMedia. The collaboration will include co-produced shows, with Cooper serving as executive producer. The first project, "The Good Stuff Podcast," focuses on individuals who have made a positive impact. The shows will be distributed on the iHeartRadio app and other platforms. Cooper aims to bring real stories to a wide audience and looks forward to creating more extraordinary stories together.
