2025 was a year of strategic partnerships, digital expansion, financial stabilization, and regulatory shifts in the radio sector. The three major groups—iHeartMedia, Audacy, and Cumulus—focused on content distribution deals, podcast growth, live events, and cost efficiencies amid ongoing ad challenges and FCC deregulation efforts that eased burdens but sparked debate over consolidation.
January
- iHeartMedia: Announced lineup for iHeartCountry Festival (May) and preparations for major events.
- Industry: FCC began broad deregulation review ("Delete, Delete, Delete" initiative), targeting obsolete rules and ownership caps.
- Cumulus: Westwood One secured English-language audio rights for U.S. Soccer.
February
- iHeartMedia: Continued event planning; financial pressures from prior years lingered.
- Cumulus: Westwood One announced exclusive multiplatform coverage for NCAA events.
March
- Industry: FCC officially launched mass deregulation proceeding, inviting comments on eliminating unnecessary rules.
- Audacy: Named finalist for 21 NAB Marconi Radio Awards.
April
- iHeartMedia: Released Q1 earnings; focused on digital growth.
- Cumulus: Reported Q1 results with digital revenue up 6.1% (20% excluding prior losses).
May
- iHeartMedia: Hosted iHeartCountry Festival; announced more event details.
- Cumulus: Promoted leadership in key markets (e.g., Atlanta VP/Market Manager).
June
- iHeartMedia & Audacy: Major partnership announced—Audacy's 240+ stations and podcasts added to iHeartRadio app, expanding reach across devices.
- Cumulus: Debuted new podcast episodes and promotions.
July
- Audacy: Unveiled 2025 We Can Survive Concert lineup (September event with Ed Sheeran, etc.).
- iHeartMedia: Reported Q2 earnings with digital audio revenue up 13.4% and podcast growth.
- Cumulus: Promoted Des Moines VP/Market Manager.
August
- iHeartMedia: Released Q2 results; ongoing modernization for $150M savings.
- Industry: FCC advanced deregulation, eliminating 98 obsolete rules.
September
- iHeartMedia: Hosted iHeartRadio Music Festival (September 19-20); announced lineup.
- Audacy: Held We Can Survive Concert; released State of Audio Fall report.
- Cumulus: Reported Q3 results; announced new podcast additions.
October
- iHeartMedia: Released Q3 earnings with digital growth (13.5%) and new partnerships (e.g., Amazon Ads, TikTok).
- Cumulus & Audacy: Announced rebranding of Infinity Sports Network to Westwood One Sports (effective December); Cumulus assumed programming for syndicated lineup.
November
- iHeartMedia: Q3 results highlighted efficiency gains and $50M additional savings planned for 2026.
- Audacy: Announced WFAN (New York) programming revamp for 2026.
December
- iHeartMedia: Inked major video podcast deal with Netflix (15+ shows, launching 2026); partnered with Viant for addressable audio; announced video podcast support in iHeartRadio app (2026 launch).
- Cumulus: Launched Westwood One Sports 24/7; new syndicated shows (e.g., America at Night host change).
- Industry: FCC's deregulation continued, easing burdens but raising concerns about consolidation.
Overall, 2025 emphasized collaboration (e.g., iHeart-Audacy deal, Cumulus-Audacy sports partnership) and digital/podcast growth to offset traditional radio challenges. FCC deregulation reduced operational hurdles, but debates persisted on ownership caps and localism. The groups stabilized finances through efficiency and new revenue streams, positioning for further digital evolution.