iHeartRadio Migrates To Mexico

iHeartMedia announced Monday that it is launching its streaming radio app iHeartRadio in Mexico. As a matter of fact, the beta version of the app has already been made live, with plans for an official launch as early as November 3.

As a part of this launch, iHeartMedia is collaborating with Grupo ACIR, the Mexican broadcaster, which owns the La Comadre, Amor, and Mix radio brands. All of the 56 Grupo ACIR and 850 iHeartMedia broadcast radio stations will be included in the iHeartRadio Mexico.

The service will also offer digital-only stations from both companies, with podcasts in English and Spanish languages, since iHeartMedia is getting serious with regards to podcasts, which has been reported by its recent acquisition of the parent company behind HowStuffWorks.

The launch is likely to coincide with iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina in Miami, and the broadcasters are promoting the collaboration with a contest for one Grupo ACIR listener to win a VIP trip to the event.

“This collaboration will enable us to readily interface with our group of onlookers by delivering a mind-blowing free music listening experience and giving amazing technology to our clients and partners,” said Grupo ACIR CEO Antonio Ibarra in the announcement.

At launch, the application would exclude a portion of iHeartRadio’s different features, as on-demand music streaming. Chief Product Officer Chris Williams said this follows the guide the organization used when launching in markets like Australia, Canada, and New Zealand — it begins with live radio and digital recordings, in light of the fact that negotiating for global streaming rights requires some serious amount of time.