SiriusXM, iHeartMedia discuss potential merger of radio giants
· UPIApril 25 (UPI) -- The two largest radio companies in the United States, iHeartMedia and Sirius XM, are in early talks to merge their powers in the traditional and satellite radio businesses.
The combined company -- SiriusXM would be acquiring iHeartMedia -- would be a broadcasting behemoth of 860 terrestrial radio stations in 160 markets and roughly 33 million satellite subscribers, The Hollywood Reporter, Bloomberg News and The New York Times reported.
Both companies have also had up and down years of late.
SiriusXM dedicated itself to reducing subscriber churn in the last two years as iHeartMedia has leaned into podcasting while radio listenership has continues to decline.
Among SiriusXM's most well-known shows are The Howard Stern Show and Alex Cooper's "Call Her Daddy, while iHeartMedia has picked up shows such as "Las Culturistas" and "Stuff You Should Know."
The deal may come under government scrutiny because of the amount of control the combined company would have over the radio industry and its lucrative advertising business, however the Trump administration has overall expressed support for mergers.
Mariah Carey, Jelly Roll rock the stage at iHeartRadio Music Festival
Mariah Carey performs on stage during the iHeartRadio Music Festival at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on September 20, 2025. Photo by James Atoa/UPI | License Photo