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ARN extends iHeartRadio licence to 2036 following iHeartMedia’s emergence from bankruptcy

ARN today announced the extension of its iHeartRadio licence in Australia until 2036.

The extension follows US-based iHeartMedia’s emergence from bankruptcy thanks to a significant restructure which allowed it to reduce its debt from US$16.1bn to $5.75bn. iHeartMedia filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the US last year, but earlier this month filed for an IPO before announcing the completion of the restructure.


“We’re excited to be able to lead the evolution of Australia’s digital audio landscape, working alongside our U.S. partner, iHeartMedia. As we move towards becoming a digital and data-enabled audio business, ARN is focussed on creating an unrivalled experience where audiences can access their broadcast and on-demand audio content in one place, and at any time,” said HT&E CEO and managing director Ciaran Davis.

“This extension not only strengthens our core brands, but will also see us focus our investment in resources and capability to deliver the most comprehensive audio solutions by extending our content and audience-generating strategies, and delivering rich data sets for all-inclusive, targeted solutions for our clients.”

The extension of the licence allows listeners to access all forms of broadcast and on-demand audio content in one place, according to ARN, and will allow it to innovate in the smart speaker, podcasting, and data profile and targeting spaces. iHeartRadio Australia is integrated into more than 65 devices including Google Home, Amazon Echo and Alexa, Telstra TV and Sonos.

“iHeartMedia has watched ARN strengthen the iHeartRadio Australia brand and platform over the past six years. During this time, the service has experienced impressive growth in usage and engagement, which is no small feat in such a competitive market,” said Darren Davis, president of iHeartRadio.

“We are delighted to continue our partnership with ARN, working together to bring Australian audiences more of the music and audio entertainment content they love on the devices they use most.”

iHeartRadio launched in Australia in 2013, and currently has more than 1.34m registered users. It’s also home to Australia’s largest podcast library, with close to 3m episodes.

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