\n<\/p>\n
\n\tShares in iHeartMedia jumped more than 35% on Friday following a report from Bloomberg that said the radio giant has started early talks with satellite radio\u2019s SiriusXM to combine.<\/p>\n
\n\tBloomberg reported that the merger talks were in the preliminary stages and there is no certainty a deal will go through, according to the outlet\u2019s unnamed sources. It said both companies declined comment.<\/p>\n
\n\tiHeartMedia shares closed the day at 5.42, near the stock\u2019s 52-week high, while SiriusXM\u2019s stock was off about 5% to 26.61. SiriusXM\u2019s market cap is $9.42 billion, while iHeartMedia\u2019s is $605.89 million.<\/p>\n
\n\tSiriusXM, the largest satellite radio provider, had about 33 million subscribers and 170 million listeners as of last September. iHeartMedia, which comprises business segments the iHeartMedia Multiplatform Group, the iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group and the Audio and Media Services Group, says it has about 250 million monthly listeners across its 860 owned stations and digital services, and per Nielsen is the U.S.\u2019s No. 1 podcast publisher.<\/p>\n
\n\tPodcasts are a big part of both companies\u2019 recent diversification efforts beyond traditional radio. iHeartMedia\u2019s podcast segment revenue of $174 million was a highlight of the company Q4 2024, up 24.5% thanks to titles like Stuff You Should Know<\/em> and Las Culturistas<\/em>. The SiriusXM Podcast Network boasts biggie names like Call Her Daddy<\/em>, SmartLess<\/em> and The Mel Robbins Podcast<\/em>.<\/p>\n \n\tSiriusXM\u2019s stock has been rallying over the past three months, up more than 20% and hitting its own 52-week highs after striking an audio ad deal with YouTube.<\/p>\n \n\tThe satellite radio giant reports its Q1 2026 earnings next week, while iHeartMedia is due to report its Q1 numbers May 11.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n