AI @ iHeartMedia
Summary
- iHeartMedia has steadily integrated AI from 2017 onwards, initially through partnerships with Veritone to provide AI solutions to broadcast stations, expanding to AI-driven music transitions and podcast enhancements by 2018-2022.
- Significant layoffs in 2020 were linked to AI-driven automation, reflecting a shift towards cost optimization; subsequently, from 2022 onwards, iHeartMedia advanced AI applications in multilingual podcast translation, brand safety for advertisers, and generative AI tools, with ongoing internal control on AI usage (2023 ban on ChatGPT without approval).
- By late 2025, iHeartMedia leverages AI extensively for podcast translation into six languages, voice cloning, and content personalization, while also addressing public concerns with human-centered storytelling approaches; CEO Bob Pittman highlights AI's role in unlocking alternative revenue streams, indicating an increasing reliance on AI-driven solutions balancing innovation with audience trust.
VIBE METER
6 AI Use Cases at iHeartMedia
Content Translation2025Customer Facing
Podcast Monetization2024Customer Facing
Brand Safety2023Customer Facing
Content Moderation2022
Workforce Automation2020
Timeline
2025 Q4
iHeartMedia leadership including Tom Poleman and CEO Bob Pittman stressed a balanced approach to AI, emphasizing human connection amidst AI expansion; launched The AI Daily Brief podcast and studies revealing public concerns about AI and the role of radio as a trusted medium.
- Barrett Media: Meet The Leaders: Tom Poleman, Chief Programming Officer at iHeartMedia
- iHeart.com: The AI Daily Brief: Artificial Intelligence News and Analysis Podcast
- Recording Academy: iHeartMedia Bankruptcy: When Do Songwriters & Artists Get Paid?
- Media Jobs Report: iHeartMedia Study Reveals Growing Need for Human Connection in AI World
- Insideradio.com: iHeart's Bob Pittman: Radio Provides Connection and Trust in AI-Obsessed World
- Radio Ink: iHeart: Americans Are 'Digitally Sick' and Radio Could Be A Cure
2025 Q3
iHeartMedia utilizes AI tools broadly for language translation, commercial and spec-spot creation, enhancing content production and distribution capabilities.
2025 Q2
iHeartMedia launched AI-translated podcasts in six languages using voice cloning of hosts to maintain show tone and personality, enhancing listener experience internationally.
2025 Q1
iHeartMedia terms of use indicate provision of experimental generative AI services (GAIS) on their platform, signaling ongoing generative AI integration in content offerings.
2024 Q4: no updates
2024 Q3: no updates
2024 Q2: no updates
2024 Q1
CEO Conal Byrne announced testing of generative AI tools for transcribing and translating podcasts; AI used to assist music programming with human selection; AI drives revenue growth in programmatic advertising.
- Insideradio.com: iHeart Testing AI For Show Translations
- Insideradio.com: How iHeart Uses AI To Help Make Music Decisions
- CES.tech: The Future of Audio: iHeartMedia's Vision for 2024
- Digiday: Podcast Networks Test AI Tools for Faster Translation
- Radio Ink: AI Unlocks Alternative Income as iHeart Posts 2023 Financials
2023 Q4: no updates
2023 Q3: no updates
2023 Q2
iHeartMedia banned employee use of ChatGPT and similar AI tools for projects without approval but plans to roll out proprietary AI solutions and embrace AI fully for cost management and product enhancement.
2023 Q1
iHeartMedia launched AI-driven brand safety tools for podcast advertisers by partnering with Sounder, providing episode-specific safety assurance.
2022 Q4: no updates
2022 Q3: no updates
2022 Q2: no updates
2022 Q1
Partnership with Sounder launched to provide podcast intelligence; used Veritone Voice technology for multilingual podcast production leveraging verified synthetic voices.
2021 Q4: no updates
2021 Q3: no updates
2021 Q2: no updates
2021 Q1: no updates
2020 Q4: no updates
2020 Q3: no updates
2020 Q2: no updates
2020 Q1
iHeartMedia laid off over 50 DJs citing significant AI investments; testing AI music-mixing system by startup Super Hi-Fi began in 2018 online.
2019 Q4: no updates
2019 Q3: no updates
2019 Q2: no updates
2019 Q1: no updates
2018 Q4: no updates
2018 Q3
iHeartRadio launched first-of-its-kind AI technology for intelligent music transitions eliminating spaces between songs.
2018 Q2: no updates
2018 Q1: no updates
2017 Q4
Veritone again expanded its relationship, offering a more comprehensive AI-based, real-time solution for iHeartMedia stations.
2017 Q3: no updates
2017 Q2: no updates
2017 Q1
Veritone expanded its AI solution relationship with iHeartMedia, providing advanced AI to over 200 broadcast stations nationwide.