SiriusXM, iHeartMedia discuss potential merger of radio giants

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 continued 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.

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