iHeartMedia Inc
For the period ended Mar 31, 2025. Filed May 12, 2025.
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A company's report for each of its first three quarters. The financial statements are not audited. It shows how the business has moved since the last annual report, and what management says changed.
Mar 31, 2025 · Filed May 12, 2025
IHRT$1.77-5.3%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026
What changed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-Q
Period ended 2024-09-30; filed 2024-11-07.
0001400891-24-000036
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsCurrent report: 10-Q
Period ended 2025-03-31; filed 2025-05-12.
0001400891-25-000035
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 194 previous paragraphs and 150 current paragraphs.
81 unchanged; 51 reworded; 18 added; 57 removed; 5 previous and 0 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 13 previous and 11 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (18)
Current report
Modernization Initiatives
Current report
•Multiplatform Group Revenue decreased $20.5 million, or 4.2%, and Segment Adjusted EBITDA decreased $7.2 million, or 9.3%, compared to the prior year's first quarter, respectively.
Current report
•Digital Audio Group Revenue increased $38.3 million, or 16.0%, and Segment Adjusted EBITDA increased $19.0 million, or 27.8%, compared to the prior year's first quarter, respectively.
Current report
•Audio & Media Services Group Revenue decreased $9.8 million, or 14.2%, and Segment Adjusted EBITDA decreased $7.9 million, or 33.3%, compared to the prior year's first quarter, respectively.
Current report
•Operating loss of $25.4 million improved $9.3 million from $34.7 million in the prior year’s first quarter.
Current report
•Net loss of $280.9 million increased $262.8 million from $18.1 million in the prior year's first quarter.
Current report
•Adjusted EBITDA(1) of $104.6 million, was flat compared to the prior year.
Current report
•Free cash flow(2) of $(80.7) million improved slightly from $(80.9) million in the prior year's first quarter.
Current report
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Current report
During the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, we recorded non-cash impairment charges of $2.9 million and $1.5 million, respectively, related to changes in sublease assumptions for certain operating leases intended to be subleased.
Current report
Interest expense increased $4.9 million during the three months ended March 31, 2025 compared to the same period of 2024 primarily as a result of an increase in contractual interest rates in connection with the debt exchange transaction that closed in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Current report
Operating expenses decreased $13.3 million, driven primarily by a decrease in employee compensation cost due to our modernization initiatives, partially offset by an increase in employee benefit expense related to the reestablishment of the 401(k) matching program during the first quarter of 2025.
Current report
Reconciliation of Cash used for operating activities to Free Cash Flow
Current report
Cash used for financing activities totaled $11.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2025 primarily related to the quarterly amortization payment on the Term Loans due 2029 and payments reducing our debt premium recorded in connection with the debt exchange transaction completed in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Current report
(1)Decrease is due to the quarterly amortization payment of $5.4 million equal to 0.25% of the original principal amount of the Term Loan Facility due 2029.
Current report
(2)The difference between the carrying value of the exchanged 5.25% Senior Notes, 4.75% Senior Secured Notes, and 8.375% Senior Unsecured Notes and the principal amount of the 7.75% First Lien Notes due 2030, 7.00% First Lien Notes due 2031 and the 10.875% Second Lien Notes due 2030 was recorded as debt premium and will be reduced as contractual interest payments are made.
Current report
•risks related to advertising revenue fluctuations;
Current report
•risks related to scrutiny of environmental, social, and governance matters;
Removed paragraphs (57)
Previous report
Cost Savings Initiatives
Previous report
Economic uncertainty due to inflation and higher interest rates since 2022 has resulted in, among other things, lower advertising spending by businesses. This economic uncertainty has delayed our expected recovery and has had an adverse impact on the Company's revenues, cash flows, and the trading values of the Company's debt and equity securities for a sustained period. This challenging environment could continue to have a significant impact on our financial results. We therefore performed interim impairment tests as of June 30, 2024 on our indefinite-lived Federal Communication Commission ("FCC") licenses and goodwill. The June 30, 2024 testing resulted in non-cash impairment charges of $304.1 million and $616.1 million to reduce the FCC license and goodwill balances, respectively.
Previous report
We perform our annual impairment test on goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, including FCC licenses, as of July 1 of each year. No impairment was required as part of the 2024 or 2023 annual impairment testing.
Previous report
•Multiplatform Group Revenue decreased $6.8 million, or 1.1%, and Segment Adjusted EBITDA decreased $32.6 million, or 20.1%, compared to the prior year's third quarter, respectively.
Previous report
•Digital Audio Group Revenue increased $33.8 million, or 12.7%, and Segment Adjusted EBITDA increased $6.3 million, or 6.8%, compared to the prior year's third quarter, respectively.
Previous report
•Audio & Media Services Group Revenue increased $28.1 million, or 45.3%, and Segment Adjusted EBITDA increased $27.4 million, or 161.6%, compared to the prior year's third quarter, respectively, primarily driven by an increase in political revenue.
Previous report
•Operating income of $76.7 million increased $7.7 million from $69.0 million in the prior year’s third quarter.
Previous report
•Net loss of $41.3 million increased $32.3 million from $9.0 million in the prior year's third quarter.
Previous report
•Adjusted EBITDA(1) of $204.6 million, was up $0.8 million from $203.8 million in prior year's third quarter.
Previous report
•Free cash flow(2) of $73.3 million increased from $67.7 million in the prior year's third quarter.
Previous report
Consolidated revenue increased $55.1 million during the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period of 2023 primarily due to increases in Digital Audio Group revenue and political revenue as 2024 is a presidential election year. Multiplatform Group revenue decreased $6.8 million, or 1.1%, primarily resulting from a decrease in broadcast advertising in connection with continued uncertain market conditions, partially offset by increases in political revenues and non-cash trade revenues. Digital Audio Group revenue increased $33.8 million, or 12.7%, driven primarily by continuing increases in demand for digital advertising. Audio & Media Services revenue increased $28.1 million, or 45.3%, primarily as a result of higher political revenue and an increase in digital revenue.
Previous report
Consolidated SG&A expenses increased $45.4 million, or 3.8%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period of 2023. The increase was driven primarily by higher non-cash trade expense related to the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards, the 2024 Summer Olympics, and the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Festival, as well as an increase in certain costs incurred in connection with executing on our cost savings initiatives, partially offset by lower bonus expense based on results and lower bad debt expense.
Previous report
Impairment Charges
Previous report
During the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, we recorded non-cash impairment charges of $922.1 million and $965.1 million, respectively, primarily to reduce the carrying values of our indefinite-lived FCC licenses and our goodwill to their estimated fair values as a result of the interim impairment assessments performed in the second quarter of 2024 and 2023, respectively. The impairment charges resulted from the economic uncertainty due to inflation and higher interest rates that has had an adverse impact on our results and has resulted in a significant decrease in the trading values of our debt and equity securities for a sustained period.
Previous report
We perform our annual impairment test on our goodwill and FCC licenses as of July 1 of each year. No impairment was required as part of the 2024 or 2023 annual impairment tests for our goodwill or FCC licenses.
Previous report
Interest expense decreased $3.8 million and $6.9 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same periods of 2023 primarily as a result of the lower outstanding aggregate principal of iHeartCommunications, Inc.'s 8.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027 due to the repurchases of $204.0 million of the notes for $147.3 million in cash during 2023.
Previous report
Gain on Extinguishment of Debt
Previous report
During the three months ended September 30, 2023, we recognized a gain on extinguishment of debt of $23.9 million in connection with the open market repurchases of $89.1 million aggregate principal amount of iHeartCommunications, Inc.'s 8.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027 for $65.2 million in cash. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, we recognized a gain on extinguishment of debt of $51.5 million in connection with the open market repurchases of $189.0 million aggregate principal amount of iHeartCommunications, Inc.'s 8.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027 for $137.5 million in cash. There were no repurchases during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024.
Previous report
The effective tax rates for the Company for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 were (101.7)% and 2.2%, respectively. The three month effective tax rate was primarily impacted by changes in the forecasted increase in valuation allowances recorded against certain deferred tax assets, related primarily to disallowed interest expense carryforwards due to uncertainty regarding the Company’s ability to utilize those assets in future periods. The nine month effective tax rate was primarily impacted by impairment charges to non-deductible goodwill recorded during the second quarter of 2024, as discussed in Note 4, Property, Plant and Equipment, Intangible Assets and Goodwill.
Previous report
Net loss attributable to the Company of $41.3 million during the three months ended September 30, 2024 reflected an increase of $32.2 million compared to Net loss attributable to the Company of $9.1 million during the three months ended September 30, 2023, primarily due to changes in the valuation allowances recorded against certain deferred tax assets as discussed above.
Previous report
Operating expenses increased $25.7 million, driven primarily by higher non-cash trade expense related to the 2024 Summer Olympics and the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Festival, an increase in broadcast music license fees, and an increase in tower rent as a result of the tower sale leaseback transaction completed at the end of the third quarter of 2023.
Previous report
Revenue from our Multiplatform Group decreased $62.4 million compared to the prior year primarily due to a decrease in broadcast advertising in connection with continued uncertain market conditions, partially offset by an increase in political and non-cash trade revenues. Broadcast revenue declined $33.9 million, or 2.7%, year-over-year, driven by lower spot revenue, partially offset by an increase in political advertising and non-cash trade revenues. Networks declined $22.5 million, or 6.5%, year-over-year due primarily to the impact of non-returning advertisers. Revenue from Sponsorship and Events decreased $3.0 million, or 2.5%, year-over-year.
Previous report
Operating expenses increased $38.2 million, driven primarily by higher non-cash trade expense related to the 2024 Summer Olympics, the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Festival, and the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards, as well as higher broadcast music license fees, and an increase in tower rent as a result of the tower sale leaseback transaction completed at the end of the third quarter of 2023.
Previous report
Revenue from our Audio & Media Services Group increased $28.1 million compared to the prior year period, primarily due to higher political revenue as 2024 is a presidential election year and increased demand for digital advertising, partially offset by decreases in broadcast advertising.
Previous report
Reconciliation of Cash provided by operating activities to Free Cash Flow
Previous report
Cash used for financing activities totaled $142.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 primarily due to the repurchases of $189.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 8.375% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027 for $137.5 million in cash, reflecting a discounted purchase price from the face value of the notes.
Previous report
In September 2023, we sold 122 of our broadcast tower sites and related assets for net proceeds of $45.3 million. We simultaneously leased back space on 121 of the broadcast towers and related assets under long-term operating leases.
Previous report
Transaction Support Agreement and Exchange Offer
Previous report
On November 6, 2024, we entered into a Transaction Support Agreement (the “TSA”) with certain lenders and holders (or their managers, advisors, or sub-advisors) of iHeartCommunications' outstanding notes and term loans (collectively, the “Supporting Holders”). The Supporting Holders represent approximately 77% of the aggregate principal amount of iHeartCommunications’ outstanding senior secured notes due 2026, 79% of the aggregate principal amount of our outstanding senior secured notes due 2027, 38% of the aggregate principal amount of our outstanding senior secured notes due 2028, 71% of the aggregate principal amount of our outstanding senior unsecured notes due 2027, and 92% of the aggregate principal amount of our outstanding term loans (collectively, the “Existing Debt”).
Previous report
We and the Supporting Holders have agreed to the terms of, and to support, (i) exchange offer transactions that will be offered to all holders of the Existing Debt, consisting of two alternative exchange transaction structures, each of which will extend the maturity of the Existing Debt tendered in the exchange offer transactions by three years, and (ii) concurrent consent solicitations to amend certain provisions in the indentures and credit agreement governing the Existing Debt. In the first
Previous report
transaction structure, if certain thresholds of holder participation are met, iHeartCommunications will issue new secured debt in exchange for the Existing Debt held by participating holders. Alternatively, if certain thresholds of holder participation are not met, newly-formed subsidiaries of the Company holding certain transferred assets and an intercompany note (to be issued by iHeartMedia + Entertainment, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of iHeartCommunications) will issue new secured debt in exchange for the Existing Debt held by participating holders. Completion of either exchange transaction will result in a strengthened financial position, providing us with additional flexibility to execute on our strategy and business initiatives.
Previous report
The TSA may be terminated under various circumstances, including if the exchange offer transactions are not consummated on or before December 31, 2024, unless such date is extended pursuant to the terms of the TSA.
Previous report
Concurrently with entry into the TSA, we also entered into an amendment to our ABL Facility (the “ABL Amendment”) to, among other things, permit both exchange transaction alternatives and other transactions related to the exchange, amend certain of the covenants, default provisions contained therein, and increase the interest rate on the ABL Facility by (a) if the first transaction is consummated, 0.50%, and (b) if the alternative transaction is consummated, 1.00%. The amendments contained in the ABL Amendment will become effective upon the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions, including the consummation of one of the transactions contemplated by the TSA. We anticipate commencing the exchange offer in the near term.
Previous report
The amount of anticipated cash payments will vary depending on the transaction structure and level of participation and will include partial cash consideration, accrued interest on participating debt, and transaction fees and expenses. We estimate total cash payments to range from $250 million to $295 million.
Previous report
Economic uncertainty due to higher interest rates since 2022 has resulted in, among other things, lower advertising spending by businesses. This challenging environment has led to broader market uncertainty, and has delayed our expected recovery and has had an adverse impact on our revenue and cash flows. This challenging environment has impacted and could further have a significant impact on our financial results. In addition, the economic uncertainty has had a significant impact on the trading values of our debt and equity securities for a sustained period. As a result, we performed an impairment test as of June 30, 2024 on our indefinite-lived FCC licenses and goodwill.
Previous report
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets
Previous report
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, such as our FCC licenses, are reviewed for impairment using the direct valuation method as prescribed in ASC 805-20-S99. Under the direct valuation method, the estimated fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible assets was calculated at the market level as prescribed by ASC 350-30-35. Under the direct valuation method, it is assumed that rather than acquiring indefinite-lived intangible assets as a part of a going concern business, the buyer hypothetically obtains indefinite-lived intangible assets and builds a new operation with similar attributes from scratch. Thus, the buyer incurs start-up costs during the build-up phase which are normally associated with going concern value. Initial capital costs are deducted from the discounted cash flows model, which results in value that is directly attributable to the indefinite-lived intangible assets.
Previous report
Our key assumptions using the direct valuation method are market revenue growth rates, profit margin, and the risk-adjusted discount rate as well as other assumptions including market share, duration and profile of the build-up period, estimated start-up costs and capital expenditures. This data is populated using industry normalized information representing an average asset within a market.
Previous report
On June 30, 2024, we performed an interim impairment test in accordance with ASC 350-30-35 and we concluded that a $304.1 million impairment of the indefinite-lived intangible assets was required. In determining the fair value of our FCC licenses, the following key assumptions were used:
Previous report
•Revenue forecasts published by BIA Financial Network, Inc. (“BIA”), varying by market, and revenue growth projections made by industry analysts were used for the initial five-year period;
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Reworded paragraphs (51)
Previous wording
We report based on three reporting segments:
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We report based on three reportable segments:
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Our segment profitability metric is Segment Adjusted EBITDA, which is reported to the Company's Chief Operating Decision Maker for purposes of making decisions about allocation of resources to, and assessing performance of, each reportable segment. Segment Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as Revenue less operating expenses, excluding Restructuring expenses (as defined below) and share-based compensation expenses.
Current wording
Our segment profitability metric is Segment Adjusted EBITDA, which is reported to the Company's Chief Operating Decision Maker ("CODM") for purposes of making decisions about allocation of resources to, and assessing performance of, each reportable segment. The Company's CODM is our Chief Executive Officer. Segment Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as Revenue less Direct Operating Expenses and Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”) Expenses, excluding Restructuring expenses (as defined below) and share-based compensation expenses.
Previous wording
We believe the presentation of our results by segment provides insight into our broadcast radio business and our digital business. We believe that our ability to generate cash flow from operations from our businesses and our current cash on hand will provide sufficient resources to fund and operate our business, fund capital expenditures and other obligations and make interest payments on our long-term debt for at least the next twelve months.
Current wording
We believe the presentation of our results by segment provides insight into our broadcast radio business and our digital business. We believe that our ability to generate cash flow from operations from our businesses and our current liquidity will provide sufficient resources to fund and operate our business, fund capital expenditures and other obligations and make interest payments on our long-term debt for at least the next twelve months.
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Our strategy centers on delivering entertaining and informative content where our listeners want to find us across our various platforms.
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Our strategy centers on delivering entertaining and informative content where our listeners want to find it across our various platforms.
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Our advertising revenue, cash flows, and cost of capital are impacted by changes in economic conditions. Higher interest rates and inflation have contributed to a challenging macroeconomic environment since 2022. This challenging environment has led to broader market uncertainty which has impacted our revenues and cash flows. The current market uncertainty and macroeconomic conditions, a recession, or a downturn in the U.S. economy could have a significant impact on our ability to generate revenue and cash flows.
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Our advertising revenue, cash flows, and cost of capital are impacted by changes in economic conditions. Higher interest rates and inflation have continued to contribute to a challenging macroeconomic environment. This environment has led to broader market uncertainty which has impacted our revenues and cash flows. We are monitoring ongoing developments surrounding international trade that may pressure the advertising budgets of our customers and could impact our financial results in future periods. The current market uncertainty and macroeconomic conditions, a recession, or a downturn in the U.S. economy could have a significant impact on our ability to generate revenue and cash flows.
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In the first three quarters of 2024, we implemented operating expense savings initiatives to change and streamline our organization, increase automation and use of technology, examine our sourcing strategies, and leverage our scale to drive greater efficiency. We have incurred certain costs in connection with executing on these initiatives and we continue to explore opportunities for further efficiencies.
Current wording
We implemented operating expense savings initiatives during 2024 to streamline our organization and increase automation and the use of technology. These modernization initiatives included headcount reductions and other actions and are anticipated to have approximately $150 million of net savings for full year 2025. We continue to explore opportunities for further efficiencies.
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Consolidated revenues for the third quarter of 2024 increased due to a continued increase in demand for digital advertising and increased political revenues as 2024 is a presidential election year, partially offset by lower spending on radio advertising as a result of continued uncertain market conditions.
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Consolidated revenues for the first quarter of 2025 increased due to a continued increase in demand for digital advertising, partially offset by lower spending on radio advertising as a result of continued uncertain market conditions.
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•Consolidated Revenue of $1,008.1 million increased $55.1 million, or 5.8%, during the quarter ended September 30, 2024 compared to Consolidated Revenue of $953.0 million in the prior year's third quarter.
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•Consolidated Revenue of $807.1 million increased $8.1 million, or 1.0%, during the quarter ended March 31, 2025 compared to Consolidated Revenue of $799.0 million in the prior year's first quarter.
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•Cash flows provided by operating activities of $102.8 million increased from cash flow provided by operating activities of $96.2 million in the prior year's third quarter.
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•Cash flows used for operating activities of $60.9 million increased from $59.3 million in the prior year's first quarter.
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(1)For a definition of Adjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation to Operating income, the most closely comparable U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") measure, and to Net loss, please see "Reconciliation of Operating income to Adjusted EBITDA" and "Reconciliation of Net loss to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA" in this MD&A.
Current wording
(1)For a definition of Adjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation to Operating loss, the most closely comparable U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") measure, and to Net loss, please see "Reconciliation of Operating loss to Adjusted EBITDA" and "Reconciliation of Net loss to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA" in this MD&A.
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(2)For a definition of Free cash flow and a reconciliation to Cash provided by operating activities, the most closely comparable GAAP measure, please see “Reconciliation of Cash provided by operating activities to Free cash flow” in this MD&A.
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(2)For a definition of Free cash flow and a reconciliation to Cash used for operating activities, the most closely comparable GAAP measure, please see “Reconciliation of Cash used for operating activities to Free cash flow” in this MD&A.
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The table below presents the comparison of our revenue streams for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023:
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The table below presents the comparison of our revenue streams for the three months ended March 31, 2025 to the three months ended March 31, 2024:
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Consolidated results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the consolidated results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 were as follows:
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Consolidated results for the three months ended March 31, 2025 compared to the consolidated results for the three months ended March 31, 2024 were as follows:
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Consolidated revenue increased $52.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period of 2023. Multiplatform Group revenue decreased $62.4 million, or 3.6%, primarily resulting from a decrease in broadcast advertising in connection with continued uncertain market conditions, partially offset by increases in political revenues as 2024 is a presidential election year, and non-cash trade revenues. Digital Audio Group revenue increased $74.2 million, or 9.9%, driven primarily by continuing increases in demand for digital advertising, including podcast. Audio & Media Services revenue increased $40.2 million, or 21.2%, primarily as a result of higher political revenue, as well as digital revenue and contract termination fees earned by Katz Media.
Current wording
Consolidated revenue increased $8.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2025 compared to the same period of 2024. Multiplatform Group revenue decreased $20.5 million, or 4.2%, primarily resulting from a decrease in broadcast advertising in connection with continued uncertain market conditions. Digital Audio Group revenue increased $38.3 million, or 16.0%, driven primarily by continuing increases in demand for digital advertising, including podcast advertising. Audio & Media Services revenue decreased $9.8 million, or 14.2%, primarily as a result of Katz Media revenue due to nonrecurring contract termination fees earned by Katz Media in 2024 and a decrease in broadcast advertising in connection with uncertain market conditions, partially offset by an increase in digital advertising.
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Consolidated direct operating expenses increased $29.7 million, or 7.8%, during the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period of 2023. The increase was primarily driven by higher variable content costs, including higher third-party digital costs and podcast profit sharing expenses related to the increase in digital revenues.
Current wording
Consolidated direct operating expenses increased $15.0 million, or 4.4%, during the three months ended March 31, 2025 compared to the same period of 2024. The increase was primarily driven by higher variable content costs, including higher podcast profit sharing expenses and third-party digital costs related to the increase in digital revenues, partially offset by a decrease in employee compensation cost in connection with modernization initiatives taken in 2024.
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Consolidated SG&A expenses increased $25.2 million, or 6.4%, during the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period of 2023. The increase was driven primarily by higher non-cash trade expense related to the 2024 Summer Olympics and the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Festival and an increase in costs incurred in connection with executing on our cost savings initiatives.
Current wording
Consolidated SG&A expenses decreased $4.4 million, or 1.1%, during the three months ended March 31, 2025 compared to the same period of 2024. The decrease was driven primarily by a decrease in costs incurred in connection with executing on our cost savings initiatives, including decreased employee compensation cost due to our modernization initiatives, partially offset by an increase in employee benefit expense related to the reestablishment of the 401(k) matching program during the first quarter of 2025.
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Depreciation and amortization decreased $5.1 million and $12.2 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same periods of 2023, respectively, primarily as a result of a lower fixed asset base due to lower levels of capital expenditures.
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Depreciation and amortization decreased $13.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2025 compared to the same period of 2024 primarily as a result of a lower fixed asset base due to lower levels of capital expenditures.
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During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, we recogn ized a loss on investments, net of $7.4 million and $19.9 million, respectively, related to declines in the value of certain investments.
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During thethree months ended March 31, 2025, we recognized a loss on investments, net of $18.6 million, related to declines in the value of our investments.
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During thenine months ended September 30, 2024, we recognized a gain on investments, net of $91.5 million, primarilydue to the$101.4 million gain recognized on the sale of our investment in Broadcast Music, Inc. ("BMI") in the first quarter of 2024, partially offset by declines in the value of certain investments.
Current wording
During the three months ended March 31, 2024, we recogn ized a gain on investments, net of $92.0 million related primarilydue to the$101.4 million gain recognized on the sale of our investment in Broadcast Music, Inc. ("BMI") in the first quarter of 2024, partially offset by declines in the value of certain investments.
Previous wording
The effective tax rates for the Company for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 were 50.8% and 2.6%, respectively. The three month effective tax rate was primarily impacted by the forecasted increase in valuation allowance against certain deferred tax assets, related primarily to disallowed interest expense carryforwards, due to uncertainty regarding the Company's ability to utilize those assets in future periods. The nine month effective tax rate was primarily impacted by impairment charges to non-deductible goodwill recorded in the second quarter of 2023.
Current wording
The effective tax rates for the Company for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 were (93.0)% and 53.3%, respectively. The effective tax rates for these three-month periods were primarily impacted by the forecasted increase in valuation allowance against certain deferred tax assets, related primarily to disallowed interest expense carryforwards due to uncertainty regarding the Company’s ability to utilize those assets in future periods.
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Net loss attributable to the Company of $1,041.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 reflected an improvement of $74.4 million compared to Net loss attributable to the Company of $1,115.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, primarily due to the $101.4 million gain recognized on the sale of our investment in BMI in the first quarter of 2024.
Current wording
Net loss attributable to the Company increased $262.7 million to $281.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2025 compared to Net loss attributable to the Company of $18.5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2024. The increase was primarily due to the increase in income tax expense as described above and the $101.4 million gain recognized on the sale of our investment in BMI in the first quarter of 2024.
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Revenue from our Multiplatform Group decreased $6.8 million compared to the prior year primarily due to a decrease in broadcast advertising in connection with continued uncertain market conditions, partially offset by an increase in political revenues and non-cash trade revenue. Broadcast revenue declined $6.3 million, or 1.4%, year-over-year, driven by lower spot revenue, partially offset by an increase in political advertising and non-cash trade revenues. Networks declined $1.0 million, or 0.9%, year-over-year. Revenue from Sponsorship and Events increased $0.8 million, or 1.7%, year-over-year.
Current wording
Revenue from our Multiplatform Group decreased $20.5 million compared to the prior year primarily due to a decrease in broadcast advertising in connection with continued uncertain market conditions. Broadcast revenue decreased $18.6 million, or 5.2%, year-over-year, driven by lower spot revenue. Networks declined $2.6 million, or 2.5%, year-over-year. Revenue from Sponsorship and Events increased $0.8 million, or 2.8%, year-over-year.
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Revenue from our Digital Audio Group increased $33.8 million compared to the prior year, driven by Digital, excluding Podcast revenue, which grew $22.4 million, or 13.6% year-over-year, primarily due to an increase in demand for digital advertising, and Podcast revenue which increased by $11.4 million, or 11.1% year-over-year, primarily due to the continued increase in demand for podcasting from advertisers.
Current wording
Revenue from our Digital Audio Group increased $38.3 million compared to the prior year, driven by Podcast revenue which increased by $25.4 million, or 28.0% year-over-year, primarily due to a continued increase in demand for podcasting from advertisers, and Digital, excluding Podcast revenue, which increased $12.9 million, or 8.7% year-over-year, primarily due to an increase in demand for digital advertising.
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Operating expenses increased $27.5 million, primarily driven by higher variable content costs, including higher podcast profit sharing and third-party digital costs related to the increase in revenues.
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Operating expenses increased $19.4 million, primarily driven by higher variable content costs, including higher podcast profit sharing and third-party digital costs related to the increase in revenues.
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Revenue from our Audio & Media Services Group increased $40.2 million compared to the prior year period primarily due to higher political revenue as 2024 is a presidential election year as well as the increased demand for digital advertising and contract termination fees earned by Katz Media.
Current wording
Revenue from our Audio & Media Services Group decreased $9.8 million compared to the prior year period primarily due to contract termination fees earned by Katz Media in the first quarter of 2024 and a decrease in broadcast advertising in connection with uncertain market conditions, partially offset by increased demand for digital advertising.
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Operating expenses decreased $1.0 million primarily as a result of our cost savings initiatives, partially offset by higher sales commissions related to increased demand for digital advertising.
Current wording
Operating expenses decreased $1.9 million primarily as a result of our modernization initiatives, partially offset by higher sales commissions related to increased demand for digital advertising.
Previous wording
Reconciliation of Operating income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA
Current wording
Reconciliation of Operating loss to Adjusted EBITDA
Previous wording
(1)We define Adjusted EBITDA as consolidated Operating income (loss) adjusted to exclude restructuring expenses included within Direct operating expenses and SG&A expenses, and share-based compensation expenses included within SG&A expenses, as well as the following line items presented in our Statements of Operations: Depreciation and amortization, Impairment charges and Other operating expense. Alternatively, Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as Net loss, adjusted to exclude Income tax (benefit) expense, Interest expense, net, Depreciation and amortization, (Gain) loss on investments, net, Gain on extinguishment of debt, Other (income) expense, net, Equity in loss of nonconsolidated affiliates, Impairment charges, Other operating expense, Share-based compensation expense, and restructuring expenses. Restructuring expenses primarily include expenses incurred in connection with cost-saving initiatives, as well as certain expenses, which, in the view of management, are outside the ordinary course of business or otherwise not representative of the Company's operations during a normal business cycle. We use Adjusted EBITDA, among other measures, to evaluate the Company’s operating performance. This measure is among the primary measures used by management for the planning and forecasting of future periods, as well as for measuring performance for compensation of executives and other members of management. We believe this measure is an important indicator of our operational strength and performance of our business because it provides a link between operational performance and operating income. It is also a primary measure used by management in evaluating companies as potential acquisition targets. We believe the presentation of this measure is relevant and useful for investors because it allows investors to view performance in a manner similar to the method used by management. We believe it helps improve investors’ ability to understand our operating performance and makes it easier to compare our results with other companies that have different capital structures or tax rates. In addition, we believe this measure is also among the primary measures used externally by our investors, analysts and peers in our industry for purposes of valuation and comparing our operating performance to other companies in our industry. Since Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure calculated in accordance with GAAP, it should not be considered in isolation of, or as a substitute for, operating loss or net loss as an indicator of operating performance and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures employed by other companies. Adjusted EBITDA is not necessarily a measure of our ability to fund our cash needs. Because it excludes certain financial information compared with operating income and compared with consolidated net income (loss), the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, users of this financial information should consider the types of events and transaction…
Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.
Current wording
(1)We define Adjusted EBITDA as consolidated Operating loss adjusted to exclude restructuring expenses included within Direct operating expenses and SG&A expenses, and share-based compensation expenses included within SG&A expenses, as well as the following line items presented in our Statements of Operations: Depreciation and amortization, Impairment charges and Other operating expense. Alternatively, Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as Net loss, adjusted to exclude Income tax (benefit) expense, Interest expense, net, Depreciation and amortization, (Gain) loss on investments, net, Loss on extinguishment of debt, Other (income) expense, net, Equity in (earnings) loss of nonconsolidated affiliates, Impairment charges, Other operating expense, Share-based compensation expense, and restructuring expenses. Restructuring expenses primarily include expenses incurred in connection with cost-saving initiatives, as well as certain expenses, which, in the view of management, are outside the ordinary course of business or otherwise not representative of the Company's operations during a normal business cycle. We use Adjusted EBITDA, among other measures, to evaluate the Company’s operating performance. This measure is among the primary measures used by management for the planning and forecasting of future periods, as well as for measuring performance for compensation of executives and other members of management. We believe this measure is an important indicator of our operational strength and performance of our business because it provides a link between operational performance and Operating loss. We believe the presentation of this measure is relevant and useful for investors because it allows investors to view performance in a manner similar to the method used by management. We believe it helps improve investors’ ability to understand our operating performance and makes it easier to compare our results with other companies that have different capital structures or tax rates. In addition, we believe this measure is also among the primary measures used externally by our investors, analysts and peers in our industry for purposes of valuation and comparing our operating performance to other companies in our industry. Since Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure calculated in accordance with GAAP, it should not be considered in isolation of, or as a substitute for, Operating loss or Net loss as an indicator of operating performance and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures employed by other companies. Adjusted EBITDA is not necessarily a measure of our ability to fund our cash needs. Because it excludes certain financial information compared with operating income and compared with consolidated Net loss, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, users of this financial information should consider the types of events and transactions which are excluded.
Previous wording
(1)We define Free cash flow ("Free Cash Flow") as Cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures, which is disclosed as Purchases of property, plant and equipment in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. We use Free Cash Flow, among other measures, to evaluate the Company’s liquidity and its ability to generate cash flow. We believe that Free Cash Flow is meaningful to investors because we review cash flows generated from operations after taking into consideration capital expenditures due to the fact that these expenditures are considered to be a necessary component of ongoing operations. In addition, we believe that Free Cash Flow helps improve investors' ability to compare our liquidity with other companies. Since Free Cash Flow is not a measure calculated in accordance with GAAP, it should not be considered in isolation of, or as a substitute for, Cash provided by (used for) operating activities and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures employed by other companies. Free Cash Flow is not necessarily a measure of our ability to fund our cash needs.
Current wording
(1)We define Free cash flow ("Free Cash Flow") as Cash used for operating activities less capital expenditures, which is disclosed as Purchases of property, plant and equipment in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. We use Free Cash Flow, among other measures, to evaluate the Company’s liquidity and its ability to generate cash flow. We believe that Free Cash Flow is meaningful to investors because we review cash flows generated from operations after taking into consideration capital expenditures due to the fact that these expenditures are considered to be a necessary component of ongoing operations. In addition, we believe that Free Cash Flow helps improve investors' ability to compare our liquidity with other companies. Since Free Cash Flow is not a measure calculated in accordance with GAAP, it should not be considered in isolation of, or as a substitute for, Cash used for operating activities and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures employed by other companies. Free Cash Flow is not necessarily a measure of our ability to fund our cash needs.
Previous wording
Share-based compensation expenses are recorded in SG&A expenses and were $8.3 million and $8.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Share-based compensation expenses were $24.0 million and $27.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Current wording
Share-based compensation expenses are recorded in SG&A expenses and were $9.0 million and $8.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
Previous wording
As of September 30, 2024, there was $38.1 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested share-based compensation arrangements with vesting based solely on service conditions. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.6 years and assumes Performance RSUs will be fully earned at target. See Note 8, Stockholders' Deficit, for more information.
Current wording
As of March 31, 2025, there was $26.1 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested share-based compensation arrangements. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.9 years and assumes Performance RSUs will be fully earned at target. See Note 8, Stockholders' Deficit, for more information.
Previous wording
(1)For a definition of Free Cash Flow and a reconciliation to Cash provided by operating activities, the most closely comparable GAAP measure, please see “Reconciliation of Cash provided by operating activities to Free Cash Flow” in this MD&A.
Current wording
(1)For a definition of Free Cash Flow and a reconciliation to Cash used for operating activities, the most closely comparable GAAP measure, please see “Reconciliation of Cash used for operating activities to Free Cash Flow” in this MD&A.
Previous wording
Cash provided by operating activities was $70.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to $59.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The increase was primarily due to an improvement in the timing of receivable collections and timing of payable payments, largely offset by a decrease in revenue from our Multiplatform Group, and an increase in cash bonus payments in 2024 compared to 2023.
Current wording
Cash used for operating activities was $60.9 million during the three months ended March 31, 2025 compared to $59.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2024. The increase was primarily due to the timing of payable and accrual payments, partially offset by an improvement in the timing of receivable collections and timing of interest payments. Accrued interest was paid in the fourth quarter of 2024 for the debt exchange transaction that would have been paid in the first quarter of 2025 under the old debt terms.
Previous wording
Cash used for investing activities of $40.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 primarily reflects $90.4 million in cash used for capital expenditures. For capital expenditures during the period, we spent $52.1 million in our Multiplatform Group segment primarily related to our real estate optimization initiatives, $17.3 million in our Digital Audio Group segment primarily related to IT infrastructure, $6.3 million in our Audio & Media Services Group segment, primarily related to software, and $14.7 million in Corporate primarily related to equipment and software purchases. This was partially offset by the proceeds from the disposal of assets, which mainly consisted of $45.3 million related to the sale of broadcast tower sites and related assets. We are leasing back space on the broadcast towers and related assets under long-term operating leases.
Current wording
Cash used for investing activities of $20.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2025 primarily reflects $19.7 million in cash used for capital expenditures. For capital expenditures, we spent $5.9 million in our Multiplatform Group segment primarily related to our IT infrastructure and real estate optimization initiatives, $5.9 million in our Digital Audio Group segment primarily related to IT infrastructure, $5.6 million in our Audio & Media Services Group segment, primarily related to software, and $2.3 million in Corporate primarily related to equipment and software purchases.
Previous wording
Cash provided by investing activities of $23.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 primarily reflects $101.4 million of proceeds received from the sale of our investment in BMI, partially offset by $72.2 million in cash used for capital expenditures. For capital expenditures during the period, we spent $38.2 million in our Multiplatform Group segment primarily related to our IT infrastructure and real estate optimization initiatives, $17.0 million in our Digital Audio Group segment primarily related to IT infrastructure, $5.8 million in our Audio & Media Services Group segment, primarily related to software, and $11.1 million in Corporate primarily related to equipment and software purchases.
Current wording
Cash provided by investing activities of $78.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2024 primarily reflects $101.4 million of proceeds received from the sale of our investment in BMI, partially offset by $21.6 million in cash used for capital expenditures. For capital expenditures, we spent $11.7 million in our Multiplatform Group segment primarily related to our IT infrastructure and real estate optimization initiatives, $5.4 million in our Digital Audio Group segment primarily related to IT infrastructure, $2.3 million in our Audio & Media Services Group segment, primarily related to software, and $2.2 million in Corporate primarily related to equipment and software purchases.
Previous wording
Cash used for financing activities totaled $8.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 primarily due to distributions to noncontrolling interest holders.
Current wording
Cash used for financing activities totaled $3.5 million during the three months ended March 31, 2024 primarily due to distributions to noncontrolling interest holders.
Previous wording
Our primary sources of liquidity are cash on hand, which consisted of cash and cash equivalents of $431.8 million as of September 30, 2024, cash flows from operations and borrowing capacity under our $450.0 million senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility entered into on May 17, 2022 (as amended from time to time, the "ABL Facility"). As of September 30, 2024, iHeartCommunications had no amounts outstanding under the ABL Facility, a facility size of $450.0 million and $23.7 million in outstanding letters of credit, resulting in $426.3 million of borrowing base availability. Our total available liquidity 1 as of September 30, 2024 was $858.1 million.
Current wording
Our primary sources of liquidity are cash on hand, which consisted of cash and cash equivalents of $167.7 million as of March 31, 2025, cash flows from operations and borrowing capacity under our $450.0 million senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility entered into on May 17, 2022 (as amended from time to time, the "ABL Facility"). As of March 31, 2025, iHeartCommunications had no amounts outstanding under the ABL Facility, a borrowing base of $415.1 million and $23.7 million in outstanding letters of credit, resulting in $391.4 million of borrowing base availability. Our total available liquidity 1 as of March 31, 2025 was $559.1 million.
Previous wording
We regularly evaluate the impact of economic conditions on our business. A challenging macroeconomic environment has led to market uncertainty which has continued to negatively impact 2024 revenues and cash flows. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, our consolidated revenues increased compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023 primarily due to revenue growth in our Digital Audio Group, as well as political revenue, partially offset by lower revenue in our Multiplatform Group, among other factors discussed in the Results of Operations section of the MD&A. Although we cannot predict future economic conditions or the impact of any potential contraction of economic growth on our business, we believe that we have sufficient liquidity to continue to fund our operations for at least the next twelve months.
Current wording
We regularly evaluate the impact of economic conditions on our business. A challenging macroeconomic environment has led to market uncertainty which has continued to negatively impact our revenues and cash flows. For the three months ended March 31, 2025, our consolidated revenues increased compared to the three months ended March 31, 2024 primarily due to revenue growth in our Digital Audio Group, partially offset by lower revenue in our Multiplatform Group, among other factors discussed in the Results of Operations section of this MD&A. Although we cannot predict future economic conditions or the impact of any potential contraction of economic growth on our business, we believe that we have sufficient liquidity to continue to fund our operations for at least the next twelve months.
Previous wording
We are a party to many contractual obligations involving commitments to make payments to third parties. These obligations impact our short-term and long-term liquidity and capital resource needs. Certain contractual obligations are reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2024, while others are considered future commitments. Our contractual obligations primarily consist of long-term debt and related interest payments, commitments under non-cancelable operating lease agreements, and employment and talent contracts. In addition to our contractual obligations, we expect that our primary anticipated uses of liquidity in 2024 will be to fund our working capital and maintain operations, make interest and tax payments, fund capital expenditures, make voluntary debt repayments and pursue other strategic opportunities.
Current wording
We are a party to many contractual obligations involving commitments to make payments to third parties. These obligations impact our short-term and long-term liquidity and capital resource needs. Certain contractual obligations are reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2025, while others are considered future commitments. Our contractual obligations primarily consist of long-term debt and related interest payments, commitments under non-cancelable operating lease agreements, employment and talent contracts, and music license fees. In addition to our contractual obligations, we expect that our primary anticipated uses of liquidity in 2025 will be to fund fluctuations in working capital, make interest and tax payments, fund capital expenditures, make voluntary debt repayments and pursue other strategic opportunities, and maintain operations.
Previous wording
Assuming the current level of borrowings and interest rates in effect at September 30, 2024, we anticipate that we will have approximately $85.4 million of cash interest payments in the remainder of 2024 compared to $88.5 million of cash interest payments during the same period in 2023, primarily due to lower interest rates on our floating rate. Future increases in interest rates could have a significant impact on our cash interest payments.
Current wording
Assuming the current level of borrowings and interest rates in effect at March 31, 2025, we anticipate cash payments to service our debt of approximately $333.7 million in the remainder of 2025. These debt service cash payments include interest, quarterly term loan amortization payments and payments related to the debt premium. The increase in payments is primarily due to quarterly term loan amortization payments, as well as to an increase in interest rates in connection with the Debt Exchange Transaction that closed in the fourth quarter of 2024. Future increases in interest rates could have a significant impact on our cash interest payments.
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Rearranged previous paragraphs (5)
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Consolidated direct operating expenses increased $53.5 million, or 5.0%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to the same period of 2023. The increase was primarily driven by higher variable content costs, including higher podcast profit sharing expenses and third-party digital costs related to the increase in digital revenues.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”) Expenses
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Revenue from our Digital Audio Group increased $74.2 million compared to the prior year, driven by Digital, excluding Podcast revenue, which increased $41.1 million, or 8.7% year-over-year, primarily due to an increase in demand for digital advertising, partially offset by a decrease in COVID-19 related advertisers, and Podcast revenue which increased by $33.0 million, or 12.0% year-over-year, primarily due to a continued increase in demand for podcasting from advertisers.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Operating expenses increased $46.5 million, primarily driven by higher variable content costs, including higher podcast profit sharing and third-party digital costs related to the increase in revenues.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Operating expenses increased $0.6 million, primarily driven by higher sales commissions related to the increased demand for digital advertising.