iHeartMedia#Format Lab and HD2 Formats

iHeartMedia, Inc. specializes in radio broadcasting, podcasting, digital and live events through division iHeartMedia (sans "Inc." suffix; formerly Clear Channel Media and Entertainment, Clear Channel Radio, et al.) and subsidiary iHeartMedia and Entertainment, Inc. (formerly Clear Channel Broadcasting, Inc.); the company owns more than 870 full-power AM and FM radio stations in the U.S., making it the country's largest owner of radio stations. The company has also been involved in internet radio and podcasting via the digital platform iHeartRadio{{cite web

|url=https://www.iheartmedia.com/podcasts

|title=The iHeartPodcast Network

|quote=distributed on all major podcast platforms, including ...}}{{cite web

|url=https://www.vulture.com/2020/12/iheartmedia-podcast-translation.html

|title=iHeartMedia Tries Its Hand at Podcast Translation (Again)

|quote=This week's edition of Nick Quah's Hot Pod, an industry newsletter about podcasting, explores iHeartMedia's attempt to translate hit podcasts for

|date=December 1, 2020}} (from which the company derives its current name).

In the past, the company was also involved in live events and out-of-home advertising. The company spun off these businesses in 2005 and 2019 respectively, as the present-day Live Nation Entertainment{{Cite news|date=December 15, 2005|title=Clear Channel Gives Details on Spinoff Of Live Nation Unit|language=en-US|work=Wall Street Journal|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB113460359053522836|access-date=October 27, 2020|issn=0099-9660}}{{Cite news|last=Leeds|first=Jeff|date=April 30, 2005|title=Clear Channel to Spin Off Its Entertainment Division (Published 2005)|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/30/business/media/clear-channel-to-spin-off-its-entertainment-division.html|access-date=October 27, 2020|issn=0362-4331}} and Clear Channel Outdoor.{{Cite news|date=December 21, 2018|title=New Suitors May Come Calling After iHeart and Clear Channel Get Divorced|language=en|work=Bloomberg.com|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-12-21/new-suitors-may-call-after-iheart-and-clear-channel-get-divorced|access-date=October 27, 2020}}

File:Clear Channel logo.svg

Clear Channel Communications purchased its first FM station in San Antonio, Texas in 1972.{{Cite web|last=Express-News|first=David Hendricks, San Antonio |date=November 7, 2017|title=Things to know about iHeartMedia, San Antonio's troubled media giant|url=https://www.mysanantonio.com/business/slideshow/Things-to-know-about-iHeartMedia-San-Antonio-s-166487.php|access-date=February 1, 2021|website=mySA|language=en-US}} The company purchased the second "clear channel" AM station WOAI in 1975. In 1976, the company purchased its first stations outside of San Antonio. KXXO (now KAKC) and KMOD-FM in Tulsa were acquired under the name "San Antonio Broadcasting" (same as KEEZ). Stations were also added in Port Arthur, Texas (KPAC-AM-FM, now KDEI and KTJM, from Port Arthur College), and El Paso, Texas (KELP, now KQBU) from John Walton Jr.

In 1992, the U.S. Congress relaxed radio ownership rules slightly, allowing the company to acquire more than two stations per market.{{Cite news |last=Andrews |first=Edmund L. |date=1992-03-13 |title=THE MEDIA BUSINESS; F.C.C. Loosens Restrictions On Owning Radio Stations |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/03/13/business/the-media-business-fcc-loosens-restrictions-on-owning-radio-stations.html |access-date=2025-05-24 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} By 1995, Clear Channel owned 43 radio stations and 16 television stations.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2023-08-21 |title=What Renaissance did CBS 21 go through in the 1990's? |url=https://local21news.com/news/local/what-renaissance-did-cbs-21-go-through-in-the-1990s |access-date=2025-05-24 |website=CBS 21 News |language=en}} When the Telecommunications Act of 1996 became law, the act deregulated media ownership, allowing a company to own more stations than previously allowed. Clear Channel went on a subsequent buying spree, purchasing more than 70 other media companies and individual stations.{{Cite web |last=Chen |first=Christine Y. |date=March 3, 2003 |title=The Bad Boys of Radio Lowry Mays and sons made enemies building Clear Channel into an empire. Now they want to tell the world they're not... |url=https://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/2003/03/03/338343/index.htm |access-date=2025-05-24 |website=money.cnn.com}}

In a few cases, following purchase of a competitor, Clear Channel was forced to divest some of its stations, as it was above the legal thresholds in some cities. In 2005, the courts ruled that Clear Channel must also divest itself of some "border blaster" radio stations in international border cities, such as the alternative rock radio station XETRA-FM ("91X") in Tijuana/San Diego.

In 1997, Clear Channel expanded and diversified its business, purchasing Eller Media, a billboard media company{{cite web |url=http://edgar.secdatabase.com/258/95013497003015/filing-main.htm |title=Clear Channel Communications, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date Apr 17, 1997 |publisher= | website=secdatabase.com |access-date=March 26, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017015818/http://edgar.secdatabase.com/258/95013497003015/filing-main.htm |archive-date=October 17, 2015 |url-status=live }} led by Karl Eller.

In 1998, it made its first move outside of the US when it acquired the leading UK outdoor advertising company More Group plc, which was led by Roger Parry; Clear Channel went on to buy many other outdoor advertising, radio broadcasting, and live events companies around the world, which were then re-branded Clear Channel International. These included a 51% stake in Clear Media Ltd. in China.{{cite web|url=http://www.clearchanneloutdoor.com/corporate/hist_1990-1999.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060418024836/http://www.clearchanneloutdoor.com/corporate/hist_1990-1999.htm |archive-date=April 18, 2006 |title= History| website= clearchanneloutdoor.com |access-date=January 15, 2018}} R. Steven Hicks and Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst began Capstar Broadcasting in 1996, and a year later had become the largest owner of radio stations in the country, with 243 stations in total. In August 1997, Capstar and Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst announced plans to acquire SFX Broadcasting, with the resulting company owning 314 stations in 79 markets and ranking as the third-largest radio group by income.{{cite news|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Hicks%2c+Muse%2c+Tate+%26+Furst+and+Capstar+Broadcasting+Corporation+to...-a019694832|title=Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst and Capstar Broadcasting Corporation to Acquire SFX Broadcasting in Transaction Valued at Approximately $2.1 Billion|work=Business Wire|date=August 25, 1997|access-date=November 3, 2011|archive-date=April 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140421082618/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Hicks%2c+Muse%2c+Tate+%26+Furst+and+Capstar+Broadcasting+Corporation+to...-a019694832|url-status=dead}} A year later, Chancellor Media Corporation and Capstar Broadcasting Corporation announced a merger that would result in Chancellor Media owning 463 stations in 105 markets when the deal was completed in second quarter 1999. Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst owned 59 percent of Capstar, with 355 stations in 83 markets, and was the largest single owner of Chancellor (which had 108 stations in 22 markets), with 15 percent of the stock.{{cite news|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Chancellor+Media+And+Capstar+Broadcasting+To+Merge%2C+Creating+Nation%27s...-a021063449|title=Chancellor Media And Capstar Broadcasting To Merge, Creating Nation's Largest Radio Broadcasting Company With Enterprise Value Of More Than $17 billion|work=Business Wire|date=August 27, 1998|access-date=November 3, 2011|archive-date=December 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181212073404/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Chancellor+Media+And+Capstar+Broadcasting+To+Merge%2C+Creating+Nation%27s...-a021063449|url-status=dead}} Chancellor Media later became AMFM Inc., which was acquired by Clear Channel in a deal announced October 3, 1999, and valued at $17.4 billion. The resulting company would own 830 radio stations, 19 television stations, and over 425,000 outdoor displays in 32 countries.{{cite web |url=http://edgar.secdatabase.com/2624/95013499008713/filing-main.htm |title=Clear Channel Communications, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date Oct 5, 1999 |publisher=secdatabase.com |access-date=March 27, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017015818/http://edgar.secdatabase.com/2624/95013499008713/filing-main.htm |archive-date=October 17, 2015 |url-status=live }}{{cite news|url=https://money.cnn.com/1999/10/04/deals/clear/|title=Clear Channel gets AMFM|work=CNNMoney|date=October 4, 1999|access-date=November 3, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110105744/http://money.cnn.com/1999/10/04/deals/clear/|archive-date=November 10, 2012|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.sfgate.com/business/article/Radio-Titans-to-Combine-Clear-Channel-buying-2904863.php|title=Radio Titans to Combine / Clear Channel buying AMFM for $16.6 billion|work=San Francisco Chronicle|date=October 5, 1999|access-date=November 3, 2011|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120709024546/http://articles.sfgate.com/1999-10-05/business/17702325_1_clear-channel-communications-amfm-duncan-s-american-radio|archive-date=July 9, 2012|url-status=live}}

In 1999, the company acquired Jacor Communications, a radio corporation based in Cincinnati.{{cite web |url=http://edgar.secdatabase.com/561/95013499003651/filing-main.htm |title=Clear Channel Communications, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date May 7, 1999 |publisher=secdatabase.com |access-date=March 27, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017015818/http://edgar.secdatabase.com/561/95013499003651/filing-main.htm |archive-date=October 17, 2015 |url-status=live }} The company also made an investment in the new satellite radio service XM Satellite Radio, giving it the rights to program a selection of stations on the service (which would be drawn from some of its stations and syndicated output).{{Cite web|url=https://radioinsight.com/headlines/84485/clear-channel-sells-siriusxm-stake-stations-to-leave-service/|title=Clear Channel Sells SiriusXM Stake; Stations To Leave Service|date=August 2, 2013|website=RadioInsight|language=en-US|access-date=January 21, 2020}}

In 2000, Clear Channel acquired Robert F. X. Sillerman's SFX Entertainment, a concert promoter that had focused on consolidation of regional promoters under a national operation.{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-mar-01-fi-4228-story.html|title=Clear Channel to Buy SFX Entertainment|date=March 1, 2000|website=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US|access-date=January 21, 2020}} In 2005, Clear Channel spun off its entertainment and live events business as Live Nation.{{Cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB113460359053522836|title=Clear Channel Gives Details on Spinoff Of Live Nation Unit|date=December 15, 2005|work=Wall Street Journal|access-date=January 21, 2020|language=en-US|issn=0099-9660}}

On November 16, 2006, Clear Channel announced plans to go private, being bought out by two private-equity firms, Thomas H. Lee Partners and Bain Capital Partners for $26.7 billion, which included their assumption of $8 billion in Clear Channel debt. This was just under a 10 percent premium above its closing price of $35.36 a share on November 16: the deal valued Clear Channel at $37.60 per share.{{cite web |url=http://edgar.secdatabase.com/2710/95013406021805/filing-main.htm |title=Clear Channel Communications, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date Nov 16, 2006 |publisher=secdatabase.com |access-date=March 27, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017015818/http://edgar.secdatabase.com/2710/95013406021805/filing-main.htm |archive-date=October 17, 2015 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/11/16/AR2006111600537.html|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=May 3, 2007|first=Frank|last=Ahrens|title=Clear Channel Sale to End Era|page=D1|date=November 17, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170905174339/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/11/16/AR2006111600537.html|archive-date=September 5, 2017|url-status=live}}

In a separate transaction also announced on November 16, 2006, Clear Channel said it would seek buyers for all of its television stations and 539 of its smaller radio stations, because the private-equity buyers were not interested in owning television or small-market radio. Over a hundred stations were assigned to Aloha Station Trust, LLC upon the consummation of the merger. The television stations were sold to Newport Television, a broadcaster owned by Providence Equity Partners, on April 23, 2007.{{cite web|url=http://edgar.secdatabase.com/698/95013408005131/filing-main.htm|title=Clear Channel Communications, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date Mar 20, 2008|publisher=secdatabase.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106213935/http://edgar.secdatabase.com/698/95013408005131/filing-main.htm|archive-date=January 6, 2014|access-date=March 27, 2013}}{{cite web |url=http://pdf.secdatabase.com/1684/0000950129-07-002174.pdf |title=Clear Channel Communications, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date Apr 26, 2007 |publisher=secdatabase.com |access-date=March 27, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017015818/http://pdf.secdatabase.com/1684/0000950129-07-002174.pdf |archive-date=October 17, 2015 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news|url=http://www.boston.com/business/globe/articles/2007/04/23/clear_channel_sells_tv_assets_to_providence_equity/|access-date=May 3, 2007|author=Wall Street Journal newswire|work=The Boston Globe|date=April 23, 2007|title=Clear Channel sells TV assets to Providence Equity|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010080547/http://www.boston.com/business/globe/articles/2007/04/23/clear_channel_sells_tv_assets_to_providence_equity/|archive-date=October 10, 2012|url-status=live}}

Due to the credit market crunch of 2007, Clear Channel encountered difficulty selling some of its radio stations. Clear Channel's attempt to sell off over 100 stations to GoodRadio.TV, LLC was rejected by the equity firm backing the deal.{{cite web|url=http://pdf.secdatabase.com/1790/0000950129-07-002280.pdf|title=Clear Channel Communications, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date May 4, 2007 |publisher=secdatabase.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017015818/http://pdf.secdatabase.com/1790/0000950129-07-002280.pdf|archive-date=October 17, 2015|access-date=March 27, 2013}} The deal then shifted to Frequency License LLC, but took longer to resolve itself as the two parties were engaged in lawsuits. On top of that, the sale of Clear Channel's television portfolio to Newport Television had also turned uncertain, as Providence considered other options, although this transaction was ultimately completed.The Florida Times-Union, [http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/111007/bus_216501867.shtml Sale of Clear Channel TV stations uncertain] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080108011510/http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/111007/bus_216501867.shtml|date=January 8, 2008}}. November 9, 2007

On December 4, 2007, Clear Channel announced that they had extended the termination date of the buyout from December 12, 2007, to June 12, 2008.{{cite web|url=http://edgar.secdatabase.com/1166/95013407024926/filing-main.htm|title=Clear Channel Communications, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date Dec 5, 2007|publisher=secdatabase.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017015818/http://edgar.secdatabase.com/1166/95013407024926/filing-main.htm|archive-date=October 17, 2015|access-date=March 27, 2013}} On July 24, 2008, Clear Channel held a special shareholder meeting, during which the majority of shareholders accepted a revised $36-per-share offer from Bain Capital and Thomas H. Lee Partners, revaluing the deal at $17.9 billion plus debt.{{cite web|url=http://edgar.secdatabase.com/2841/95013408013272/filing-main.htm|title=CLEAR CHANNEL COMMUNICATIONS INC (Form Type: 8-K, Filing Date: 07/24/2008)|publisher=secdatabase.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304190509/http://edgar.secdatabase.com/2841/95013408013272/filing-main.htm|archive-date=March 4, 2016|access-date=January 12, 2016}}[https://web.archive.org/web/20090112013248/http://uk.reuters.com/article/pressReleases/idUKN2432775020080725 Reuters.com], Clear Channel shareholders OK $17.9 billion buyout, (retrieved July 14, 2008) Shareholders received either $36 in cash, or one share of CC Media Class A common stock for each share of Clear Channel common stock held.{{Cite news|url=http://www.radioandrecords.com/RRWebSite/NewsStoryPage.aspx?ContentID=TK0o1vZC748%3d&Version=2|title=Clear Channel Privatization Deal Done|last=Yorke|first=Jeffrey|date=July 30, 2008|publisher=Radio and Records}}{{dead link|date=November 2017|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}} The company announced that it would move to more centralized programming and lay off 1,500 employees, or approximately 7% of its workforce, on January 20, 2009. The reasoning was bleak economic conditions and debt from its transition to a private company.Clear Channel to cut U.S. Workforce by 7%, [https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB123214134302591501 WSJ.com] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709103933/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB123214134302591501|date=July 9, 2017}} By the completion of the restructuring in May 2009, a total of 2,440 positions were eliminated.All Access (April 28, 2009) [http://www.allaccess.com/site/netNews/story.php?bs=sk&ng=industryTools&ag=172&storyID=57117 Clear Channel Radio Completes Staff Reduction Connected To Restructuring]

In early 2010, it was announced that the company was facing the possibility of bankruptcy due to its "crippling debt".Kosman, Josh (April 12, 2010) [https://www.nypost.com/p/news/business/unclear_future_TC9WaDTPsiXnMnvG3sonVO?sms_ss=email Unclear future: Clear Channel creditors poised to pick up pieces], New York Post After 21 years, Mark Mays stepped down as president and CEO of Clear Channel on June 23, 2010.{{cite web|url=http://www.broadcastingworld.net/news/view-160/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101208140647/http://www.broadcastingworld.net/news/view-160/|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 8, 2010|title=Broadcastingworld.net}} Mays remained as chairman of the board.{{cite web |url=http://pdf.secdatabase.com/1888/0000950123-10-060425.pdf |title=Clear Channel Communications, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date Jun 24, 2010 |publisher=secdatabase.com |access-date=March 27, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215162456/http://pdf.secdatabase.com/1888/0000950123-10-060425.pdf |archive-date=December 15, 2013 |url-status=live }} Later that year, MTV co-founder Robert W. "Bob" Pittman joined the company and would eventually become CEO of CC Media Holdings.{{cite web|url=https://dealbook.nytimes.com/2010/11/14/clear-channel-to-name-a-media-veteran-as-adviser/|title=A media veteran joins Clear Channel|website=dealbook.nytimes.com|date=November 15, 2010 |access-date=July 21, 2021}}{{cite web |url=http://edgar.secdatabase.com/1398/133497811000029/filing-main.htm |title=Clear Channel Communications, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date Oct 6, 2011 |publisher=secdatabase.com |access-date=March 27, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215162455/http://edgar.secdatabase.com/1398/133497811000029/filing-main.htm |archive-date=December 15, 2013 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Pittman to Run Clear Channel |first=Ethan |last=Smith |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052970204612504576607310410863734 |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |date=October 3, 2011 |access-date=March 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709105551/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052970204612504576607310410863734 |archive-date=July 9, 2017 |url-status=live }}

In August 2013, Clear Channel sold its minority stake in Sirius XM for $135.5 million. This also resulted in the removal of most Clear Channel-programmed stations on the service, besides simulcasts of WHTZ and KIIS-FM.

On January 6, 2014, Clear Channel announced a marketing partnership with Robert F. X. Sillerman's SFX Entertainment (a second incarnation of a live events company that had been sold to Clear Channel, which spun off to form Live Nation), to collaborate on electronic dance music content for its digital and terrestrial radio outlets, including a Beatport top 20 countdown show.{{cite web|title=SFX and Clear Channel Partner for Digital, Terrestrial Radio Push|url=http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/branding/5862283/sfx-and-clear-channel-partner-for-digital-terrestrial-radio-push|work=Billboard.biz|access-date=January 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140111063358/http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/branding/5862283/sfx-and-clear-channel-partner-for-digital-terrestrial-radio-push|archive-date=January 11, 2014|url-status=live}} The partnership expanded upon the company's existing EDM-oriented outlets, including Evolution. Staff, including John Sykes, believed that the deal would help provide a higher level of national exposure to current and up and coming EDM artists.{{cite web|title=John Sykes, Robert Sillerman on New Clear Channel, SFX Partnership: 'We Want to Be the Best'|url=http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/branding/5862290/john-sykes-robert-sillerman-on-new-clear-channel-sfx-partnership|work=Billboard.biz|access-date=January 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140110053955/http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/branding/5862290/john-sykes-robert-sillerman-on-new-clear-channel-sfx-partnership|archive-date=January 10, 2014|url-status=live}}[https://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2014/01/06/clear-channel-and-sfx-strike-electronic-dance-music-marketing-deal/ Clear Channel and SFX Strike Electronic Dance Music Marketing Deal] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709120149/https://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2014/01/06/clear-channel-and-sfx-strike-electronic-dance-music-marketing-deal/ |date=July 9, 2017 }} from The Wall Street Journal (January 6, 2014)

In September 2014, it was announced that the company would be renamed from Clear Channel Communications to iHeartMedia, alluding to its iHeartRadio platform to reflect the company's growing emphasis on digital media and internet radio.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/17/business/media/embracing-digital-brand-clear-channel-renames-itself-iheartmedia.html|title=Clear Channel Renames Itself iHeartMedia in Nod to Digital|last=Sisario|first=Ben|date=September 16, 2014|work=The New York Times|access-date=January 21, 2020|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}} The previous name "Clear Channel" came from AM broadcasting, referring to a channel (frequency) on which only one station transmits. In the U.S., clear-channel stations have exclusive rights to their frequencies throughout most of the continent at night, when AM signals travel far due to skywave. CEO Bob Pittman said that the company had been "doing progressive stuff", yet were still "named after AM radio stations".{{cite news|url=https://latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-clear-channel-iheart-20140910-story.html|title=Clear Channel flips its name to iHeartMedia|author=Faughnder, Ryan|date=September 16, 2014|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=September 20, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140920070255/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-clear-channel-iheart-20140910-story.html|archive-date=September 20, 2014|quote=Chief Executive Bob Pittman said flipping the switch on the name reflects the progress the radio giant has made in its digital business... 'It's a recognition of who we really are today and the transformation this company has made,' Pittman said in an interview. 'We have a company that's doing progressive stuff, and yet we're named after AM radio stations.'}}

Beginning in 2008, iHeartMedia struggled to pay down more than $20 billion in debt the company assumed from its leveraged buyout. Various media outlets, including Bloomberg News, Reuters, Radio Ink, and iHeartMedia's hometown newspaper the San Antonio Express-News, claimed that either bankruptcy or a major restructuring was likely.{{cite web|url=http://www.expressnews.com/business/business_columnists/david_hendricks/article/IHeartMedia-buries-startling-revelation-in-1-700-6885363.php|title=iIHeartMedia buries startling revelation in 1,700 pages of litigation|author=Hendricks, David|date=March 11, 2016|work=ExpressNews.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312133643/http://www.expressnews.com/business/business_columnists/david_hendricks/article/IHeartMedia-buries-startling-revelation-in-1-700-6885363.php|archive-date=March 12, 2016|access-date=March 12, 2016|quote=Two Boston private-equity firms bought 70 percent of iHeartMedia for $24 billion in 2008; the other 30 percent is publicly traded.}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-02-04/private-equity-s-iheart-radio-chokes-on-debt-load-it-can-t-repay|title=Private Equity's IHeart Radio Chokes on Debt Load It Can't Repay|author2=Laura J. Keller|author1=Lucas Shaw |newspaper=Bloomberg|date=February 4, 2016 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170406214557/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-02-04/private-equity-s-iheart-radio-chokes-on-debt-load-it-can-t-repay|archive-date=April 6, 2017|access-date=March 27, 2016}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iheartmedia-moelis-idUSKCN0WA20I|title=iHeartMedia hires Moelis to tackle debt burden – sources|date=March 8, 2016|newspaper=Reuters|access-date=March 27, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729132323/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iheartmedia-moelis-idUSKCN0WA20I|archive-date=July 29, 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://radioink.com/2016/03/08/iheart-responds-to-default-notice/|title=The iHeart Debt Battle {{!}} Radio Ink|date=March 8, 2016 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160317201756/http://radioink.com/2016/03/08/iheart-responds-to-default-notice/|archive-date=March 17, 2016|access-date=March 27, 2016}} On April 20, 2017, the company warned investors that it might not survive over the following 10 months.[http://www.mysanantonio.com/business/local/article/IHeartMedia-shares-drop-amid-warning-it-may-not-11095729.php IHeartMedia shares drop amid warning it may not survive another year] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170425025554/http://www.mysanantonio.com/business/local/article/IHeartMedia-shares-drop-amid-warning-it-may-not-11095729.php|date=April 25, 2017}} San Antonio Express-News April 24, 2017

In 2016, one of the company's directors, Julia B. Donnelly, left the board of iHeartCommunications and was replaced by Laura A. Grattan, a director at Thomas H. Lee. Grattan was named to the board of managers of iHeartMedia Capital I, LLC, the direct parent of iHeartCommunications, as well as the board of directors of iHeartMedia, Inc., the indirect parent of iHeartCommunications.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/business/7326445/iheartmedia-new-director-gets-more-time-to-resolve-its-massive-debt|title=iHeartMedia Loses A Director, Gets More Time To Resolve Its Massive Debt Problems|magazine=Billboard|access-date=April 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160501010716/http://www.billboard.com/articles/business/7326445/iheartmedia-new-director-gets-more-time-to-resolve-its-massive-debt|archive-date=May 1, 2016|url-status=live}}

On November 30, 2017, it was reported that a group of creditors had rejected iHeartMedia's latest debt restructuring proposal, instead bringing out a deal where the company might file for bankruptcy.{{cite news |last=Biswas |first=Somas |date=November 30, 2017 |title=iHeart Creditors Reject Another Offer From Company as They Push for Chapter 11 |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/iheart-creditors-reject-another-offer-from-company-as-they-push-for-chapter-11-1512090362?tesla=y |work=Wall Street Journal |location=New York City, New York, United States |access-date=December 5, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171204230204/https://www.wsj.com/articles/iheart-creditors-reject-another-offer-from-company-as-they-push-for-chapter-11-1512090362?tesla=y |archive-date=December 4, 2017 |url-status=live }} On March 15, 2018, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and claimed that it reached an agreement to restructure $10 billion of its over $20 billion in debt.{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2018/03/iheart-media-files-for-chapter-11-bankruptcy-1202338348/|title=Radio Giant iHeartMedia Files For Chapter 11 Bankruptcy To Restructure Debt|last=Hayes|first=Dade|date=March 15, 2018|website=Deadline|language=en|access-date=January 21, 2020}}

In September 2018, iHeartMedia acquired HowStuffWorks' podcast network Stuff Media for $55 million.{{Cite news|url=https://variety.com/2018/digital/news/iheartmedia-stuff-media-howstuffworks-podcast-acquisition-1202939938/|title=iHeartMedia to Buy HowStuffWorks Podcasting Parent for $55 Million|last=Spangler|first=Todd|date=September 13, 2018|work=Variety|access-date=September 15, 2018|language=en-US}} On November 19, 2018, iHeartMedia announced its intent to acquire Jelli, the provider of a programmatic advertising platform for radio stations.{{Cite web|url=https://www.adweek.com/programmatic/iheartmedia-is-acquiring-an-ad-tech-startup-to-expand-programmatic-audio-advertising/|title=iHeartMedia Is Acquiring an Ad-Tech Startup to Expand Programmatic Audio Advertising|website=Adweek|date=November 19, 2018 |language=en-US|access-date=November 19, 2018}}

In January 2019, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas approved a creditor-supported plan for iHeartMedia to exit bankruptcy, which would reduce the company's debt from $16.1 billion to $5.75 billion. The plan included the spin-out of iHeartMedia's 89.1% stake in its out-of-home advertising division Clear Channel Outdoor.{{Cite web|url=https://adage.com/article/news/iheartmedia-nears-exit-bankruptcy/316340|title=IHeartMedia wins court approval for a plan to exit bankruptcy|date=January 22, 2019|website=adage.com|language=en|access-date=January 21, 2020}}{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/8491234/iheartmedia-clear-channel-outdoor-separate-companies|title=iHeartMedia Sets Plan for Spin-Off of Outdoor Advertising Business|magazine=Billboard|access-date=January 21, 2020}} In April 2019, the company also filed a proposed initial public offering.{{Cite web|url=https://www.radioworld.com/news-and-business/business-and-law/iheartmedia-chapter-11-emergence|title=iHeartMedia Emerges From Chapter 11|date=May 6, 2019|website=Radio World|language=en-US|access-date=January 21, 2020}}

iHeartMedia emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May 2019, with a new board of directors and the spin-out of Clear Channel Outdoor, but maintaining its existing leadership of CEO Bob Pittman and President Rich Bressler. Rather than pursue its IPO (which was estimated to potentially be valued at $1.1 billion), iHeartMedia instead received approval for a direct listing on the Nasdaq.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/8518037/iheartmedia-pulls-ipo-application-nasdaq-listing|title=NASDAQ Approves iHeartMedia For Direct Listing|magazine=Billboard|access-date=January 21, 2020}}

On January 14, 2020, iHeartMedia announced a major restructuring, as part of an effort to "modernize our company to take advantage of the significant investments we have made in new technology and aligning our operating structure to match the technology-powered businesses we are now in." This included the restructuring of its Markets Group into three divisions: the Regions division for its largest markets, the Metropolitan division for other major cities, and the Communities division for smaller markets and added a multi-market partnerships unit, and announced the development of centers of excellence that would use technology investments to "provide a better experience for listeners and business partners and a more efficient process for all of its employees".

The restructuring was accompanied by a major round of layoffs and displacements, with a large number of staff members and on-air personalities impacted.{{Cite web|url=https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/192864/iheartmedia-revamps-markets-group-structure-with-t|title=iHeartMedia Revamps Markets Group Structure With Tech-Enabled Hubs, 'Employee Dislocation'|website=All Access|language=en|access-date=January 21, 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2020/music/news/iheartmedia-restructure-layoffs-1203466858/|title=iHeartMedia Announces 'New Organizational Structure,' Layoffs Ensue|last=Aswad|first=Jem|date=January 14, 2020|website=Variety|language=en|access-date=January 21, 2020}}

iHeartMedia has purchased interest in, or outright acquired, companies in a number of media or advertising related industries. This is not an exhaustive list.

File:IHeartRadio studios in Denver.JPG, which houses KTCL, KDHT, KBCO, KRFX, KOA, KBPI, KHOW, KDFD, and KWBL]]

With 855 stations, iHeartMedia is the largest radio station group owner in the United States,{{cite news |newspaper=The New York Times

|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/03/business/dealbook/iheartmedia-ipo-radio.html

|title=The Radio Giant iHeartMedia Prepares for Possible I.P.O.

|first1=Ben |last1=Sisario |author2=Michael J. de la Merced |date=April 3, 2019}} both by number of stations and by revenue. The 855 stations reach more than 110 million listeners every week, and 276 million every month. According to BIA Financial Network, iHeartMedia recorded more than $3.5 billion in revenues {{As of|2021|lc=on}}, $1 billion more than the number-two group owner, Audacy.{{Cite news|title=The Top 25 Radio Groups By Revenue|publisher=Radio World|date=February 19, 2021|url=https://www.radioworld.com/news-and-business/the-top-25-radio-groups-by-revenue}}

In June 2012, the company announced that it would become the first U.S. radio group to partner with record labels to pay performance royalties directly to labels and musicians (in addition to songwriters and producers). The royalties are paid via revenue sharing for advertising across platforms (including digital), rather than a flat payment each time a song is played. Big Machine Label Group was announced as the first partner in this scheme. Pittman stated that the arrangement would let "labels and artists participate in the revenue of broadcast radio immediately and in digital radio as it builds".{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2012/music/news/clear-channel-inks-deal-with-big-machine-1118055042/|title=Clear Channel inks deal with Big Machine|last1=Goldsmith|first1=Jill|last2=Johnson|first2=Ted|date=June 5, 2012|website=Variety|language=en|access-date=January 21, 2020}}[https://www.npr.org/blogs/therecord/2012/06/13/154871444/clear-channel-will-be-the-first-to-pay-royalties-for-music-on-its-air Clear Channel Will Be The First To Pay Royalties For Music On Its Air : The Record] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402091928/http://www.npr.org/blogs/therecord/2012/06/13/154871444/clear-channel-will-be-the-first-to-pay-royalties-for-music-on-its-air|date=April 2, 2015}}. NPR (June 13, 2012). Retrieved on 2013-08-16.[http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/digital-and-mobile/1565599/clear-channel-and-fearless-records-strike-broadcast-and Clear Channel and Fearless Records Strike Broadcast and Digital Performance Royalty Deal] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130813004359/http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/digital-and-mobile/1565599/clear-channel-and-fearless-records-strike-broadcast-and|date=August 13, 2013}}. Billboard (June 3, 2013). Retrieved on 2013-08-16.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/11/business/media/radio-royalty-deal-offers-hope-for-industrywide-pact.html|title=Radio Royalty Deal Offers Hope for Industrywide Pact|last=Sisario|first=Ben|date=June 10, 2012|work=The New York Times|access-date=January 21, 2020|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}

iHeartMedia has purchased stations from or acquired the following radio companies:

{{columns-list|colwidth=31em|

• Ackerley Group{{cite web |url=http://edgar.secdatabase.com/812/95013402007245/filing-main.htm |title=Clear Channel Communications, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date Jun 14, 2002 |publisher=secdatabase.com |access-date=March 27, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017015818/http://edgar.secdatabase.com/812/95013402007245/filing-main.htm |archive-date=October 17, 2015 |url-status=live }}
• AMFM Inc.{{cite web |url=http://edgar.secdatabase.com/2986/95013402000422/filing-main.htm |title=Clear Channel Communications, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date Jan 18, 2002 |publisher=secdatabase.com |access-date=March 27, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017015818/http://edgar.secdatabase.com/2986/95013402000422/filing-main.htm |archive-date=October 17, 2015 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |issn=0458-3035 |last=Hofmeister |first=Sallie |title=Clear Channel to Buy Radio Leader AMFM in $15.9-Billion Deal |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=October 25, 2015 |date=October 5, 1999 |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-oct-05-fi-18999-story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150927051240/http://articles.latimes.com/1999/oct/05/business/fi-18999 |archive-date=September 27, 2015 |url-status=live }}
• Chancellor Media{{cite web |url=http://edgar.secdatabase.com/2132/95013498009554/filing-main.htm |title=Clear Channel Communications, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date Dec 10, 1998 |publisher=secdatabase.com |access-date=March 27, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017015818/http://edgar.secdatabase.com/2132/95013498009554/filing-main.htm |archive-date=October 17, 2015 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |issn=0458-3035 |agency=Reuters |title=Chancellor Creates 3 Units to Capitalize on the Internet |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=October 25, 2015 |date=May 20, 1999 |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-may-20-fi-39041-story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151203140855/http://articles.latimes.com/1999/may/20/business/fi-39041 |archive-date=December 3, 2015 |url-status=live }}
• Chancellor Broadcasting{{Cite news |issn=0458-3035 |last=Hofmeister |first=Sallie |title=$2.7-Billion Deal Would Create No. 2 Radio Group in U.S. |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=October 25, 2015 |date=February 19, 1997 |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-02-19-fi-30114-story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117024441/http://articles.latimes.com/1997-02-19/business/fi-30114_1_radio-group |archive-date=November 17, 2015 |url-status=live }}
• American Media Inc.{{Cite news |issn=0362-4331 |last=Jones |first=Kathryn |title=THE MEDIA BUSINESS; Texas Radio Groups Add 11 Stations |work=The New York Times |access-date=October 25, 2015 |date=April 21, 1994 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/04/21/business/the-media-business-texas-radio-groups-add-11-stations.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409113045/http://www.nytimes.com/1994/04/21/business/the-media-business-texas-radio-groups-add-11-stations.html |archive-date=April 9, 2017 |url-status=live }}
• Colfax Communications{{Cite news |issn=0362-4331 |title=Chancellor broadcasting to buy 12 radio stations |work=The New York Times |access-date=October 25, 2015 |date=August 27, 1996 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/08/27/business/chancellor-broadcasting-to-buy-12-radio-stations.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202021540/http://www.nytimes.com/1996/08/27/business/chancellor-broadcasting-to-buy-12-radio-stations.html |archive-date=February 2, 2017 |url-status=live }}
• OmniAmerica{{cite web |title=Companies: All Clear For Radio Buys |work=tribunedigital-orlandosentinel |access-date=October 25, 2015 |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1996/12/24/companies-all-clear-for-radio-buys/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304103230/http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1996-12-24/business/9612231151_1_chancellor-923-fm-paxson |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |url-status=live }}
• Shamrock Broadcasting{{cite news|last=Mulligan|first=Thomas S.|title=Company Town: Entertainment Upheaval|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-08-04-fi-31544-story.html|access-date=April 22, 2014|newspaper=Los Angeles|date=August 4, 1995|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306095824/http://articles.latimes.com/1995-08-04/business/fi-31544_1_radio-stations|archive-date=March 6, 2016|url-status=live}}
• Evergreen Media
• Broadcasting Partners{{Cite news |issn=0458-3035 |author=Times Staff|last2=Reports |first2=Wire |title=Company Town Annex |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=October 25, 2015 |date=February 2, 1995 |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-02-02-fi-27213-story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150920013221/http://articles.latimes.com/1995-02-02/business/fi-27213_1_town-annex |archive-date=September 20, 2015 |url-status=live }}
• Brown Organization{{Cite news |issn=0458-3035 |author=Times Staff|last2=Reports |first2=Wire |title=Media |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=October 25, 2015 |date=September 21, 1996 |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-09-21-fi-46233-story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307004038/http://articles.latimes.com/1996-09-21/business/fi-46233_1_san-francisco-stations |archive-date=March 7, 2016 |url-status=live }}
• Gannett Radio{{cite web |title=Evergreen Switching Stations |work=Chicago Tribune |date=April 11, 1997 |access-date=October 25, 2015 |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1997/04/11/evergreen-switching-stations/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304093315/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1997-04-11/business/9704110338_1_radio-stations-evergreen-wgci-am |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |url-status=live }}
• Pyramid Communications{{cite web |title=Evergreen Buying 12 More Stations |work=Chicago Tribune |date=July 18, 1995 |access-date=October 25, 2015 |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1995/07/18/evergreen-buying-12-more-stations/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304115958/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1995-07-18/business/9507180171_1_stations-in-five-markets-evergreen-media-corp-pyramid-communications |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |url-status=live }}
• Viacom Radio{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/1997/scene/vpage/viacom-radio-signs-off-1117436106/|title=VIACOM RADIO SIGNS OFF|first=Martin|last=Peers|work=Variety|date=February 19, 1997|access-date=January 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180116081203/https://variety.com/1997/scene/vpage/viacom-radio-signs-off-1117436106/|archive-date=January 16, 2018|url-status=live}}
• Capstar (also operating under Gulfstar, Southern Star, Pacific Star, and Atlantic Star){{cite web |url=http://edgar.secdatabase.com/1373/95013499010461/filing-main.htm |title=Clear Channel Communications, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date Nov 19, 1999 |publisher=secdatabase.com |access-date=March 27, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017015818/http://edgar.secdatabase.com/1373/95013499010461/filing-main.htm |archive-date=October 17, 2015 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |issn=0099-9660 |last1=Bodipo-Memba |first1=Alejandro |last2=Tejada |first2=Carlos |title=Hicks Muse Plans to Combine Radio Firms Chancellor, Capstar |work=Wall Street Journal |access-date=October 25, 2015 |date=August 28, 1998 |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB904219262377928000 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329051246/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB904219262377928000 |archive-date=March 29, 2017 |url-status=live }}
• Benchmark Communications{{cite web |title=Benchmark agrees to be acquired Dallas company to buy Md. owner of Southeast stations |work=Baltimore Sun |date=January 14, 1997 |access-date=October 25, 2015 |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/1997/01/14/benchmark-agrees-to-be-acquired-dallas-company-to-buy-md-owner-of-southeast-stations-173-million-deal-the-buyer-capstar-is-building-network-in-midsized-markets/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304095522/http://articles.baltimoresun.com/1997-01-14/business/1997014002_1_benchmark-capstar-spector |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |url-status=live }}
• Commodore Media{{Cite news |issn=0362-4331 |author=Bloomberg Business News|title=THE MEDIA BUSINESS;Radio Broadcasters Shift Stations in 2 Deals |work=The New York Times |access-date=October 25, 2015 |date=June 25, 1996 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/06/25/business/the-media-business-radio-broadcasters-shift-stations-in-2-deals.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170410050633/http://www.nytimes.com/1996/06/25/business/the-media-business-radio-broadcasters-shift-stations-in-2-deals.html |archive-date=April 10, 2017 |url-status=live }}
• Osborn Communications{{Cite news |issn=0362-4331 |last=Jones |first=Dow |title=Company news;capstar broadcasting buying osborn communications |work=The New York Times |access-date=October 25, 2015 |date=July 24, 1996 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/07/24/business/company-news-capstar-broadcasting-buying-osborn-communications.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202021324/http://www.nytimes.com/1996/07/24/business/company-news-capstar-broadcasting-buying-osborn-communications.html |archive-date=February 2, 2017 |url-status=live }}
• Patterson Broadcasting{{cite web|url=http://archives.starbulletin.com/97/04/16/business/story1.html|title=Honolulu Star-Bulletin Business|access-date=October 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150921163618/http://archives.starbulletin.com/97/04/16/business/story1.html|archive-date=September 21, 2015|url-status=live}}
• SFX Broadcasting{{Cite news |issn=0458-3035 |last=Hofmeister |first=Sallie |title=Dallas Company to Buy SFX in $2.1-Billion Deal |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=October 25, 2015 |date=August 26, 1997 |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-aug-26-fi-25937-story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307100356/http://articles.latimes.com/1997/aug/26/business/fi-25937 |archive-date=March 7, 2016 |url-status=live }}
• Liberty Broadcasting{{Cite news |issn=0362-4331 |last=News |first=Bloomberg Business |title=Company news;sfx plans to acquire liberty broadcasting |work=The New York Times |access-date=October 25, 2015 |date=November 16, 1995 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/11/16/business/company-news-sfx-plans-to-acquire-liberty-broadcasting.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202022438/http://www.nytimes.com/1995/11/16/business/company-news-sfx-plans-to-acquire-liberty-broadcasting.html |archive-date=February 2, 2017 |url-status=live }}
• Prism Radio Partners{{Cite news |issn=0362-4331 |last=News |first=Bloomberg Business |title=SFX in Deal For 16 Stations |work=The New York Times |access-date=October 25, 2015 |date=February 13, 1996 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/02/13/business/sfx-in-deal-for-16-stations.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409113050/http://www.nytimes.com/1996/02/13/business/sfx-in-deal-for-16-stations.html |archive-date=April 9, 2017 |url-status=live }}
• Triathlon Broadcasting
• Apex Broadcasting{{cite web|url=http://www.playbill.com/news/article/clear-channel-pays-6.5-million-for-apex-radio-stations-in-texas-90483|title=Clear Channel Pays $6.5 Million for Apex Radio Stations in Texas|work=Playbill|date=July 10, 2000|access-date=January 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304064105/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/clear-channel-pays-6.5-million-for-apex-radio-stations-in-texas-90483|archive-date=March 4, 2016|url-status=live}}
• Clark Broadcasting
• Dame Media{{Cite news |issn=0362-4331 |title=COMPANY NEWS; OUTDOOR ADVERTISER BUYING DAME MEDIA, A BROADCASTER |work=The New York Times |access-date=October 25, 2015 |date=June 17, 1998 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/06/17/business/company-news-outdoor-advertiser-buying-dame-media-a-broadcaster.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329141923/http://www.nytimes.com/1998/06/17/business/company-news-outdoor-advertiser-buying-dame-media-a-broadcaster.html |archive-date=March 29, 2017 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://edgar.secdatabase.com/2083/73970899000021/filing-main.htm |title=Clear Channel Communications, Form 10-Q, Quarterly Report, Filing Date Nov 15, 1999 |publisher=secdatabase.com |access-date=March 27, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017015818/http://edgar.secdatabase.com/2083/73970899000021/filing-main.htm |archive-date=October 17, 2015 |url-status=live }}
• Eastern Radio Assets{{cite web|url=http://www.playbill.com/news/article/clear-channel-acquires-bangor-maine-radio-stations-for-20-million-90676|title=Clear Channel Acquires Bangor, Maine Radio Stations for $20 Million|work=Playbill|date=July 19, 2000|access-date=January 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304050727/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/clear-channel-acquires-bangor-maine-radio-stations-for-20-million-90676|archive-date=March 4, 2016|url-status=live}}
• Jacor{{Cite news |issn=0099-9660 |last=Bodipo-Memba |first=Alejandro |title=Clear Channel Wins Bidding Contest, Agrees to Buy Jacor Communications |work=Wall Street Journal |access-date=October 25, 2015 |date=October 9, 1998 |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB907848481506215500 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215113851/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB907848481506215500 |archive-date=February 15, 2017 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://edgar.secdatabase.com/590/95013498008012/filing-main.htm |title=Clear Channel Communications, Form 8-K, Current Report, Filing Date Oct 9, 1998 |publisher=secdatabase.com |access-date=March 27, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017015818/http://edgar.secdatabase.com/590/95013498008012/filing-main.htm |archive-date=October 17, 2015 |url-status=live }}
• Citicasters Communications{{cite news|last=Albiniak|first=Paige|title=A Cloud Over Clear Channel; Petition says it controls stations through 'fronts,' including Ohio FM it seeks to buy|url=https://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/140615-A_Cloud_Over_Clear_Channel.php|access-date=April 20, 2013|newspaper=Broadcasting & Cable|date=November 25, 2001}}{{Cite news |issn=0362-4331 |last=Landler |first=Mark |title=THE MEDIA BUSINESS;Jacor to Buy Citicasters in $770 Million Radio Station Deal |work=The New York Times |access-date=October 25, 2015 |date=February 14, 1996 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/02/14/business/the-media-business-jacor-to-buy-citicasters-in-770-million-radio-station-deal.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409200411/http://www.nytimes.com/1996/02/14/business/the-media-business-jacor-to-buy-citicasters-in-770-million-radio-station-deal.html |archive-date=April 9, 2017 |url-status=live }}
• Nationwide Communications, Inc.{{cite web|url=http://www.enquirer.com/editions/1997/10/28/bus_jacor.html|title=Business – The Enquirer – October 28, 1997}}
• Regent Communications{{Cite news |issn=0362-4331 |title=Jacor communications to buy regent communications |work=The New York Times |access-date=October 25, 2015 |date=October 10, 1996 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/10/10/business/jacor-communications-to-buy-regent-communications.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202021359/http://www.nytimes.com/1996/10/10/business/jacor-communications-to-buy-regent-communications.html |archive-date=February 2, 2017 |url-status=live }}
• Noble Broadcast Group{{Cite news |issn=0362-4331 |agency=Reuters |title=Company news;jacor communications to buy noble broadcast group |work=The New York Times |access-date=October 25, 2015 |date=February 6, 1996 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/02/06/business/company-news-jacor-communications-to-buy-noble-broadcast-group.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202021258/http://www.nytimes.com/1996/02/06/business/company-news-jacor-communications-to-buy-noble-broadcast-group.html |archive-date=February 2, 2017 |url-status=live }}
• Metro Networks{{cite web |url=http://www.radio-info.com/news/westwood-one-spins-its-metro-traffic-business-to-clear-channel-for-11925m |title=Westwood One spins its Metro Traffic business to Clear Channel for $119.25M |date=April 29, 2011 |work=Radio-Info.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110501005834/http://www.radio-info.com/news/westwood-one-spins-its-metro-traffic-business-to-clear-channel-for-11925m |archive-date=May 1, 2011 }}
• Mondosphere Broadcasting{{cite web|url=http://www.bakersfield.com/News/2006/02/10/competition-rises-in-radio-industry.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206001710/http://www.bakersfield.com/News/2006/02/10/competition-rises-in-radio-industry.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 6, 2016|title=Competition rises in radio industry|work=The Bakersfield Californian}}
• Metroplex Communications{{cite web |title=Parent Of Y-100 To Merge Metroplex Oks Pact With Texas Company |work=tribunedigital-sunsentinel |access-date=October 25, 2015 |url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1993-10-28/business/9310280020_1_clear-channel-communications-stations-local-marketing |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151009115528/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1993-10-28/business/9310280020_1_clear-channel-communications-stations-local-marketing |archive-date=October 9, 2015 |url-status=dead }}
• Paxson Communications{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/1997/biz/news/clear-channel-to-buy-paxson-assets-1116677157/|title=Clear Channel to buy Paxson assets|author=Dow Jones News Service|work=Variety|date=August 27, 1997|access-date=January 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170624185043/http://variety.com/1997/biz/news/clear-channel-to-buy-paxson-assets-1116677157/|archive-date=June 24, 2017|url-status=live}}
• Quad City
• Radio Equity Partners{{Cite news |issn=0362-4331 |last=News |first=Bloomberg Business |title=Clear Channel to Acquire 19 More Stations |work=The New York Times |access-date=October 25, 2015 |date=May 10, 1996 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/05/10/business/clear-channel-to-acquire-19-more-stations.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409113140/http://www.nytimes.com/1996/05/10/business/clear-channel-to-acquire-19-more-stations.html |archive-date=April 9, 2017 |url-status=live }}
• Roberts Radio{{cite web|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/clear-channel-acquires-radio-stations-from-roberts-radio-llc-73538977.html|title=Clear Channel Acquires Radio Stations From Roberts Radio, L.L.C.|author=Clear Channel Communications, Inc.|date=June 12, 2000|access-date=October 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206004416/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/clear-channel-acquires-radio-stations-from-roberts-radio-llc-73538977.html|archive-date=February 6, 2016|url-status=live}}
• Taylor Broadcasting{{cite web|url=http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/news-articles/combos/85638|title=COMBOS|date=September 25, 2000|access-date=October 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151002210509/http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/news-articles/combos/85638|archive-date=October 2, 2015|url-status=live}}
• Trumper Communications{{cite web|url=http://www.enquirer.com/editions/1999/08/04/fin_tristate_business.html|title=TRISTATE BUSINESS SUMMARY}}
• US Radio{{Cite news |issn=0362-4331 |last=Adelson |first=Andrea |title=Minority Voice Fading For Broadcast Owners |work=The New York Times |access-date=October 25, 2015 |date=May 19, 1997 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/05/19/business/minority-voice-fading-for-broadcast-owners.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409113021/http://www.nytimes.com/1997/05/19/business/minority-voice-fading-for-broadcast-owners.html |archive-date=April 9, 2017 |url-status=live }}
• XM Satellite Radio (service and programming agreement)

}}

File:Billboards at dundas square.jpg in Toronto, owned by Clear Channel, in 2005]]

Clear Channel Outdoor (CCO) is an advertising company that was previously owned by iHeartMedia. In May 2019, it was spun out from iHeartMedia as part of its exit from bankruptcy.

Clear Channel Television is a defunct television broadcaster and a former subsidiary of the group that was in operation, for nearly 20 years, from 1988 to 2008. It owned more than 40 stations, most of them were from the Big Six networks, a few of which are independent (non-network affiliates). It was initially headed by J. Daniel Sullivan, who set up as president of Clear Channel's television division.{{Cite news|date=August 3, 1992|title=Fifth Estater: James Daniel Sullivan|work=Broadcasting|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/92-OCR/BC-1992-08-03-OCR-Page-0057.pdf|access-date=November 3, 2021}}

The group made its beginnings when the first television station iHeartMedia purchased as Clear Channel was WPMI in Mobile, Alabama in 1988.{{Cite news|last=Duncan|first=Kathryn|date=September 28, 1988|title=Deal has been made to sell Channel 15 to Texas company|work=Pensacola News Journal}} Later that year, Clear Channel Communications bought out KDTU-TV in Tucson, Arizona, which became Clear Channel's second television station.{{Cite news|date=November 7, 1988|title=In Brief|work=Broadcasting|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/88-OCR/BC-1988-11-07-OCR-Page-0080.pdf|access-date=November 3, 2021}} On March 13, 1989, Clear Channel Television bought out KOKI-TV for $6.5 million.{{Cite news|date=March 13, 1989|title=Changing Hands|work=Broadcasting|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/89-OCR/BC-1989-03-13-OCR-Page-0061.pdf|access-date=November 3, 2021}} This was followed on July 3 of that year with the purchase of Fox affiliate WAWS-TV in Jacksonville, Florida, from Malrite Communications Group, for $8.1 million.{{Cite news|date=July 3, 1989|title=Changing Hands|work=Broadcasting|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/89-OCR/BC-1989-07-03-OCR-Page-0044.pdf|access-date=November 3, 2021}}{{Cite news|date=September 18, 1989|title=For the Record|work=Broadcasting|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/89-OCR/BC-1989-09-18-OCR-Page-0068.pdf|access-date=November 3, 2021}}

Eventually over time, Clear Channel Television became the second-largest independent television group, behind Sinclair Broadcast Group.{{Cite web|title=History of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. – FundingUniverse|url=https://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/sinclair-broadcast-group-inc-history/|access-date=November 3, 2021|website=www.fundinguniverse.com}} In 1990, Clear Channel bought out its fifth television station, KSAS-TV in Wichita, Kansas, for $7.9 million.{{Cite news|date=June 11, 1990|title=Changing Hands|work=Broadcasting|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/90-OCR/BC-1990-06-11-OCR-Page-0082.pdf|access-date=November 3, 2021}} In 1991, Clear Channel bought out KLRT-TV in Little Rock, Arkansas for $6.6 million.{{Cite news|date=May 20, 1991|title=Changing Hands|work=Broadcasting|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/91-OCR/BC-1991-05-20-OCR-Page-0071.pdf|access-date=November 3, 2021}} In 1992, Clear Channel bought out WPTY-TV in Memphis from Chase Communications for $21 million.{{Cite news|date=February 3, 1992|title=Changing Hands|work=Broadcasting|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/92-OCR/BC-1992-02-03-OCR-Page-0039.pdf|access-date=November 3, 2021}}{{Cite news|date=June 29, 1992|title=Renaissance to buy four Fox affiliates form Chase|work=Broadcasting|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/92-OCR/BC-1992-06-29-OCR-Page-0006.pdf|access-date=November 3, 2021}} Later on in 1993, the company bought out KITN-TV in Minneapolis/St. Paul from Nationwide Communications,{{Cite news|date=July 19, 1993|title=Busy weeks from buyers and sellers|work=Broadcasting|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/93-OCR/BC-1993-07-19-Page-0068.pdf|access-date=November 3, 2021}} followed in 1994 by the purchase of WXXA-TV in Albany from Heritage Communications, for $25.5 million.{{Cite news|date=September 19, 1994|title=Clear Channel buys Albany station|work=Broadcasting|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/94-OCR/BC-1994-09-19-Page-0041.pdf|access-date=November 3, 2021}}

In 1991, Clear Channel Television jumped into the foray of local marketing agreements, starting in 1991 with WJTC, which Clear Channel operated through a LMA with WPMI, and subsequently later on in 1992, when KASN entered into a LMA with Clear Channel's KLRT-TV. Clear Channel also entered into a deal with Providence Journal Company, who owns Fox affiliate KMSB in Tucson to operate KTTU through a local marketing agreement.{{Cite news|date=March 1, 1993|title=A TV station consolidation chronology|work=Broadcasting & Cable|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/93-OCR/BC-1993-03-01-OCR-Page-0053.pdf|access-date=November 3, 2021}} Memphis also jumped onto the board when WLMT entered into a LMA with Clear Channel's WPTY.{{Cite web|title=Clear Channel Plays Duopoly. - Free Online Library|url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Clear+Channel+Plays+Duopoly.-a058414916|access-date=November 3, 2021|website=www.thefreelibrary.com}} Also in 1993, Clear Channel entered into a local marketing agreement with RDS Communications to operate KTFO-TV in Tulsa, which most of the inventory will be supplied by KOKI.{{cite news|author=Rita Sherrow|date=November 5, 1993|title=KTFO Switches Management, Programming|newspaper=Tulsa World|url=http://www.tulsaworld.com/archives/ktfo-switches-management-programming/article_767cf9c5-2ee6-5ccd-84a2-4f049824a4c2.html|access-date=December 6, 2017}} Later on, in 1994, in Jacksonville, WTEV-TV entered into a local marketing agreement with WAWS, the Clear Channel television station.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/stories/1997/03/24/story7.html|title=Court rules former TV-47 owner must pay judgments|access-date=November 3, 2021|website=www.bizjournals.com}}

In 1994, Fox shockingly announced its intentions to purchase WHBQ-TV, which displaced Clear Channel's WPTY-TV as its Fox Memphis affiliate.{{Cite news|last1=Foisie|first1=Geoffrey|last2=A. Zier|first2=Julie|date=August 22, 1994|title=Fox et al. to buy three stations|work=Broadcasting & Cable|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/94-OCR/BC-1994-08-22-Page-0007.pdf|access-date=November 3, 2021}} Also that year, as part of a group deal involving stations acquired by SF Broadcasting, Clear Channel's WPMI-TV in Mobile was set to be displaced as Mobile's Fox affiliate by WALA-TV as part of a three-station deal with the other Burnham stations.{{Cite news|last=A. Zier|first=Julie|date=August 29, 1994|title=Still more for Fox|work=Broadcasting|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/94-OCR/BC-1994-08-29-Page-0006.pdf|access-date=November 3, 2021}} These moves didn't sit well for Clear Channel Television, whose president Dan Sullivan thought they wanted to affiliate it with the ousted networks, including NBC in Mobile, and ABC in Memphis.{{Cite news|date=October 10, 1994|title=Closed Circuit|work=Broadcasting|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/94-OCR/BC-1994-10-10-Page-0121.pdf|access-date=November 3, 2021}}

In 1995, Clear Channel purchased its first Big Three network affiliate, WHP-TV in Harrisburg, for $30 million.{{Cite news|date=July 3, 1995|title=In Brief|work=Broadcasting|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/95-OCR/BC-1995-07-03-OCR-Page-0048.pdf|access-date=November 3, 2021}} It was subsequently followed it up when Gateway Communications, owners of WLYH-TV entered into a LMA with Clear Channel's WHP-TV.{{Cite news|date=November 2, 1995|title=New operator pulls plug on WLYH news team|work=The Daily News}} Later on that year, J. Dan Sullivan left Clear Channel Television to start out Sullivan Broadcasting to acquire the Act III Broadcasting stations.{{Cite news|last=Rathburn|first=Elizabeth|date=October 2, 1995|title=Sullivan to head Sullivan|work=Broadcasting & Cable|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/95-OCR/BC-1995-10-02-OCR-Page-0040.pdf|access-date=November 3, 2021}} He was then succeeded by Rip Rioridan as president.{{Cite web|title=FORM 10-K FOR YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997|url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/739708/0000950134-98-002699.txt}} In 1996, it bought out WPRI-TV in Providence from CBS, which CBS did not keep due to slight signal overlap with WBZ-TV in Boston.{{Cite news|date=May 6, 1996|title=Changing Hands|work=Broadcasting|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/96-OCR/BC-1996-05-06-OCR-Page-0025.pdf|access-date=November 3, 2021}} Also that year, Argyle Television Holdings II, who owned WNAC-TV entered into a LMA with Clear Channel's WPRI.{{Cite news|last=McClellan|first=Steve|date=June 17, 1996|title=Argyle, Clear Channel make LMA in Providence|work=Broadcasting|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/96-OCR/BC-1996-06-17-OCR-Page-0057.pdf|access-date=November 3, 2021}}

As part of the radio-TV strategy, Clear Channel acquired Jacor Communications, which incorporated WKRC-TV in Cincinnati into the Clear Channel Television branch.{{Cite web|last=Morgan|first=Richard|date=October 9, 1998|title=Clear Channel buys Jacor|url=https://variety.com/1998/biz/news/clear-channel-buys-jacor-1117481271/|access-date=November 3, 2021|website=Variety|language=en-US}} Once FCC relaxed its duopoly rules, Clear Channel acquired stations that were originally LMA markets outright, including WLMT in Memphis, KTFO in Tulsa, WTEV in Jacksonville, KASN in Little Rock and WJTC in Mobile.{{Cite news|date=November 22, 1999|title=Who's doing duopolies|work=Broadcasting|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/99-OCR/BC-1999-11-22-OCR-Page-0009.pdf|access-date=November 3, 2021}} Also in 2000, Clear Channel sold WPRI to Sunrise Television for $50 million.{{Cite news|date=December 11, 2000|title=Changing Hands|work=Broadcasting|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Archive-BC-IDX/00-OCR/BC-2000-12-11-OCR-Page-0048.pdf|access-date=November 3, 2021}} Later on in 2001, William Moll become the president of Clear Channel Television, replacing Rioridan.{{Cite web|author=|date=January 8, 2001|title=Moll is New Clear Channel Chief|url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/moll-new-clear-channel-chief-95872|access-date=November 3, 2021|website=Broadcasting Cable|language=en}}

In 2001, after acquiring the stations of Chris-Craft Industries, Fox Television Stations traded WFTC to Clear Channel Television for Fox's own TV stations KMOL-TV in San Antonio and KTVX in Salt Lake City.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/sanantonio/stories/2001/07/23/daily30.html|title=Clear Channel to land KMOL-TV in a trade|access-date=November 3, 2021|website=www.bizjournals.com}} In 2002, Clear Channel acquired Ackerley Group, which incorporated its television holdings into the Clear Channel Television portfolio.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/sanantonio/stories/2002/06/10/daily37.html|title=Clear Channel cleared to solicit for Ackerley Group debt|access-date=November 3, 2021|website=www.bizjournals.com}} Also that year, Clear Channel sold KTTU in Tucson to Belo outright.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/sanantonio/stories/2002/03/11/daily22.html|access-date=November 3, 2021|website=www.bizjournals.com|title=Belo buys Clear Channel station for $18M}} In 2003, Clear Channel announced that they would sell WUTR to Mission Broadcasting.{{Cite web|title=Utica's WUTR to Revive Local News Operation • CNYRadio.com / CNYTVNews.com|url=https://cnyradio.com/2011/03/31/uticas-wutr-to-revive-local-news-operation/|access-date=November 3, 2021|language=en-US}} In 2004, Clear Channel bought WETM outright after the death of Robert Smith, the founder of Smith Broadcasting.{{Cite web|title=NorthEast Radio Watch by Scott Fybush|url=https://www.fybush.com/NERW/2004/040927/nerw.html|access-date=November 3, 2021|website=www.fybush.com}} In 2005, Clear Channel acquired another Salt Lake City television station KUWB from Acme Communications for $18.5 million in cash.{{Cite web|title=Clear Channel to buy KUWB for $18.5 million|url=https://archive.sltrib.com/article.php?id=&itype=NGPSID|access-date=November 3, 2021|website=The Salt Lake Tribune|language=en-US}}{{Dead link|date=March 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} In 2006, Don Perry was then named president and CEO of Clear Channel Television.{{Cite web|last=Eggerton|first=John|date=January 17, 2006|title=Perry Named CEO of Clear Channel TV|url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/perry-named-ceo-clear-channel-tv-78515|access-date=November 3, 2021|website=Broadcasting Cable|language=en}}

Ever that, in the 2000s, Clear Channel began the trend of using legacy callsigns for former radio sisters as new call designated signs for existing Clear Channel TV properties, since it already owned radio stations, although WKRC-TV already used the moniker when it was under Clear Channel ownership. In 2002, San Antonio's Clear Channel station KMOL-TV was rebranded to WOAI-TV, the original call letters that station is using from 1948 to 1974, matching up with radio sister WOAI-AM.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/sanantonio/stories/2002/07/01/daily13.html|title=KMOL-TV changing call letters to WOAI|access-date=November 5, 2021|website=www.bizjournals.com}} In 2005, WOKR, the Rochester Clear Channel affiliate was rebranded to WHAM-TV, the original call letters for an unrelated Rochester station WROC-TV from 1948 to 1956, matching up for radio sister WHAM-AM.{{Cite web|last=Dickinson|first=Mike|date=November 19, 2004|title=WOKR to change call letters to WHAM {{!}} Rochester Business Journal|url=https://rbj.net/2004/11/19/wokr-to-change-call-letters-to-wham/|access-date=November 5, 2021|language=en-US}} Also that year, sister station in Syracuse, WIXT was rebranded to WSYR-TV, the original call letters for WSTM-TV from 1950 to 1980, matching up for radio sister WSYR-AM.{{Cite web|title=News Channel 9 - WSYR Channel 9 Television|url=https://www.stationindex.com/tv/callsign/WSYR|access-date=November 5, 2021|website=www.stationindex.com}}

In 2007, the company entered into an agreement to sell all its television stations to Providence Equity Partners for $1.2 billion, a deal that eventually closed in March 2008. Earlier that year, Don Perry left as president and CEO of Clear Channel Television.{{Cite web|title=Clear Channel TV head Perry steps down|url=https://www.upi.com/Business_News/2008/01/02/Clear-Channel-TV-head-Perry-steps-down/55811199319759/|access-date=November 3, 2021|website=UPI|language=en}} All former Clear Channel television stations were owned by Newport Television, while the other six were flipped to other buyers by Newport. In 2012 to mid-2013, Newport sold off all of its holdings to several other television groups, including Cox Media Group, Nexstar Media Group, and Sinclair Broadcast Group.

Stations are arranged alphabetically by state and by city of license.

{{notelist-ua}}

{{notelist}}

iHeartMedia owns Mediabase, which provide music charts based on songs and tracks receiving the most spins played on radio stations in the United States and Canada. A majority of stations that report to Mediabase are iHeartMedia outlets but other companies also report to the Mediabase charts. In addition, countdown shows produced by Premiere will utilize Mediabase charts for the basis of their programs.

• 24/7 News Source
• Operates iHeartRadio News Network and local news networks in Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, Ohio, Oklahoma, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida.
• Premiere Networks
• Acquired and later sold the Agri Broadcast Network (ABN), a farm programming provider in Ohio.
• Publishes Inside Radio magazine
• Total Traffic & Weather Network reports: on-road and traffic conditions across the United States, and in Mexico City, Mexico. These are used by many GPS navigation systems.{{cite news | url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,2213532,00.asp | work=PC Magazine | first=Molly | last=McLaughlin | title=Avoid Traffic Jams With GPS | date=November 8, 2007 | access-date=August 31, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080625060059/http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,2213532,00.asp | archive-date=June 25, 2008 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }} Total Traffic & Weather also produce and distributes 24/7 News channel on iHeartRadio (from 2016 to 2024, iHeart/TTWN and NBC News formed a content/licensing agreement for NBC News Radio).
• Fan Radio Network: a sports radio network that serves Minnesota, South Dakota, and North Dakota. The flagship station is KFXN-FM in Minneapolis, MN.
• Your Smooth Jazz: 24-hour smooth jazz network provided under the company's "Broadcast Architecture" division.{{cite web|url=https://www.yoursmoothjazz.com/|title=The Smooth Jazz Network|access-date=August 26, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110208173813/http://yoursmoothjazz.com/|archive-date=February 8, 2011|url-status=live}}

• Owns outdoor advertising companies in Brazil, Chile, Finland, France, Italy, Latvia, Norway, Poland, Romania, Singapore, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Belgium and Mauritius.
• Owns L & C Outdoor Comunicação Visual Ltda., of Brazil
• United Kingdom
• Large numbers of billboards (through a takeover of Adshel)
• See Clear Channel UK

Operates urban bicycle sharing systems in several European cities:

In 2003, Clear Channel created the Vertical Real Estate division and hired Scott Quitadamo to promote its tower portfolio. iHeartMedia owns and operates approximately 1,500 broadcast transmission towers across the U.S., many of which are available for co-location by third parties such as cellular and PCS companies, wireless internet, fixed wireless, and other broadcasters.

{{Main|List of programming syndicated by iHeartMedia}}

{{See also|Premiere Networks}}

iHeartMedia operates the country's largest syndication service, Premiere Networks. In addition, iHeartMedia syndicates a number of its homegrown talk and music shows without the aid of Premiere. While Premiere actively sells its shows to stations, the non-Premiere syndicated shows are often used as a cost-cutting measure and do not have a large sales staff. Those shows also do not carry network-wide advertising (unless distributed by a third party), and allow the affiliates to keep all local spots, which increases their appeal. These networks carry many program hosts of various political ideologies and distribute a variety of programs to both iHeartMedia-owned and non-iHeartMedia-owned stations.

In addition to its own syndication network, iHeartMedia offers studio space and other services to the WestStar TalkRadio Network, which is based at iHeartMedia's studios in Phoenix, Arizona. As a result, many WestStar programs are heard on iHeartMedia stations.

Not all programming heard on iHeartMedia's radio stations are produced in house; however, most of iHeartMedia's stations share many similarities to each other in branding and programming.

{{Main|iHeartRadio}}

iHeartRadio is a free broadcast, podcast and streaming radio platform. It is also the national umbrella brand for iHeartMedia's radio network aggregating its over 860 local iHeartMedia radio stations across the United States, as well as hundreds of other stations from various other media.

iHeartMedia Alternative Stations usually are branded as "Radio" (such as Radio 94.5 (KMYT) in Temecula, CA) or "ALT" (Alt 98.7 (KYSR) in Los Angeles). Others include: The Edge, The Buzz, The Project, Star, or X. The Woody Show, which originates from KYSR, serves as the anchor morning show for the iHeartMedia Alternative outlets.

Stations that carry programming catering to black Americans are a big part of many iHeartMedia clusters, particularly Philadelphia, Chicago, and Detroit.{{cite magazine |last1=Hissong |first1=Samantha |title=Radio Is Quietly Scrubbing the Word 'Urban,' Sources Say |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/pro/news/iheartradio-mediabase-urban-radio-changes-1023730/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=July 2, 2020 |access-date=October 26, 2021}} In many clusters iHeartMedia has two or more such stations. About half of these stations focus on Rap and Hip Hop along with younger rhythm and blues sounds. The other half blend some younger rhythm and blues along with some Soul from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s along with some current product. In a cluster with multiple hip-hop, rap, R&B, and rhythmic stations owned by iHeartMedia, one is focused on Rap while the other is focused on Soul. Examples include Philadelphia, with WUSL's focus on hip hop while WDAS-FM focuses on Soul (in addition, the company also owns WGCI-FM in Chicago, which focuses on rap, while WVAZ is focused on Soul. iHeartMedia hip hop, rap, R&B, and rhythmic stations are branded as "Real" (KRRL Los Angeles), "Beat" (KQBT/Houston, WBTP Tampa) or "Power" (WWPR-FM New York City, WUSL Philadelphia and WHEN Syracuse). In San Francisco, iHeartMedia owned more hip hop, rap, R&B, and rhythmic stations such as Rhythmic Top 40 KYLD, rhythmic oldies KISQ, and rhythmic contemporary KMEL in that area (KYLD shifted to Top 40/CHR in 2015, KISQ flipped to AC in 2016), and the same happened in Detroit, where the company also owns rhythmic AC WMXD, rhythmic contemporary WJLB and former Rhythmic AC WDTW-FM (now WLLZ). iHeart also have hip hop, rap, R&B, and rhythmic outlets with heritage and familiarity based on the markets they serve, like WHRK and WDIA in Memphis, and WKKV-FM in Milwaukee.

Another growing format, Classic Hip-Hop/Throwback/Old School (consisting of R&B/Hip-Hop, Rap, and Rhythmic songs from the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s), can be heard full-time on iHeartRadio, as well as KATZ-FM/St. Louis and KUBT-HD2 in Honolulu. Previously, this format was originated as Rhythmic Oldies, which was launched at KCMG/Los Angeles and later spread to more markets before the former Clear Channel flipped several stations out of the format by the mid-2000s.

For the Rhythmic Top 40 format, similar brandings include "The Beat" (KUBT/Honolulu and WBTT/Ft. Myers), Power 102/El Paso, 104.5 Kiss FM/Beaumont, Texas, "Jam'n" (KXJM/Portland Oregon, KSSX/San Diego, and WJMN/Boston; a similar "Jammin'" is used at WSTV/Roanoke & WJJX/Lynchburg). A "B" has been used at KBOS-FM/Fresno since the 1980s. Other Rhythmics, such as KUBE/Seattle, KDON-FM/Salinas-Monterey and KGGI/Riverside-San Bernardino, simply use the call letters and/or frequency. Most of these stations target a multicultural audience and play Rhythmic Pop, R&B/Hip-Hop, and Dance tracks.

For rhythmic AC stations, they used to have the "Party" branding (particularly during the time when most used Wake Up with Whoopi out of WKTU as their morning show), but the two "Party" stations in Denver (KDHT) and Las Vegas (KYMT, the former KPLV) have since exited the Rhythmic AC format. KDHT and KYMT moved to top 40, but continue to use the "Party" branding (KYMT is currently mainstream rock). The Breakfast Club Morning Show out of WWPR-FM in New York and "Big Boy's Neighborhood" out of KRRL in Los Angeles are iHeartMedia's syndicated urban morning shows. In 2017, for IHM's 3rd season they produced rhythmic AC programming.

IHeartMedia syndicates the Smooth Jazz Network (aka Your Smooth Jazz), which is programmed by Broadcast Architecture. Unless otherwise noted, all Smooth Jazz Network stations will carry the following schedule: Kenny G and Sandy Kovach in morning drive time, Miranda Wilson in midday, Allen Kepler in afternoon drive time, and Maria Lopez in evenings, with no disc jockeys overnight. Weekend programming consists of the Smooth Jazz Top 20 with Allen Kepler, as well as the Dave Koz Radio Show.

The first radio programs included Electric Sound Stage, Club Phusion, Trancid, Pride Radio, PrototypeRadio, The Spin*Cycle and Classic Dance. Although they have no full-powered stations programming a Dance or EDM (Electronic Dance Music) format, iHeartMedia has FM translators and HD2 platforms broadcasting the EDM-intensive Evolution platform (KZZP/Phoenix is the flagship station, serving as a reporter on Billboard’s Dance/Mix Show Airplay panel), while the LGBT community is served by the more broader-based Pride Radio (with WFLZ/Tampa serving as the flagship station as well as a Dance/Mix Show Airplay reporter). However, iHeartMedia's Top 40/CHR and Rhythmic Top 40 outlets incorporate a majority of Dance songs onto its playlist and set aside airtime blocks for mix shows. A weekly countdown program, America’s Dance 30, airs on Evolution and selected iHeart Top 40 and Rhythmic stations.

News/talk stations owned by iHeartMedia often have a standard slate of hosts. The morning show is usually local, with other time slots filled by local and syndicated hosts. Talk shows heard on many iHeartMedia talk stations include The Glenn Beck Radio Program (Beck having gotten his talk show start at iHeartMedia-owned WFLA in Tampa, which serves as its home station), The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show (does not have a home station but is based in Nashville), The Sean Hannity Show (based at WOR in New York), The Jesse Kelly Show (based at KPRC Houston) and Coast to Coast AM with George Noory, all of which are syndicated by Premiere Networks. The Mark Levin Show (based at WABC in New York and WMAL-FM in Washington, syndicated from Westwood One) and The Dave Ramsey Show (based in Nashville and independently syndicated) are non-Premiere shows which air on several iHeartMedia stations.

Before his death in 2021, The Rush Limbaugh Show was almost universally carried on iHeartMedia stations in markets where the company has a news/talk station, including New York City: WOR was acquired in 2013 by Clear Channel and began carrying Limbaugh's program in 2014 following a long relationship with now-Red Apple Media-owned WABC. In markets where iHeartMedia-owned news/talk stations are not highly-rated (such as Dallas and Atlanta), iHeartMedia has chosen to sell popular syndicated shows such as Coast to Coast AM and Sean Hannity to rival talk stations. Syndicated morning news programs like America in The Morning (from Westwood One) and This Morning, America's First News with Gordon Deal (from Compass Media Networks) are also heard on a few iHeartMedia-owned stations. In markets where the local iHeartMedia news/talk station does not have its own local morning show, Armstrong & Getty from KSTE Sacramento and The Michael DelGiorno Show from KLAC Nashville are often heard instead.

While most of iHeartMedia's news/talk stations carry some combination of Beck, Hannity and Noory (of Coast to Coast AM), this is not always the case. Some stations, particularly in the larger markets, fill their schedules with local hosts. In some cities, iHeartMedia owns two or three talk stations. The dominant station, such as KFI Los Angeles, KOA Denver, WLW Cincinnati and WHAS Louisville, broadcast a mostly local lineup. Secondary talk stations (KEIB Los Angeles, KDFD and KHOW Denver, WKRC Cincinnati and WKJK Louisville) carry most of the syndicated offerings from Premiere Networks.

Weekend programs heard on some iHeart-owned stations and syndicated by Premiere Networks to other talk stations include At Home with Gary Sullivan, Handel on the Law with Bill Handel, The Weekend with Michael Brown, In the Garden with Ron Wilson, Rich on Tech with Rich DeMuro, The Ben Ferguson Show, Sunday Nights with Bill Cunningham, Somewhere in Time with Art Bell and The Jesus Christ Show with Neil Saavedra. Most are pre-recorded and offered to stations to air anytime on weekends they choose, although Ferguson and Cunningham do their shows live on Sunday evenings. Bell's show is made up of recorded Coast to Coast AM programs from the late 1990s and early 2000s. He died in 2018.

iHeartMedia has been active in the national trend of simulcasting its AM news/talk outlets on full-power FM stations, hoping to preserve their long-term viability while AM radio declines. Examples include Sacramento where KGBY 92.5 became KFBK-FM, simulcasting KFBK 1530 AM. In Salt Lake City, 105.7 KTMY became KNRS-FM, simulcasting KNRS 570 AM. In the Albany-Schenectady-Troy market, WHRL 103.1 became WGY-FM, simulcasting WGY 810 AM. In Birmingham, WVVB 105.5 became WERC-FM, simulcasting WERC 960 AM. In Syracuse, WPHR 106.9 became WSYR-FM, simulcasting WSYR 570 AM.

Some iHeartMedia news/talk stations on the AM dial are also heard on low-power FM translator stations. Even though they are powered at only a few hundred watts, the translators allow some listeners to hear WLAC Nashville, KOA Denver and WFLA Tampa on the FM dial. In Washington D.C., iHeartMedia has a translator-only news/talk station, known as "Freedom 104.7 FM". It is heard on an HD Radio subchannel of WMZQ-FM 98.7. That feeds translator station W284CQ which broadcasts on 104.7 MHz.

Progressive talk shows had been heard on a few of iHeartMedia's stations, primarily secondary to its main news/talk stations. These liberal-leaning stations usually featured at least one local host with some syndicated shows, mainly from Westwood One, making up the balance of the broadcast day. Air America Radio also aired on some of these stations. iHeartMedia has shown a tendency to drop liberal talk affiliations due to lack of ratings or advertiser support and replace it with sports talk or other formats. For instance, WCKY Cincinnati, KLSD San Diego, WXKS Boston, KPOJ Portland and WINZ Miami had progressive talk formats that were switched to sports.

In one case this caused a listener protest when iHeartMedia (then Clear Channel) wanted to change WXXM in Madison, Wisconsin, to a sports format. The outcry worked temporarily. WXXM was allowed to keep its liberal-leaning talk format for a few more years. But in November 2016, due to a general lack of syndicated progressive talk programming, WXXM flipped to classic hits.

In the all-news radio format, iHeartMedia owns one station that airs continuous locally-anchored news around the clock, except for a few hours of talk in the evening, WBZ Boston. A few iHeartMedia stations carry all-news in drive time, such as KFBK Sacramento, KOA Denver and KOGO San Diego. For syndication and on the iHeart app, the company operates the "24/7 News" channel through its Total Traffic and Weather Network division. From 2016 to 2024, the service was branded as NBC News Radio after iHeart/TTWN and NBC News formed a brand licensing and content agreement.

On June 30, 2020, iHeartMedia announced a new all-news radio brand, the Black Information Network (BIN), which is targeted towards African Americans.{{Cite web|last=Spangler|first=Todd|date=June 30, 2020|title=iHeartMedia to Launch BIN: Black Information Network on Radio, Digital Channels|url=https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/iheartmedia-bin-black-information-network-launch-1234694146/|access-date=June 30, 2020|website=Variety|language=en}}{{Cite web|date=June 30, 2020|title=iHeartMedia Launches Black Information Network|url=https://radioinsight.com/headlines/189803/fifteen-iheartmedia-stations-stunting-ahead-of-new-network-launch/|access-date=June 30, 2020|website=RadioInsight|language=en-US}} BIN is heard on iHeartMedia stations in dozens of cities. WBIN Atlanta is considered the flagship station.

Nearly all sports talk stations owned by iHeartMedia are affiliated with Fox Sports Radio. A few sports talk stations owned by iHeartMedia run programming from rival ESPN Radio. In Cincinnati, iHeart owns two sports stations with WSAI running Fox Sports and WCKY carrying ESPN. In 2020, iHeartMedia launched the iHeartSports Network.{{cite web |last1=McLane |first1=Paul |title=iHeart Launches Sports Network |url=https://www.radioworld.com/news-and-business/headlines/iheartsports-network-launches |website=Radio World |date=September 28, 2020 |access-date=October 26, 2021}}

Most of iHeartMedia's adult standards stations were turnkey operations, running a direct feed of a satellite format such as Westwood One's America's Best Music or Music of Your Life, with no local DJs. The company sold off many of these stations or flipped them to sports or talk formats.

iHeartMedia's Adult contemporary stations are often branded as "Lite FM" (e.g. WLTW New York and WLIT-FM Chicago) or "Sunny" (KODA Houston and KTSM-FM El Paso). A handful of stations use "Magic", "B" or something else similar as their identifiers. As of 2018, "The Breeze" brought a resurgence in Soft AC, targeted towards millennial listeners. In the evening, many iHeartMedia AC stations carry Delilah, a call-in and request show syndicated by Premiere Networks and hosted by Delilah Rene. In some markets, another station has the rights to Delilah, in which case The John Tesh Radio Show is often carried in the evening. Your Weekend with Jim Brickman and The Ellen K Weekend Show are popular weekend syndicated programs on iHeartMedia adult contemporary stations.

Nearly all iHeartMedia AC stations switch to all-Christmas music for much of November and December. Some AC stations are known for playing holiday songs as early as November 1 such as WLIT-FM Chicago. Other iHeartMedia AC stations make the switch each year in early November while WLTW New York waits until the Friday before Thanksgiving.

Hot adult contemporary stations are usually branded as "Mix" (WMMX Dayton), "Star" (KMYI San Diego) or "MYfm" (KBIG Los Angeles). Some Hot AC stations lean toward modern rock while others lean toward adult hits.

iHeartMedia's CHR stations share a number of common brands, including "KISS-FM" (e.g., KIIS-FM Los Angeles, WKSC-FM Chicago, WAKS Cleveland, WKFS Cincinnati, WXKS-FM Boston), "Z" (e.g., WHTZ New York, KKRZ Portland, WZFT Baltimore, KSLZ St. Louis), "Wild" (e.g., WLDI West Palm Beach, KYLD San Francisco), "Power" (WWPW Atlanta, WGEX Albany, Georgia), Channel (e.g., WKQI Detroit, KHTS-FM San Diego, WCHD Dayton-Springfield), or "Hot" (e.g., WIHT in Washington, D.C., WWHT in Syracuse, NY). Other brands, less commonly used, includes "Radio Now" (previously used at WNRW Louisville, now rebranded as "98.9 Kiss FM"), "Q" (WIOQ Philadelphia-102.1 FM-Q102, WQGA Waycross-Brunswick, Georgia-103.3 FM-103Q), "B" (WAEB-FM B 104 Allentown-Reading PA 104.1 FM), "FM" (WLAN-FM FM 97 96.9 FM Lancaster-Reading), "V" (WVRT & WVRZ V-97 Williamsport-Lock Haven, Pennsylvania), "Max" (WHCY Max 106.3 Sussex), "K.C." (WKCI-FM KC 101, 101.3 FM, Hamden, Connecticut) and "X" (WJMX-FM 103X, 103.3 FM Cheraw, South Carolina).

Although a majority of these stations features a broad-based, mass appeal music presentation, several stations like KPRR El Paso and WKTU New York program more rhythmic material. WKTU has a sister station in WHTZ, so WKTU's playlist includes more rhythmic hits to differentiate itself from Z100.

Country music stations owned by iHeartMedia often call themselves "The Bull" (WUBL Atlanta and KSD-FM St. Louis) and "Big" (WSIX-FM Nashville) as national brandings. They almost universally carry After Midnite with Granger Smith, a syndicated overnight program. Many also carry The Bobby Bones Show in morning drive time], based at WSIX-FM Nashville. (Some iHeartMedia country stations with popular local morning shows run Bobby Bones in the evening or weekends.)

In 2015, iHeartMedia launched the iHeartCountry franchise, including the iHeartRadio Country Festival.{{cite magazine |last1=Mamo |first1=Heran |title=Blake Shelton, Carly Pearce, Little Big Town & More to Perform at iHeartCountry Festival 2021 |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/country/9603444/iheartcountry-festival-2021-lineup-blake-shelton-lee-brice-carly-pearce-little-big-town/ |magazine=Billboard |date=July 20, 2021 |access-date=October 26, 2021}} The Festival is a popular live music concert held each year and recorded for television.

iHeartMedia's Classic Hits stations consists largely of FM stations with some AM stations. iHeartMedia uses brands such as "Big" and "Kool" on many of its stations. Nearly all of the FM stations play classic hits spanning from the late 1970s to the 1990s with a primary focus on the 1980s, with a 500-song active playlist. These stations generally have a few local live announcers; much of the time these stations are voicetracked either locally or from another market. Many air the in house syndicated 'The 80s Show' with Jeff Stevens on Saturday evenings and many air Casey Kasem's American Top 40 from the 1970s and 1980s.

The AM oldies stations' playlists skew somewhat older and span from 1955 to about 1975. About 60 percent of the time they play 1964 to 1969 oldies, 20 percent pre 1964 oldies, and 20 percent music from the 1970s. Some of the AM stations also run adult standards several hours on the weekend as well as limited specialized programming focusing on the pre 1964 era. Most of the AM stations are in smaller markets.

iHeartMedia stations programming a rock format tend to play a blend of new rock and harder classic rock. Some carry Nights with Alice Cooper (out of KSLX-FM in Phoenix) in the evenings while some others aired Sixx Sense with Nikki Sixx until the show ended at the end of 2015. These stations tend to be live during the day and voicetracked at night. Some stations run Rockline with Bob Coburn and/or Little Steven's Underground Garage as well.

While iHeartMedia classic rock stations operate under a wide variety of monikers, many are branded as "The Fox" or "The Brew". Often, these stations will carry Bob and Tom (out of WFBQ in Indianapolis) in morning drive. In the Southern United States, John Boy and Billy (out of WRFX in Charlotte) is carried instead in most cases. (Both of the aforementioned shows are syndicated by Premiere.) Other shows include Rover's Morning Glory out of WMMS in Cleveland. Starting with WQBW Milwaukee (now the sports formatted WRNW) and WBWR Columbus (now WXZX), several iHeartMedia stations have adopted a 1980s-centered classic rock approach called "The Brew".

The company's alternative rock stations use a standardized branding under the brand "Alt".

In a few markets, iHeartMedia has an FM station carrying Hispanic programming full-time. In some markets the format is a Contemporary Tropical format while in others the format carried is more of a Mexican format. In a few markets an iHeartMedia FM station carries a rap based Spanish format known as Hurban, which blends Spanish dance music with rhythm and blues hits as well as some Hip Hop. The division was run by Spanish radio executive Alfredo Alonso, who joined the company in September 2004 as senior vice president of Hispanic Radio.{{cite web|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2004/09/13/daily25.html?jst=s_cn_hl-|title=Clear Channel Radio joins pursuit of Hispanic listeners|work=Puget Sound Business Journal|access-date=January 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604040719/http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2004/09/13/daily25.html?jst=s_cn_hl-|archive-date=June 4, 2011|url-status=live}} In September 2016, iHeartMedia brought hired Enrique Santos as chairman and chief creative officer of the newly formed iHeartLatino division.{{cite web |title=iHeartMedia Announces iHeartLatino Division, Appoints Enrique Santos Chairman and CCO |url=https://magnusmedia.com/iheartmedia-announces-iheartlatino-division-appoints-enrique-santos-chairman-cco/ |website=Magnus Media |date=September 9, 2016 |access-date=October 26, 2021}}

iHeartMedia launched an annual event franchise called iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina.{{cite magazine |last1=Aguila |first1=Justino |title=iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina Lineup: Pitbull, Becky G Join Ricky Martin, Roberto Tapia |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/latin-notas/6288928/iheartradio-fiesta-latina-lineup-pitbull |magazine=Billboard |date=October 16, 2014 |access-date=October 26, 2021}}

In a few markets, iHeartMedia has a religious station on the AM band. Some of these sell blocks of time to outside organizations and have no local shows at all except where local churches buy time. These are formatted similarly to Salem Media stations.

The other type of religious format iHeartMedia uses in a few markets is a Gospel music based format. On these stations, Gospel Music appealing to black Americans airs most of the time, along with some block programming sold to religious groups. These stations are often programmed as urban stations that happen to be religious.

IHeartMedia has one station in Hawaii, KDNN/Honolulu, programming a Contemporary Hawaiian Hits/Reggae format, along with an accompanying HD2 sub channel that features traditional Hawaiian music. Multicultural programming can also be heard on AM stations that iHeartMedia owns or has LMAs with. In March 2019, its Allentown, Pennsylvania outlet, WSAN, launched an all-podcast format. In November 2019, K256AS/KUCD-HD2 in Honolulu launched a variant Top 40 format with a focus on K-pop and other international pop hits.

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the company became an object of persistent criticism.Klinenberg, Eric. Fighting For Air: The Battle to Control America's Media. Metropolitan Books, 2007Foege, Alec. Right of the Dial: The Rise of Clear Channel and the Fall of Commercial Radio. Faber and Faber, 2008 FCC regulations were relaxed following the Telecommunications Act of 1996, allowing companies to own far more radio stations than before. After spending about $30 billion, Clear Channel owned over 1,200 stations nationwide, including as many as eight stations in certain markets. Although "media reform" social movement organizations like Future of Music Coalition mobilized against Clear Channel, so far the company has been able to hold on to all of its stations after divesting a few following the acquisition of AMFM, although over 500 stations have since been sold or are in the process of being sold since the company announced plans to become privately held.

{{Main|Clear Channel memorandum}}

Following the September 11 attacks on New York and The Pentagon, radio stations circulated a list of songs that were deemed inappropriate for broadcast during the time of national mourning following the attacks. A small list was initially generated by the Clear Channel office on Thursday, September 13, 2001,In 2001, Jack Evans, regional senior VP of programming at Clear Channel, attributed the creation of the list to individual program directors rather than management; however, the completed list was distributed to the program directors by management at Clear Channel. See also: {{cite web |last=Truitt |first=Eliza |title=It's the End of the World as Clear Channel Knows It |work=Chatterbox |publisher=Slate.com |date=September 17, 2001 |url=http://www.slate.com/id/1008314/ |access-date=September 14, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080617211510/http://www.slate.com/id/1008314/ |archive-date=June 17, 2008 |url-status=live }} though individual program directors added many of their own songs. A list containing about 150 songs was soon published on the Internet. Some critics suggested that Clear Channel's political preferences played a part in the list.{{cite web|url=http://www.lipmagazine.org/articles/featwishnia_142.shtml|archive-url=https://archive.today/20020405013224/http://www.lipmagazine.org/articles/featwishnia_142.shtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 5, 2002|title=lipmagazine.org}} A number of songs were apparently placed on the list because they had specific words such as "plane", "fly", "burn", and "falling" in their titles. Clear Channel denies that this was a list of banned songs, claiming it was a list of titles that should be played only after great thought. Also WOFX, Cincinnati, owned by Clear Channel at the time continued to play songs that were on the alleged list, even though radio headquarters was in Cincinnati at the time.{{cite press release |title=Clear Channel Says National "Banned Playlist" Does Not Exist |publisher=Clear Channel Communications, Inc. |date=September 18, 2001 |url=http://content.clearchannel.com/corporate/article/NationalBannedPlaylist.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020923200949/http://content.clearchannel.com/corporate/article/NationalBannedPlaylist.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 23, 2002 |access-date=August 3, 2008 }} Songs on the list included Tom Petty's "Free Fallin'", Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World" and the entire Rage Against the Machine discography.

In 2004, Clear Channel acquired a key patent in the process of producing Instant Live recordings, in which a live performance is recorded directly from the sound engineer's console during the show, and then rapidly burned on CD so that audience members can buy copies of the show as they are leaving the venue. This had been intended to provide additional revenue to the artist, venue, and promoter, as well as stifle the demand for unauthorized bootleg concert recordings made by audience members. However, some media critics, as well as smaller business rivals, believed that Clear Channel was using the patent (on the process of adding cues to the beginning and ending of tracks during recording, so that the concert is not burned as a single enormous track) to drive competitors out of business or force them to pay licensing fees, even if they do not use precisely the same process. The patent was transferred to Live Nation when Clear Channel Entertainment was spun off, but the patent was revoked on March 13, 2007,{{cite press release|url=https://www.eff.org/press/archives/2007/03/12|date=March 13, 2007|title=EFF Kills Bogus Clear Channel Patent|publisher=Electronic Frontier Foundation|access-date=August 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160909095922/https://www.eff.org/press/archives/2007/03/12|archive-date=September 9, 2016|url-status=live}} after it was found that this patent infringed on a prior patent granted for Telex.

During the nationwide crackdown on indecent material following the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show in 2004, Clear Channel launched a "self-policing" effort, and declared that there would be no "indecent" material allowed on the air. This led to the company's dismissal of several of their own employees, including popular and high-profile hosts in a number of cities. There were protests from free-speech advocates. During the same period, Howard Stern was dropped from six Clear Channel-owned stations in Florida, California, Pennsylvania, New York and Kentucky. By mid-year, rival Viacom (through radio division Infinity Broadcasting, and the original Viacom, not the second one) brought Stern's show back to those six markets. In June 2004, Viacom/Infinity Broadcasting Inc./One Twelve Inc. filed a $10 million lawsuit against Clear Channel for breaking of contracts and non-payment of licensing fees due to the dropping of Stern's show. (Viacom was Howard Stern's employer at the time, though he has since moved to Sirius XM Satellite Radio.) The following July, Clear Channel filed a countersuit of $3 million.{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/money/media/2004-02-25-clearchannel-decency_x.htm?csp=34 |work=USA Today |title=Clear Channel adopts 'zero-tolerance' indecency policy |date=February 25, 2004 |access-date=August 31, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111016060125/http://www.usatoday.com/money/media/2004-02-25-clearchannel-decency_x.htm?csp=34 |archive-date=October 16, 2011 |url-status=live }}

In the early 2000s, Clear Channel settled a lawsuit with a Denver, Colorado concert promoter, Nobody In Particular Presents (NIPP). In the lawsuit, NIPP alleged that Clear Channel halted airplay on its local stations for (NIPP) clients, and that Clear Channel would not allow NIPP to publicize its concerts on the air. The lawsuit was settled in 2004 when Clear Channel agreed to pay NIPP a confidential sum. However, a systematic analysis of concert ticket prices found no evidence that Clear Channel was cross-leveraging its radio interests with its (now divested) concert promotion interests.Alan B. Krueger, "The Economics of Real Superstars: The Market for Rock Concerts in the Material World", Journal of Labor Economics: 23 (2005): 1–30.

iHeartMedia uses the RCS Nex-Gen automation system throughout their properties. Like most contemporary automation systems, Nex-Gen allows a DJ from anywhere in the country to sound as if he or she is broadcasting from anywhere else in the country, on any other station.{{Cite news |first=Mark |last=Washburn |work=The Charlotte Observer |title=The voice of Charlotte... and Huntsville... and Jackson... |url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-8847612_ITM |page=1H |date=May 26, 2002 |access-date=November 25, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090111223633/http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-8847612_ITM |archive-date=January 11, 2009 |url-status=live }} A technological outgrowth of earlier, tape-based automation systems dating back to the 1960s, this method—known as voice-tracking—allows for smaller market stations to be partially or completely staffed by "cyber-jocks" who may never have visited the town from which they are broadcasting. This practice may also result in local on-air positions being reduced or eliminated. It has been stated that iHeartMedia maintains a majority of its staff in hourly-paid, part-time positions. Beginning in the early 2020s, many of its stations have added a disclaimer with their station identification sequence noting that the voicetracked content is pre-recorded.

{{Main|Minot train derailment}}

Clear Channel was criticized for a situation that occurred in Minot, North Dakota, on the morning of January 18, 2002. At around 2:30 a.m., a Canadian Pacific Railway train derailed and leaked {{convert|240,000|USgal|L}} of toxic anhydrous ammonia, releasing a cloud of caustic, poisonous gas over the city.{{cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/minot-train-derailment-kills-one-injures-dozens-1.342396 |title=Minot train derailment kills one, injures dozens |publisher=CBC |date=January 18, 2002 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070817204119/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/minot-train-derailment-kills-one-injures-dozens-1.342396 |archive-date=August 17, 2007 }} At the time, Clear Channel owned six commercial radio stations out of nine in the Minot area. City officials attempted to contact the local Clear Channel office by telephone to spread warnings of the danger using its radio stations, but it was several critical hours before the station manager was finally reached at his home. In the meantime, 9-1-1 operators were advising panicked callers to tune to KCJB for emergency instructions, but the station was not broadcasting any such information.{{cite web|url=http://www.democracynow.org/2007/1/25/exclusive_911_calls_in_north_dakota|title=Exclusive... 911 Calls in North Dakota Town Reveal Dangers of Media Consolidation|publisher=Democracy Now|date=January 25, 2007|access-date=November 29, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101206055034/http://www.democracynow.org/2007/1/25/exclusive_911_calls_in_north_dakota|archive-date=December 6, 2010|url-status=live}}

The ammonia spill was the largest of its kind in the United States, with one person killed, and over 1,000 seeking medical attention. Clear Channel claimed no responsibility for its failure to warn residents, maintaining that the city should have used the Emergency Alert System to trigger automatic equipment in place at all U.S. radio stations. The EAS equipment was later found to be functional at the time, but had not been activated by city, state or regional authorities.{{cite web|url=http://www.radioworld.com/article/2718|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130201021200/http://www.radioworld.com/article/2718|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 1, 2013|title=Reconsidering Minot and EAS|access-date=October 12, 2010}} Other critical systems throughout Minot were either inoperable or had failed, including the public siren system, electricity in parts of the town, and the 9-1-1 telephone system, which became overloaded.{{cite web|url=http://www.slate.com/id/2157395/|title=The whole story about that toxic spill and the Clear Channel "monopoly".|first=Jack|last=Shafer|date=January 10, 2007|work=Slate Magazine|access-date=September 8, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091125002557/http://www.slate.com/id/2157395/|archive-date=November 25, 2009|url-status=live}}

File:PrideBoards.gif

In June 2010, Clear Channel Outdoor rejected without comment two digital billboard images submitted by St. Pete Pride,{{Cite web|url=https://stpetepride.org/|title=Tampa Bay's LGBTQ+ Pride Celebration!|website=St Pete Pride}} an LGBT organization that sponsors gay pride events in the St. Petersburg, Florida area, leading the group to cancel its contract with Clear Channel. St. Pete Pride has stated that throughout its eight-year history, Clear Channel has edited the organization's advertising material, and questioned whether the rejection of these images were because they displayed same-sex couples in affectionate poses. A Clear Channel spokesperson declined to comment on the specific reasons why the images were rejected but denied that the affection being shown was an issue, saying that such images had been included in previous St. Pete Pride campaigns.{{Cite news |last=Pransky |first=Noah |title=St. Pete Pride gay-themed digital billboards rejected by Clear Channel Outdoor |location=St. Petersburg, Florida |publisher=WTSP |date=June 11, 2010 |url=http://www.wtsp.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=133980&catid=8 |access-date=June 25, 2010}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.glaad.org/2010/calltoaction/clearchannel|title = Call on Clear Channel Outdoor to Explain Rejection of Pride Billboards|date = September 9, 2011}}{{Cite press release|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gay-marriage-billboards-banned-across-united-states-164395706.html|title = Gay Marriage Billboards Banned Across United States}}{{Cite web|url=http://banbillboardblight.org/clear-channel-wont-allow-gay-pride-images-on-billboards/|title = Clear Channel Won't Allow Gay Pride Images on Billboards}}

iHeartMedia and its subsidiaries have been associated with censorship of state and federal candidates for public office, elected officials and various political viewpoints.

iHeartMedia has been criticized in the past for censoring opinions critical of the Republican Party. Magic, the 2007 release from Bruce Springsteen which contained songs that were subtly critical of then-president George W. Bush, a Republican, and his administration, was censored from air play on Clear Channel. After Natalie Maines, the singer of the country band Dixie Chicks, told a London audience that they were "ashamed [of the fact that] the president of the United States is from Texas", the band's radio airplay dropped precipitously. Afterwards, some iHeartMedia (then Clear Channel) stations removed The Dixie Chicks from their playlists without any noted repercussions from the company. Gail Austin, Clear Channel's director of programming said, "Out of respect for our troops, our city and our listeners, [we] have taken the Dixie Chicks off our playlists."{{cite news |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/stories/2003/03/17/daily14.html |first=Michael |last=Fitzgerald |title=Dixie Chicks axed by Clear Channel |date=March 18, 2003 |access-date=October 21, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111010015435/http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/stories/2003/03/17/daily14.html |archive-date=October 10, 2011 |url-status=live }} Clear Channel was accused of orchestrating the radio blacklist by such critics as Paul Krugman; however, others claim some Clear Channel stations continued to play the band longer than some other companies.Gabriel Rossman, "Elites, Masses, and Media Blacklists: The Dixie Chicks Controversy", Social Forces: 83 (2004): 61–78.

In 2005, Clear Channel-owned KTVX was the only local television station in Salt Lake City that refused to air a paid political message of Cindy Sheehan against the war in Iraq during a visit by President Bush.{{Cite news |agency=Associated Press |title=TV station refuses to air anti-war ad days before Bush visit |url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2005-08-20-bush-ad_x.htm |work=USA Today |date=August 20, 2005 |access-date=January 13, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120716180633/http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2005-08-20-bush-ad_x.htm |archive-date=July 16, 2012 |url-status=live }}

On May 8, 2014, the FCC was asked to respond to a political programming complaint made against an iHeartMedia owned broadcast licensee, Capstar TX LLC by supporters of Milwaukee mayor Tom Barrett, that year's Democratic candidate for Governor of Wisconsin. Capstar would not offer free airtime on WISN radio (a station which only features local and national conservative talk shows) to respond to statements supporting Republican Governor Scott Walker. Walker's supporters had received free airtime from WISN for political purposes. Barrett supporters based their complaint on WISN's violation of the Zapple doctrine. The FCC responded by rescinding the Zapple doctrine as a no longer enforceable component of the Fairness Doctrine.

iHeartMedia, through its subsidiary, Premiere Radio Networks, auditions and hires actors to call in to talk radio shows and pose as listeners in order to provide shows, carried by iHeartMedia and other broadcasters, with planned content in the form of stories and opinions. The custom caller service provided by Premiere Radio assures its clients they won't hear the same actor's voice for at least two months in order to appear authentic to listeners who might otherwise catch on.{{cite web|url=http://www.tabletmag.com/life-and-religion/58759/radio-daze/|title=Radio Daze|work=Tablet Magazine|access-date=February 14, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110216081007/http://www.tabletmag.com/life-and-religion/58759/radio-daze/|archive-date=February 16, 2011|url-status=live}}

iHeartMedia had ended several long-running rock formats in several markets due to the decline of the format and shifts in overall market demographics, to negative listener reception, including:

• KSJO San Jose (formerly an iHeart station) – flipped to Spanish-language oldies on October 28, 2004, after 35 years as a rock station{{cite news|url=http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/SAN-JOSE-KSJO-s-switch-to-Latin-oldies-rocks-2685778.php|title=KSJO's switch to Latin oldies rocks headbangers' world|work=The San Francisco Chronicle|first=Janine|last=DeFao|date=November 7, 2004|access-date=September 18, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141101033513/http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/SAN-JOSE-KSJO-s-switch-to-Latin-oldies-rocks-2685778.php|archive-date=November 1, 2014|url-status=live}}
• KLOL Houston – flipped to Spanish-language pop on November 12, 2004, after 34 years as a rock station{{cite news|url=http://www.chron.com/entertainment/music/article/KLOL-suddenly-switches-to-Spanish-format-1563017.php|title=KLOL suddenly switches to Spanish format|access-date=September 18, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017015823/http://www.chron.com/entertainment/music/article/KLOL-suddenly-switches-to-Spanish-format-1563017.php|archive-date=October 17, 2015|url-status=live}} (the station was sold to CBS Radio a few years later)
• WFNX Boston – flipped to adult hits on July 24, 2012, after 29 years as an alternative rock station{{cite news|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/2012/07/24/radio-station-now-whba-the-harbor/EVXEW0arXVOxkosDU8viVO/story.html|title=WFNX replaced by WHBA-FM, the Harbor|access-date=June 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170614132437/http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/2012/07/24/radio-station-now-whba-the-harbor/EVXEW0arXVOxkosDU8viVO/story.html|archive-date=June 14, 2017|url-status=live}}
• WKLS Atlanta – flipped to mainstream top 40 on August 29, 2012, after 38 years as a rock station{{cite news|url=http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/story/19422685/rock-fans-upset-over-loss-of-project-9-6-1-radio-station |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120902205800/http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/story/19422685/rock-fans-upset-over-loss-of-project-9-6-1-radio-station |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 2, 2012 |title=Rock fans upset over loss of Project 9-6-1 radio station }}
• KZEP-FM San Antonio – flipped to rhythmic hot AC on August 8, 2014, after 25 years as a classic rock station and 45 years of some form of rock music on the frequency (the classic rock format was moved to low-powered translator K227BH){{cite news|url=http://blog.mysanantonio.com/jakle06/2014/08/john-lisle-gone-kzep-moved-hot-104-5-launched/|title=John Lisle gone, KZEP moved, Hot 104.5 launched|access-date=September 18, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812101338/http://blog.mysanantonio.com/jakle06/2014/08/john-lisle-gone-kzep-moved-hot-104-5-launched/|archive-date=August 12, 2014|url-status=live}}
• KDGE Dallas–Fort Worth – flipped to Christmas music on November 16, 2016, then Mainstream AC on December 26 after 27 years (11 years on 94.5 before moving to 102.1 in 2000, and 16 years on 102.1) as an alternative rock station.{{cite web|title=102.1 The Edge is no more; radio station sends listeners to The Eagle {{!}} GuideLive|url=http://www.guidelive.com/music/2016/11/16/1021-edge-radio-station-kdge-moves-to-eagle|website=GuideLive|language=en|date=November 16, 2016|access-date=March 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312061000/http://www.guidelive.com/music/2016/11/16/1021-edge-radio-station-kdge-moves-to-eagle|archive-date=March 12, 2017|url-status=live}}

{{Portal|Texas|Companies}}

• iHeartMedia radio stations
• Clear Channel UK
• List of radio stations owned by iHeartMedia
• List of songs deemed inappropriate by Clear Channel following the September 11, 2001 attacks
• TuneIn

{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

1. Eric Boehlert, [https://web.archive.org/web/20031009102731/http://dir.salon.com/ent/feature/2001/04/30/clear_channel/index.html "Radio's big bully"], salon.com, April 30, 2001
2. Eric Boehlert, [https://web.archive.org/web/20031005024636/http://dir.salon.com/ent/feature/2001/05/30/clear_channel_employees/index.html "Tough company"], salon.com, May 30, 2001
3. [https://www.cnn.com/2004/LAW/07/12/billboard.lawsuit/index.html "Group sues over anti-war billboard", CNN, July 12, 2004]
4. [https://web.archive.org/web/20010608142047/http://www.salon.com/ent/clear_channel/ Salon.com article on Clear Channel]

• [https://www.iheartmedia.com/ Official website]

{{Finance links

| name = iHeartMedia Class A Common Stock

| symbol = IHRT

| reuters = IHRT.O

| bloomberg = IHRT:US

| sec_cik =1400891

| yahoo = IHRT

| google = IHRT:NASDAQ

}}

{{IHeartMedia}}

{{SFX Entertainment}}

{{San Antonio}}

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