ARN extends iHeartRadio licence for broadcast & on-demand audio

ARN has extended its iHeartRadio license in Australia, providing listeners with access to the free, all-in-one digital audio entertainment platform until 2036.

ARN said this positions it to uniquely deliver all forms of broadcast and on-demand audio content in one place.

The partnership will see ARN broaden its capability and innovation in smart speaker integration for radio, podcasting development, data profiling and targeting, as well as exclusive access to a global platform development team.

Following a launch in 2013, iHeartRadio Australia has over 1.34 million registered users, and offers Australia’s largest podcast library with nearly 3 million episodes available from 25,000 global podcasts, local live radio from ARN, SBS, ABC, ACE and Macquarie Radio networks, international radio from the US and New Zealand, as well as personalised artist radio stations and unlimited genre-based stations tailored to audience or commercial preferences.

iHeartRadio Australia is integrated into over 65 devices in Australia including Google Home, Amazon Echo & Alexa, Telstra TV and Sonos. Recent integrations including Waze and Android TV continue to enable iHeartRadio listeners to more easily access the audio content they want, wherever they are.

HT&E CEO and managing director Ciaran Davis said: “We’re excited to be able to lead the evolution of Australia’s digital audio landscape, working alongside our US partner, iHeartMedia.

“As we move towards becoming a digital and data-enabled audio business, ARN is focussed on creating an unrivalled experience where audiences can access their broadcast and on-demand audio content in one place, and at any time.

“This extension not only strengthens our core brands, but will also see us focus our investment in resources and capability to deliver the most comprehensive audio solutions by extending our content and audience-generating strategies, and delivering rich data sets for all-inclusive, targeted solutions for our clients.”

Darren Davis, president of iHeartMedia Networks Group & iHeartRadio said: “iHeartMedia has watched ARN strengthen the iHeartRadio Australia brand and platform over the past six years. During this time, the service has experienced impressive growth in usage and engagement, which is no small feat in such a competitive market.

“We are delighted to continue our partnership with ARN, working together to bring Australian audiences more of the music and audio entertainment content they love on the devices they use most.”