ARN’s iHeartRadio license extended to 2036

Image: iHeartRadio's LA Office / Shutterstock

ARN has announced the extension of its iHeartRadio licence in Australia.

The network revealed that its partnership with iHeartMedia has been extended to 2036, putting ARN in a position “to uniquely deliver all forms of broadcast and on-demand audio content in one place.”

The partnership sees ARN continue to expand capability in areas such as smart speaker integration for radio, podcasting development, data profiling and targeting.

It also gives ARN exclusive access to a global platform development team.

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

“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.”

“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.

iHeartRadio Australia launched in 2013 and has over 1.34 million registered users. It offers the largest podcast library in the country, as well as local live radio from ARN, SBS, ABC, ACE and Macquarie Radio networks, international radio from the US and New Zealand.

iHeart is also integrated into 65 devices in Australia, including Google Home, Amazon Echo & Alexa, Telstra TV, Sonos, Waze, and Android TV.

“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,” added president of iHeartMedia Networks Group & iHeartRadio Darren Davis.