Disney and iHeartMedia Partner to Expand Streaming Ecosystem
The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) has partnered with iHeartMedia (NASDAQ:IHRT) on a video podcasting initiative, marking an expansion of its streaming content. The collaboration will feature six top iHeartPodcasts titles available on Disney+ and Hulu starting in August 2026. This move aims to leverage Disney's large subscriber base alongside iHeartMedia’s position as the leading U.S. podcast publisher. Disney also announced a multi-year deal with Formula E, bringing global electric racing events to its streaming platforms from the 2026/27 season onward. Financially, Disney reported strong Q3 performance in fiscal 2026, including revenue growth and increased profitability across segments like Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) and Experiences. In contrast, iHeartMedia saw modest overall revenue gains driven by its Digital Audio Group but faced declines from traditional radio operations. While the partnership could benefit both companies through expanded content offerings, challenges remain for iHeartMedia due to ongoing struggles in legacy broadcasting.
Topics: Disney iHeartMedia podcasts streaming ecosystem