SiriusXM and iHeartMedia consider merger to create a radio and podcast advertising giant amid streaming shift

SiriusXM and iHeartMedia are in early talks about a potential merger that would form a major advertising and podcasting company. The deal aims to strengthen their position as listeners move away from traditional radio toward streaming services and podcasts. However, the merger is seen more as a defensive strategy to buy time rather than a solution to reverse declining audiences. If completed, it would create a large presence in both terrestrial and satellite radio advertising markets.