iHeartMedia Announces Programming Restructuring and Workforce Reductions

iHeartMedia, the United States’ largest audio company, sent an internal memo to staff this week outlining a restructuring of its programming organization. The changes will create new technology-focused roles while eliminating existing positions; reports estimate the cuts affect “dozens” of employees, though the company has not disclosed a precise number.

Hollywood Reporter

The restructuring follows a cost-saving plan announced in May that targets $50 million in annualized savings, adding to a previously announced $100 million savings program. Both initiatives are slated to begin in the second half of 2026. Executives have framed the current changes as a continuation of the company’s strategy to leverage new technology, deepen community relationships, and increase operational precision across markets.

Hollywood Reporter

The memo was co-authored by Tom Poleman, chief programming officer, and Ann Marie Licata, CEO of iHeartMedia’s Multiplatform Group. Both executives are responsible for overseeing the programming portfolio and for integrating technology into the sales workflow.

Hollywood Reporter

• Projected savings: $50 million annually (in addition to $100 million previously announced).

Hollywood Reporter

• Implementation timeline: second half of 2026.

Hollywood Reporter

• Reported layoffs: “dozens” of employees, exact figure not disclosed.

Hollywood Reporter

• New roles: unspecified positions intended to support future technology and sales initiatives.

Hollywood Reporter

The memo emphasizes that iHeartMedia’s strategy centers on cultivating listener relationships and converting those connections into revenue. Executives argue that faster, easier-to-use information for sellers will improve market precision and community support. They also state the restructuring will “expand and deepen our support for our communities, markets and sales teams” while “fully leveraging our technology to deliver an even stronger product for listeners.” The leadership reaffirmed a commitment to assist affected staff through the transition.

Hollywood Reporter

• “While we will be creating new roles to support our future needs, we also recognize that some colleagues and existing positions will be impacted as part of these changes.” — Ann Marie Licata, Multiplatform Group CEO, iHeartMedia

Hollywood Reporter

• “We have given this a great deal of thought and do not take this step lightly; we are deeply grateful for the contributions of those affected, and we’re committed to supporting them through this transition,” the memo continues.” — Tom Poleman, Chief Programming Officer, iHeartMedia

Hollywood Reporter

• “The full memo is below: Hi all, As the number one company in audio, our business model is to build engaged relationships with listeners and then monetize those relationships.” — Ann Marie Licata, Multiplatform Group CEO, iHeartMedia

Hollywood Reporter

• “We’re now moving to scale this approach, implementing structural changes within our Programming organization and expanding responsibilities for key leaders.” — Tom Poleman and Ann Marie Licata, iHeartMedia executives

Hollywood Reporter

• “We also know that our sellers need faster and easier to use information about our programming, talent and audiences. Faster is better, and that’s the goal of our changes. With that in mind, we’ve built new tech capabilities over the last several years that have enabled us to both deepen our relationships with the listeners and communities who depend on us and improve the support we provide to our sellers. We’re now moving to scale this approach, implementing structural changes within our Programming organization and expanding responsibilities for key leaders,” — Tom Poleman, Chief Programming Officer, iHeartMedia

Hollywood Reporter

The memo indicates the restructuring will be implemented as the new technology platform scales. iHeartMedia has not provided further comment on the precise number of employees affected.

Hollywood Reporter