Welcome to our dedicated page for Cumulus Media news (Ticker: CMLS), a resource for investors and traders seeking the latest updates and insights on Cumulus Media stock.
About Cumulus Media
Cumulus Media Inc. (NASDAQ: CMLS) is a leading audio-first media company that delivers premium content to over a quarter billion people every month across the United States. With a robust portfolio that spans 400+ owned-and-operated radio stations across 85 markets and a nationally syndicated programming network through Westwood One, Cumulus Media combines the power of local connections with the expansive reach of national platforms. The company’s offerings include high-quality local programming, iconic syndicated shows, and a rapidly growing podcast network, catering to diverse audience preferences.
Core Business Segments
Cumulus Media operates through three primary business segments:
- Local Broadcasting: The company owns and operates a vast network of radio stations across metropolitan areas, delivering localized content tailored to community interests. This includes music, talk shows, sports, and news programming.
- National Syndication: Through its Westwood One network, Cumulus Media distributes nationally syndicated sports, news, and entertainment programming. Iconic brands such as the NFL, NCAA, and Academy of Country Music Awards are part of its portfolio, reaching over 9,800 affiliated stations.
- Podcasting: The Cumulus Podcast Network offers a diverse range of original and syndicated podcasts. These include thought-provoking shows in genres like news, entertainment, true crime, and sports, leveraging the growing demand for on-demand audio content.
Revenue Model
The company’s primary revenue streams are derived from the sale of advertising across its platforms. This includes:
- Local Advertising: Targeted campaigns designed for businesses to connect with local audiences.
- National Advertising: Large-scale campaigns leveraging the reach of Westwood One and digital platforms.
- Integrated Marketing Solutions: Comprehensive offerings that combine radio, digital, and on-site promotional strategies to maximize advertiser impact.
Market Position and Industry Context
Cumulus Media is the second-largest operator of radio stations in the U.S., positioned within a competitive landscape that includes major players like iHeartMedia and Audacy. While traditional radio faces challenges from digital streaming platforms and shifting consumer habits, Cumulus Media has adapted by embracing digital transformation. Its integrated approach—combining traditional radio with podcasting and digital marketing solutions—ensures its relevance in the evolving audio entertainment industry.
Competitive Differentiators
- Local and National Synergy: The company uniquely blends local programming with nationally recognized brands, providing advertisers with both personal connections and broad reach.
- Advertising Performance Guarantees: Cumulus Media is the only audio company offering performance guarantees, enhancing trust and value for advertisers.
- Diverse Content Portfolio: From live radio broadcasts to on-demand podcasts, Cumulus caters to a wide range of audience preferences, ensuring engagement across multiple platforms.
Challenges and Opportunities
Like many in the media industry, Cumulus Media faces challenges such as the rise of digital streaming services, evolving consumer preferences, and economic pressures affecting advertising budgets. However, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for audio content, particularly in podcasting and digital marketing solutions. Its ability to innovate and adapt to market trends will be critical to sustaining its competitive edge.
Conclusion
Cumulus Media stands as a significant player in the U.S. media landscape, leveraging its extensive network, diverse content offerings, and innovative advertising solutions to connect with audiences and advertisers alike. By combining the strengths of traditional radio with the opportunities presented by digital platforms, Cumulus continues to redefine its role in the modern audio ecosystem.
Cumulus Media (NSDQ: CMLS) announces its subsidiary Westwood One will provide exclusive Spanish-language audio coverage of the 2025 NCAA Men's Final Four and national championship game for the eighth consecutive tournament. The broadcasts, presented by Werner Ladder, will begin on April 5 from San Antonio, featuring Auburn vs Florida, followed by Duke vs Houston. The championship game is scheduled for April 7.
The broadcast team includes Rafael Hernández Brito as play-by-play announcer (eighth year), former All-American Greivis Vásquez as analyst (seventh year), and Carlos Morales, former Puerto Rican National Basketball Team coach, as host (fifth year). Werner Ladder, the official ladder of NCAA Basketball Championships, continues as the presenting sponsor to strengthen its connection with Hispanic basketball fans.
Cumulus Media's Westwood One (NASDAQ: CMLS) will provide exclusive audio coverage of the 2025 NCAA Men's and Women's Final Four and National Championship games. The Men's Final Four coverage begins April 5 at 3:00 p.m. ET from San Antonio, featuring Auburn vs Florida (6:09 p.m. ET) and Duke vs Houston. The championship game is scheduled for April 7 at 8:50 p.m. ET.
The Women's Final Four coverage, presented by Intuit TurboTax, starts April 4 at 6:00 p.m. ET from Tampa, featuring South Carolina vs Texas, followed by UCLA vs UConn. The women's championship game is set for April 6 at 2:30 p.m. ET.
Coverage will be available across multiple platforms including 500+ radio stations, SiriusXM, NCAA March Madness Live, WestwoodOneSports.com, the Westwood One Sports App, The Varsity Network App, and Alexa-enabled devices. Spanish language coverage will also be provided for the men's games.
Cumulus Media's Westwood One (NASDAQ: CMLS) will provide comprehensive audio coverage of the 2025 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament across multiple platforms. The coverage includes all 67 Division I men's games, starting with First Four on March 18 through the National Championship on April 7.
The broadcasts will be available on 500+ radio stations, SiriusXM, and free streaming platforms including NCAA.com/MarchMadness, WestwoodOneSports.com, Westwood One Sports App, Varsity Network App, and Alexa-enabled devices. Spanish-language coverage will be provided for the Final Four and Championship games.
The broadcast team features Kevin Kugler, Robbie Hummel, and P.J. Carlesimo calling the Final Four and National Championship, alongside a roster of renowned commentators and analysts. The Spanish broadcasts will be led by Rafael Hernandez Brito, with Greivis Vásquez as analyst and Carlos Morales as host.
Cumulus Media (NASDAQ: CMLS) subsidiary Westwood One announces comprehensive coverage of the 2025 NCAA Basketball Conference Championship Week. The network will broadcast 19 NCAA Men's and Women's Basketball games from March 8-16, 2025.
Coverage begins with the Ohio Valley Conference Championship and concludes on Selection Sunday with Ivy League, SEC, and American Athletic Championship games. The broadcast schedule includes major conferences like Big East, CAA, Conference USA, Patriot League, MVC, Big South, SoCon, America East, and WCC games. Women's coverage features Big East and Ivy League championships.
Selection Sunday coverage, revealing the 68-team field for both tournaments, will be hosted by Jason Horowitz with analysts PJ Carlesimo and Debbie Antonelli.
Cumulus Media (NASDAQ: CMLS) announces the launch of The VINCE Show and VINCE podcast on March 17, 2025. The new live radio broadcast, hosted by Vince Coglianese, will be syndicated by Westwood One and air weekdays from 12 to 3 p.m. ET, while a 1-hour podcast will release weekday mornings.
The show will launch with over 250 affiliates, including major market stations in Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco, Washington DC, and Kansas City. The podcast will be produced by Silverloch Productions and distributed by the Cumulus Podcast Network.
Coglianese, currently a Washington DC-based radio host on WMAL-FM and Editorial Director of The Daily Caller, brings nearly two decades of conservative journalism experience. His previous show 'Mornings on the Mall' reached number one in the DC market, and he is listed among Talkers Magazine's 'Heavy Hundred' most important radio talk show hosts in America.
Cumulus Media (NASDAQ: CMLS) reported its 2024 financial results, showing total net revenue of $827.1 million, a 2.1% year-over-year decline. The company's digital revenue grew 5.3% to $154.2 million, representing 19% of total revenue, with digital marketing services up 27%.
The company recorded a net loss of $283.3 million, compared to $117.9 million loss in 2023, primarily due to a $224.5 million non-cash impairment charge. Adjusted EBITDA was $82.7 million, down from $90.7 million in 2023. The company implemented cost reduction measures expected to result in $43 million in annualized fixed cost savings.
Notable operational highlights include 15% growth in streaming impressions and maintained positioning as a top 10 podcast network. The company ended 2024 with $63.8 million in cash and an undrawn $125.0 million ABL facility.
Cumulus Media (NASDAQ: CMLS) has scheduled a conference call for Thursday, February 27th at 8:30 AM ET to discuss its fourth quarter and full year 2024 operating results. The company will release a press release containing the results summary before the call at approximately 8:00 AM ET.
Participants must pre-register through a provided link, which requires one-time email verification through NetRoadshow (NRS). Upon registration, participants will receive calendar invitations with access details, including a unique PIN and replay information. The call will also be broadcast live in listen-only mode through the company's investor relations website.
For operator-assisted dial-in, domestic callers should use 833-470-1428 and international callers 404-975-4839, with participant access code 841974.
Cumulus Media's (NASDAQ: CMLS) Westwood One has secured exclusive English-language audio rights for U.S. Soccer through 2030. The multi-year partnership covers all U.S. Soccer Federation-hosted matches, including USWNT and USMNT friendlies, Concacaf Nations League Quarterfinals, and the SheBelieves Cup.
Westwood One, with over 9,800 affiliated radio stations, will distribute content through its audio network and Cumulus Podcast Network. The partnership launches with the SheBelieves Cup game featuring USWNT vs. Colombia. U.S. Soccer will also launch a new podcast series providing exclusive insights and behind-the-scenes access to national teams.
The agreement positions Westwood One Sports alongside other U.S. Soccer media rightsholders including Warner Bros. Discovery, NBCUniversal Telemundo, and Fútbol de Primera.
Cumulus Media (NASDAQ: CMLS) subsidiary Westwood One announced that talk radio host Mark Levin will interview President Donald J. Trump on 'The Mark Levin Show' on February 10, 2025. This marks Trump's first radio interview since taking office in January. The show, which airs weekdays from 6 to 9 p.m. ET, reaches nearly 400 radio affiliates, including all top 10 metro markets and 21 of the top 25 markets. Westwood One serves as the exclusive distribution and sales representative for Levin's radio program.
Cumulus Media's Westwood One (NASDAQ: CMLS) will broadcast Super Bowl LIX on February 9, 2025, marking its 52nd Super Bowl broadcast. The game features the Kansas City Chiefs vs Philadelphia Eagles at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
The broadcast team includes Kevin Harlan (play-by-play), Hall of Famer Kurt Warner (lead analyst), Gene Steratore (rules analyst), and Laura Okmin (sidelines). Scott Graham and Devin McCourty will host pre-game, halftime, and postgame coverage.
For the first time, Westwood One will broadcast the Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show featuring Kendrick Lamar with SZA. Coverage begins at 2:00 PM ET with various pre-game shows, leading to the 6:30 PM ET kickoff. The broadcast will reach approximately 600 radio stations, streaming platforms, and the American Forces Radio Network, potentially reaching over 56 million listeners.
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