Audacy vs Cumulus Media

SiriusXM Launches $5 Sports-Only Subscription

SiriusXM announced Sports Pass, a sports-only subscription plan launching September 1, 2026, priced at $5 per month or $49 per year for new U.S. subscribers. The plan provides access to SiriusXM’s full sports programming, including live games and events across major professional leagues (NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL), motorsports (NASCAR, IndyCar, Formula 1), PGA Tour golf, WWE Premium Live Events, international and domestic soccer, tennis, and extensive college sports coverage. Sports Pass will also include exclusive SiriusXM sports channels, national analysis, podcasts, and 24 local sports talk stations (including 23 added Audacy stations plus ESPN LA 710). Access will be available via compatible vehicles and the SiriusXM app, with some local and team-specific play-by-play channels limited to the app and vehicles equipped with SiriusXM 360L radios. The launch consolidates SiriusXM’s sports audio inventory into a low-priced, single package ahead of the NFL and college football seasons.

• SiriusXM will launch Sports Pass on September 1, 2026.
• Sports Pass is priced at $5 per month or $49 annually for new U.S. subscribers.
• The plan includes live coverage across NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, NASCAR, IndyCar, Formula 1, PGA Tour, WWE events, soccer, tennis, and extensive college sports.

10-Q Financial Filing Analysis for Cumulus Media (2026-08-14)

Cumulus Media Inc. filed its Form 10-Q for the second quarter ended June 30, 2026, operating as a debtor-in-possession following its Chapter 11 filing on March 4, 2026. For Q2 2026, net revenue declined 9.7% year-over-year to $167.91 million, impacted by weakness in broadcast spot and network advertising, while net loss narrowed to $9.21 million. For the six months ended June 30, 2026, revenue stood at $332.35 million with a net loss of $26.07 million. The Bankruptcy Court confirmed the Company's Plan of Reorganization on April 15, 2026. Under the Plan, existing Class A and Class B common stock will be cancelled with no recovery, while secured lenders and noteholders will receive new equity and $50.0 million in exit convertible notes. Emergence has been extended to October 27, 2026, pending regulatory approvals from the FCC.

• Net revenue for Q2 2026 decreased 9.7% YoY to $167.91 million, while H1 2026 net revenue declined 11.0% YoY to $332.35 million.
• The Chapter 11 Reorganization Plan confirmed on April 15, 2026, will cancel all existing equity and distribute 95% of Reorganized Company common stock and $50.0 million of exit convertible notes to 2029 secured debt holders.
• Total liabilities subject to compromise stood at $1.04 billion as of June 30, 2026, and the emergence milestone date was extended to October 27, 2026, pending FCC approval.

Podcast Ad Spend Lags Consumption, Industry Calls for Metrics Overhaul

At the IAB's Podcast Upfront, industry leaders highlighted that while podcast ad spend grew 18% to $3 billion, it lags behind consumption, which accounts for 15% of digital media time but only 2% of digital ad spend. The IAB released a new framework, 'Podcasts Continue to Evolve,' to address measurement challenges. Key issues include the shift to video podcasts, with 49% of consumers expected to watch video podcasts in 2026, and the inadequacy of download metrics. The industry is moving towards HLS streaming for better measurement, and Amazon Ads plans to integrate podcast video ad buys into its DSP. Calls were made for improved measurement and for advertisers to embrace smaller, independent shows.

• Podcast ad spend reached $3 billion in 2025, growing 18% year-over-year.
• Podcasts account for 15% of digital media time but only 2% of digital ad spend.
• IAB released a new framework called 'Podcasts Continue to Evolve'.

Cumulus Media’s Westwood One, Official Network Audio Partner of the NFL, Celebrates 40th Consecutive Season and Reveals 2026 NFL Lineup and Programming Highlights, From NFL Kickoff to Super Bowl Lxi

Westwood One brings all the excitement of the new NFL season to football fans starting Wednesday, September 9 at 7:00 p.m. ET, with a season-opening matchup between the New England Patriots vs. the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field in Seattle, WA