Cumulus Media

One of the top three largest U.S. radio broadcasting groups by station count, with a national audio advertising network through Westwood One

Cumulus Media is a major American audio media company that owns and operates a large portfolio of broadcast radio stations across the United States, making it one of the largest radio broadcasters in the country by station count. The company operates approximately 400+ radio stations in over 85 markets, spanning a wide range of formats including news, talk, country, pop, and sports. Beyond traditional broadcast, Cumulus has invested significantly in digital audio, podcasting, and streaming to extend its reach and advertising capabilities. In the AdTech ecosystem, Cumulus Media is relevant as both a media owner and an advertising solutions provider. Its Westwood One division serves as a national audio advertising network, offering advertisers access to a broad audience across affiliated stations and digital platforms. The company provides advertisers with audio advertising inventory, sponsorships, branded content, and programmatic audio solutions, positioning itself as a one-stop shop for audio advertising at scale. Cumulus Media has navigated significant financial challenges, including a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in 2017 from which it emerged in 2018. Post-restructuring, the company has focused on digital transformation, growing its podcast network and streaming capabilities to compete with digital-native audio platforms. It competes with iHeartMedia, Audacy (formerly Entercom), and digital audio players like Spotify and Pandora for advertising dollars in the rapidly evolving audio advertising market.