Copyright Variety
Amazon is letting advertisers get their audio spots in front of more ears through an expanded pact with iHeartMedia for programmatic ads. Under the deal, users of the Amazon DSP (demand side platform) ad-buying system now have access to inventory on iHeartMedia’s streaming music and livestreaming radio channels. In 2026, Amazon DSP will add iHeartPodcasts and iHeartMedia’s broadcast radio stations. In the U.S., iHeartMedia is the biggest radio broadcaster, operating more than 870 owned stations in 160 markets. The expanded partnership with iHeartMedia comes after Amazon landed a similar pact with Spotify covering programmatic ad inventory. Amazon DSP also provides access to inventory in Amazon Music. Amazon Ads and iHeartMedia have already been working together for the past decade. The two companies have developed advertising solutions spanning smart devices, mobile apps and voice technology — and now they’re diving into programmatic audio advertising, which lets buyers target audiences based on demographics, shopping patterns or other attributes. “Our partnership with iHeart allows Amazon DSP customers to reach relevant audio audiences with simplified campaign management and unique measurement capabilities,” said Amazon Ads’ Meredith Goldman, director of Amazon DSP. “Integrations like this enable advertisers to build more comprehensive omnichannel strategies that connect brands with consumers throughout their journey across media.” Lisa Coffey, chief business officer at iHeartMedia, commented, “Making iHeart’s premium audio inventory available through Amazon DSP unlocks scale with deep listener engagement and proven performance. And with accessibility to broadcast radio inventory soon to follow, this partnership is another step in making broadcast radio behave like digital media: addressable, measurable, and available programmatically, so marketers of all sizes can buy with greater ease and consistency.”
