AI To Play A Heavy Role In iHeart’s 2024 Podcast Plan

iHeartMedia CEO Bob Pittman considers podcasts the company's "growth engine." iHeart's Digital Audio Group CEO, Conal Byrne, outlines digital audio plans for 2024. Byrne emphasizes the pivotal role of artificial intelligence (AI) in translating podcasts for international audiences. iHeart aims to leverage AI for multilingual content dissemination, with plans for rollout in the latter half of 2024. The use of AI is seen as essential for creators to access diverse audiences and build businesses in different territories. Byrne anticipates a surge in podcast advertising revenue, driven by national brands and improved measurement techniques. The podcasting industry is expected to see ad revenues reach around $4 billion by 2025. iHeartMedia plans to expedite partnerships with Pushkin Industries and Big Money Players Network. Focus on growing Black and Hispanic listener demographics, utilizing networks like Black Effect Podcast Network and My Cultura. Byrne highlights the shift towards packaging podcast content more comprehensively in 2024 for all creators.