iHeartMedia CEO Bob Pittman sings radio’s praises
Bob Pittman, CEO of iHeartMedia, shared his thoughts on the radio industry, competition, live events, remote work, and Burning Man in a recent interview. While some believe that radio is losing relevance in the age of music streaming and podcasts, Pittman disagrees. He argues that radio offers a different experience, with on-air personalities, information, stories, and interviews that connect listeners to the world. He also believes that radio’s massive reach sets it apart from other audio players, including big guns like Apple and Spotify.
When it comes to iHeartMedia’s future, Pittman sees live events as cultural touchstones that bring fans together with a common love of music and artists. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, he remains optimistic about the future of this business segment.
As for remote work, Pittman is one of the few executives who believes in it. He sees the office as a tool for productivity, but also recognizes that not every task requires it. He trusts his teams to make the right decisions regarding when to be in the office and when to work remotely.
Finally, Pittman is a vocal lover of Burning Man, which he sees as a catalyst for creativity. It helps open his blinders and expand his worldview, which he believes is essential for anyone working in a creative business.
FAQs:
What is iHeartMedia?
iHeartMedia is a leading audio media company, with over 850 radio stations in the US and a strong presence in the podcasting, digital, and events spaces.
Does Pittman think radio is relevant in the age of music streaming and podcasts?
Yes, he believes that radio offers a different experience, with on-air personalities, information, stories, and interviews that connect listeners to the world. He also sees radio’s massive reach as a major advantage over other audio players.
What does Pittman think about remote work?
He believes in it and trusts his teams to make the right decisions about when to be in the office and when to work remotely. He sees the office as a tool for productivity, but recognizes that not every task requires it.
What does Pittman think about Burning Man?
He sees it as a catalyst for creativity and a way to expand his worldview, which he believes is essential for anyone working in a creative business.
Bob Pittman, CEO of iHeartMedia, praises the advantages of radio.
Bob Pittman, CEO of iHeartMedia and former head of MTV, AOL, and Six Flags, recently discussed the state of radio, the future of live events, and his belief in remote work. In an interview with Lydia at Stay On the Money, Pittman explained that radio is still a strong industry, despite the rise of streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music. “We’re not competitive with the music services – we’re synergistic. The consumer uses us both,” he said. Pittman also emphasized the importance of iHeartMedia’s broadcast radio stations, which reach 90% of Americans every month and serve as the foundation for complementary products like iHeartRadio and the iHeartRadio Music Festival.
When asked about his views on live events, Pittman predicted that they will continue to be cultural touchstones for consumers and that the physical gathering of fans will only become stronger for everyone in the industry. On the topic of remote work, Pittman stated that he will never make employees return to the office, but rather he trusts teams to make their own decisions based on their challenges and goals.
Finally, Pittman spoke about his love for Burning Man and how it serves as a catalyst for creativity. However, he also acknowledged the uncertainty and unexpected challenges that keep him up at night. “We can plan for the expected — it is the unexpected that requires enormous nimbleness and a wildly open mind to see and solve for,” he said.