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Does Clear Channel Own Fox?

by Ahmed AliLast updated on March 22, 2026Finance and Business4 min read
Media and Entertainment
Financial Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult a qualified financial advisor or tax professional for advice specific to your situation.

No, Clear Channel doesn't own Fox.

Who owns Clear Channel?

Clear Channel operates under iHeartMedia now and owns brands like iHeartRadio, Premiere Networks, and Total Traffic and Weather Network.

Clear Channel Outdoor still exists, but it's a separate outdoor advertising business under iHeartMedia. By 2026, these companies together run over 850 U.S. radio stations plus a huge collection of digital audio and broadcast assets.

What TV stations does Fox actually own?

Fox Corporation directly owns 29 TV stations nationwide, all tied to the Fox network.

You'll find major market stations like WNYW in New York, KTTV in Los Angeles, and WFLD in Chicago in that group. Fox also controls Fox News Group, which runs both Fox News and Fox Business Network.

What else does iHeartMedia control besides radio stations?

iHeartMedia owns iHeartRadio, Premiere Networks (a big national radio network), Total Traffic and Weather Network, Katz Media Group, and RCS.

Plus, they run digital platforms like iheart.com and stream over 250 iHeartRadio stations online. Honestly, this is the biggest audio company in the U.S. by reach.

What's iHeartMedia worth these days?

As of late 2025, iHeartMedia is valued around $4.1 billion.

That number comes from growth in digital ads, podcasting, and live events since 2021. The company also cut its debt from $20 billion at its worst to under $8 billion by 2026. For the latest numbers, check iHeartMedia’s investor site.

Who really owns iHeartMedia now?

iHeartMedia trades publicly (NASDAQ: IHRT) but is mostly owned by creditors and big institutional investors after its 2018 bankruptcy.

Thomas H. Lee Partners led the original buyout in 2008, but they don't control things anymore. The company runs independently now under creditor oversight.

Who's running iHeartMedia right now?

Bob Pittman has been CEO since 2011 and is still in charge as of 2026.

He's been steering the company from old-school radio toward a modern mix of audio and digital media.

Who exactly is Bob Pittman?

Robert Warren "Bob" Pittman (born December 28, 1953) is the CEO of iHeartMedia and a longtime media executive.

Before iHeart, he was COO at AOL Time Warner and CEO of AOL Networks. His resume covers over 40 years in media, advertising, and entertainment leadership.

How much does Bob Pittman make?

In 2024, Pittman's total pay came to $8.4 million, including salary, stock, and bonuses.

That breaks down to $1.3 million base salary, $3.4 million in stock awards, and $2.7 million in other compensation. The 2025–2026 numbers aren't public yet.

Where did Bob Pittman grow up?

Pittman is from Jackson, Mississippi.

He started in local radio down south before climbing the ladder to national leadership roles.

Did Bob Pittman finish college?

He attended Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi, but didn't graduate.

He studied business and communication before leaving to start his media career early.

Who came up with iHeartRadio?

iHeartRadio was built by iHeartMedia, which used to be called Clear Channel Communications.

The service launched in 2008 as an online extension of their radio stations and grew into a full digital streaming platform with personalized features and live radio.

Who has the most radio stations in America?

iHeartMedia holds the top spot with over 850 stations across 150+ markets as of 2026.

Audacy (formerly Entercom) comes next with about 245 stations, followed by Cumulus Media with 400+. These three companies dominate U.S. radio.

Can I still use iHeartRadio without paying?

Yes, iHeartRadio has a free version with ads that includes live radio, personalized stations, and limited skips.

The free tier doesn't allow on-demand songs or offline listening. For that, you'd need iHeartRadio All Access at $9.99/month or $99/year to remove ads.

How do I grab iHeartRadio for free?

Just download the app or go to iheart.com and sign up—no payment needed.

It takes less than a minute to set up. The free version supports voice controls, local stations, and podcasts. A 30-day All Access trial is available, but you'll need to enter a credit card.

Spotify or iHeartRadio—which one's better?

Spotify wins for on-demand music discovery and podcasts; iHeartRadio shines for live radio and curated music experiences.

Spotify gives you 100 million+ songs, AI playlists, and strong podcast integration. iHeartRadio offers 30 million+ songs, instant access to local radio, and 250+ digital stations with almost no setup required.

Ahmed Ali
Author

Ahmed is a finance and business writer covering personal finance, investing, entrepreneurship, and career development.

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