1921 ET - IHeartMedia says it saw advertising demand soften a bit in March, correlating with the start of the conflict in the Middle East and contributing to lower-than-forecast adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization in the latest quarter. Gas prices and inflation are also weighing on consumers and advertising demand, the company says. "I think we've got a reasonably healthy ad market, especially considering all the macro factors at work. But I will say I think we watch it closely," a company executive says during a call with analysts. "I don't think anybody's heading for the hills, but I do think we have to be cognizant of the fact that it had some moderating effect on the ad market." However, iHeartMedia still expects to have strong results this year given political advertising sales related to the mid-term election cycle, it says. (kelly.cloonan@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

May 11, 2026 19:21 ET (23:21 GMT)

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