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The global audio marketplace is entering a new phase as Stingray Group acquires TuneIn in a deal valued at up to $175 million. Finalized in December, the acquisition combines Stingray’s premium music and video distribution business with TuneIn’s expansive digital radio platform, which operates across 200 platforms, 50 in-car systems, and 100 countries. At its core, the move reflects a broader transformation: radio’s shift from traditional over-the-air broadcasting to a hybrid, IP-based ecosystem built for connected cars and connected TVs.
Scaling Up to “Reinvent Radio”
Founded in 2002 as RadioTime by Bill Moore, TuneIn has grown into one of the world’s largest live audio directories. Since joining as CEO in 2020, Rich Stern has championed a mission to “reinvent radio.” He calls the acquisition “a big win versus TuneIn as a standalone company,” noting that joining Montreal-based, publicly traded Stingray significantly strengthens the company’s capital position and global reach.
With approximately 75 million monthly active users and partnerships spanning 100,000 stations and 5 million podcasts, TuneIn now has additional resources to expand distribution and deepen monetization. The deal closed at $150 million upfront, with up to $25 million more payable next year, based on forecast sales of $110 million for the 12 months ending Dec. 31, 2025.
The Battle for the Dashboard
The car remains TuneIn’s most important battlefield. As automakers like General Motors rethink infotainment systems and digital interfaces, Stern sees opportunity in native integrations over smartphone mirroring.
“We eventually hope to have TuneIn’s player embedded in every car manufacturer in the world,” he said.
Rather than relying solely on AM/FM chipsets and antennas, manufacturers are exploring IP-based delivery via built-in 4G and 5G connectivity. That shift opens the door to seamless, pre-installed streaming experiences that enhance discoverability while giving automakers more control over the in-car environment.
Connected TVs and Programmatic Growth
Beyond vehicles, connected television is emerging as another growth frontier. Stingray’s relationships with device makers such as LG, Samsung, and Vizio give TuneIn a foothold in living rooms where, as Stern noted, “audio is growing like crazy.”
At the same time, Stingray’s expertise in ad tech and programmatic advertising is expected to unlock new monetization pathways for broadcasters. As companies like iHeartMedia and Audacy navigate financial restructuring and digital pivots, enhanced addressability and data-driven selling could prove critical.
A Digital-First Future for Radio
Despite turbulence in traditional over-the-air broadcasting, Stern remains optimistic: “I continue to be very bullish about radio. The future is very bright.”
The Stingray-TuneIn deal underscores a clear message for the industry: success will depend on embracing hybrid delivery models, IP-based distribution, and diversified monetization strategies. In an increasingly connected world, radio’s future lies not in resisting change—but in embedding itself seamlessly across dashboards, screens, and digital ecosystems.
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