Stingray Acquires TuneIn in $175M Deal | A New Global Audio Platform Emerges

In one of the largest audio-media acquisitions of the year, Stingray Group, the Montreal-based media and technology company, has agreed to purchase TuneIn, one of the world’s most popular radio-streaming platforms, in a deal valued at up to $175 million. The move signals Stingray’s bold ambition to unify music, radio, podcasts, and digital advertising into a single, globally dominant platform at a time when the audio industry is undergoing rapid transformation.

The acquisition marks a watershed moment in digital audio, merging Stingray’s vast content library and global distribution with TuneIn’s massive listener base, extensive partnerships, and powerful monetization tools.

Smartphone displaying the TuneIn app interface representing Stingray’s acquisition of the streaming radio platform

A Deal That Could Rewire the Global Audio Landscape

A Strategic Marriage of Content and Technology

Under the proposed terms, Stingray will pay $150 million upfront, with an additional $25 million earn-out if TuneIn hits its 2025 performance benchmarks—projected at $110 million in revenue and $30 million in adjusted earnings.

Industry analysts say this deal is less about acquiring a brand and more about acquiring the architecture of global audio reach, including:

By contrast, Stingray already owns:

Together, these assets create what both companies describe as a worldwide audio ecosystem capable of serving audiences at home, in cars, in retail spaces, and across smart devices.

Why Stingray Wanted TuneIn — And Why the Timing Matters

A Perfect Storm in the Audio Business

The global audio market is more competitive than ever:

TuneIn, founded in 2002 as RadioTime, became the major gateway for traditional broadcasters transitioning into digital platforms. With radio listening shifting from hardware receivers to apps and car dashboards, TuneIn maintained a rare, valuable position in the market.

For Stingray, the acquisition accomplishes several goals:

1. Global Expansion

TuneIn gives Stingray a deeper footprint in the U.S.—the largest radio and audio advertising market in the world—and strengthens its role across Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

2. Automotive Dominance

Both companies have strong in-car partnerships. Combined, they become a major player in automotive infotainment, a segment projected to grow exponentially as electric and connected vehicles multiply.

3. Advertising Powerhouse

TuneIn’s digital ad-tech plus Stingray’s retail audio network creates a vertically integrated advertising ecosystem spanning:

This gives them a competitive edge over companies that rely solely on in-app advertising.

4. Diversified Content Portfolio

Stingray already offers:

TuneIn brings:

Together, they cover nearly every segment of modern audio consumption.

Leadership Speaks: Why This Deal Matters

Richard Stern, Co-Chairman and CEO of TuneIn

“Stingray is the ideal partner to propel TuneIn’s next chapter of growth. Our global reach and advanced advertising capabilities, combined with Stingray’s audio and video distribution, creates a significant growth opportunity for both companies.”

Stern has long predicted consolidation in the audio sector. In a January interview, he said 2025 would be “the year of rational dealmaking.” This acquisition validates that prediction.

Eric Boyko, President and CEO of Stingray

“This acquisition marks a pivotal moment in Stingray’s journey to strengthen our position as a global leader in audio entertainment and digital advertising sales.”

Boyko emphasized Stingray’s enthusiasm for automotive distribution, saying:

“We’re excited about expanding our reach in the automotive sector. Together, we are poised to redefine audio for a connected world.”

Inside TuneIn: How a 2002 Startup Became a Global Radio Titan

Launched as RadioTime, TuneIn began as a simple online guide to help listeners find their favorite AM/FM stations. Over two decades, it evolved into:

Today, TuneIn serves 75 million monthly active users, offering:

Content Portfolio

Distribution Footprint

TuneIn is integrated into:

This distribution infrastructure is one of TuneIn’s most valuable assets—and a major reason for the acquisition.

Stingray’s Vision: A Unified Global Audio Platform

This acquisition will merge:

Stingray Strengths

TuneIn Strengths

Both companies aim to create a single audio ecosystem, offering:

Industry observers suggest this may become the largest integrated audio network outside of Spotify and Apple.

Financial Structure of the Deal

To finance the acquisition:

If all conditions are met, the combined company will generate over:

$400 million in annual revenue

This revenue scale positions Stingray–TuneIn as a major contender in the digital audio advertising sector.

Regulatory Hurdles Ahead

Because TuneIn is privately held, its shareholders must approve the sale.
Additionally, the acquisition requires regulatory clearance from:

Due to a backlog resulting from the ongoing government shutdown, there may be delays—but both companies expect to finalize the deal by the end of December.

Once approved, TuneIn will continue operating under its existing brand.

What This Means for the Audio Industry

1. Increased Competition

This deal places Stingray–TuneIn in direct competition with Spotify, iHeartRadio, SiriusXM, Amazon, and Apple.

2. A Boost in Global Radio Accessibility

Broadcasters worldwide will gain access to a larger, more advanced distribution network.

3. A More Competitive Advertising Marketplace

The combined ad network may attract:

This could reshape pricing and inventory availability across digital audio.

4. Enhanced In-Car Audio Experiences

As EVs and connected cars grow, Stingray–TuneIn could become a default infotainment partner.

5. Stronger Push Toward Audio Consolidation

Experts predict more deals in the next 12–18 months as audio companies seek scale.

What Users Can Expect

For TuneIn Users

For Stingray Users

For Advertisers

Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Global Audio

Stingray’s acquisition of TuneIn is more than a corporate transaction—it represents a major shift in the global audio ecosystem. With their combined reach, diverse content catalogues, and powerful technology stacks, the companies are poised to create a next-generation, highly scalable audio-entertainment platform capable of competing at the highest levels.

As streaming audio continues to dominate the future of media, this deal may be remembered as one of the pivotal moments that reshaped the industry.

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