Media

Investors have a plan to save iHeart from bankruptcy

Several lenders to the Bob Pittman-run iHeartMedia have split from Franklin Advisers, the media company’s largest creditor, and are close to reaching a restructuring plan with iHeart that would keep America’s biggest radio station owner out of bankruptcy, The Post has learned.

However, the lenders, led by Symphony Asset Management, will not sign the deal unless Franklin ultimately agrees to the terms, a source close to the negotiations said Monday.

The lenders’ latest proposal calls for them to gain control of 49 percent of iHeart — with exiting equity holders retaining 51 percent of the value, a regulatory filing Monday revealed.

Franklin, which owns $2.3 billion of the company’s $20 billion in debt, is reviewing the proposal, sources said.

Money-losing iHeart, with 855 radio stations, including New York’s Z-100 and 103.5 KTU, will likely go bankrupt next year without a restructuring deal, sources said.

iHeart declined comment beyond public filings. Franklin did not return calls.