Ireland

Off The Ball has unveiled a new ad campaign including a 30 second advert to run on television and online.
With a tagline of ‘The Biggest Conversation in Sport’, the animated piece highlights the breadth of sports content and commentary delivered by Off The Ball, every hour, every day.
From GAA to golf and rugby to football, the campaign promotes Off The Ball as more than a radio show, it’s a live experience ‘from studio to stages’ and ‘sidelines to stadiums’ with live commentary, analysis and voices that are always at the heart of the action.
The campaign kicked off on St Patrick’s Day (Monday) and over the next month will run across RTE Player, Virgin Media Player, Sky TV on Demand as well in key sporting and peak airtime on TG4. Produced by Rubber Duck and media buy by Mindshare, the ad is voiced by Off The Ball’s Richie McCormack.
Commenting on this new campaign, Off The Ball Managing Director, Ger Gilroy said: “We wake sports fans up with Off The Ball Breakfast, we take them home in the evening with Off The Ball on Newstalk, we inform the entire country across the day through our sports news bulletins, all weekend we’re at everything that matters to you, and we’re always ready on-demand with the biggest sports podcast offering in the country.
“Whether you love the Football Pod, or COYGIG, the Hurling Pod or The Red 78, if you’re a quiz aficionado, if you want to shout at the radio or if you just want some top-quality company, we are truly the biggest conversation in Irish sport.”
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The Independent Broadcasters of Ireland has called for far more urgent action at domestic and European level on the promised provision of support for public service content and news.
IBI held a briefing for Ireland’s MEPs in Brussels today where support was expressed for its practical proposals aimed at protecting the viability of public service content on Ireland’s 34 local, regional, and national radio stations.
MEPs across all parties and groups voiced their genuine understanding of the value of the fair and balanced news and current affairs which the independent radio stations broadcast and of the need for the stations to be practically supported in providing those services.
IBI told the meeting that in the current environment, the speed at which media supports and policies are delivered needs to undergo a step-change in urgency to match the level of challenges in the international political environment.
At the briefing in Brussels, IBI expressed concern at the speed of delivery of accessible and proportionate funding to help Ireland’s independent stations continue to deliver their public services and unique obligations.
The Chief Executive of IBI, Michael Kelly, said: “We were very impressed by the pledges in the Programme for Government and with the support and understanding of the value of the contribution of our sector’s public service content expressed by the Media Minister Patrick O’Donovan, T.D., in recent weeks.
“The preparatory work is now in place and what is needed is a step-change in the rate of policy delivery. Five years after the deliberations of the Future of Media Commission, there is still no support available for independent radio stations’ highly respected news and current affairs services.”
“The recent statements by political figures from the US equating a totally unregulated social media with freedom of speech, are a wake-up call to policy-makers in Europe, and they reinforce the need for fair, balanced and accurate media like independent radio broadcasting.”
“There is no time to delay further in providing fair and proportionate support for independent radio, a sector which delivers huge value to listeners through its public service content.”
At the event, IBI published figures showing that the total number of direct employees in the independent radio sector across Ireland is 1,069 and that when indirect employment resulting from that is included the figure rises to 2,555.
The total economic contribution of the independent radio sector to Ireland in 2024 was €147.3m, the statistics showed, with the large majority of that in rural Ireland.
Annual Investment by independent stations in maintaining and operating critical radio transmission infrastructure was €3.7m last year.
This was the type of infrastructure that enabled independent radio to keep providing essential information to its listeners across Ireland during the recent weather emergencies, when mobile telecoms and broadband failed in widespread regions.
Independent radio stations operate and maintain 221 radio transmission sites across the State.
The Independent Broadcasters of Ireland has urged action across the following areas:

Quick delivery of proportionate and accessible funding for independent radio which recognises its unique statutory and regulatory role.
A level playing-field, without market distortions and ensuring fair and appropriate regulatory conditions are in place to support stations.
State support for critical radio transmission infrastructure, which is vital for communications at all times, but particularly during emergencies.
Action to ensure that Irish radio stations remain easily-accessible to Irish audiences on digital devices like smart speakers and in connected vehicles
Clear and predictable regulation, allied to practical media development assistance from Coimisiún na Meán where needed. […]

Wireless Ireland is planning on launching “a suite of new digital radio services” on DAB+ this year.
The move comes as RadioToday breaks the news that a new DAB+ trial will operate for 12 months from April by FáilteDAB.
Wireless Ireland says it will work closely with Coimisiún na Meán to secure the necessary content licences to ensure compliance with broadcasting standards and regulations.
The new stations are set to launch in the spring, with more details announced in coming weeks.
Sean Barry, Managing Director of Wireless Ireland, said: “Wireless Ireland is proud to lead the charge in Ireland’s transition to digital broadcasting.
“The new FáilteDAB platform will offer listeners a broader and more immersive experience, with a blend of existing and new content offerings, creating diversity of choice for listeners across a large coverage area.
“Wireless Ireland’s commitment will see us become the largest content provider on this new and exciting platform.
“We’re delighted to build on the strength of our existing network of popular radio stations, and will continue to invest to entertain and engage new audiences across new territories.”
RadioToday has contacted Bauer Ireland and other operators to find out which other services might appear on the trial, but has not heard back at the time of publication.

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Comreg has commissioned FáilteDAB to carry out a new high powered DAB+ trial in Dublin and surrounding areas for 12 months.
The experiment, starting in April, will be operated by Foothold Communications, which owns and operates transmission towers around Ireland and currently has over 1000 radio link and broadcast systems under management.
FáilteDAB says only Irish Coimisiun na Mean Licensed radio operators will be allowed to participate in the trial.
We’ve contacted the regulator to see if a process is in place to licence new DAB+ services.
A 20kw transmitter in Three Rock will cover Dublin, along with a number of 8kw and 10kw sites, giving coverage along the coast from Belfast to Rosslare, and inland to rach Kilkenny, but stopping short of reaching Limerick, Cork and Galway.

Stephen Foley, Managing Director of Foothold Communications, described the announcement as a historic moment for Irish radio: “Today marks a major milestone in Irish broadcasting as we work alongside ComReg to develop DAB+ services.
“With 80% of radio listening happening in vehicles, and all cars sold in Ireland since 2021 equipped with DAB+ as standard, the time is right to expand and enhance this technology to reach a wider audience.”
Foley also expressed gratitude to Ireland’s media and communications regulators, Coimisiún na Meán and ComReg for supporting the initiative: “We appreciate the opportunity to roll out this critical DAB+ service, which aligns with Ireland’s Broadcasting Services Strategy.
“This trial will showcase the immense potential of digital audio broadcasting for both listeners and broadcasters.”
Foothold Communications has partnered with GatesAIR and Paneda to power the FáilteDAB network.
DAB never managed to take off in Ireland, unlike its neighbours in the UK and Europe, where it is now the dominant broadcast platform.
Following years of tests, pirate, and local DAB multiplexes, the platform was officially retired on March 31 2021 when RTÉ switched off its DAB transmissions.
Bay Broadcasting has welcomed to move: “We in Radio Nova and Ireland’s Classic Hits Radio welcome the forthcoming DAB+ trial and we intend to embrace it, said CEO Kevin Branigan.
“Both Nova and Classic Hits are premium radio brands, with a strong track record of delivering great content, with award-winning personalities and we’re excited about the opportunity DAB+ will afford us to repurpose and create new content for a terrestrial and digital audience.
“We have significant experience in creating new radio services, having run many temporary licenses alongside our main Radio Nova and Classic Hits Radio services, and we’re looking forward to the DAB+ trial.” […]

BBC Studios has expanded its partnership with digital advertising company Digitize to represent the BBC’s podcasts to the advertising market in Ireland.
Digitize has a longstanding partnership with BBC Studios, the commercial arm of the BBC, selling inventory across online and video platforms.
The expanded deal will see Digitize also represent hundreds of hours of premium BBC podcasts in the market.
Ronan O’Loughlin, Commercial Director, Digitize, said: “Our team is so excited to be partnering with BBC Studios to offer their incredible audio content to the Irish market.
“The Irish are one of the biggest consumers of podcasts globally and are very discerning in their tastes, and advertisers are constantly looking for quality, trustworthy content with which to align their brand messaging.
“BBC Studios and Digitize are delighted to be able to join forces to offer this huge opportunity to advertisers.”

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Off The Ball has entered into a national radio agreement with the League of Ireland to broadcast 30 live SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division matches throughout the 2025 season.
The deal ensures that a minimum of 15 of these fixtures will air on Newstalk, with live commentary and post-match analysis.
Nathan Murphy and Stephen Doyle will provide commentary for the broadcasts, with fans able to follow the live action on Off The Ball’s online platforms and during the Newstalk evening show.
In addition to the live match coverage, Off The Ball will continue to offer comprehensive League of Ireland content, including a weekly podcast, LOI Late Night on X Spaces, and analysis before and after matches on both its morning and evening shows.
The season kicks off on Friday, February 14th, with Shelbourne facing Derry City, with Off The Ball broadcasting live from Tolka Park.
Ger Gilroy, Managing Director of Off The Ball, expressed excitement over the new partnership, noting the increased interest in the League of Ireland. He highlighted the expanded coverage that will offer live commentary, pre- and post-match insights, and additional podcasts for Irish football fans.
“This deal, alongside our English Premier League rights, makes Off The Ball the home of football,” he added.
Mark Scanlon, Director of the League of Ireland, welcomed the partnership, emphasizing that the deal would enhance the league’s visibility across various platforms.
“This agreement with Off The Ball, along with recent developments with LOITV, will bring a new level of coverage and reach to fans nationwide,” he said. […]