Ireland

Record-breaking JNLR results highlight strong growth for Irish radio

The latest Joint National Listenership Research (JNLR) results for the period January to December 2024 reveal continued growth across Ireland’s radio landscape, with more than 3.4 million adults tuning in daily.
RTÉ remains Ireland’s most listened-to radio network, reaching over 2 million adults weekly, with strong audience growth among younger listeners.
RTÉ Radio 1 retains its position as the only station with over 1 million weekly listeners (1.387 million, +24,000 YoY).
RTÉ 2FM is the leading station for 15-34-year-olds, while RTÉ lyric fm continues to grow, reaching 323,000 listeners weekly.
RTÉ holds 18 of the top 20 radio programmes in Ireland. “Morning Ireland” remains the most listened-to program (466,000 listeners). RTÉ 2FM sees strong audience growth, with “2FM Breakfast” gaining 10,000 listeners (152,000 total).
RTÉ lyric fm’s “Marty in the Morning” reaches a record 71,000 listeners (+15,000 YoY).
RTÉ credits this success to its commitment to engaging content and new talent, with further programming changes expected to build on this momentum.
Around the independent stations
WLR FM has recorded its highest listenership figures ever, with daily reach increasing by 5,000 to 45,000 and weekly reach hitting a three-year peak of 66,000.
The station maintains a strong market share of 33.3%.
CEO Michael Byrne celebrated the results, stating, “These figures reaffirm radio’s relevance and the loyalty of our audience.”
Radio Nova remains the top music station in Dublin and its commuter belt, boasting an 8.2% market share. The station reached a record 264,000 weekly listeners (+10,000) and 154,000 daily listeners (+14,000). CEO Kevin Branigan hailed Nova’s success, calling it “a giant on the radio landscape.”
Ireland’s Classic Hits Radio has reached an all-time high of 387,000 weekly listeners. The figures are the latest in a series of positive JNLR books for the station.
CEO Kevin Branigan said, “We’re very enthused by these latest JNLR ratings. We’ve been working hard on growing Ireland’s Classic Hits Radio and it’s gratifying to see us reach all-time high listenership like this in such a competitive marketplace.”
Sunshine 106.8 recorded its best-ever listenership figures in its 24-year history. CEO Seán Ashmore expressed pride in the station’s success, stating, “Dublin loves to relax with Sunshine 106.8.”
Newstalk continues to gain traction, now reaching 871,000 listeners weekly (+10,000) and 512,000 daily (+4,000), making it the second most-listened-to station in the country. The Pat Kenny Show remains the top commercial radio programme with 237,000 daily listeners.
Managing Editor Eric Moylan attributed the growth to “engaging discussions that resonate with our audience.”
Despite a slight decline in numbers, Today FM remains Ireland’s top commercial radio station with 953,000 weekly listeners.
The Ian Dempsey Breakfast Show leads the station’s programming with 202,000 daily listeners.
Managing Editor Fyona Smith emphasised Today FM’s focus on “delivering top-tier entertainment and journalism.”
James Brownlow, Managing Editor Music & Entertainment added: “In a period defined by some of the most pivotal news and current affairs moments in Ireland and across the globe, Today FM’s top-line performance held strong.”
As the country’s largest radio group, Bauer Media now commands a prime-time market share of 29% and a combined weekly reach of 2.2 million. Stations under its umbrella, including Newstalk, Today FM, and Red FM, continue to perform well, with highlights such as Red FM’s Neil Prendeville Show growing to 82,000 daily listeners.
SPIN 1038 in Dublin holds a 6.8% market share and reaches 254,000 weekly listeners. SPIN Hits with Steve K grew by 3,000 to 65,000.
98FM maintains a 5.4% market share, with 98FM Breakfast with Rebecca & Brendan growing to 47,000 (+5,000 BoB / +12,000 YoY).
Cork’s Red FM increased its market share to 21.9% and weekly reach to 180,000 (+6,000 BoB). The Neil Prendeville Show leads with 82,000 listeners (+4,000 BoB), while Home Run with Colm O’Sullivan gained 55,000 (+6,000 BoB).
SPIN South West’s market share rose to 11.9%, reaching 160,000 listeners. Fully Charged with Ed & Valerie grew to 33,000 (+3,000 BoB), and SPIN Hits with Eoghain Fitz climbed to 55,000 (+9,000 BoB).
iRadio, spanning fifteen counties, recorded an 8.3% market share and 337,000 weekly listeners. Dave & Fionnuala remained the top show with 87,000 listeners (+4,000 BoB / +11,000 YoY), while Cooper & Oonagh on Breakfast hit 70,000 (+1,000 BoB).
BEAT 102 103 saw significant gains, with a market share of 16.5% and a weekly reach of 172,000. Beat Breakfast rose to 56,000 (+6,000 BoB), and Beat Drive reached 49,000 (+6,000 BoB).
Bauer Media Audio Ireland CEO Chris Doyle stated, “These JNLR results highlight the continued strength of our stations and the connection with our listeners.”
In Tipperary, 80,000 adults now tune into Tipp FM each week, which is an increase of 3,000 from the previous year.
Key points from the latest book:
90% of all adults and 85% of 15–34-year-olds listen to radio every week.
The daily listenership levels are also hugely impressive with the daily weekday audience now at 3.47 million, growing by 72,000 listeners.
69% of 15-34 year olds listen to radio each weekday, while daily weekday listening levels for the hard to reach 15-24 year old cohort is also very impressive with 65% listening each weekday.
Listening levels to local and regional radio continues to be very strong with over 2.2 million adults listening to their local or regional station every single weekday.
In terms of how people listen, 12% of all radio listening is now through a connected device with 7% of all listening through a smart speaker while listening via a mobile device is at 3%.
For the younger 15 to 34 age cohort, 22% of all their radio listening is now through a connected device with a smart speaker accounting for 8% of all 15-34 listening, while listening through a mobile device also accounts for 8% of all radio listening for this audience.
23-092916-JNLR-Sales House Report 2024-4 (Final) shows that Radio is enjoying record levels of listenership with 3.9 million people now listening to radio every week, the highest weekly listenership ever recorded, growing by 105,000 listeners compared to the same 12 month period previously (Jan-Dec ’23).
The average weekday audience listening at any time between 7am to 7pm is now at 1,095,000, the highest recorded average audience ever. This clearly shows that despite competition from so much media, Irish people have a deep passion for live radio and listen in increasing numbers across broadcast and online platforms. […]

Ireland

Aspiring broadcasters kick off new radio and podcasting course with Beat 102-103

A new wave of aspiring radio professionals have begun their journey in the January 2025 Broadcast Course at South East Technological University (SETU) in Waterford, in collaboration with Beat 102-103 and WLR FM.
The Certificate in Radio and Podcasting, a hands-on introduction to broadcasting, presenting, and podcast production, officially commenced this week at SETU’s Cork Road campus. On Thursday, January 30th, sixteen students arrived, eager to take their first steps into the world of radio and podcasting as part of this year’s cohort.
Jointly developed and delivered by SETU, WLR FM, and Beat 102-103, the course blends academic expertise with real-world industry experience. It is taught by a mix of practicing broadcasters and lecturers, providing students with an inside look at how commercial radio stations operate and what it takes to thrive in the industry.
Designed as an entry-level, part-time, Level 6 qualification, the program welcomes students from all backgrounds—no prior experience in radio is required. Over the course of 12 weeks, participants gain hands-on experience in key broadcasting skills, giving them a valuable ‘foot in the door’ to the industry.
Speaking at the course launch, WLR FM CEO Michael Byrne expressed his enthusiasm for this year’s program: “We’re thrilled to once again be part of this fantastic initiative alongside SETU, Beat, and WLR. This course has played a vital role in shaping many talented broadcasters over the years, and we can’t wait to see what this year’s students will bring.”
SETU lecturer and former Beat 102-103 presenter Rob O’Connor highlighted the unique diversity of this year’s cohort: “The mix of students is truly exciting—they come from all walks of life. This year, we have a plumber, a nurse specializing in post-natal depression, a software developer, a men’s shed volunteer, and an HR professional with a deep love for music. The energy they bring to the classroom is amazing, and their discussions are always engaging.
“It’s fantastic to see fresh perspectives coming into radio and podcasting. The demos they produce are full of originality, and with the added professionalism that comes from working with Beat and WLR, they’re getting real, industry-level experience.”
Through a combination of classroom lectures and hands-on studio sessions, students will develop core broadcasting skills, including:

Researching and preparing scripts and running orders for radio broadcasts
Recording and editing audio for radio and podcast production
Presenting live and recorded speech content
Understanding legal and ethical guidelines in broadcasting
Exploring the role of radio journalists and presenters in the Irish media landscape
The 12-week course is set to conclude in April 2025, equipping students with the skills and confidence to pursue careers in radio, podcasting, and beyond. […]

Ireland

Christmas FM smashes fundraising target of €1 million over three years

Christmas FM has raised over €1 million over the past three years for a range of children’s charities.
The Magic of Christmas appeal was launched in 2022 with the goal of raising €1 million over a three-year period for Barnardos, Barretstown, Make-A-Wish Ireland and a number of children’s charities making a difference in communities through Community Foundation Ireland.
The Magic of Christmas appeal raised €294,706 in 2022, €324,000 in 2023 and €420,792 in 2024. The funds will be used to support 5,000 vulnerable children in our communities affected by traumatic life events such as poverty, abuse, neglect and bereavement, and to assist children whose lives are affected by serious childhood illness.
Donations to The Magic of Christmas appeal in 2024 also mark the highest annual total raised since the station began broadcasting in 2008, reflecting the stations growing popularity and commitment to supporting charities during the festive season.
2024’s figure brings the total amount raised by the radio station to €1,039,498 over the past three years. Christmas FM is presented on air each year by up to 100 volunteers who devote hundreds of hours of their time assisted by a core management team.
Daragh O’Sullivan, Co-Founder of Christmas FM, says: “We are incredibly proud to have raised over €1 million for the Magic of Christmas appeal over the past three years – a fundraising initiative that supports vulnerable children across Ireland. This milestone would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our loyal listeners and fans during the festive season.
“In 2024 alone, we raised an impressive €420,792, the highest annual total since Christmas FM began broadcasting 17 years ago. This is a massive achievement for us and we would like to extend our deepest gratitude to our remarkable team and volunteers who bring the magic of Christmas FM to life year after year.
“We would also like to thank Coimisiún na Meán for granting us the license to broadcast Christmas FM across Ireland and our premier FM sponsors for 2024 – Cadbury, Coca-Cola, and An Post as well as Extra.ie, the official media partner of The Magic of Christmas appeal. A special thank you to The Clayton Hotel Liffey Valley too, for their continued generosity in providing studio space for the station.”
Commenting on the total amount raised, the charity partners jointly said: “Christmas FM has brought the true spirit of Christmas to life, raising an incredible €1 million through The Magic of Christmas appeal. This major milestone is a testament to the generosity of listeners and fans who have donated to the fundraising initiative over the last three years. So far, the funds raised from The Magic of Christmas have made a significant difference to the lives of thousands of children across Ireland and their families. We are deeply grateful to Christmas FM for their unwavering support and everyone who donated should be incredibly proud of their contributions to this important initiative.”
Coimisiún na Meán grants Christmas FM a 30-day temporary sound broadcasting license, which enables the station to broadcast on a range of frequencies throughout the country.
Aoife MacEvilly, Broadcasting & Video-On-Demand Commissioner for Coimisiún na Meán, said: “We were delighted to support Christmas FM again in 2024 by providing them with a temporary sound broadcasting licence. These types of short-term licences are typically awarded to community, education and/or special interest groups to support special events and/or other small area services. Coimisiún na Meán is committed to developing a media landscape that reflects and shapes who we are as a society and Christmas FM is a great example of how a temporary radio licence can support local communities around the country.”
This year, Christmas FM was sponsored by the premier FM sponsors Cadbury, Coca-Cola and An Post. Christmas FM was broadcast live from The Clayton Hotel, Liffey Valley.
In the photo:

Aoife MacEvilly, Broadcasting & Video-On-Demand Commissioner for Coimisiún na Meán
Kate Conroy, Head of Partnerships at Barnardos
Dee Ahearn – CEO – Barretstown
Daragh O’Sullivan, CO-Founder Christmas FM
Susan O’Dwyer, CEO Make-A-Wish […]

Ireland

Carl Mullan, Roz Purcell and Aisling Bonner to host RTÉ 2FM Breakfast

A new schedule for 2FM will see Carl Mullan, Roz Purcell and Aisling Bonner hosting the breakfast show from February.
In addition, Doireann Garrihy returns to present a brand new Drivetime show.
Mid-morning will continue with Laura Fox daily from 9am, while Tracy Clifford will take over at 12 noon.
The weekend schedule sees the addition of four new presenters, including Bennie Bracken, Helen Galgey, Mikey O’Reilly and presenting from Cork, Demi Issac who have all been selected from an expressions of interest competition which ran across the station last autumn.
Doireann Garrihy. Picture Andres Poveda
Head of RTÉ 2FM, Dan Healy said “I’m really excited to launch our daytime schedule with new and familiar voices on 2FM as we welcome back Doireann to present our new Drivetime show and look forward to Carl, Roz, and Aisling as our new breakfast hosts.
“Designed for today’s audience, the new schedule will have an emphasis on Irish and new music, inclusivity and original entertainment.
“Whether you’re starting the day, on your commute, or unwinding over the weekend, 2FM will have something fresh and exciting waiting for you.
“RTÉ 2FM has a proud history of identifying and nurturing incredible talent, with many of our presenters going on to have hugely successful careers in broadcasting. The weekend line-up is a continuation of that tradition, showcasing new voices that truly reflect the vibrancy and diversity of our audience.”

Demi Isaac Oviawe and . Picture Andres Poveda
RTÉ’s Director of Audio, Patricia Monahan, said: “For decades, RTÉ 2FM has been a launchpad for some of the most recognisable names in Irish broadcasting.
“This legacy continues on both our weekday and weekend schedules, as we continue to nurture the next generation of presenting talent and bring new voices to the national airwaves, I have no doubt that they will add their unique flavour to 2FM’s iconic sound and look forward to working with them and the entire team to engage and inspire listeners as we embark on a new and exciting era for 2FM.
“With this diversity of original Irish voices, and our renewed commitment to Irish music, 2FM will truly be the Sound of the Nation.”
Laura Fox. Picture Andres Poveda
Tracy Clifford. Picture Andres Poveda
The new daytime and weekend schedules launch in February 2025. […]

Ireland

Local radio stations get ready to provide coverage of Storm Eowyn

Radio stations across the country are making sure they are ready for Storm Eowyn on Friday.
Ireland’s independent services are ramping up preparations to ensure they are ready to quickly provide updated information to householders and businesses, along with RTE national stations.
Storm Eowyn is expected to be extremely severe in terms of damage and danger, and therefore information provided through radio stations will be needed by householders or businesses if electricity, water, or telecoms are affected, or if public safety information needs to be rapidly communicated by organisations like the local authorities, the Gardai or other emergency services.
Met Éireann has already issued a Status Red warning for the entire country from the early hours of Friday.
Michael Kelly, Chief Executive of the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland commented today: “Our stations have ensured they are ready. At times of severe weather like this, radio is a vital source of information and householders or businesses are always advised to keep their FM radio nearby with spare batteries so they can hear news updates over the airwaves from our stations in relation to damage assessments, repair outlooks and other essential local and national information.
“Our 34 local, regional, and national stations are prepared. We know from past experience that mobile phone network sites, or indeed mobile phone handsets themselves, can be affected by power cuts, but the FM system is resilient and can communicate directly without need for broadband or internet access.
“FM provides local and national news and information directly to your radio. The independent radio sector has a total of more than 160 journalists across our stations as well as other essential staff dedicated to providing news updates and bulletins to listeners.
“Our people will be ensuring vital information is provided quickly to listeners, while keeping safe themselves.
“We have diesel generators at our stations and at our transmitter locations around the country and, as our radio stations are critical infrastructure, we work closely with ESB Networks. We assure our listeners we will be doing everything we can to provide uninterrupted provision of news and information.” […]

Ireland

Bauer appoints Ben Murray as Managing Editor at iRadio

FM104’s drivetime presenter and programmer Ben Murray is the new Managing Editor at iRadio.
In his new role, under James Brownlow, Ben will be responsible for leading the audience growth strategy, focusing on iRadio’s content output.
Ben has worked in radio for over 20 years in music scheduling, programming strategy, talent development and as the host of FM104’s flagship Drivetime show, a role he held for over 12 years.
Ben joined Bauer Media Audio Ireland in 2023 as Music & Entertainment Planning Producer, working across SPIN, 98FM, and Today FM contributing to production and programming across the brands.
Ben Murray: “I am thrilled to take on the role of Managing Editor at iRadio and to continue contributing to Bauer Media Audio Ireland’s passion for creating original and exciting audio content. I’m excited to lead the next chapter of iRadio, alongside some of the most talented professionals in the industry.”
James Brownlow “Ben moving to iRadio is a key appointment to my senior content team making sure Bauer Media Audio Ireland is in the best shape and as focussed as ever to deliver for Irish audiences now and in the future.”

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