Ireland

The latest JNLR/Ipsos survey confirms that Irish radio continues to attract record audiences, with almost 3.5 million people tuning in each weekday, an increase of 59,000 compared with the same period last year.
Independent and Local Stations
Ireland’s Classic Hits Radio has achieved its highest-ever 6.5% share across Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway, reaching 373,000 weekly and 207,000 daily listeners, and becoming the number one music station in the Multicity area at weekends.
Programme Director Dave Kelly said: “We’ve held our all-time high market share in a very competitive space thanks to our unique position as The Home of the 80s and 90s in Ireland.”
In Dublin, Radio Nova has become the city’s number one music radio station, now holding a 9.2% market share, ahead of FM104 (7.8%) and other major stations including SPIN 1038, Today FM, 98FM and Q102.
Nova reaches 268,000 weekly and 158,000 daily listeners across Dublin and the commuter belt.CEO and Programme Director Kevin Branigan said: “We’ve worked hard to keep Nova unique in both music and presentation, and it’s gratifying to see that listeners appreciate what we’re doing.”
Bauer Media Audio Ireland
Bauer Media Audio Ireland continues to lead the market, reaching 2.25 million listeners weekly and 1.52 million daily, with a prime-time market share of 28.3% across its portfolio of national, regional and local stations, including Today FM, Newstalk, SPIN, 98FM, Red FM, iRadio and Beat.
Today FM remains Ireland’s most listened-to commercial station with 930,000 weekly listeners.The Ian Dempsey Breakfast Show has become Ireland’s number one commercial radio programme, now reaching 218,000 listeners, while the station’s daily reach has climbed to 503,000 and its market share to 8.8%.
Other weekday programmes also grew their audiences: Dave Moore (204,000), Louise Cantillon (+10,000 to 129,000), Ray Foley (156,000) and Matt Cooper’s Last Word (+17,000 to 184,000).Managing Editor Nathan Murphy said the figures highlight a “strong connection between the station and its listeners” following a year of major events including Electric Picnic and Oasis Live 25.
Newstalk also reported record weekend listening. The Anton Savage Show now attracts 146,000 listeners on Saturdays and 129,000 on Sundays, while Off The Ball has grown to 155,000 on Sundays, up 39,000 year-on-year.Nationally, the station reaches 832,000 weekly and 463,000 daily listeners, with a 7.6% share.Managing Editor Eric Moylan said upcoming schedule changes — including the arrival of Claire Byrne and a new host for The Hard Shoulder — will “offer fresh reasons to tune in across the week.”
Across Bauer’s regional network, SPIN 1038 remains number one in Dublin among 15–34s, SPIN South West has increased its share to 13.1%, and Beat has grown its weekly reach by 22,000 to 183,000. Red FM continues to dominate in Cork, with The Neil Prendeville Show holding steady at 79,000 listeners.CEO Chris Doyle said: “Radio and audio are changing fast, and Bauer is investing and innovating to reach and excite listeners and partners across every platform.”
RTÉ Radio
RTÉ Radio 1 remains Ireland’s most listened-to station with 1.37 million weekly listeners, holding a 13.6% share among adults aged 35–54 and preparing to launch a refreshed weekday schedule from 10 November.Across the RTÉ network, total radio services account for a 29% market share, with 18 of the 20 most listened-to programmes in the country.
RTÉ lyric fm has achieved a record 3% share, reaching 336,000 weekly listeners, while RTÉ 2FM increased its 15–34 share to 10.4% and now reaches 653,000 listeners weekly.Head of 2FM Dan Healy said the station “has stabilised following a period of change” and continues to develop new Irish talent.
Onic Media Group
Onic continues to post strong growth, now reaching 800,000 adults weekly and 528,000 daily, marking a 12% year-on-year increase.In Dublin, FM104 reaches 278,000 weekly listeners with a 7.8% share, while in Cork, 96FM (112,000 daily) and C103 (76,000 daily) give the combined network a 30.1% share. Live 95 in Limerick has grown to 25.1%, and LMFM leads Louth and Meath with 38.7%.
The Onic Urban National Package, including Galway Bay FM and WLR, has surpassed one million weekly listeners.WLR’s weekly reach is up to 72,000, with daily listening at 50,000 and market share up by 4.7%, confirming its position as Waterford’s most listened-to station.Chief Executive Michael Byrne said: “The way people listen is changing, but what they’re listening for hasn’t — they want connection, company, and something that feels all Waterford.”
With consistent audience growth across national, regional and local levels, the JNLR/Ipsos 2025-3 results reaffirm radio’s continued strength in Ireland’s media landscape — reaching almost 90% of adults every week and over 3.5 million people every day.
Ciarán Cunningham, CEO of Radiocentre Ireland, said: “Irish radio is thriving, remaining an essential part of people’s daily routines. Millions tune in every day to enjoy trusted voices, great music, and engaging conversations that cut across generations.
“Broadcasters continue to innovate to capture the attention of younger listeners, ensuring radio stays relevant in an ever-changing media landscape. For brands, this offers a unique opportunity to connect with audiences at scale — through both live broadcast and digital listening.” […]

RTÉ Radio 1’s new weekday schedule launches this Monday 10 November, bringing new presenters and fresh timeslots to the national station.
Head of RTÉ Radio 1, Tara Campbell, said the line-up offers “fresh voices and sharp conversation in a vibrant new schedule”, while maintaining the station’s commitment to reliable journalism and public service broadcasting.
From 9am, Today with David McCullagh will lead listeners through breaking news and the day’s major stories, alongside features on health, consumer issues, culture and technology.
At 11am, Oliver Callan takes on an all-new two-hour show combining commentary, humour and topical discussion.
News at One with Rachael English continues at midday, followed by Liveline at 1.45pm, where Kieran Cuddihy joins the schedule as the new host.
Louise Duffy brings a new hour of afternoon music and entertainment at 3pm, ahead of a refreshed Drivetime from 4pm with Katie Hannon and Colm Ó Mongáin.
A new daily sports programme, Inside Sport with Jacqui Hurley and Marie Crowe, will air from 6pm, offering news, previews and insight from across Irish and international sport.
Evening shows Arena, The John Creedon Show, The Late Debate and Late Date remain as key parts of the schedule, while Morning Ireland continues from 7am.
RTÉ says the refreshed schedule reflects modern Irish life and strengthens its role as a trusted daily companion for more than one million listeners nationwide. […]

KFC has been announced as the new title sponsor of Dave Moore’s weekday show on Today FM.

The partnership, brokered by Media Central, will see KFC feature across the 9am to 12pm programme through sponsorship stings, on-air promotions and digital activity across the station.
With more than 30 restaurants nationwide, KFC says the collaboration provides a perfect opportunity to connect with listeners across Ireland and highlight its menu of lunchtime favourites.
Dave said he was delighted with the new partnership: “I am so excited to team up with KFC. Adding all of these ingredients to the existing menu of great fun, huge tunes and almighty craic on my radio show is a winning combo and I know the listeners can’t wait to tuck in.”

KFC Ireland’s Brand Manager, Casey Refault, said the sponsorship was a strong match for the brand. “Dave Moore’s fun-packed programme is full of laughs and great music, making it a perfect fit for our brand,” she said. “Our sponsorship will get listeners’ appetites ready for lunch as we highlight new menu items and lunchtime favourites.”
Ross McDonnell, Sponsorship Director at Media Central, added that KFC’s involvement would bring fresh energy to the show: “Dave’s show and KFC are a great fit and we’re looking forward to working closely with Core and KFC to activate the partnership across the year.”
Dave Moore on Today FM attracts 198,000 listeners each week and remains one of the station’s most listened-to programmes.

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Bauer Media Audio Ireland has appointed Andy Matthews as Managing Editor, Music and Metro.
In his new role, Andy will lead audience growth for Dublin’s 98FM and Cork’s Red FM, while overseeing the music strategy for all Bauer stations and digital audio services in Ireland. His focus will be on ensuring the music mix across brands is audience-focused, data-informed and aligned with Bauer’s evolving digital ambitions.
Andy is a highly experienced radio executive with over 30 years in programming, content strategy and talent development. He was previously Managing Director of Triple M Media, providing consultancy to leading radio stations across Ireland, the UK, Europe and the Middle East.
His earlier career included senior programming roles at FM104 and 98FM, where he developed award-winning shows and helped guide 98FM to become Dublin’s number one music station. Andy also achieved notable audience growth during his time with Classic Hits and later founded Airserv and RadioBox, delivering in-store music and advertising for major retail brands.
Andy said he was “excited to join Bauer Media Audio Ireland and to work with such talented and passionate teams,” adding that he looked forward to “helping shape the next chapter for these incredible stations and exploring new opportunities for music streams.”
Liam Thompson, Group Operations Director at Bauer Media Audio Ireland, said Andy “brings an incredible level of experience and expertise to the new Metro and Music role,” adding that the company is eager for him to bring his “strategic and audience-focused view” to 98FM, Red FM and Bauer’s wider music services.
Andy Matthews will take up his new role on 3 November. […]

Bay Broadcasting has completed its acquisition of Galway Bay FM, following full approval from the Irish Competition and Consumer Protection Commission and the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan.

The move adds the Galway-based station to Bay’s growing portfolio, which already includes Radio Nova, Ireland’s Classic Hits Radio and Sunshine 106.8, making it the largest Irish-owned radio group in the country.
Bay Broadcasting CEO Kevin Branigan said the group was proud to bring Galway Bay FM into its family of stations. “Galway Bay FM is a terrific station with an outstanding team and a legacy that’s unmatched in Irish local radio. Its heritage as the voice of Galway is something we deeply respect and are proud to help sustain.”
Kevin Branigan
The station, which began in 1989 as Radio West before becoming Galway Bay FM in 1993, has been a fixture of west of Ireland broadcasting for more than three decades. It reaches 132,000 listeners each week and is widely regarded as one of Ireland’s most trusted local stations.
As part of the transition, Bay Broadcasting has confirmed two senior appointments: Fionnuala Rabbitt as Chief Executive Officer and Keith Finnegan as Chairman of the Board.
Fionnuala, who began her career at Galway Bay FM and most recently worked with Highland Radio in Donegal, said returning home was “truly special”. She added: “Galway Bay FM is part of the fabric of this region, and I look forward to working with the team to build on that heritage.”

Outgoing CEO Cormac O’Halloran welcomed the change, describing the takeover as a positive step for the station’s future. He praised Fionnuala’s appointment, saying she brings “a vast amount of experience and knowledge of radio to the role.”
Keith, who worked at the station for over thirty years before stepping down in 2023, said he was “proud to take on the role of Chairman at such an exciting time for the station.”
Departing shareholders, led by Chairman Peter Allen, said they were confident Bay Broadcasting would “continue to nurture and grow the station’s deep connection with Galway and the wider region.”
The acquisition was made possible following a £3.7 million follow-on investment from Duke Capital to Bay’s parent company, Step Investments.
Neil Johnson, CEO of Duke Capital, said the investment supports Bay’s continued growth: “Galway Bay FM is a natural addition to Bay’s existing radio portfolio, and this transaction is another example of how Duke’s flexible capital can help long-standing partners like Step grow through acquisitions.”
Mike Ormonde, CEO of Step Investments, added: “Galway Bay FM has been the voice of Galway for over three decades. With Bay’s experienced management team, we see a clear opportunity to strengthen its commercial performance, broaden its reach and move Bay into the position of being the second largest commercial radio group in Ireland.”
Duke Capital has supported Step for more than seven years, bringing its total credit financing in the company to £15.2 million. Step’s wider media interests include cinema and digital outdoor advertising across the UK and Ireland. […]

Katja Mia will make her radio debut this Saturday 18 October as she takes over 2FM’s weekend morning show, standing in for Bláthnaid Treacy.

The broadcaster, known for her TV presenting work, will host 2FM Weekend Morning with Katja Mia every Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 12 noon.
Listeners can expect upbeat music, lively features such as the What’s Wrong With Ye Quiz, and prize giveaways including the Pamper Hamper.
Katja said: “I’m absolutely buzzing to be making my radio debut on the RTÉ 2FM airways. It’s always been a dream of mine to work on radio and this opportunity has come at a perfect time in my career where I feel I’ve built up a great amount of presenting experience through TV.”
She added that she’s looking forward to “meeting the team” and hopes to bring “an extra bit of sparkle and fun” to listeners’ weekends.
Dan Healy, Head of RTÉ 2FM, said Katja will be covering Bláthnaid’s leave for the next six months. “Katja is one of the new seriously talented Irish stars and we’re thrilled to announce that she will be on air on 2FM,” he said.
He added that Saturday and Sunday mornings are “hugely important” to the station and he’s confident Katja will bring “her own unique style and energy” to the slot.
The appointment forms part of 2FM’s refreshed line-up designed to showcase new voices, strong entertainment, and a mix of Irish and new music.

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