Ireland

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Bauer Media Audio has finalised its acquisition of Beat 102 103 in the south-east of Ireland.
Beat joins other stations now owned by Bauer targeting 15-34 year olds; iRadio and SPIN.
Beat 102 103 is the most-listened to radio station among the age group in Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford and South Tipperary with 157,000 people tuning in every week.
With the addition of Beat 102 103, Bauer Media Audio Ireland has now extended its total weekly reach in Ireland to 2.24 million listeners, and more than 61 million listeners across 9 countries.
Commenting, Chris Doyle, CEO, Bauer Media Audio Ireland said: “We are thrilled to welcome Beat 102 103 to Bauer. The strong team and exceptional programming lead the way in the South East and we look forward to collaborating and achieving new heights together.”
CEO and Programme Director of Beat 102 103 Gabrielle Cummins has welcomed the announcement: “Beat is excited about joining a global leader in the audioverse as it presents exciting opportunities. As a market leading, audio brand in the South East, we’re always trying to seek out new ways to evolve and innovate.
“I’m confident the expertise, insights, and resources available to Beat as part of Bauer will enable the station to further build on its success to date.” […]

Radio continues to be an indispensable part of daily life in Ireland, as revealed by the latest Joint National Listenership Research (JNLR) report carried out by Ipsos B&A. 
The report proves that radio stations have an impressive influence across the Emerald Isle and can reach a massive audience regardless of age group. This includes the younger demographic, who are otherwise often hard to reach via other media.
With a vast number of listeners tapping into information through radios, it has become a golden opportunity for advertisers and businesses to get their message across to the Irish people.
This is particularly evident in sports betting, where listeners use information from shows and events on radios to leverage their betting activities.
Many betting sites have also forged strong links with the radio sector to ensure they can effectively tap into an engaged and diverse audience.
The JNLR report undoubtedly bodes well for the radio industry and offers exciting possibilities for businesses looking to connect with Irish customers.
Radio is still a hit with Irish listeners
Streaming and digital platforms have been on the rise in Ireland, yet the latest JNLR report suggests that radio remains the go-to source of information for Irish listeners.
The survey found that a whopping 90 percent of Irish adults tune in to the radio every week, with a similar high figure of 86% for those aged 15 to 35. This means millions of people are listening to their favourite shows and stations on a weekly basis.
What’s even more impressive is the fact that over 3.4 million people listen to the radio every day, and the numbers have shown no signs of slowing down, with 69,000 more listeners tuning in compared to the previous year.
Regional radio stations are also thriving, with over two million adults listening to their local stations each day. The statistics prove that Irish people love hearing about what’s happening in their communities.
The average Irish person spends over four hours a day listening to the radio, which reflects the medium’s sustained relevance as a constant companion for many. 
These statistics are quite impressive given we are now in the age of the digital revolution, where smartphones and other advanced, high-tech devices are the norm. 
However, while people can choose from plenty of ways to listen to music or favourite shows, radio still comes out on top, with 74% of all listening time spent on live radio, overshadowing music streaming platforms, YouTube Music and podcasts.
The latest data released by Radiocentre Ireland shows that Irish radio stations have seen a slight 2% increase in revenue in the first half of this year, proving that the medium remains one of the most reliable commercial channels for advertisers to reach their audience.
All of this is to say that radio is still a very important part of Irish life. It’s a great way to get news, music and entertainment, and it’s not going away anytime soon.
RTE Remains Ireland’s Radio King as Listenership Soars
RTE has once again cemented its position as Ireland’s most popular radio broadcaster, according to the latest JNLR figures.
The national broadcaster garnered a significant increase in listeners across its stations, with over two million people tuning in each week.
RTE Radio 1 is still dominating the airwaves, boasting over a million weekly listeners. This represents a substantial growth of 31,000 listeners compared to the previous year. 
The station’s flagship morning show, Morning Ireland, remains the most popular radio program in the country, with over 486,000 listeners tuning in daily.
RTE 2FM and RTE lyric FM also enjoyed increased listenership. Both stations have expanded their audience considerably, with 791,000 and 335,000 weekly listeners, respectively.
A notable highlight for RTE was the successful transition following Ryan Tubridy’s departure. Oliver Callan, who took over the morning slot, has maintained a strong listenership by growing the platform to 336,000 listeners, surpassing Turbidy’s record the previous year by 2,000.
The Natural Synergy Between Radio & Betting
Sports betting has become a huge business in recent years. With more and more people placing bets on games, companies are looking for new ways to reach customers.
Radio stations have a big audience and can connect with listeners in a personal way. This makes them a good place for betting companies to advertise. 
RTE are renowned for their wide coverage of sporting events and could be a leader in this area.
Although they cover sports events that involve betting markets, the broadcaster has traditionally tread carefully where gambling advertisements are concerned. 
However, their expert analysis on upcoming events often serves as a blueprint for punters looking to maximise their profit, which makes RTE an ideal platform for such ads.
Ongoing talks about gambling adverts in Ireland have likely factored into RTE’s reluctance to flood the airwaves with ads of this nature.  […]

Ireland’s independent commercial radio stations have combined to launch a major new equality strategy.
The stations have launched their Gender, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, which will act as a catalyst for change and help members to be well placed for opportunities in this area.
The Strategy has been developed by the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland, representing 34 local, regional, multicity and national stations, and the training organisation for the sector, Learning Waves.
The Chair of the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland, John Purcell, said the launch of the Strategy was a welcome and very significant development.
“Each day millions of people across this country choose to make independent radio a part of their lives. Broadcasting to and engaging with such a huge audience, we have a unique position in a changing Ireland and we welcome, respect and value diversity. We believe that we can do more and we are determined to work to achieve greater inclusion to enhance society and benefit our industry,” said Mr Purcell.
“An inclusive environment (both in our teams and in our on-air content) goes hand in hand with retaining and attracting people to our industry and with our mission of providing trusted and high quality content to existing listeners as well as developing new audiences. This Strategy will act as a catalyst for change and help our members meet the new challenges and opportunities in this area,” Mr Purcell added.
The Chairperson of Learning Waves, Patricia Monahan, commented: “We recognise the important role our stations play in championing gender equality, diversity, and inclusion, both on the airwaves and in the workplace.
“We are committed to supporting stations as they seek to realise their vision as inclusive employers and to create inclusive and diverse content which is accessible to all and representative of their audiences.
“We look forward to supporting our stations as they roll out this strategy. We have developed a dedicated Gender, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Toolkit, which contains supports for organisations at all stages of their journey, and which will support the implementation of the strategy across the sector,” said Ms Monahan.
The Independent Radio Sector Gender, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy is in line with the work of Coimisiún na Meán in this area and has the support of the sector and the board of the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland and that of Learning Waves.
Coimisiún na Meán’s Gender, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy for the overall Irish audio and audio visual sector was launched earlier this month, and will apply to those involved in film, television, radio, audio and animation production. Among the actions outlined within the Strategy is the need for all audio and audiovisual media and media associations to publish their own Gender, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (GEDI) policies, plans and strategies.
Independent radio has a 70% of share of listenership in Ireland and in many regions its stations are the leading radio service providers.
The independent radio sector has 1,200 employees. […]

Radio has traditionally played a crucial role in keeping people in the Republic of Ireland fully informed about professional sports, but the landscape has changed in recent times.
The emergence of podcasts has challenged radio’s dominance and forced broadcasters to re-evaluate their strategies. The question is, are podcasts a threat or opportunity to the radio industry?
The Growing Popularity of Podcasts
Podcasts first gained popularity in the early 2000s, around the same period when portable digital music players such as the iPod and broadband internet became widespread.
Over the years, technological advancements have aided the distribution and consumption of audio content by making it more accessible on-demand through various digital platforms. 
The adoption of smartphones and widespread access to the internet has fuelled the growth of podcasts in Ireland. But the surge in popularity goes beyond the Emerald Isle. 
Statistics show that nearly 80% of Americans over the age of 12 are now informed by podcasts, which accounts for more than 30% growth from a decade ago. In North America, 40.8% of internet users listen to a podcast at least once a month. This trend is also evident worldwide.
Just over 28% of the population in Western Europe uses podcasts, so it is unsurprising that the medium has also gained prominence in Ireland.
Podcasts are flexible and accessible. Those features make them appealing, but they also allow listeners to consume content on demand, wherever and whenever they want. 
Traditional Radio vs Podcasts
While radio and podcasts deliver audio content, their delivery and engagement methods are quite distinct.
Radio has always been a dominant force in the audio content sector. Local stations have loyal followers, but radio content typically ends once it has been broadcast, limiting its accessibility.
This gives podcasts an edge as they remain online and accessible to listeners, allowing them to tune in at their convenience. That flexibility is crucial, especially to the younger, tech-savvy audience. 
Podcast platforms such as Second Captains attract a sizeable audience with their diverse and unique offerings. 
The Irish platform is a subscription-based program renowned for its irreverent humour, insightful commentary, in-depth interviews with sporting personalities and sports betting insights.
Their flexibility and convenience appeal to Irish punters who value detailed, timely information that helps them make informed decisions when wagering on betting sites. 
With podcasts, listeners can choose programs based on specific interests. The platform provides a setting where hosts can explore topics, interview guests and discuss betting strategies without being limited by time, which is an area where radio struggles to fit in.
However, radio boasts a rich history of providing sports coverage, although the sector tends to be dominated by the older demographic. 
Nevertheless, shows such as Sunday Sport on RTE Radio 1 have become national treasures, attracting generations of listeners with expert analysis, live commentary and lively debates. 
These programs cultivate a sense of community that allows listeners to get in on the action, share their passion, and engage in real-time conversations. 
RTE uses their live format to their advantage. They offer immediate reactions to breaking news, which gives them an edge over podcasts. 
Additionally, the accessibility of radio is its own strength. Unlike podcasts that often require users to download applications or subscribe to channels, radio broadcasts are readily available on any device that can pick up signals.
This way, even listeners without smartphones or internet access can stay up-to-date on the latest sporting news.
A Collaborative Future Rather Than a Hostile Takeover
Podcasts are a trendy new vibe poised to take over the audio content sector in the near future, but radio is not going anywhere either. 
The popularity of podcasts has created an interplay between both forms of audio content consumption, but there is a world where both can complement each other.
Podcasts offer a compelling alternative, but they are unlikely to completely dethrone radio as Ireland’s primary source of sports news.
The rise of podcasts doesn’t necessarily negate the value of radio. Both mediums can exist and thrive simultaneously. It ultimately comes down to the preference of the listeners.
Those seeking a broad overview of the sporting sector might choose radio, while those who prefer in-depth analysis may gravitate towards podcasts.
Technological advancements will likely play a huge role in consumer preferences over the years, and both platforms will need to adapt and innovate to maintain their audiences. […]

Independent radio stations collectively delivered 429 hours of Public Service Broadcasting in just one week from polling day to the last count in the recent Local, European, and Mayoral elections.

That is according to a survey of the sector’s election coverage over a 7-day period in early June, covering independent radio stations across the country.
The survey reveals that independent radio stations had a total of 217 people in total working on the election counts which took place in early June of this year, comprising 167 journalists and 50 production and support staff.  The stations devoted an average of 79% of their News and Current Affairs output to covering the election counts/results in June. These figures equal or exceed those of RTE Radio for the same area of output.
Independent stations span 34 broadcasters at local, regional, multi-city and national level, serving over 2.5 million listeners daily all over Ireland.
This survey of independent radio stations shows that most of them (58%) believe that with current funding and resources they will be unable to maintain or repeat the levels of coverage they delivered in the recent elections, candidate debates and counts, when the coming General Election is called. In addition, 94% of the stations were unsure about being able to attract or retain news and current affairs staff to sustain their news services with the current levels of funding provided by the volatile market environment.
 The figures provide evidence to support the sector’s call on the Government to provide fair, proportionate and meaningful support for the hard-pressed core news and current affairs services on independent radio which currently receive zero funding.
Michael Kelly, Chief Executive of the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland said:  “We are very proud of the coverage of all the counts and results announcements across our 34 independent stations. Our comprehensive coverage plays a huge role in ensuring people are informed by trusted journalists and presenters of the outcome of elections, its helps support democracy and prevent election-interference or election-denial. The provision of accurate information by trusted media is the best defence against misinformation and disinformation on social media.”
 “RTE is set to receive massive state funding from the Exchequer and TV licence fee for its core operations, but the entire independent sector currently receives zero funding for core news and current affairs and that is blatantly unfair and anti-competitive.  It is vital that Cabinet does not take a decision on RTE funding in isolation without committing to multi-annual funding for our sector’s core News and Current Affairs,” Mr Kelly added.
“The announced Court Reporting and Local Democracy reporting schemes do not in any way help our core News and Current Affairs to survive because they only support additional areas over and above what our newsrooms already broadcast every day. That does not preserve existing services. It is vital that Councillors and Oireachtas members support our strong call for deserved support. We must all work to prevent ‘news deserts’ developing, leading to a situation where responsible reporting of local issues is replaced by polarising, divisive and extremely damaging online and social media content mobilised by elements whose aim is to confuse and disrupt the electorate.”
Details of Survey Results:  Election Count Coverage on Independent Radio Stations
Statistics for coverage on independent radio of all election counts/results from 6am on polling day, Friday June 7th 2024 up to and including midnight Thursday June 13th).  Member survey by IBI.

Total number of people involved in covering election counts and results in independent stations
167 journalists, presenters, and analysts, in addition to 50 production and support staff. Total:  217 people

Proportion of News and Current Affairs output devoted to election counts and results across all stations (%).
79% of average of News and current Affairs output across sector was on election counts and results during period

Total number of hours of coverage devoted to election count coverage across all stations
429 hours and 24 minutes devoted to coverage

Number of website hits/page visits on station websites specifically on election coverage across all stations
6.57 million hits/page visits

Number of audio or video downloads specifically concerning election results and counts across all stations.
5.4 million audio or video downloads

Number of social media posts issued on independent radio providing coverage specifically of election counts and results (X, Facebook/Meta, Insta, TikTok).
3,094 posts

Do you believe that over the next year your station will be able to replace or attract new journalists/current affairs presenters/news editors/current affairs producers based on currently available funding? Question to all stations.
 
94% answered No or were unsure of ability to replace or attract.

Detail: Yes = 6.25%; No = 43.7%; Not sure = 50%.

Are you certain that you can maintain the levels of coverage of elections, candidate debates and counts in the coming General Election based on currently available resourcing and funding for your station? Question to all stations.
 
82% answered No or were unsure of maintaining those services.
 
Detail: Yes = 17.6%; No = 58.8%; Not sure = 23.5%. […]

Radiocentre Ireland has introduced a new research study that is designed, in partnership with research company Colourtext to evaluate the effectiveness of Irish audio advertising.
It can also provide Irish advertisers and agencies with deeper insights into how their audio campaigns are performing.
CampaignFX has been designed specifically for the needs of small and mid-sized advertising markets and builds upon nearly 20 years of operational and development experience with Radiogauge and the related Big Audio Datamine project (owned by Radiocentre in the UK).
The core mission of CampaignFX is to address the competitive imbalance between audio advertising and digital ad platforms by providing brands with more comprehensive data on the effectiveness of their audio advertising investments. Brands in many smaller national and sub-regional media markets receive little or no data on radio campaign effectiveness, which puts commercial audio channels at a disadvantage relative to digital ad platforms that offer brands vast amounts of ad response data.
The role of CampaignFX is to provide evidence of audio’s short and long-term impact on brand growth at a cost that is sustainable over the long term. It achieves this by using a new category-based research methodology developed and trialled within the Irish market for Radiocentre Ireland. This innovative approach measures the performance of audio advertising within the natural context of all the other marketing activities undertaken by a brand and those of its main competitors. This gives the test data a crucial extra measure of authenticity and real-world credibility.
The CampaignFX database represents the biggest combined analysis of audio advertising effectiveness ever undertaken in Ireland. It comprises data on the top 31 brands within Ireland across 5 key advertiser categories, specifically Personal Banking, TV Streaming, Fast Food, General Insurance and Health Insurance. This has been achieved by developing a new category-led approach to high quality audio effectiveness research that is financially sustainable over the long term in small and mid-sized media markets.
The CampaignFX data demonstrates how audio advertising creates future demand for advertisers by generating a 26% uplift in ad awareness, which makes consumers more familiar with a brand. Radio advertising also improves Brand Likeability by a factor of almost 9, and boosts brand trust by 72%, thanks to radio’s unique ability to build intimate relationships with listeners.
CampaignFX also sheds light on radio’s ability to convert existing market demand. The data shows that audio advertising generates a 33% uplift in Brand Consideration, effectively moving consumers from awareness to purchase. We also found that audio advertising leads to a 45% uplift in online brand search, thereby prompting listeners to seek more information online. This in turn is related to a 55% uplift in brand purchase intent for brands advertising on the radio.
The analysis of the CampaignFX database also found that creative standout is 12% higher for brands using audio. This suggests that radio often serves as a foundational platform for building and reinforcing a brand’s distinctive audio identity, which in turn elevates a brand’s visibility and distinctiveness across all other media channels. […]