RAY FOLEY CELEBRATES HUGE LISTENER INCREASE WITH OTHER BIG WINS FOR TODAY FM IN JNLR RESULTS

Thursday, 7^th November: The latest JNLR listenership figures for the 12 months to the end of September 2024 have been released, showing a weekly radio audience of 3.86million listeners.

Today FM continues towards a weekly audience of 1million, with 973,000 listeners tuning in each week, an increase of 14,000 listeners compared to this time last year (-16,000 BoB / +14,000 YoY). While Today FM’s daily reach stands at 483,000 (-6,000 BoB) and its market share remains steady at 8.9%. Afternoon presenter Ray Foley saw a huge jump in numbers, with Emma Nolan and KC also celebrating increases this book.

The Ian Dempsey Breakfast Show (06:00-09:00), now has 209,000 listeners (-1,000 BoB) tuning in each morning, making it the most listened to show on Today FM with this latest round of results. Ian Dempsey and his team are still on a high from last month’s IMRO Radio Awards where they took home gold in Best Entertainment Insert, for the massively popular Gift Grub.

Dave Moore on Today FM (09:00-12:00) now entertains an audience of 208,000 listeners (-15,000 BoB). Dave will host a live radio exclusive this Friday, November 8^th , as movie megastar Paul Mescal joins him on the show in front of a captive audience at Croke Park to mark the release of Mescal’s new blockbuster Gladiator II.

Louise Cantillon (12:00-14:00), continues to entertain a sizeable audience of lunchtime listeners with 129,000 tuning in (-2,000 BoB).

Ray Foley in the afternoons (14:00 – 16:30) saw a huge increase this book, with a further 14,000 listeners tuning in to his show. Ray now holds an audience of 169,000 loyal listeners (+14,000 BoB, +5,000 YoY). Today’s results come on the back of Ray’s recent win at the IMRO Radio Awards, where he scooped gold for General Music Programme of the Year. Ray has been entertaining audiences across the country in a live setting over the past few months, from Electric Picnic to the Galway Comedy Festival.

On the latest figures Ray Foley said: “This is frankly absolutely ridiculous, that we have managed to get away with this for 538 shows. That anyone is listening at all is mind boggling, but 169,000 pairs of ears? That’s just daft! I’m so happy and proud. Thanks for listening””

The Last Word with Matt Cooper (16:30-19:00) recorded an audience of 167,000 (-4,000 BoB) in this latest book. Matt and his Last Word team have been in election overdrive this quarter, providing extensive coverage of the US Election and will soon switch their attention to the upcoming Irish General Election.

Today FM evenings remained strong with Paula MacSweeney (19:00-22:00) increasing her audience to 37,000 (+1,000 BoB /+5,000 YoY). Earlier this week, Today FM announced the launch of a new evening schedule which will bring a variety of music genre from country to chill to its audience.

Weekend Breakfast with Alison Curtis continues to entertain a sizeable audience of weekend early risers with 182,000 listeners (-7,000 BoB) tuning in on Saturday mornings. Over the past few months, Alison has hosted a number of shows live across the country as part of a Today FM & Coimisiún Na Meán initiative – My Town. The campaign celebrates the small towns and villages that demonstrate the very best in community spirit. Alison has already visited numerous towns that champion diversity and promote unique voices over the last 3 months and is set to visit more before the year is out.  

Radio royalty KC, host of KC on Today FM (Saturday 2-6pm), celebrated another super JNLR book with his audience now standing at 144,000 listeners (+3,000 BoB, +19,000 YoY). The afternoon show which is a mix of the music you love and live sports updates has gone from strength to strength since KC took over earlier this year. Another weekend winner, Emma Nolan (Sunday 4-7pm), will also be celebrating her latest figures as she brings her Sunday audience up to an incredible 82,000 (+14,000 BoB).

Today FM is also just off the back of rolling out a major brand campaign across broadcast VOD (video on demand), with channels such as SKY on demand, RTE player, Virgin Media Player and 4OD hosting their new suite of 15” ads, with paid social media and outdoor also supporting the campaign.

Fyona Smith, Managing Editor of Today FM said: “Todays FM’s results provide moments of celebration and highlight areas for even greater impact. We’re energised by the opportunities ahead to continue connecting with our audience and driving results as well as in class entertainment across all shows, even higher. With Ray Foley welcoming huge audiences to afternoon’s, we’re excited to connect with even more listeners and elevate our entertainment across all programs.’”