3.4million adults tune into Irish radio every day, according to the latest JNLR results (January 24 – December ’24).
Retaining its status as the largest commercial radio group in Ireland, Bauer Media Audio Ireland now has a combined Weekly Reach of over 2.2 million and a combined Daily Reach of 1.5 million across its portfolio of national, regional and local stations which includes Today FM, Newstalk, 98FM, SPIN1038, SPIN South West, Cork’s Red FM, iRadio and Beat.
Nationally, Today FM maintains its position as the No. 1 commercial radio station in Ireland with a weekly listening audience of 953,000. The Ian Dempsey Breakfast Show is still the biggest breakfast show on commercial radio with a morning audience of over 200,000 (202,000) while Ray Foley’s afternoon audience increases by 1,000 YoY to 164,000. The Last Word with Matt Cooper retained its audience reach of 167,000 in this book, on the back of comprehensive US and Ireland election coverage.
Across Ireland, Newstalk’s national Market Share stands at a robust 8.4%. Now the second most listened to radio station in the country every day with 512,000 listeners (+4,000 BoB) and a weekly reach of 871,000 (+10,000 BoB), Newstalk has seen both its Daily and Weekly Reach increase by over 30,000 (32,000 respectively) compared to this time last year.
In addition, Newstalk’s The Pat Kenny Show retains its dominance as the most popular show on commercial radio according to the latest JNLR results, attracting 237,000 listeners daily.
In Dublin, SPIN 1038 delivered a Market Share of 6.8% (- 0.3% BoB) and a Weekly Reach of 254,000. Its Daily Reach of 144,000 of listeners is up +1,000 BoB while SPIN Hits with Steve K scored a notable audience increase of 65,000 (+3,000 BoB).
98FM held firm with a Market Share of 5.4% (-0.1% BoB) while Weekly Reach remained strong at 197,000 listeners (+11,000 YoY). Meanwhile, the popularity of 98FM Breakfast with Rebecca & Brendan continues to grow, now reaching a morning audience of 47,000 (+5,000 BoB / +12,000 YoY).
In Cork, Red FM remains the “must listen to” station in Cork with its popularity reflected in an increase in Market Share to 21.9% (+1.2% BoB) and even higher numbers in its Weekly Reach of 180,000, an increase of 6,000 BoB.
Surging ahead is the biggest show on Cork radio, The Neil Prendeville Show with thousands of new listeners, now 82,000 (+4,000 BoB). Not to be outdone, Red FM’s Home Run with Colm O’Sullivan also proved an audience favourite with an increased audience of 55,000 (+6,000 BoB).
SPIN South West continues its audience growth in the region with an increased Market Share of 11.9% (+1.7% BoB). SPIN South West also grew its Weekly Reach to 160,000, an increase of 11,000 listeners BoB). Both Fully Charged with Ed & Valerie at 33,000 (+3,000 BoB) and SPIN Hits with Eoghain Fitz: at 55,000 (+9,000 BoB) saw audience wins this time around.
iRadio, which broadcasts across fifteen counties now enjoys a Market Share of 8.3% (+0.3% BoB) and a Weekly Reach of 337,000. On the programming front, Dave & Fionnuala in the evenings remain the biggest show on iRadio at 87,000 (+4,000 BoB / +11,000 YoY). Meanwhile, another popular choice, Cooper & Oonagh on Breakfast recorded growth to 70,000 (+1,000 BoB).
BEAT 102 103, as the most recent addition to the Bauer Media Audio Ireland portfolio, had a very strong result, delivering a Market Share of 16.5% (+1.9% BoB / +2.2% YoY) and a buoyant Weekly Reach of 172,000 (+9,000 BoB / +14,000 YoY). Beat Breakfast jumped to a listenership of 56,000 (+6,000 BoB / +11,000 YoY) while Beat Drive saw its audience increase to 49,000 (+6,000 BoB / +12,000 YoY).
Commenting on the results, Bauer Media Audio Ireland CEO Chris Doyle said:
“We’re delighted that the latest JNLR latest results show us consolidating our position as the largest commercial radio group in Ireland across the key audience metrics, as we continue to expand our reach. Thanks to the hugely talented teams across Bauer for their dedication and drive. We have huge ambitions for 2025, and we look forward to exciting and entertaining audiences, creating great audio that people want to spend time with”