The latest JNLR listenership figures for the 12 months to the end of March 2024 have been released, showing further growth for Irish radio. Today’s results, show a daily radio audience of 3.4 million listeners.
Today FM is just shy of the 1 million mark with 992,000 listeners tuning in to the national station each week (+10,000 BoB /+109,000 YoY). The latest weekly reach figure is the highest achieved by Today FM in over 15 years and an increase of an impressive 109,000 listeners since this time last year. Today FM now boasts a daily audience of 505,000 and a market share of 9.5%, commanding the largest audience on independent radio. Today’s results come off the back of a hugely successful charity campaign for Today FM, raising over €420,000 for vital homelessness services through The Big Busk for Focus Ireland. The campaign highlighted thatToday FM’s record-breaking audience isn’t just tuning in, they’re actively getting involved and donating to great causes promoted by the station.
The King of Breakfast Radio, Ian Dempsey (06:00-09:00), continues to dominate the morning airwaves, now entertaining an audience of 216,000 listeners (+8,000 YoY). These results follow a big milestone for the team this month as Ian Dempsey and Mario Rosenstock celebrated Gift Grub turning 25 this year. Ian’s breakfast listeners voted in their thousands for their favourite Gift Grub character of all time, with Roy Keane taking the crown. “Sure, it’s his job!”
Dave Moore on Today FM(09:00-12:00) holds the title of the most listened to show on Today FM, with an audience of 228,000 (+24,000 YoY) tuning in to the show. Celebrating the latest results, Dave Moore said: “Wow! What a great day for myself and the team! We are thrilled such a huge number of you are tuning in to the show. I love what I get to do every morning, whether it’s chatting to superstars, telling bad jokes, playing Music Master or having the craic with you guys. It’s great that so many of you love it too! Thanks for tuning in!”
Louise Cantillon has proven very popular with Today FM audiences as her lunchtime show (12:00-14:00) has seen a sizeable rise in listenership to 139,000 (+3,000 YoY). Arguably the hardest-working woman in Irish media at the moment, with a successful podcast and numerous TV projects, Louise was also recognised as Most Stylish Newcomer at the VIP Style Awards last month. Commenting on her Today FM lunchtime experience to date, Louise Cantillon said – “It’s absolutely flown by, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it so far! We’re only getting started and we want to continue to grow our group of lunchtime listeners even further! It’s a little bit of fun at lunchtime and I’m completely honoured that so many have chosen me to be their lunchtime company. Beidh samhradh iontach againn le chéile! Ag súil go mór leis!’
Ray Foley in the afternoons (14:00 – 16:30) now entertains an audience of 161,000 and continues to be the most successful show in the timeslot ever on Today FM. Ray is also proving a huge hit with social media audiences with many of his show features generating millions of views and interactions on Today FM’s social media channels. Most notably for his Tell Me I’m Wrong segment where listeners share their dilemmas ranging from dating etiquette to office romances, the feature has divided many opinions online gaining great social interaction.
The Last Word with Matt Cooper (16:30-19:00) continues to hold a strong audience of evening commuters and current affairs enthusiasts. Today FM’s drive time listenership is now at 181,000 (+13,000 YoY). Matt was also a key figure for The Big Busk for Focus Ireland as he championed an engaging interview series with Focus Ireland LEAP ambassadors, giving a voice to those with lived experience of homelessness.
It was a Block Rockin’ JNLR for Dec Pierce with his Saturday Block Rockin’ Beats show (18:00-21:00) now at 44,000 listeners (+5,000 Bob). The show has amassed a loyal cult following and commenting on these latest results, Dec Pierce said: “I’m truly over the moon with these results! I cannot thank this wonderful group of die-hard ravers enough and to see this audience continue to grow just warms my heart. So, wherever it is you’re tuning in for your classic dance anthems, in the car, kitchen or in your back garden thanks for choosing Block Rockin’ Beats!”
Weekend Breakfast with Alison Curtis continues to entertain a large audience of weekend early risers with Alison’s Saturday morning show (08:00-11:00) now at 190,000 listeners and her Sunday morning show (09:00-12:00) now at 156,000 listeners.
Commenting on the latest figures, Fyona Smith, Managing Editor of Today FM said:“Today FM has a new weekly reach of almost 1 million! Thank you to everyone who joins us each day and to the Today FM team for their collective creativity, energy and commitment to making brilliant radio every day. We look forward to building on this success throughout 2024.”
James Brownlow, Managing Editor, Music & Entertainment at Bauer Media Audio Ireland commented: “It’s clear that the overwhelming support from nearly a million listeners underscores the station’s unparalleled position in the Irish market. The unwavering devotion of our listeners shown in this survey not only validates the team’s efforts but also solidifies Today FM as the ultimate destination for music and entertainment in Ireland.”