WLR Celebrates World Radio Day 2026

Waterford’s favorite station continues to go from strength to strength as WLR FM celebrates World Radio Day today.

World Radio Day is a global celebration of a medium that still shows up every single hour of everyday, informing, entertaining and connecting listeners. And here in Waterford, radio isn’t just background noise. It’s part of daily life. From early morning alarms to late-night conversations, WLR continues to be a trusted companion for listeners across city and county.

Radio remains Ireland’s most trusted medium, with 76% of people saying they trust what they hear on air. That trust is reflected in the latest JNLR figures, released this week, which show a record 3.5 million people tuning in to radio every weekday , the highest level ever recorded. Even in an on-demand world of podcasts and streaming, live radio continues to thrive, driven by its immediacy, warmth and sense of connection.

Here in Waterford, WLR plays a vital role in telling local stories, supporting local businesses, championing community voices and keeping listeners informed about what matters most.

CEO Message

Michael Byrne, CEO of WLR FM, said radio’s continued success comes down to trust, relevance and its deep roots in the community.

“Radio is doing so well because it’s real, it’s local and it’s trusted. At WLR, we’re incredibly proud to serve Waterford every day , sharing the stories, the laughs, the music and the moments that bring people together. World Radio Day is a great reminder of the power of local radio and the connection it creates with our listeners.”

Radio also plays an important role in wellbeing, with seven in ten listeners saying they tune in to relax or lift their mood. For businesses, radio continues to deliver real results, with brands that advertise on radio growing market share four times faster than those that don’t.

UNESCO proclaimed World Radio Day, and the United Nations endorsed it, recognising radio’s remarkable past, its strong and relevant present, and its exciting future.

Today, WLR says thank you to listeners across Waterford for tuning in, supporting local radio and keeping the medium thriving.

Happy World Radio Day 2026

For the latest Waterford News and Sport, tune into WLR News on the hour and download the WLR App for news on demand.