The JNLR/Ipsos report, covering the period October ‘23 to September ‘24 shows that radio enjoys huge listenership with 90% of Irish adults and 85% of 15–34-year-olds listening to radio every week.
The results confirm WLR FM’s position as Waterford’s most listened to station. The station’s audience ratings reflect strong community support and highlight WLR’s role as the most-trusted source for local news, music, and entertainment across Waterford.
Nationally, the daily listenership levels are also hugely impressive with the daily weekday audience now at over 3.4 million, growing by 71,000 listeners compared to the same 12 month period previously (Oct ‘22-Sep ’23).
Listenership for 15–34 year-olds also increased, with 69% of this age group listening every weekday, while daily weekday listening levels for 15-24 year olds is at 66%.
86% of all 15- to 34-year-olds listen to radio every week, while 22% of all 15-34 listening is now through a connected device.
WLR FM CEO Michael Byrne expressed thanks for the ongoing support from the Waterford community: “We’re thrilled to see these results, and we owe it all to our listeners who make WLR their go-to station. We’re dedicated to providing the content that matters to Waterford, and these ratings show that our listeners values that commitment. WLR is proud to reflect the voices, stories, and music that make Waterford special.”
The ability to access content easily and the quality and popularity of Irish radio means that this latest JNLR shows that the average adult is listening to radio content for 4.1 hours each day.
12% of all radio listening is now through a connected device with 6.5% of all listening through a smart speaker while listening via a mobile device is at 3%. For the younger 15 to 34 age cohort, 22% of all their radio listening is now through a connected device with a smart speaker accounting for 7.9% of all 15-34 listening, while listening through a mobile device is at 8.6% for this audience.
Ciaran Cunningham, CEO, Radiocentre Ireland said: “These very strong audience figures provide more evidence of the continuing power and resonance of radio in Ireland in 2024, which is also evident from the positive trend in radio ad revenues. It’s an exciting time for brands to harness the power of radio and speak to millions of listeners across broadcast and online platforms”.
Michael Kelly, Chief Executive of the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland commented: “Independent radio stations are delighted with the results of the latest research. This is welcome proof of the strength of radio as a medium, which is highly-trusted and valued by Irish listeners. Radio is free to access, and has a unique connection to listeners. It is responsive, interactive and flexible for advertisers and listeners. Radio delivers news and current affairs, music and entertainment, sports coverage, information and much more. Most importantly, it provides companionship to millions of listeners in Ireland.”
WLR FM serves as a hub for everything Waterford—keeping listeners connected to both local issues and worldwide events, all tailored with Waterford’s unique perspective. WLR is Ireland’s IMRO Local Station of the Year.
For the latest Waterford News and Sport, tune into WLR News on the hour and download the WLR App for news on demand.
