The latest Joint National Listenership Results (JNLRs) have been released and have revealed that some 48,000 adults now listen to WLR every day – a 50% listenership figure of all adults in the city and county!
The figures cover the period October 2019 to September 2020.
Radio listenership has seen major spikes since Covid-19 hit and WLR are reporting new trends in listenership patterns.
The news and information programmes are performing as before but there have been noticeable increases in listening hours in the afternoon and evenings times.
WLR is reporting a younger demographic and increased digital and website numbers, which is something the station is glad to report.
WLR’s Programme Director Michael Byrne has welcomed the latest results. “We have been working very hard to bring Waterford listeners the information first on Covid-19 but also we have tried to keep them entertained outside of the news and information programming,” he said. “Programmes like John O’Shea, Sean Organ, Timmy Ryan and Rick Whelan have seen increases in this period, and we hope these programmes have been a trusted friend in isolation for listeners.”
Michael Byrne went on to comment on the work from staff since Covid-19 hit. “The journalists and presenters have been working night and day at home, in the studio and on remote locations, during the pandemic and these results are just reward for their efforts. Our listeners are loyal, and we thank each and every one of them for their continued support.”
WLR, along with many other business and organisations, have played a key role in strengthening community spirit which has been to the fore so much during Covid 19.
Radio has continued to deliver important messaging immediately and like local newspapers, is a trusted source of information.
Waterford listeners continue to listen to radio for over four hours daily and they are listening in new ways, on non-FM platforms such as Alexa, Google Home and smart devices. Evolving radio remains omnipresent.
WLR is the top performing local station in the country after being recognised at the recent IMRO nation radio awards, winning a total of seven awards including Ireland’s Local Station of the Year.
