70,000 weekly listeners, 50,000 daily listeners, record-breaking quarter-hour audiences and market share climbing to 38.4%.
WLR is celebrating another fantastic set of JNLR radio results, with 70,000 people tuning into Waterford’s local radio station every week and 50,000 listening every day.
The latest figures also reveal record-breaking average quarter-hour listenership of 14,000 people, an increase of 2,000 listeners compared with this period last year, while the station’s market share has jumped to an impressive 38.4%.
The latest Ipsos JNLR survey, covering October 2025 to September 2026, confirms WLR’s strongest-ever average quarter-hour audience, highlighting the continued popularity of the station and the growing amount of time people are spending listening throughout the day.
With an average of 14,000 people tuning in during every 15-minute period, WLR continues to play a central role in the daily lives of people across Waterford City and County.
Whether it’s covering major breaking news, broadcasting live from the county’s biggest sporting occasions, championing local businesses or entertaining listeners throughout the day, WLR remains a constant companion for tens of thousands of Waterford people.
Michael Byrne, CEO of WLR, welcomed the latest results, saying:
“These are fantastic results for WLR, and I’m incredibly proud of our entire team, whose hard work and commitment have helped us achieve record quarter-hour listening figures and an increased market share of 38.4%.
“I want to sincerely thank our 50,000 daily listeners and 70,000 weekly listeners for their continued loyalty and support, because everything we do at WLR is about delivering the very best local radio service for the people of Waterford.”
The latest audience figures come as WLR prepares to enter one of its busiest periods of the year, with an exciting schedule of live broadcasts, major sporting coverage, local events and special programming planned for the weeks ahead.
With Waterford FC preparing for its appearance in the Club Orange FAI Cup Final on Sunday, November 8th, WLR will bring listeners extensive coverage of the historic occasion, including live broadcasts from Dublin, build-up to the match and full live commentary.
The station is also preparing for its busy Christmas season, with a range of special broadcasts, events and fundraising initiatives that bring listeners, local businesses and organisations together across Waterford.
As WLR looks ahead to the coming months, the latest JNLR figures provide a strong foundation for the station as it continues to invest in local programming, trusted journalism, live sport and entertainment for audiences throughout Waterford City and County.
WLR – The Sound of Waterford.
JNLR 2026-3 – WLR Audience Highlights
- 70,000 weekly listeners
- 50,000 daily listeners
- 14,000 average quarter-hour listeners – a record high, up 2,000 year-on-year
- 38.4% market share – an increase on the previous survey
Source: Ipsos (JNLR 2026-3), October 2025 – September 2026.
