WLR is celebrating its biggest ratings in years, with the latest IPSOS JNLR results confirming what Waterford already knows, the station is its one and only.
The newly released figures (October 2024 – September 2025) show that 72,000 people now tune in every week, a fantastic 7,000-listener increase year-on-year.
Daily listenership has also hit 50,000, reinforcing WLR’s position as Waterford’s most listened-to and most loved radio station.
WLR achieved a 4.7% increase in market share since the same period in 2024. Listeners aren’t just tuning in; they’re staying longer and engaging more with the station across every platform.
Flagship shows like ‘The Big Breakfast Blaa’ and ‘Déise Today’ have seen substantial growth over the past year, with weekend listenership also at record levels. Beyond the airwaves, WLR has strengthened its position as Waterford’s leading multi-platform media brand, achieving record engagement across digital, social, and podcast channels, and maintaining the No.1 website for Waterford news and content
2025 has also been a standout year for radio overall. Listening in Waterford is rising, driven by changing technology and new habits. In 2018, just one in ten people in Waterford owned a smart speaker: today, it’s nearly one in two. Smartphone ownership has passed 92%, turning mobile devices into portable radios and keeping WLR closer to its listeners than ever before.
“The way people listen is changing, but what they’re listening for hasn’t,” said Michael Byrne, WLR CEO. “They want connection, company, and something that feels all Waterford. That’s where WLR shines, we’re part of daily life here in the Déise”.
Nationally, The latest JNLR/Ipsos survey reveals that radio continues to enjoy record audiences , with almost 3.5 million people tuning in each weekday , an increase of 59,000 listeners compared to the same period last year.
Ciarán Cunningham, CEO of Radiocentre Ireland, said: “Irish radio is thriving, remaining an essential part of people’s daily routines. Millions tune in every day to enjoy trusted voices, great music, and engaging conversations that cut across generations. Broadcasters continue to innovate to capture the attention of younger listeners, ensuring radio stays relevant in an ever-changing media landscape. For brands, this offers a unique opportunity to connect with audiences at scale — through both live broadcast and digital listening.”
From music and news to sport and local stories, WLR remains the trusted voice for Waterford, connecting people across the city, county, and around the world.
“These results reflect our listeners’ loyalty, our team’s creativity, and our shared love of this place,” Michael Byrne added. “Only one radio station loves Waterford as much as you do…. and that’s WLR.”
Source: Ipsos JNLR 2025-3 / Radio Centre Audio Report 2024
