More people are listening to WLR- and they’re listening for longer.

WLR has recorded one of its strongest audience performances in recent years, with 73,000 people now tuning in every week, according to the latest JNLR listenership figures.

The result represents an increase of 3,000 weekly listeners compared with the same period 12 months ago and a further 1,000 listeners since the previous JNLR book.

WLR’s daily reach has also climbed to 50,000 listeners, an increase of 2,000 since the May JNLR book.

Every programme across the WLR schedule recorded audience growth during this JNLR period.

WLR Audience Growth

The station’s Monday-to-Friday market share now stands at an impressive 37.2%, an increase of 3.5 percentage points year on year and almost two percentage points since the previous book.

While WLR performed strongly throughout the week, its weekend audience figures were particularly exceptional.

Saturday reach has risen to 47,000 listeners, an increase of 11,000 year on year, while Sunday reach now stands at 48,000, also up 11,000 compared with the same period last year.

Saturday market share increased by eight percentage points year on year, with Sunday share rising by nine percentage points.

The Evolution of WLR

Over the past number of years, WLR has revamped its website, made significant investments in its mobile app and developed its presence across smart speakers and connected devices. Alongside its continued strength on FM, these platforms allow audiences to listen live/back and access trusted Waterford news, sport, entertainment, podcasts and video content wherever and whenever they choose.

WLR’s website and social media channels now attract the largest local digital audiences in Waterford, giving the brand an unrivalled ability to connect with people across radio, online, mobile, social media and smart speakers. 

Michael Byrne, CEO of WLR, said:

“These are some of the strongest figures WLR has delivered in a very long time. Reaching 73,000 weekly listeners and 50,000 daily listeners is a great  achievement and a real endorsement of the work taking place across the entire station.

“WLR listeners are incredibly loyal to WLR. They turn to us for four hours every day for trusted local news, passionate sports coverage and unashamedly Waterford content, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. That connection with our audience remains at the heart of everything we do.

“We are particularly delighted with the exceptional growth across Saturday and Sunday. These figures are potentially record-breaking for WLR and reflect the quality, variety and strong local connection delivered by our weekend team.”

“Most importantly, we want to thank the 73,000 people who choose to tune in every week, as well as the many thousands who engage with WLR online and through our digital platforms. We never take that loyalty for granted.”

Within the wider Waterford radio market, WLR continues to demonstrate clear year-on-year audience growth, further strengthening its position as Waterford’s leading radio station and media brand.