2024 JNLR figures say 3.9 million people listen to Irish radio each week

The Joint National Listenership Research (JNLR) results for 2024 have been released, indicating strong growth for both RTÉ and independent radio stations across Ireland.

It's reported that 90% of adults and 85% of 15–34-year-olds listen to radio every week, with the daily weekday audience now at 3.47 million, a growth of 72,000 listeners from 2023.

RTÉ programming accounts for over 2 million adult listeners each week and the national broadcaster holds 18 of the country's top 20 radio programmes. Morning Ireland remains the most listened-to program in with 466,000 listeners, Brendan O'Connor, Marty Whelan, and Oliver Callan all enjoyed big gains. RTÉ 2FM is also the leading station for 15-34-year-olds.

The nation's largest radio group, Bauer Media, boasts a combined weekly reach of 2.2 million. Stations under its ownership include the likes of Newstalk, Today FM, and Red FM. Today FM is Ireland’s top commercial radio station with 953,000 weekly listeners, with Newstalks' The Pat Kenny Show keeping its spot as the top commercial radio programme with 237,000 daily listeners.

It was a strong year for independent stations across Ireland. Sunshine 106.8 and WLRFM recorded their highest ever listenership figures, with the latter accumulating a daily total of 45,000. Ireland’s Classic Hits Radio also reached an all-time high of 387,000 weekly listeners.

In the capital, Radio Nova remains the top music station, boasting an 8.2% market share and reaching a record 264,000 weekly listeners. SPIN 1038 holds a 6.8% market share and reaches 254,000 weekly listeners, while 98FM has a 5.4% market share.

The JNLR figures show that the average weekday listenership between 7am and 7pm is the highest ever, with 1,095,000 people tuning in at those times.