Urban Media https://www.urbanmedia.ie Bring Your Message to New Urban Audiences with Our Market Leading Radio Brands and Brilliant Content Creators Fri, 10 Jan 2025 13:25:08 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.8.10 https://www.urbanmedia.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/cropped-site-icon-32x32.png Urban Media https://www.urbanmedia.ie 32 32 110549666 On The Kase Podcast Available for Sponsorship https://www.urbanmedia.ie/on-the-kase-podcast-available-for-sponsorship/ Thu, 09 Jan 2025 12:30:20 +0000 https://www.urbanmedia.ie/?p=6287 We’re excited to announce that our latest podcast, “On The Kase” with Kasey Campion, will be a sharply funny storytelling podcast, coming soon. Kasey is an up and coming content creator with a genuine passion for lifestyle, fashion and beauty content and everything in between. A perfect opportunity for clients looking to target a young female audience. 

Please see below more information on the podcast itself. If you are interested please contact your urbanmedia represented to discuss in more detail. 

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2024 Creative Highlights https://www.urbanmedia.ie/2024-creative-highlights/ Thu, 09 Jan 2025 12:29:16 +0000 https://www.urbanmedia.ie/?p=6285 2024 has been an absolute whirlwind of creativity and innovation for Urban Media, and we couldn’t be prouder of the campaigns we’ve rolled out this year. Let’s take a fun trip down memory lane and celebrate some of the highlights that have made this year so extraordinary!

First  we kick off with “The SUSS with Disney+”? We took Disney+’s already magical world and sprinkled even more pixie dust on it! This campaign was all about showcasing Disney+’s killer lineup of adult dramas and series. We brought a snappy, 60-second on-air feature to listeners in Dublin, Cork, and Limerick, packed with key dialogues and fun, relatable content. And let’s not forget the social media magic with Instagram stories, videos, and trailers that kept everyone buzzing. The feature was such a hit that it expanded into Limerick’s Live95, proving that Disney+ isn’t just for kids—it’s for the grown-ups too!

Next up, GetSetGo’s brand refresh was a game-changer, literally! With rugby star Rob Kearney leading the charge, this campaign brought a fresh, dynamic vibe to the insurance world. We partnered across multiple stations and even took over digital audio with Talksport. Rob’s familiar face and our integrated media strategy ensured that GetSetGo was the talk of the town, connecting deeply with sports enthusiasts and local communities alike.

We also tackled some serious issues with the “Stay in Touch” campaign, in collaboration with Adult Literacy for Life and SOLAS. With over 500,000 people in Ireland facing literacy challenges, this campaign was all about breaking down barriers and boosting confidence. We dished out tips on everything from chatbots to QR codes, using friendly local voices to make the content accessible and engaging. The multi-channel strategy, including radio spots and social media, created a real sense of community and empowerment.

The “SAY IT” campaign for the Road Safety Authority hit home with a powerful message. In a year with rising road fatalities, we knew we had to do something impactful. Short, heartfelt radio ads encouraged loved ones to speak up against dangerous driving. We took this message across social media and print, creating a high-impact campaign that urged everyone to “SAY IT” when they saw risky behavior. It was all about starting conversations and saving lives.

And who could forget the “Olympic Pulse” with 123.ie? As the world tuned in for the Paris 2024 Olympics, we brought the excitement home with daily updates on Team Ireland. The “Olympic Minute” aired three times a day, and we even had station-led Olympic-themed challenges that kept everyone entertained. This campaign celebrated the Olympic spirit and 123.ie’s support for Team Ireland, driving brand awareness and engagement.

Credit: Getty Images

Sky Broadband’s partnership with the FM104 Roadhog was another highlight. We brought back the iconic Roadhog to engage directly with listeners at high-traffic locations. The campaign included radio sponsorship, digital audio geotargeting, and an online presence that dominated the airwaves and boosted Sky’s fibre broadband footprint in Dublin.

Fáilte Ireland’s “Winter in Dublin” campaign was a festive hit, promoting short stays in Dublin with a dynamic programme of events. From whiskey tastings to Christmas spectacles, we rolled out week-long promotions, engaging social videos, and tailored radio commercials. Presenters shared their personal recommendations, making Dublin the go-to winter destination.

Circle K’s “Kits for Clubs” campaign was all about supporting grassroots football. Running from October 2024 to March 2025, this initiative gave FAI Club Mark accredited teams the chance to win sponsored kits and a VIP experience with the Men’s National Team. With commercial spots, digital audio, video, and social media, Circle K showed its commitment to local communities and football.

Last but not least, Tayto brought a playful twist to their brand promotion. We partnered with them to create a series of entertaining radio spots and social media content that highlighted their products in a fun and memorable way. Tayto’s campaign was all about storytelling and connecting with the audience, reinforcing their status as a beloved Irish brand.

Reflecting on 2024, Urban Media has truly pushed the boundaries of creativity and innovation. We’re excited for what the next year holds and can’t wait to bring you even more amazing campaigns. Here’s to another year of fun, creativity, and making a difference! Stay tuned for more exciting updates in the coming year!

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What an Ad: Irish Rail https://www.urbanmedia.ie/what-an-ad-irish-rail/ Thu, 09 Jan 2025 09:34:50 +0000 https://www.urbanmedia.ie/?p=6289 Radio advertisements have a unique ability to capture our attention through sound  alone, and one of my favourite’s is an Irish Rail ad where a calm, soothing voice  introduces us to the “sounds of the 9am train to Cork.”

This ad stands out not just for its creativity but for how it cleverly taps into the power of sound to promote the service. 

The ad features the rhythmic clatter of train wheels, the gentle hum of movement,  and the occasional muffled chatter of passengers. These sounds mimic white  noise, a soothing auditory experience many of us turn to for relaxation or focus.

As someone who loves white noise to unwind, this ad resonated with me. It  transforms the idea of train travel from a practical necessity into a relaxing  experience. 

The brilliance of this ad lies in its subtlety. Rather than listing the benefits, it  immerses the listener in the ambiance of a train journey which works particularly  well on radio, where sound is the sole medium of communication. It’s not just  selling a ticket to Cork—it’s selling tranquility, convenience, and a stress-free  alternative to other modes of transport. 

By associating Irish Rail with relaxation and comfort, the ad not only promotes the  service but also creates a sensory connection with the audience. It’s a perfect  example of how radio ads can use sound to engage listeners and leave a lasting  impression.

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Creative Campaign of the Month: 123.ie Van Insurance Becomes the New Main Sponsor of Premier League Live https://www.urbanmedia.ie/creative-campaign-of-the-month-123-ie-van-insurance-becomes-the-new-main-sponsor-of-premier-league-live/ Thu, 09 Jan 2025 09:34:49 +0000 https://www.urbanmedia.ie/?p=6277 We are delighted to announce that 123.ie Van Insurance is the new main sponsor of Premier League Live on talkSPORT Ireland for the second half of the season until May 2025. This partnership is an ideal fit between brand and show, and we look forward to making it a success.

It has been a fascinating season so far, with plenty of twists and turns. Few expected to see Manchester City’s form drop as it has, Chelsea flying high after another managerial change, and Nottingham Forest pushing for a Champions League spot. There is still a lot more football to be played, and Liverpool fans can’t quite relax just yet!

Premier League Live has gone from strength to strength this season. Compared to the same time last year, we have seen an increase in listening hours by 3%, active sessions by 14%, and reach growing by 13%.

We are now in our fourth season of Premier League Live, which is broadcast via the smartphone apps and websites of Wireless Ireland’s radio stations: FM104, Cork’s 96FM, Limerick’s Live 95, Q102, C103, and LMFM. Premier League Live brings exclusive matches from the English Premier League directly to an Irish audience on Saturdays at 12:30 pm, 3 pm, 5:30 pm, as well as occasional 8 pm kick-off matches.

Commentary for the games is provided by Wireless-owned talkSPORT, the home of sports chat, with over 100 live Premier League games a season. The commentaries are anchored for Irish fans within a show presented by award-winning sports broadcaster Trevor Welch. The programme is produced on behalf of Wireless Ireland by Cork’s 96FM.

In conclusion, this partnership between 123.ie Van Insurance and Premier League Live marks a significant milestone, and we eagerly anticipate the exciting developments it will bring for both the brand and the show.

Stephen Joyce, Sales Manager from urbanmedia, said: “We are delighted to have 123.ie Van Insurance on board for this exclusive partnership. 123.ie Van Insurance is an ideal fit for Premier League Live, and we are excited to make this sponsorship work as hard as possible across all our touchpoints in what promises to be an exciting climax to the season.”

Elaine Knowles, Head of Marketing for 123.ie: We’re thrilled to sponsor Premier League Live. This partnership offers a great platform to launch 123.ie Van Insurance, putting our product in front of a highly engaged audience of Irish football fans. Working with Urban Media, we’re confident this sponsorship will be a game-changer in building awareness and demonstrating the value and reliability of 123.ie Van Insurance”.

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Kathryn Thomas joins Dublin’s Q102 as the presenter of a brand-new breakfast show https://www.urbanmedia.ie/kathryn-thomas-joins-dublins-q102-as-the-presenter-of-a-brand-new-breakfast-show/ Thu, 09 Jan 2025 09:34:49 +0000 https://www.urbanmedia.ie/?p=6280 Kathryn is one of Ireland’s best known and well-loved broadcasters, hosting hugely popular TV shows for RTÉ such as ‘No Place Like Home’ ‘My Body Fix’, ‘Operation Transformation’ and ‘The Voice of Ireland’. 

Kathryn currently co-hosts ‘The Rose of Tralee’ and, of course, began her journey as a globe-trotter and adventure lover on the much loved TV series ‘No Frontiers’.

She also has a wealth of radio presenting experience, having worked on RTÉ Radio 1 over the years. More recently, Kathryn combined her passion for travel and well-being to set up her own business Pure Results, where she runs fitness and wellness retreats in Ireland and abroad. 

A successful business woman, Kathryn lives in Dublin with her husband and two daughters, and from February, she will wake Dublin up with ‘The Morning Show with Kathryn Thomas on Dublin’s Q102’, airing each weekday from 7am to 10am. 

Broadcasting from Q102’s brand new visualised studios in Dublin, Kathryn will helm breakfast on Dublin’s feel good station, handing over to The Ryan Tubridy Show with Hyundai from 10 am to 1pm, followed by Feel Good Afternoons with Liam Coburn from 1pm to 6:30pm.

Speaking about her new breakfast show, Kathryn said: “I’ve wanted my own radio show for such a long time but it was really about finding the right fit. Dublin’s Q102 is relaunching with a new vision and I loved the idea of brightening up people’s mornings, being curious and caring about issues that matter for Dubliners. I’ve been living in Dublin for the last 25 years and it’s most definitely the place I love to be. It’s my home, where my kids were born and the city I love most in the world.

“I’m not a newbie to radio having done loads of radio work for RTÉ, but having the opportunity to put my own stamp and style on a show is definitely the next exciting step for me. The people I have met so far in Q102 have already made me feel very welcome. I’m really looking forward to this new chapter and absolutely delighted to be working alongside Ryan again, but what I’m most excited about is having the opportunity to wake Dublin up with great chat, banter and tunes every morning!”

Vivienne Nagle, Managing Director of Dublin’s Q102, said “As a business, we’re thrilled to announce that the new home for Kathryn is on Dublin’s Q102. The Morning Show with Kathryn Thomas on Dublin’s Q102 is going to be a bright place to be and a bright listen and watch, both on air and across all our platforms. 

Her naturally lively and engaging personality and her experience of listener and audience engagement speaks for itself. She’s a natural communicator. Kathryn’s show will begin airing in February and will be part of a relaunch for Dublin’s Q102 which will also include a new logo, a new strategic vision and new brand values – always being curious, social and bright. 

Once we had set out our strategy, Kathryn was the obvious choice for breakfast and she will work hand in glove with Ryan who follows her show at 10am. 

Liam Coburn, a long standing Q102 presenter, will follow with ‘Feel Good Afternoon’s’ as well as other familiar Q102 presenters like Martin King at the weekend. Dublin’s Q102 – Brighten Your Day!”

The new day time schedule for Dublin’s Q102 that will be unveiled in early 2025 is:

  • 7am – 10am       The Morning Show with Kathryn Thomas
  • 10am – 1pm       The Ryan Tubridy Show sponsored by Hyundai 
  • 1pm – 6:30pm       Feel Good Afternoons with Liam Coburn sponsored by Mooney’s Hyundai
  • 6:30pm – 7pm      Dublin Today – All the news you need to know with Elizabeth Hearst 
  • 7pm – 12am               Feel Good Evenings 

New sponsorship options are available, so please contact your urbanmedia representative for more information. 

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Creative Campaign of the Month: urbanmedia’s Winter in Dublin with Failte Ireland https://www.urbanmedia.ie/creative-campaign-of-the-month-urbanmedias-winter-in-dublin-with-failte-ireland/ Fri, 06 Dec 2024 15:04:36 +0000 https://www.urbanmedia.ie/?p=6241 Building on the success of the summer “Daycations” campaign, Fáilte Ireland has once again teamed up with urbanmedia, this time to shine a spotlight on “Winter in Dublin.”

“Winter in Dublin” is a dynamic and diverse programme of events taking place across the Irish capital from November through to January. This exciting initiative aims to encourage people to take a short break in Dublin during the winter months, with events suitable for all ages, though particularly targeting “young, unconstrained adults.” Whether it’s whiskey tasting at Pearse Lyons Distillery, experiencing the magic of a glittering Christmas spectacular, or enjoying the festive charm of “Christmas at the Castle,” there’s no shortage of activities to make a winter trip to Dublin unforgettable. With so much going on, Dublin has never been a more appealing place to spend a winter break.

For this campaign, urbanmedia has strategically focused on engaging audiences outside Dublin primarily (with a small focus on Dublin itself), ensuring that listeners in other parts of the country are aware of the exciting opportunities awaiting them in the capital. 

Over the three months, urbanmedia will roll out 34 week-long promotions, 12 vibrant and engaging social videos, and 6 tailored radio commercials with a heavyweight campaign across all stations, all complemented by an ongoing digital audio presence across our digital audio exchange umax. A multi format campaign to really drive home the key message for Failte Ireland across this festive period.

The campaign is designed to create an immersive experience, with presenters discussing the events they’re most excited about and sharing their personal recommendations through video and on air. This approach ensures that the enthusiasm and energy are felt across social platforms and the airwaves, making it clear that Dublin is the place to be this winter.

This marks the third major collaboration between Fáilte Ireland and Urbanmedia, and the partnership continues to grow stronger. With each new project, the teams are committed to showcasing the best of what Ireland has to offer, and this collaboration is expected to set the stage for even more exciting initiatives in the future.

For more information on bespoke solutions we can provide to your clients please contact your urbanmedia representative.

Chris Spierin, Marketing Communications at Failte Ireland

“We’re delighted to partner with Urban Media this year on our Winter in Dublin campaign. Working closely with the Urban Media team we have been able to bring to life the excitement of a winter trip to Dublin in a way that is truly authentic and meaningly, with presenters across the station network sharing their experiences across the airwaves and on social media. The partnership enables us to showcase a broad and exciting range of things to see & do in Dublin and inspiring visitors to start planning their winter break”

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Sponsorship Spotlight: FM104’s Quid Games https://www.urbanmedia.ie/sponsorship-spotlight-fm104s-quid-games/ Fri, 06 Dec 2024 14:58:39 +0000 https://www.urbanmedia.ie/?p=6256

We are thrilled to announce a sponsorship opportunity with FM104’s award-winning “Quid Games 2” running January 2025, inspired by the global phenomenon series “Squid Game.”

This immersive and innovative campaign, hosted by the dynamic duo Graham & Nathan, is set to be one of the most exciting events on air in Dublin.

Quid Games is a daring and entertaining competition that offers a grand prize of €20,000 to one lucky winner out of 104 contestants. Launched in February 2024, the campaign has garnered massive attention and engagement, making it an ideal platform for brands to enhance their visibility and connect with a vibrant audience.

Partnering with Quid Games offers extensive media coverage through high-impact digital ads, targeted strategies, engaging social media promotions, and press advertisements. The campaign also utilises diverse recruitment channels, including on-air challenges, social media engagement, and on-street activations at strategic locations. 

The live event is held at The Helix, and is transformed into ‘The Games Room,’ features live updates, interviews, and the grand competition, providing ample opportunities for partner brand activation. Additional benefits include partner branding in all paid media, cross-station promotion, outside broadcasts from sponsor locations, and social media inclusion, all enhancing brand visibility and engagement. 

This is your chance to be part of an award-winning campaign that promises to drive awareness, engagement, and visibility for your brand. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to connect with a highly engaged audience and make a lasting impact.

For more information and to discuss partnership opportunities, please contact our sales team. Join us in making Quid Games 2.0 bigger, better, and the most talked-about event in Dublin!

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Station Focus: The Stardust Tragedy Podcast https://www.urbanmedia.ie/station-focus-the-stardust-tragedy-podcast/ Fri, 06 Dec 2024 14:56:29 +0000 https://www.urbanmedia.ie/?p=6239

urbanmedia and The Irish Sun scooped up the ‘Podcast of The Year’ award at this year’s Irish Journalism Awards for their production of The Stardust Tragedy podcast series.

The eight-part series tells the story of Ireland’s worst fire disaster from the very beginning. 

Produced by urbanmedia’s Vivienne Wood, Q102’s Kevin O’Mahony and urbanmedia’s Head of Digital, Sasha Hamrogue, the series heard from survivors and family members who were forced to deal with the emotional scars of the fire, which was responsible for 48 deaths in 1981. 

Journalism at its finest, the podcast was a product of months of hard work from Irish Sun editor Fiona Wynne, scriptwriter and head of news Neil Cotter, senior reporter Michael Doyle and narrator and deputy night editor Damien Lane alongside the urban team.

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What an Ad: UNICEF Christmas Campaign https://www.urbanmedia.ie/what-an-ad-unicef-christmas-campaign/ Fri, 06 Dec 2024 14:55:54 +0000 https://www.urbanmedia.ie/?p=6237 This month, Brian McCarthy’s piece explores a deeply emotional Christmas advert that blends the warmth of holiday traditions with the stark realities faced by children during war. 

Front Page of UNICEF Website with text saying "A Silent Nightmare in Gaza and Lebanon"

Two things that are synonymous with Christmas – the sound of Silent Night and the story of “The Night before Christmas”. They are powerful audio cues – you know the song within the first few notes and the story within the first few words. Combine them with the addition of a very well recognised and distinct Irish voiceover reading the story and you have all the makings of a beautiful Christmas message – one to make the whole family feel warm and joyous in the holiday season. “Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house . . .” begins Donncha O’Callaghan to the backing track of Silent Night, the familiarity and warmth capturing the listeners attention.

However we quickly realise this advert has a much stronger message when he continues “In wartorn lands Children just want a cuddle, but their parents are buried under the rubble”. We’re introduced to Cilla, a child who has lost her leg from a bomb attack, who must walk with a frame and who like any 4 year old just wants her mom, a Christmas wish that sadly won’t be delivered. We’re reminded that Christmas isn’t a joyous time for all as we’re transferred to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Middle East through the powerful line “In Gaza and Lebanon in the silence between the bombs, children’s nightmares rage on.” Our thoughts are no longer about Christmas cheer, instead about the nightmare some will face this year.

The perfectly timed call to action, explains how UNICEF are on the ground trying to save Children’s lives and how you can help by donating at unicef.ie. Once there the campaign continues with the headline “A Silent Nightmare in Gaza and Lebanon”, a picture that reminds us of Cilla and a Donate Now button. 

A simple, effective, emotive and powerful audio campaign with a clear message and action.

If this campaign has moved you, you can donate at https://www.unicef.ie/

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Piste de Résistance: urbanmedia & News Ireland Après Ski Party Hits the Mark https://www.urbanmedia.ie/piste-de-resistance-urbanmedia-news-ireland-apres-ski-party-hits-the-mark/ Fri, 06 Dec 2024 14:54:31 +0000 https://www.urbanmedia.ie/?p=6235 Wow, what a night! On Thursday, December 5th, Old Fashioned Sam’s on Harcourt Street was transformed into a cozy winter wonderland for the urbanmedia & News Ireland Après Ski Party – and let us tell you, it was one for the books!

The star of the show? The VR Ski Machine challenge, of course! The only draw, it was hard to get a turn with Stephen Joyce hogging the machine most of the night. It was hugely popular giving guests the chance to hit the virtual slopes, and they gave it their all to clock the fastest times. With a €4,000 ski holiday up for grabs, the competition was fierce, but the excitement was off the charts. Huge congratulations to our big winner Tom Cullen from Denstu – get those snow boots ready for your epic Ski adventure. There was prizes for the slowest time too, but we will leave their names out of the piece for fear of embarrassment 

Adding to the magic of the evening were our incredible hosts, Crossy and Zeinab from FM104’s Strawberry Alarm Clock, who kept the energy high and the laughs coming all night long. From hyping up the crowd to leading the games and announcing the winners, their charm and quick wit had everyone in stitches. They were the glue that held the fun together, and we couldn’t have asked for a better duo to steer the ship! FM104‘s street team were also on hand to help out during the night. 

But that wasn’t all…. from party games to the Best Dressed showdown, there was fun to be had at every turn. With plenty of vouchers with thanks to Just Eat and One4All on the line, everyone brought their A-game with some seriously snazzy outfits, great ski attire and others with questionable choices that deserved an honourable mention.

The vibe was unbeatable – laughter, cheers, and the clinking of glasses filled the air as everyone soaked up the après ski spirit. The festive décor and wintry ambiance made it easy to forget we were in the heart of Dublin, but it was a really good way to kick off the festive season. 

A massive thank you to everyone who joined us and made the night so special. Thanks to the teams in urbanmedia and News Ireland for organising, and thanks to all agencies and guests for bringing smiles, and holiday cheer to help make the party a smashing success.

We hope to have plenty more exciting events coming your way, so stay tuned. Until then, we hope you have a very merry Christmas, happy holiday and a fantastic new year from all of us at urbanmedia. 

 

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