It will open up a significant new chapter for in-car listening in particular. Drivers and passengers will enjoy crystal-clear audio, an expanded range of content and seamless connectivity on the go, with DAB+ receivers available in more vehicles now than ever before.  

As part of this exciting development, Wireless Ireland will work closely with Coimisiún na Meán, Ireland’s media regulator, to secure the necessary content licences to ensure compliance with broadcasting standards and regulations. The new radio services will offer a diverse range of content, catering to a wide range of interests and tastes. 

The new stations are set to launch this spring, with more details announced in coming weeks. The partnership follows hot on the heels of the launch of Ireland’s first high powered broadcasting DAB+ platform trial, powered by FáilteDAB.

Sean Barry, Managing Director of Wireless Ireland, said: “Wireless Ireland is proud to lead the charge in Ireland’s transition to digital broadcasting. The new FáilteDAB platform will offer listeners a broader and more immersive experience, with a blend of existing and new content offerings, creating diversity of choice for listeners across a large coverage area. Wireless Ireland’s commitment will see us become the largest content provider on this new and exciting platform.

“We’re delighted to build on the strength of our existing network of popular radio stations, and will continue to invest to entertain and engage new audiences across new territories.”

The latest JNLR audience figures confirm that Wireless Ireland audiences continue to grow, now standing at 792,000 listeners each week, driven by increases in our combined Dublin offering. 

Dublin’s Q102 added 23,000 listeners last year to stand at 192,000 weekly, while FM104, Dublin’s market leading station for 25-44 year old’s, delivered 258,000 weekly listeners. In Cork, the combined Cork’s 96fm and C103 offering drew 218,000 listeners, while Limericks Live 95 and LMFM grew to 93,000 and 119,000 weekly listeners respectively. 

2025 promises to be a landmark year for Wireless Ireland with investment in talent and technology to drive further growth in audiences, as exemplified by the recent launch of The Morning Show on Dublin’s Q102 with Kathyrn Thomas. This brings a new personality-led breakfast offering and a promise to ‘Brighten Your Day’ to Dublin audiences.

If you are looking for a breakfast show sponsorship at exceptional value, you’ve come to the right place…

Big Bay Breakfast with Garry Curran is available for sponsorship. If you are looking for a high-frequency, cost-effective sponsorship option on one of Galway’s most iconic stations, look no further.

Wake up with Big Bay Breakfast, airing Monday to Friday, 6-9am bringing Galway the best tunes, big laughs and all the morning essentials. From news, traffic, and weather to showbiz gossip and sports updates. Garry Curran and Sarah Slevin from the news team  keep things fun, fresh and fast-paced, making mornings more entertaining for listeners across Galway!

There are a total of 200 sponsor stings per Month supported with social and web branding

If you have any interest in this property please do get in touch with your urbanmedia representative as soon as possible. We don’t expect it to be available for long !

Instead of bombarding viewers with tech specs or flashy graphics, Sony went for something completely different—and it became a ‘viral‘ hit even before that was a thing. They sent a whopping 250,000 real bouncy balls flying down the steep streets of San Francisco, creating this mesmerising, colourful chaos that you just couldn’t take your eyes off. No CGI, no shortcuts—just pure creativity and a commitment to doing something well-executed and unforgettable.

What made it even more special was the music. José González’s gentle, acoustic cover version of The Knife’s “Heartbeats” gave the whole thing this dreamy, nostalgic vibe that stuck with viewers. It wasn’t just an ad—it felt more like a little piece of art. Fuglsig’s masterpiece perfectly captured the idea of “Colour like no other,” showing off the Bravia’s incredible picture quality without saying a word. 

For me, ‘Bouncy Balls” was simple, beautiful, and so different from anything else at the time. People still talk about it for a reason—it’s advertising at its absolute best.

WATCH HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_bx8bnCoiU

–

Paul MacGregor- Senior Podcast Producer

That programme, presented by Patricia Messinger who was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame some years ago, is the cornerstone of why the station is deeply embedded in the social and cultural fabric of Ireland’s largest county.    C103 has long been a trusted voice in Cork.    It caters for a wide demographic with a particular emphasis on those aged 35 and over.   The audience is highly engaged, tuning in for the music but also for the station’s rich blend of local news, sports updates, match commentaries and reports for the agricultural and coastal communities.

In today’s digital-first world, some may question the relevance of traditional radio. However, C103 is testament  to the enduring power of local broadcasting.   While streaming platforms offer algorithm-driven playlists, local stations like C103 provide something they cannot replicate:  a sense of human connection and community.    The importance of this came to the fore during the COVID lockdown.   When Cork was being battered by Storm Eowyn earlier this year, people tuned to C103 for companionship and for trusted news and information.    For many listeners, the station is the soundtrack to their daily lives whether they are driving to work, tending to the farm or unwinding at home.

But C103 is more than a radio station.  It’s a community hub, a cultural touchstone and a trusted voice.

Additionally, C103 has embraced digital innovation to extend its reach. With online streaming, podcasts and an active presence on social media, the station has successfully bridged the gap between traditional and modern media consumption.

In October last year, the C103 team based at the station’s long term home in Mallow moved into Cork City to share Broadcasting House with sister station, Cork’s 96FM.  Significant investment by parent company, Wireless, has led to new state of the art studio facilities for both services.

With a new 10 year broadcasting licence expected to be signed with Comisiún na Meán before the end of April, the future is bright for Cork’s C103 – a radio station that exemplifies how a station can stay relevant by staying true to its roots while embracing innovation.

The campaign ran across five of our stations—WLR FM, FM104, Cork’s 96FM, Live 95 and Galway Bay FM—leveraging primetime shows to spread the word. Listeners were given the chance to win exclusive STEM Boxes for a school of their choice, whether they were students themselves, teachers, or proud parents eager to inspire the next generation of innovators. 

The response was electric! Schools, families, and educators jumped at the opportunity, leading to incredible engagement on-air and across social media. The enthusiasm was contagious, with winners thrilled to receive the STEM Boxes, bringing hands-on learning experiences straight into classrooms. We had a huge engagement and some of the kids even came into the studio to meet with show presenters after winning the prize, which you can check out here!

Adding to the excitement, Dublin’s FM104 took the campaign to the next level with a live broadcast from Science Blast itself. The FM104 Roadhog rolled into the RDS, where Tara Murray (10 AM – 3 PM) and Graham & Nathan (Drive) broadcasted live from the heart of the event, capturing the energy, curiosity, and passion for science among young learners, video content was also captured from the event of keen participants.

The campaign was further amplified across our stations’ social media channels, extending the conversation beyond the airwaves and driving home ESB’s commitment to empowering the next generation through STEM education.

With stellar engagement and an inspiring mission, this campaign truly sparked something special—proving that when it comes to igniting young minds, the right partnership can make all the difference.

Hosted by Dublin influencers Shanice Griffin, Brandon Caulfield, and Daniel Devlin, Socially Awkward has resonated with young audiences, offering entertaining and relatable discussions about life in their 20s. With a combined social media following of over 1.5 million on TikTok and Instagram, the podcast has built an impressive reach.

With an exciting lineup of guests, the gang spilled the behind-the-scenes tea on their lives, shared hilarious and cringe anecdotes, while navigating the ups and downs of being successful yet awkward Irish influencers in their early 20s. 

Produced by urbanmedia / Wireless Ireland, The Socially Awkward Podcast has been a hit on the Irish Podcast charts, hitting the top ten downloads on Spotify for their podcast Previous guests on the show have included Irish influencers like Nasti, Kasey Campion, The Galaxy Boys, Darragh Flood and Nia Gallagher

RTÉ Player’s sponsorship has been a game-changer, enhancing the show’s visibility, credibility, and overall impact. The numbers speak for themselves—54,000 downloads (90% from Ireland), 63,253 YouTube views, and 12,300 hours watched, with a core audience of women aged 18-34, a highly sought-after demographic for advertisers.

Beyond metrics, the collaboration enriched the podcast’s content by attracting high-profile guests such as Anna Clifford and Garran Noone. A robust promotional strategy—spanning live reads, branded social posts, and multi-platform activations—ensured maximum exposure for RTÉ Player. The partnership’s success is reflected in Socially Awkward chart-topping performance and nearly 2.9 million combined social views. RTE Player and Socially Awkward will be continuing their Partnership into the third season which will be released in H1 of 2025

This milestone cements urbanmedia and Wireless Ireland as trailblazers in visualised podcast production, reinforcing their ability to deliver premium content that drives results for brands. A true testament to what’s possible when brands and podcasts align, Socially Awkward Season 2 is a well-deserved Campaign of the Month!

During Storm Eowyn, Galway Bay FM proved the irreplaceable value of local radio, keeping the community informed through every power outage, road closure, and emergency update—even after losing their own broadcast mast ! Even in the face of diversity they continued to deliver entertainment and promotions as well as providing much needed funds for their charity partners.

When Storm Eowyn wreaked havoc across Galway, Galway Bay FM stood strong, delivering vital updates to keep the community informed. From power outages to downed trees, road closures, school and post office closures, storm damage, and water shortages, Galway Bay FM were dedicated to keeping listeners in the loop during this chaotic time.

Despite the storm cutting the radio mast at Sandy Road in half and briefly taking us off-air, the Galway Bay FM team rose to the challenge. A true team effort between the newsroom, reception staff, and on-air staff ensured the updates kept flowing. 

John Morley, host of “Galway Talks” current affairs show on Galway Bay FM, became a vital source of accurate and timely information on the savage effects of storm Eowyn for other media outlets such as the BBC. 

The commitment to a multiplatform approach was key. They shifted gears to keep listeners informed through our social media channels, website, and live streams, ensuring no one missed critical updates during the storm. Many people drove long distances to purchase battery radios so they could get the ever-changing information being broadcast by Galway Bay fm, describing it as the only place they could get these vital updates. 

This storm proved that, no matter the challenges, local radio remains at the heart of the community—ready to inform, support, and weather the storm together. Lets not forget their commitment to providing entertainment and exceptional promotions with our partner clients as well as providing much needed funds for our charity partners.

Below are some of the out of spot highlights over the last couple of months.

Galway Bay FM Christmas Charity Challenge

The Galway Bay FM Christmas Charity Challenge saw 4 Galway Bay FM presenters’ pair with local charities to take on a series of challenges as suggested by listeners… but all was not as it seemed as each of the challenges had a “fun” twist.

The GBFM Christmas Charity Challenge was a huge success. Christmas is a time of giving but with so many demands on people’s budgets it’s easy to get lost in the noise. This cross-platform campaign delivered key messaging across our website, social channels and on-air and helped raise awareness (and funds) for our four charity partners; NCBRI, Galway SPCA, Cafe Link and Galway Hope Space. 

You can watch more here on Galway Bay FM’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDw_1UqMswD/?igsh=bWY4c3RxbXRrYTRq

From the initial listener suggestions and charity shoutouts to the slick videos on social and the hilarious on-air debriefs after the challenges were completed and the twists were revealed, the presenters’ energy was infectious and delivered a fun, engaging promotion.

Circle K “Kits for Clubs” Deliveries

The Circle K “Kits for Clubs” campaign was an absolute GOAL, scoring big with local clubs across the city and county! Like a last-minute hat trick, receiving this amazing prize brought pure joy to the kids in the three winning clubs—Tuam Celtic FC, Colga FC, and West United FC. Described by their coaches as total game-changers, the kits were exactly what the teams needed to shine.

Though the entry from the clubs had a slow start, it picked up serious momentum, with over 3,500 votes pouring in by the closing date. Delivering the kits during training sessions was unforgettable—the buzz among the kids was electric! They were thrilled to gear up and take their game to the next level. Proud parents and supporters took to social media with posts showing off the new kits and sharing how they’ve made a difference for their teams.

In the end, this campaign wasn’t just about providing kids with new gear—it was about honoring the incredible volunteers who dedicate their time to give kids the chance to participate in sports, celebrating teamwork, and showcasing that local is powerful. 

Watch here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFxxKmcMFuk/?igsh=OW5za2RsYXQwNDAx

As we gear up for the official launch of talkSPORT Ireland, we’re thrilled to introduce a fresh, innovative style of sports programming tailored specifically for the Irish market. With Luke Delaney, our new talkSPORT editor, hitting the ground running, we’re offering a range of clever and engaging visualised podcast opportunities available for sponsorship.  

MNÁsplaining  

Irish female athletes continue to shatter records, inspire future generations, and prove that limits are meant to be challenged. In support of Women in Sport, we are proud to introduce MNÁsplaining—a platform dedicated to celebrating and amplifying the voices of Irish women in sport.  

Through this podcast, we will uncover the untold stories of extraordinary female athletes who have represented Ireland on the world’s biggest stages. MNÁsplaining provides the perfect environment for storytelling that resonates deeply with both listeners and brands alike.  

In recent years, Irish sport has experienced some of its most successful moments, with many of our female sporting heroes leading the charge. From Olympic medals to footballing glory and beyond, these talented athletes have overcome countless barriers to achieve greatness.  

Launching in March, following International Women’s Day, the series will feature inspiring guests who will share the secrets to their success across a range of disciplines. From the Irish Women’s National Soccer Team breaking attendance records at the Aviva Stadium, to the IRFU’s investment in women’s rugby resulting in historic wins over New Zealand and World Cup qualification, and Team Ireland’s record medal haul at Paris 2024 featuring athletes like Mona McSharry and Kellie Harrington—the future of women’s sport in Ireland has never looked brighter.  

—

Beyond the Posts  

Our second offering is talkSPORT’s home of the GAA. During the 2025 season, we’re excited to bring you a brand-new style of GAA show. Moving away from the traditional preview/review format, Beyond the Posts will take fans behind the scenes to uncover the untold stories of some of the country’s biggest stars.  

The show will be divided into two separate podcasts focusing on football and hurling:  

– The 45: Hosted by Mayo legend Lee Keegan and Tyrone hero Owen Mulligan, this podcast will give fans an exclusive peek behind the curtain, sharing the stories that real GAA enthusiasts want to hear.  

– The 65: Hosted by two of the most recognisable goal-scorers of their generation, Tipperary’s John “Bubbles” O’Dwyer and current Wexford star Conor McDonald, this podcast promises to deliver likeable, witty, and charismatic content throughout the series.  

—

Why Sponsor Our Podcasts?  

Each of our podcasts will be heavily promoted across urbanmedia platforms, offering an excellent sponsorship opportunity for the right client. With a combination of engaging content, high-profile hosts, and a passionate audience, these podcasts are perfectly positioned to connect your brand with Irish sports fans.  

For more details, please contact your urbanmedia representative for any questions and media costs. We look forward to hearing from you!  

The Morning Show with Kathryn Thomas on Dublin’s Q102, sponsored by Kildare Village, promises a feel-good start to the day with lively chats and fun features like Breakie’s Got Talent. Airing weekdays from 7am to 10am, the show sets the tone for Dublin mornings before handing over to The Ryan Tubridy Show at 10am, as part of Q102’s exciting rebrand.

The ultimate feel good way to start your day, listeners can look forward to a bright and energetic morning full of fun, surprises and plenty of laughs along the way. Kathryn Thomas will keep listeners up to date with all the latest news, covering stories that matter to Dubliners, along with weather and travel. All this is paired with feel good music that is guaranteed to brighten your morning, no matter what the weather! Fun features will be introduced like ‘Breakie’s Got Talent’, where children across Dublin can share their amazing talents on air and win big prizes weekly. There’s something for everyone to enjoy as Kathryn wakes Dublin up and brightens their day!

Broadcasting from Q102’s brand new visualised studios in Dublin, Kathryn will helm breakfast on Dublin’s Q102, handing over to The Ryan Tubridy Show in association with Hyundai from 10am to 1pm, followed by Feel Good Afternoons with Liam Coburn from 1pm to 6.20pm. 

Speaking about her new breakfast show, Kathryn said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining Dublin’s Q102 and can’t wait to wake Dublin up every morning! We’ve been working hard over the last few weeks coming up with lots of ideas and building a show that I think Dubliners will truly love. As well as loads of brilliant tunes, there’s going to be plenty of fun, games and surprises to keep everyone entertained. Naturally it will evolve as I find my feet. It’s a big challenge but I’m relishing it. I’ve also been practicing the early morning starts and so far, I haven’t slept through my alarm clock once – so long may that last. The support from everyone at Dublin’s Q102 and the warm well-wishes from all over Dublin have been amazing. I’m so excited to get started!”

Kathryn Thomas 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.

The new schedule for Dublin’s Q102 – Weekdays:

7am – 10am       The Morning Show with Kathryn Thomas sponsored by Kildare Village

10am – 1pm       The Ryan Tubridy Show in association with Hyundai 

1pm – 6.20pm       Feel Good Afternoons with Liam Coburn sponsored by Mooney’s Hyundai

6.20pm – 7pm       Dublin Today with Elizabeth Hearst

7pm – 12am   Feel Good Evenings 

About Kildare Village: 

Discover Kildare Village, home to more than 100 fashion and lifestyle brands offering spectacular savings all year round. Set in the beating heart of horse-racing country, the Village is located just an hour south of Dublin. A bastion of Irish talent, Kildare Village strikes a balance between regional charm and an artful spread of homegrown and international brands. 

Services include a Concierge, complimentary parking & complimentary Hands-free Shopping and Personal Shopping. With a range of restaurants and cafés in the Village, guests can unwind and enjoy the celebrated Irish hospitality. Learn more about Kildare Village, part of The Bicester Collection, at KildareVillage.com. To enjoy a tailored personal shopping experience, lasting approximately 90 minutes, simply email PersonalShopping@KildareVillage.com 

urbanmedia’s Content Editor, Kinga Piotrowska, explains why Greenpeace’s “Repeaters” radio ad was so impactful and how it effectively used the power of audio in raising awareness. 

We hear and see so many campaigns about climate change, that we can often drown them out without even realising. This is why I loved this campaign by Greenpeace. It’s different – and a bit annoying (in a good way). 

We all know that once you hear an irritating song, it usually gets stuck in your head for days. Well,  this ad tried to play on the same kind of nerve. 

In September 2020, Greenpeace launched a striking radio campaign titled “Repeaters”, designed to raise awareness about plastic waste and its long-lasting environmental impact. 

With the pandemic fueling an increase in single-use plastic consumption, the campaign targeted an urgent issue: the sheer length of time it takes for common plastic items, like straws and plastic cups, to break down in nature. 

The “Repeaters” campaign stands out for its effective use of the audio medium.

By leveraging the strengths of sound, the ads communicated the devastating persistence of plastic waste in a way that visuals alone could not have achieved, and that’s why I think this radio campaign is both powerful and memorable

The key strength of audio is its ability to evoke emotions and engage listeners on a deeper level.

In this particular  campaign, the sound of a plastic straw or cup being used creates an immediate connection with the listener, bringing to life an everyday object that many people use without thinking about its environmental impact. 

The sounds of these items—whether it’s the slurp of a straw or the crinkle of a plastic cup—are familiar and relatable, yet the accompanying message about how long these items take to decompose in nature provides a sharp contrast. The mundane sounds with the grim reality of their environmental toll makes the message hit home much harder. 

One of the standout features of the “Repeaters” campaign is its simplicity. The radio spots do not overwhelm listeners with complex facts or environmental jargon. Instead, they focus on a single, clear message: plastic waste takes centuries to break down. 

This approach makes it easy for listeners to understand the scale of the issue, even if they have little prior knowledge of environmental concerns. The radio format allows for concise messaging that sticks with the audience long after the ad has finished playing. 

It’s also a clever reflection of the way repetition is used in the ads to reinforce the key message. This repetition makes the information more memorable and encourages listeners to reflect on their own consumption habits.

Through engaging sound design, clear communication, and clever use of repetition, the campaign successfully raises awareness about the long-lasting impact of plastic waste.

Have a listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsRXPd6efjA

By resonating with listeners on an emotional level, it compels them to reconsider their everyday actions and take responsibility for the environment.