Wireless Ireland is delighted to announce the upcoming launch of a range of innovative digital radio stations on a new DAB+ (Digital Audio Broadcasting) platform, partnering with FáilteDAB. This ambitious project marks a major milestone in Irish broadcasting, promising listeners a richer and more diverse audio experience and provides an opportunity to reach wider audiences.
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 in the 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.
