RTÉ continues to hold a commanding lead in the Irish radio market, though the latest listenership figures reveal a complex narrative of overall dominance paired with specific declines. While the broadcaster remains the most-listened-to radio group in the country, its flagship station, RTÉ Radio 1, is navigating a period of transition that has seen a dip in audience numbers for several of its most prominent shows.
The State of the Airwaves: RTÉ’s Market Hold
Despite shifts in individual program popularity, RTÉ’s overarching grip on the Irish audio landscape remains firm. According to the latest JNLR (Joint National Listenership Research) results, the broadcaster maintains a 28.8% market share, with nearly 2 million people tuning in every week.
The scale of this dominance is most evident in the program rankings. RTÉ currently holds the entire top 10 most-listened-to programs in Ireland and 17 of the top 20 overall. This positioning underscores the broadcaster’s role as the primary destination for national conversation and culture, even as the industry evolves.
Radio 1: Navigating a “Fully Expected” Slump
The headline for RTÉ Radio 1 is a mixture of stability and struggle. The station remains Ireland’s number one radio destination, reaching more than 1.3 million listeners weekly. However, the latest data shows a decline in listenership across several of its biggest shows.
This slump isn’t an unexpected shock to the broadcaster. RTÉ has characterized the dip as a “fully expected” outcome following a major schedule shake-up. When a station reorganizes its flagship slots and introduces new talent or formats, there is typically a period of audience attrition as listeners adjust to the new rhythm. Despite these losses, core programs like Morning Ireland continue to be the most-listened-to radio shows in the country.
The Rise of lyric fm and Youth Engagement
While Radio 1 faces headwinds, other arms of the RTÉ portfolio are seeing significant gains. RTÉ lyric fm has reached an all-time high, securing a 3.6% market share. This represents a notable increase from its previous 2.7% share, with gains observed across all weekday programming.
Similarly, RTÉ 2FM continues to target the younger demographic with success. The station holds a 9.3% share among 15-to-34-year-olds. The broadcaster is doubling down on this momentum with a fresh schedule and a summer strategy that involves taking the station “on the road” to festivals and events to connect directly with its audience.
Looking Ahead: The Digital Shift
As RTÉ marks the centenary year of public service media in Ireland, the focus is shifting toward the future of audio consumption. The broadcaster is preparing for a digital evolution to offset traditional listenership volatility, with the launch of a new RTÉ audio app scheduled for later this year.
This digital push, combined with a new slate of upcoming podcasts, suggests that RTÉ is moving toward a hybrid model—maintaining its linear radio dominance while aggressively expanding its on-demand footprint.
Key Takeaways: RTÉ JNLR Results
- Market Dominance: RTÉ holds a 28.8% market share and controls the top 10 most-listened-to programs.
- Radio 1 Transition: Despite remaining the top station with 1.3 million weekly listeners, it has seen a dip in audience figures following a major schedule overhaul.
- lyric fm Peak: The station hit a record 3.6% market share, showing strong growth year-on-year.
- Youth Reach: 2FM maintains a 9.3% share of the 15–34 age demographic.
- Digital Strategy: A new audio app and expanded podcast offerings are set to launch later this year.