JNLR figures show mixed results for RTÉ radio shows

Irish Radio Ratings: A Tale of Two Stations

“Very encouraging,” said Patricia Monahan, Director of Audio at RTÉ, describing the latest JNLR figures for the broadcaster. The results, however, show a more detailed picture of changing media, with some of Ireland’s biggest radio brands gaining many listeners while others lose audiences.

The figures, covering October 2025 to September 2026, show RTÉ holding firm as the dominant force, claiming ten of the top ten most-listened-to radio programmes and 15 of the top 20 in the country. The broadcaster commands an overall weekly radio market share of 28.3%, reaching an audience of almost two million people every week. However, this marks a slight dip from August 2026, when RTÉ held 16 of the top 20 slots.

The story is one of contrast. Across the industry, radio listening remains a powerful daily habit. According to KCLR 96FM, citing the JNLR/Ipsos survey, a record 3.9 million people tune in to radio every week in Ireland, with 89% of all adults listening weekly. Over 2.2 million adults listen to local or regional radio each weekday, proving the lasting value of trusted local voices.

The RTÉ Rollercoaster

RTÉ Radio 1 remains the nation’s most-listened-to station, with a market share of 19.3% and a weekly reach of 1.365 million, an increase of 11,000 listeners. Its morning flagship, Morning Ireland, continues to lead the national rankings with 464,000 listeners, up 7,000. The station’s new schedule, launched in November 2025, appears to be paying dividends for some key slots.

JNLR figures show mixed results for RTÉ radio shows — Photo: The Journal

The most dramatic success story on RTÉ is the revival of Liveline. After Kieran Cuddihy took over from veteran broadcaster Joe Duffy in November 2025, the show has seen its audience swell by 14,000 to 268,000. Cuddihy celebrated the milestone, marking one year in the role.

“I’m just coming up on one full year in the job, and every day is different and exciting because Liveline is just such an incredibly unpredictable show,” Cuddihy said. “But it’s great to see that it’s resonating with so many people around the country. And beyond the production team, that’s all down to the listeners who get in touch. Liveline is nothing without their stories.”

RTÉ Radio 1 noted that Liveline with Kieran Cuddihy has seen audience growth. Countrywide posted one of the biggest weekend increases, gaining 27,000 listeners to reach 257,000.

Yet, the new schedule hasn’t been a universal win. Drivetime with Katie Hannon and Colm Ó Mongáin has lost 9,000 listeners, falling to 202,000. The Journal adds important context, noting this decline is significant when compared to the show’s audience under its previous hosts, Sarah McInerney and Cormac Ó hEadhra. Similarly, The Oliver Callan Show has dipped slightly, losing 2,000 listeners to reach 283,000.

Over on RTÉ 2FM, the picture is similarly mixed. The station’s breakfast show, 2FM Breakfast with Carl, Roz and Aisling, is a clear triumph. Adding 14,000 listeners to reach 189,000, it is now the most-listened-to radio show nationally among the crucial 15-34-year-old demographic. Dan Healy, Head of RTÉ 2FM, credited the hosts for “more than 2 years of being on air together.”

In stark contrast, the station’s weekend performance has softened. There’s also turbulence for mid-morning host Doireann Garrihy, EVOKE.ie reports she has lost 7,000 listeners since her return from maternity leave, with her show now dipping to 79,000 daily listeners.

The Rise of the Rivals

Newstalk is riding a wave of momentum, recording its highest-ever weekly audience of 882,000, up 27,000. The station’s managing editor, Eric Moylan, described the figures as “excellent” and stated that “it clearly shows that the new schedule is landing with the public.” The Journal highlights the success of Claire Byrne’s mid-morning show, which added 12,000 listeners to reach 222,000, and The Hard Shoulder with Ciara Kelly and Shane Coleman, which gained 17,000 to reach 170,000.

Today FM, Ireland’s most-listened-to commercial station, also saw growth, reaching 976,000 weekly listeners, up 2,000. The Weekend Breakfast with Alison Curtis had a particularly strong quarter, increasing its Saturday audience by 16,000 to pass the 200,000 mark for the first time.

Pic: Doireann Garrihy/Instagram — Photo: EVOKE

During the national change, local stations are showing their lasting strength. KCLR 96FM reported that 72,000 adults in Kilkenny and Carlow—over half the population—are choosing the station each week, giving it a market share of 35.4% in its region. Similarly, Clare FM retains its position as the number one station in County Clare with 54,000 weekly listeners, a fact Program Director Padraic Flaherty described as a “significant endorsement” of the station’s strong local focus.

The way people are listening is also evolving. As KCLR 96FM noted, connected devices now account for 12% of all radio listening, rising to 19% among 15–34-year-olds, while smart speakers alone make up 8% of total listening.

Disclaimer: The cultural analyses and financial data presented in this article are based on available public records and industry metrics at the time of publication.