WLR FM records 72,000 weekly listeners in newest JNLR report

Recently released figures from Ipsos JNLR show that WLR FM’s weekly listenership now totals 72,000, following a 7,000 year-on-year increase.

Daily listenership figures hit 50,000, with the station increasing its market share by 4.7%.

The figures were recorded from October 2024 to September 2025.

“The way people listen is changing, but what they’re listening for hasn’t,” said WLR CEO Michael Byrne.

“They want connection, company, and something that feels all Waterford. That’s where WLR shines, we’re part of daily life here in the Déise.

“These results reflect our listeners’ loyalty, our team’s creativity, and our shared love of this place. Only one radio station loves Waterford as much as you do.... and that’s WLR.” 

In WLR FM, flagship shows like 'The Big Breakfast Blaa' and 'Déise Today' have seen substantial growth over the past year, with weekend listenership also at record levels. 

Nationwide figures showed almost 80% of Irish adults listen to radio daily.

The report also showed that while the younger cohort of radio listeners, aged 15-34, listen to the radio less frequently (67% listen daily), they were more likely to opt for local radio compared to their older counterparts. In the Southeast, 66.6% of 15-34 year olds' listening time was spent with local radio.

One in two people in Waterford now own a smart speaker - up from 2018's figure of one in 10 - offering WLR a new route to listeners.

“Irish radio is thriving, remaining an essential part of people’s daily routines. Millions tune in every day to enjoy trusted voices, great music, and engaging conversations that cut across generations,” said RadioCentre Ireland CEO Ciarán Cunningham.

According to WLR, listening in Waterford is rising, driven by changing technology and new habits. Smartphone ownership has passed 92%, turning mobile devices into portable radios and keeping WLR closer to its listeners than ever before.