Ireland is turning up the volume today as World Radio Day is celebrated across the globe, shining a spotlight on a medium that continues to inform, entertain and connect millions every single day.
In an era dominated by streaming platforms, social feeds and on-demand content, radio in Ireland is not just surviving — it’s thriving.
New figures released by Radio Centre Ireland, based on the latest JNLR results, show that radio remains the most trusted source of news and information in the country. A remarkable 76% of Irish people say they trust what they hear on radio, making it the most trusted medium nationwide — a significant statistic at a time when misinformation is a growing concern globally.
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The latest JNLR report shows that 90% of adults in Ireland tune into radio every week, amounting to almost 4 million listeners weekly. Even more striking is the weekday reach: 78% of adults tune in every single weekday, with almost 3.5 million adults listening each weekday — the highest level ever recorded.
Despite the growth of podcasts and streaming services, live radio continues to dominate daily routines. On average, listeners tune in for four hours per day, underlining radio’s enduring place in Irish life — from breakfast shows that start the morning to late-night programmes that keep people company.
Younger audiences are also firmly engaged. According to the latest figures, 84% of 15–34-year-olds tune in every week, with 66% listening every single weekday. Among 15–24-year-olds, 61% tune in daily, challenging the perception that younger listeners have moved away from traditional broadcast media.
Local radio remains especially strong. Over 2.3 million adults tune into their local or regional station every weekday, reflecting the continued appetite for community-focused news, sport and conversation. Whether it’s coverage of local GAA matches, traffic updates, or familiar voices discussing the stories that matter most, regional stations remain deeply embedded in Irish communities.
Radio Centre Ireland has also described Irish radio as the “original social media”, with more than 15.2 million listener connections recorded — highlighting the scale of interaction between presenters, audiences and advertisers across the country.
Beyond entertainment and information, radio also plays a powerful emotional role. Seven in ten listeners say they tune in to unwind or boost their mood, reinforcing radio’s reputation as a companion medium — one that brings comfort, humour and a sense of shared experience.
The medium is also delivering tangible results for advertisers. According to industry data, brands that use radio grow market share four times faster than those that do not, underscoring its continued commercial relevance.
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World Radio Day, first proclaimed by UNESCO and later endorsed by the United Nations as an International Day, celebrates radio’s remarkable past, its strong and relevant present, and its future potential. In Ireland, that future looks particularly secure.
The enduring appeal of radio lies in its immediacy and authenticity. It is live, reactive and human. In moments of breaking news, national celebration or collective grief, radio has consistently been a first port of call for Irish audiences. Its accessibility — whether through traditional FM, digital platforms or smart speakers — ensures it remains woven into everyday life.
Perhaps most tellingly, 80% of main shoppers tune into radio every single weekday, reinforcing its broad demographic reach and continued influence across households nationwide.
As Ireland marks World Radio Day 2026, the message from the industry is clear: radio remains the nation’s most trusted voice. In kitchens, cars, offices and worksites across the country, millions continue to tune in — not out of habit alone, but because radio delivers something few other platforms can replicate: connection.
Today, Ireland's Classic Hits Radio is thanking the millions of listeners who keep radio alive and thriving.
And if the latest figures are anything to go by, Ireland’s love affair with radio is far from over.
