Radio Broadcasting in Ireland - Industry Market Research Report

Switching over: Internet-friendly technology ratchets up external competition

Listener figures for Irish radio have remained strong over the period, with 81% of adults in Ireland listening to radio stations every day, according to Joint National Listenership Research in September 2020. However, the industry's potential listeners now have a variety of alternatives to radio, including streaming services and personal digital audio, which has drawn younger listeners away and left operators dependent on the 55-and-over age bracket. Improving internet access and technological developments have led to rapid growth in external competition, reducing demand for radio broadcasters. Revenue is expected to decline at a compound annual rate of 2.7% over the five years through 2023 to €114.9 million. Participants in this industry broadcast and transmit radio programmes to the public, affiliates or subscribers. Broadcasts are transmitted via analogue or digital signals, the internet and cable or satellite systems. However, operators in the industry do not produce, promote or distribute taped recordings of radio programmes. The industry includes the production of content for live broadcast, but not pre-recorded broadcast content. This report covers the scope, size, disposition and growth of the industry including the key sensitivities and success factors. Also included are five year industry forecasts, growth rates and an analysis of the industry key players and their market shares.