Cool FM and Downtown Country record their best ever RAJAR performances
Last updated 26th Oct 2017
Radio in Northern Ireland is enjoying its highest-ever listening figures, according to new RAJAR figures released today.
Nearly 1.4 million are now tuning into radio stations across the province.
The new statistics show Bauer NI is leading the way in this extraordinary era for broadcasting, with two of its three stations, Cool FM (495,000 weekly listeners ) and the digital-only Downtown Country (142,000 ), recording their best-ever performances.
Managing Director, Mark Mahaffy said it was an historic moment for radio.
“As other forms of media suffer, radio is enjoying an extraordinary purple patch with the highest listening figures ever recorded by RAJAR,” he said.
“This is fantastic news for advertisers who have ready access to a mass medium that continues to flourish.
“With a plethora of stations broadcasting on FM and digital, we’re obviously delighted our trio of stations have significantly contributed to the overall growth in listening, with Cool’s highest-ever figure of circa half a million listeners, Downtown just short of 300,000 listeners and Downtown Country achieving its highest-ever figure of 142,000 .”
Ford Ennals, CEO Digital Radio UK, said Downtown Country was becoming “a true radio phenomenon.”
"Digital radio continues to grow strongly in Northern Ireland with over 50% of people now listening on a digital platform and a 20% increase in digital hours listening year on year," he said .
"The reason why digital radio is fast becoming the norm is due to the amazing range of digital stations and it is particularly pleasing to see the success of digital only station Downtown Country which now has over 140,000 * listeners.
"Downtown Country is one of the most successful digital station launches ever in the UK and is fast becoming a true radio phenomenon."
Highest-ever listening figures relates to RAJAR records only.
Asterisk figures quoted pertain to Rajar Q3 DTC TSA.