iRadio
 | |
| Broadcast area | Border Region Mid-East Region |
|---|---|
| Frequency | 96.9 MHz (East County Donegal, Derry) 102.1-104.4 MHz (North-West) 104.7-106.7 MHz (North-East) |
| RDS | iRADIO |
| Programming | |
| Language | English, Irish |
| Format | CHR |
| Ownership | |
| Owner |
|
| Newstalk Today FM Dublin's 98FM Spin 1038 Spin South West Cork's Red FM | |
| History | |
First air date | 4 July 2011 |
| Links | |
| Webcast | Listen Live |
| Website | iradio.ie |
iRADIO is a music-driven youth radio station broadcast in the Border, West, Mid-East and Midland regions of Ireland. The station is one of four music-driven youth stations that were licensed by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland to challenge the current duopoly in the 15-34 age bracket for those outside Dublin by national stations RTÉ 2FM and Today FM.
The station offers a mix of music, chat, competitions, and topical segments, providing a vibrant alternative to traditional radio. Its presenters are known for their energetic style and strong engagement with listeners through both on-air content and digital platforms.
Based in Athlone and broadcasting to an average listenership of 335,000 per week - it was created by the merger of i102-104FM and i105-107FM on 4 July 2011.[1][2] The combined 15-county franchise was awarded a new ten-year license in 2019.[3]
In August 2023, it was announced that iRadio would be acquired by Bauer Media Audio Ireland.[4] On 4 December, the purchase was completed.[5] It adopted a new branding kit in 2025, to closer align with sister stations across the Bauer network.
Broadcast Area
iRADIO covers 15 counties across Ireland:
- Cavan
- Clare
- Donegal
- Galway
- Kildare
- Leitrim
- Laois
- Longford
- Louth
- Mayo
- Meath
- Monaghan
- Offaly
- Roscommon
- Westmeath
This extensive coverage gives iRADIO a strong regional presence, reaching hundreds of thousands of young listeners each week.
Programming
iRADIO primarily broadcasts contemporary hit music (Top 40), targeting a core audience of 15- to 34-year-olds. The station features a range of dynamic programming throughout the day, including music, entertainment, and youth-focused content.
News and entertainment bulletins are broadcast hourly, delivering a concise mix of local, national, and international news, sports updates, and a weather summary.
Presenters
- Steven Cooper (iMornings with Cooper & Oonagh)
- Oonagh O'Carroll (iMornings with Cooper & Oonagh)
- Sharron Lynskey
- Paul Byrne
- Dave Duke (Dave & Fionnuala on iRADIO)
- Fionnuala Corbett (Dave & Fionnuala on iRADIO)
- Louise Clarke
- Conor Woods
- Míchéal Kearney
- Shane O'Loughlin
- Ella Carey
- Valerie McHugh
- Marty Guilfoyle
- Jen Payne
- Niall Dunne
- Leah Hogarty
- Ciaran O'Connor
See also
References
- ^ "iRadio sets its sights on the future". iRadio. 22 February 2019. Archived from the original on 17 June 2020. Retrieved 17 June 2020.
- ^ "Irish Radio Frequency Finder" (PDF). Frequency Finder. 25 April 2019. Retrieved 17 June 2019.
- ^ "Ten-year BAI licence renewal for iRadio". RadioToday. 1 July 2019. Retrieved 17 June 2020.
- ^ Healy, Alan (16 August 2023). "Midlands broadcaster iRadio is acquired by Newstalk owner Bauer". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 16 August 2023.
- ^ "Bauer Media Audio completes acquisition of iRadio". Bauer Media Group. Retrieved 12 December 2023.