Independent Radio is still the number one choice for listeners countrywide according to latest figures from the Independent Radio And Television Commission (IRTC).
The JNLR/MRBI weekday figures for July 2000 to June 2001, published today, showed a 1 per cent growth in independent radio stations' market share to 44 per cent. The stations’ listenership remained constant for the year at 55 per cent.
In Dublin, Lite 102.2 FM stood out for its performance over the year, achieving a listenership of 14 per cent and a market share of 10 per cent.
Around the country, 100-102 Today FM increased its listenership by 1 per cent to 15 per cent; RTÉ Radio 1's listership fell by 1 per cent to 33 per cent, and 2FM did not change over the year, remaining at 28 per cent. The three stations' market share was 8 per cent, 26 per cent and 19 per cent, respecitively.
Lyric FM’s listenership (3 per cent) remained the same while its market share was halved to 1 per cent.
Of the independent stations, Highland Radio in Co Donegal dominated the market share with a 72 per cent listenership and 66 per cent market share.
Other stations that performed well over the year were Radio Kilkenny with a listenership of 66 per cent, a 3 per cent increase; North West Radio (61 per cent, up 2 per cent); LM FM (52 per cent, up 6 per cent); Clare FM (63 per cent, up 5 per cent); Mid West Radio (59 per cent, up 5 per cent); and Shannonside/Northern Sound (53 per cent, up 5 per cent).
FM 104 and 98FM in Dublin saw their listenership figures fall by 1 per cent in the year to 23 per cent and 22 per cent, respectively.