Naxi Radio
In an exciting development, Bauer Media Audio Ireland has unveiled its plans to acquire iRadio, a vibrant youth music station.
With a focus on meeting the diverse needs of its broad audience, spanning the 15 to 44 demographic, iRadio is set to undergo an innovative transformation while ensuring sustainable long-term growth.
Since its inception in 2008, iRadio has cultivated a dedicated listenership across its 15 broadcast counties, encompassing the North East, Midlands, and North West regions of the country.
This strategic move will significantly bolster Bauer’s reach, with a combined weekly audience of nearly 1.9 million listeners.
The history of iRadio traces back to the fusion of two distinct radio stations, namely i102-104FM, and i105-107FM. This acquisition will seamlessly integrate iRadio into the esteemed Bauer family of brands in Ireland, joining the ranks of renowned names like SPIN, Newstalk, and Today FM.
Recent data from the Joint National Listenership Research (JNLR) reveals the station’s impressive traction, with a daily adult listenership of 183,000 in February 2023, and a weekly engagement of 339,000 individuals over the age of 15.
Chairman of iRadio, Willie O’Reilly, expressed his gratitude to everyone who contributed to the station’s remarkable journey. He emphasized iRadio’s evolution into a dominant force in its broadcast region, catering to an engaged audience across its expansive coverage area.
Chris Doyle, Interim CEO of Bauer Media Audio Ireland, echoed the sentiment of excitement, affirming the exceptional quality of iRadio’s offerings. The acquisition aims to enhance the station’s content, music, and entertainment, elevating the overall listener experience.
Bauer Media Audio’s entry into the Irish audio and radio landscape in 2021 has been marked by rapid growth, exemplified by its recent acquisition of Cork’s Red FM in late 2022. This strategic expansion reflects Bauer’s commitment to enriching Ireland’s media ecosystem.
As with any significant business transaction, the acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approval.
The financial landscape of iRadio’s parent company, Wilton Radio Ltd, paints a robust picture, boasting net assets of €11.5 million and retained earnings of €291,000 as of 2021. The group’s prudent investments in subsidiaries and a profitable year for I Radio Ltd further underscore the soundness of this strategic move.
With the acquisition of iRadio, Bauer Media Audio Ireland looks poised to usher in a new era of captivating content and enriching experiences for its growing audience, solidifying its position as a trailblazer in the Irish media landscape.
