Bauer Media Audio agrees to acquire iRadio

Bauer Media Audio Ireland has today announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire iRadio, the leading youth music station serving listeners spanning the North East, Midlands, North West and West. The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions including regulatory approval. 

With this deal, Bauer Media Audio Ireland now extends its total weekly radio reach to almost 1.9 million listeners. 

iRadio is one of Ireland’s leading youth music brands, being the most listened to station in the 15 to 44 demographic across its 15 broadcast counties, including Mayo. Iradio has said it will work with Bauer Media Audio to ensure that it continues to meet the needs of its listeners and commercial partners, with additional innovation, and long-term growth.

iRadio first launched in 2008, and has since grown to broadcast to 15 counties across the West, North West, Midlands and North East. It has secured its place as the top music station for listeners in its region as well as delivering award-winning content across its platforms.
Since entering Ireland in 2021, Bauer Media Audio has been at the forefront of driving growth within the country’s audio and radio sector, setting new standards for advertisers and listeners alike. Today FM, Newstalk and SPIN have all set new highs for listenership under Bauer ownership, as well as being recognised at the annual IMRO Radio Awards for their successes. The business has also invested in audioXi – Ireland’s largest digital audio advertising exchange, and home to a number of innovative advertising formats.

Speaking on the transaction, Willie O’Reilly, Chairman at iRadio said: “iRadio has grown to become the most popular radio station in its broadcast region, keeping listeners across its 15 counties informed and entertained. The board would like to thank everyone who has been a part of this journey for their contribution. Iradio is now ready to embark on a new chapter as part of Bauer Media Audio. Its best days lie ahead.” 

Chris Doyle, Interim CEO, Bauer Media Audio Ireland said: “iRadio is a high-quality business and we’re looking very forward to welcoming it to Bauer. Together, we’ll be able to ensure that the station can provide even more of the great content, music and entertainment that its audiences love.”

Bauer Media Audio broadcast in nine countries - UK, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Ireland, Finland, Poland, Slovakia and Portugal and owns leading brands including Today FM, KISS, Absolute Radio, Radio Nova, Radio 100, RMF and Radio Comercial.