The Dublin radio market is not for the faint-hearted. In a city brimming with radio choices, staying relevant and appealing to the ever-changing tastes of listeners isn’t just a challenge; it’s an art. Yet, in this fiercely crowded field, Radio Nova hasn’t just survived—it has flourished, now holding the crown as Dublin’s top music station, as confirmed by the latest Joint National Listenership Research (JNLR) survey.
Radio Nova’s journey to the top hasn’t been a sudden leap but a steady, determined climb. Over the past three years, Nova has steadily grown its audience, cementing its place in the hearts of Dubliners who crave its “seriously addictive” music. And this isn’t just about playing good music—it’s about understanding the hearts and minds of its listeners. Nova’s team knows their audience inside and out, connecting with those aged 25 and over who appreciate classic rock and a touch of nostalgia. Their presenters, with their relatable, down-to-earth approach, feel more like old friends than distant voices on the radio, creating a community that tunes in, day after day. As Kevin Branigan, CEO and Programme Director at Radio Nova, said:
“Radio Nova has always been about striving to be unique in a crowded marketplace and staying focused on what our listeners want – great presenters and seriously addictive music. It’s so encouraging for us that so many people listen to us every day and have made us the largest music radio station in Dublin.”
The numbers speak for themselves. Radio Nova now commands an 8.3% share of the Dublin market, surpassing several traditionally strong performers like FM104 and Sunshine 106.8. This growth is nothing short of remarkable, considering competition from both local and international stations.
Reaching 246,000 listeners each week, with a daily audience of 135,000 spanning Dublin and its commuter belt, Nova’s growth is a testament to its ability to connect with its audience on a meaningful level. It’s not just about being on the air—it’s about being part of people’s daily lives.
As Kevin Branigan, CEO and Programme Director at Radio Nova, also pointed out, this achievement is particularly significant for an Irish-owned station going up against global media giants:
“That an Irish-owned radio station such as Nova can pass out all of the other music radio services owned by internationally-owned groups such as Bauer (Today FM, 98FM, Spin) and News International’s Wireless (FM104, Q102) is a great achievement for our team”.
Even The Irish Times took note of Radio Nova’s impressive climb. In a recent article, the paper highlighted Nova’s “steady rise” as a shining example of what a small, dedicated team can achieve when they truly know their audience and love the music they play.
Approaching its 14th birthday, Nova isn’t just growing—it’s thriving, proving that in radio, as in life, passion and persistence go a long way.
