RTÉ's flagship radio programmes delivered a split result in the latest Joint National Listenership Research (JNLR) survey, with several of its best-known shows adding listeners while others slipped back, according to RTE.ie.
The figures, which cover October 2025 to September 2026, compare audiences with the previous JNLR release in August unless stated otherwise. RTÉ said it still holds the ten most-listened-to radio programmes in the country and 15 of the top 20, down from 16 of the top 20 in August.
Morning Ireland remains the most-listened-to programme nationally, adding 7,000 listeners to reach 464,000. Liveline with Kieran Cuddihy grew by 14,000 to 268,000.
Why it matters
The survey lands shortly after RTÉ faced questioning at the Oireachtas, and the broadcaster has framed the numbers as evidence that its revamped schedule is connecting with audiences. RTÉ Radio 1 remains the country's most-listened-to station, with a market share of 19.3% and a weekly reach of 1.365 million people — an increase of 11,000 on the August results.
Across all of its radio services, RTÉ reported a market share of 28.3%, with close to two million people listening each week. RTE.ie reports that Patricia Monahan, RTÉ's Director of Audio, called the outcome "very encouraging," especially for Radio 1. She said it was encouraging to see listeners responding to new voices and shows less than a year after the schedule was launched, and welcomed growth for both Liveline and Inside Sport.
Gains and losses across the Radio 1 schedule
Today with David McCullagh holds 421,000 listeners, placing it near the top of the national rankings alongside Morning Ireland.
Cuddihy, who succeeded Joe Duffy in November 2025, said he was pleased with the Liveline figures and credited the production team and the programme's audience. He noted he is approaching a full year in the role and described the show as unpredictable, adding that its connection with listeners around the country comes down to the people who contact the programme. RTE.ie reports that Tara Campbell, Head of RTÉ Radio 1, said Liveline's audience growth was matched by strong growth in social media engagement for the show.
The Louise Duffy Show was unchanged at 133,000. Drivetime with Katie Hannon and Colm Ó Mongáin lost 9,000 listeners, falling to 202,000. Inside Sport with Jacqui Hurley and Marie Crowe added 5,000 to reach 88,000, while Arena was up 3,000 at 45,000.
Weekend programming produced some of the survey's strongest gains. Countrywide recorded one of the biggest increases of any programme, adding 27,000 listeners to reach 257,000. The Brendan O'Connor Show drew 411,000 on Saturdays, an increase of 11,000, although its Sunday audience fell by 8,000 to 391,000.
The Business gained 9,000 to reach 351,000 and Playback also rose by 9,000 to 315,000. Sunday Miscellany added 10,000 to reach 289,000, Sunday with Miriam was up 5,000 at 322,000, and This Week gained 8,000 to reach 218,000. Rising Time with Lilian Smith on Saturdays rose by 14,000 to 109,000.
On the losing side, the Saturday Sport and Doc On One block shed 15,000 listeners to stand at 186,000.
2FM breakfast grows as weekend drive slips
RTÉ 2FM reaches 676,000 listeners weekly with a market share of 4.8%, and its daily reach rose by 8,000 to 333,000, according to the broadcaster. Breakfast with Carl Mullan, Roz Purcell and Aisling Bonner added 14,000 listeners to reach 189,000 on weekdays and remains the most-listened-to programme nationally among 15 to 34-year-olds.
Dan Healy, Head of RTÉ 2FM, said the breakfast trio were now seeing the results of more than two years on air together.
2FM Mornings with Doireann Garrihy has 79,000 listeners, while 2FM Afternoon with Demi Isaac and Mikey O'Reilly has 102,000. However, 2FM Weekend Drive with Emma Power and Graham Smyth lost ground on both days, with Saturday down 17,000 to 77,000 and Sunday down 16,000 to 70,000.
On RTÉ lyric fm, Marty in the Morning added 7,000 listeners to reach 92,000.
The next JNLR release will show whether Radio 1's gains hold through the winter schedule and whether 2FM can reverse its weekend decline.
