RTÉ lyric fm reaches all-time high market share in JNLRs - Reading mode

[Tony Scanlon]

RTÉ lyric fm reaches all-time high market share in JNLRs
Published • 13:24 • Thursday, 14 May 2026



The latest JNLR results confirm RTÉ as the most listened to radio group in Ireland, at an exciting moment for audio across RTÉ, with the launch of the new RTÉ audio app coming later this year and a new slate of podcasts to be announced soon.

As RTÉ marks the centenary year of public service media in Ireland, the latest figures are a reminder of radio's unique role in Irish life through the stories it tells, the voices it champions and the connection it has built with audiences over the last 100 years.


RTÉ lyric fm is now at an all-time high with a market share of 3.6%, up almost a full percentage point year on year from 2.7%. This reflects a strong listener appetite for its distinctive mix of classical music, arts, culture and conversations.

RTÉ lyric fm continues its steady rise with audiences, now reaching 359,000 listeners every week and has once again increased its share to an all-time high of 3.6%. The station's blend of world-class music and engaging presenters is attracting listeners of all ages across its schedule.

Marty in the Morning has 85,000 listeners (+14,000 YoY) tuning in every weekday morning.
Lorcan Murray's Classic Drive takes 73,000 listeners into the evening each weekday (+14,000 YoY).
Liz Nolan's The Full Score/ Aedín in the Afternoon (Friday) have 62,000 listeners. (+12,000 YoY).
Niall Carroll's Classical Daytime on weekdays has 54,000 listeners (+13,000 YoY).
The Mystery Train with John Kelly (Monday-Thursday)/ RTÉ lyric Live with Paul Herriott (Friday) has 31,000 listeners.
Aedín Gormley's Movies and Musicals every Saturday afternoon has 65,000 listeners.
Sunday Afternoon with Simon Delaney has 59,000 listeners.
Weekend Classics with Claudia Boyle has 50,000 listeners on Saturdays and on Sundays the programme has 51,000 listeners (+3,000 YoY).
The Hamilton Scores with George Hamilton have 45,000 listeners on Saturdays and 40,000 on Sundays.
Opera Night with Paul Herriott has 38,000 listeners on Saturdays. (+15,000 YoY)
Suaimhneas on Saturday evenings has 34,000 listeners.
The Lyric Feature on Sunday evenings has 32,000 listeners. (+6,000 YoY)

Marty in the Morning welcomes 14,000 new listeners with 85,000 tuning in every weekday morning
Sinéad Wylde, Head of RTÉ lyric fm, said: "This book sees its highest ever number of listeners with an all-time high market share of 3.6%. On RTÉ lyric fm we continue to bring beautiful music and arts content into the lives of listeners throughout the country, enriching their everyday lives. Once again, these results highlight how lyric's presenters and production teams connect with listeners in a warm and creative way, in a space Where Life Sounds Better.

The RTÉ lyric fm team is really looking forward to getting out and about this summer and meeting our lovely listeners at events like Bloom in the Phoenix Park at the end of the month and recording Ambient Orbit from Oileán Chléire (Cape Clear) for the summer solstice in June. Ambient Orbit and Marty in the Morning will be coming from Kilkenny Arts Festival on Thursday August 6. RTÉ lyric Live also has a two week presence at the West Cork Chamber Music Festival in Bantry with six live concerts including first three live to the EBU from 26 June up to 5 July. Marty Whelan will take to the stage for Marty in the Evening live with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre on September 11 and 12.

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