Irish radio broadcasters generated €79.6 million in advertising revenue during the first six months of 2026, representing a 0.2% increase on the same period last year.

Digital audio continued to be the strongest-performing segment of the market, increasing by 23.1% year-on-year to €4.4 million, reflecting sustained growth in online listening and increasing advertiser investment in digital audio. These figures relate solely to revenue generated by Irish radio broadcasters and exclude global audio platforms.

Spot advertising revenue (radio commercials) totalled €60.0million, a decline of 2.1% compared with the first half of 2025. Branded content continued its positive trajectory, increasing by 4.7% to €15.2 million. The growth highlights advertisers' increasing use of sponsorships, partnerships and bespoke content to connect with audiences through audio.

Revenue generated through media agencies remained stable at €56.5 million (-0.1%), while direct advertiser revenue increased by 1.0% to €23.1 million.

Following a broadly flat first quarter, the sector delivered an improved performance in Quarter 2, with advertising revenues increasing by 0.5% year-on-year, driven by particularly strong growth during May.

‍Ciarán Cunningham, CEO of Radiocentre Ireland, said:

"The first half of 2026 demonstrates the continued resilience of Ireland's radio industry. Against a backdrop of ongoing economic uncertainty, it is encouraging to see overall revenue remain ahead of last year, while digital audio continues to deliver exceptional growth.

The consistent performance of branded content also reflects the increasingly strategic role that audio plays within advertisers' communications plans. Brands are looking beyond traditional spot campaigns and embracing integrated audio solutions that combine trusted environments with creative storytelling.

Radio continues to reach millions of people every day across FM, smart speakers, mobile devices and connected cars. Combined with the rapid growth of digital audio, the medium offers advertisers a unique combination of scale, trust, flexibility and accountability that remains difficult to match in today's media landscape."

‍

‍