The Irish Radio and Audio Sector – being represented by both RTÉ and the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland (IBI) – has announced that it has come together to establish Radiocentre Ireland. This new industry body will work to promote radio as a medium, as well as maximising the commercial appeal of the Irish Radio and Audio sector by promoting excellence and the value it provides to commercial and agency partners.

This is the first time that RTÉ and the independent sector have come together in a formal multi-year agreement with committed funding to grow advertising investment in the Irish Radio and Audio sector.

The organisation will work to ensure that the medium is always considered as a vital element of marketing activity by demonstrating its return on investment as well as its scale, unique advantages and influence. In addition, it will work to achieve this by providing reliable data and insight from the radio market alongside existing JNLR data, with a focus on its effectiveness, flexibility and impact through industry research, as well as sharing relevant case studies to advertising agencies, marketeers and direct clients. The body will also seek to attract new talent into the radio and audio industry.

The Board of Radiocentre Ireland is comprised of seven leading Irish media executives - three each representing IBI and RTÉ* - as well as John Purcell who will act as independent Chairperson. Purcell brings extensive Irish radio experience to the role having been involved in the establishment and management of national, regional and local stations including KCLR and NewsTalk.

John Purcell
John Purcell
Chair of Radiocentre Ireland
Radiocentre Ireland seeks first CEO
Radiocentre Ireland seeks first CEO

Radiocentre Ireland is also now recruiting for its first Chief Executive to be the ambassador for the Radio and Audio sector in Ireland.

The chosen candidate will have a range of responsibilities including: promoting the unique advantages of radio to commercial partners, providing a compelling and unifying voice for the industry, representing Radiocentre Ireland on relevant industry committees and defining and communicating the future purpose and vision for Radiocentre Ireland. Interested candidates should visit www.Radiocentreireland.ie for more information.

“The Radio and Audio sector has undergone a rapid evolution, with exciting new opportunities to offer," said John Purcell, Chair of Radiocentre Ireland. "The organisation will bring co-operation between the independent radio stations and RTÉ to a whole new level, ensuring that the scale, versatility and cost effectiveness of radio is properly appreciated in the marketing mix.

We’re looking forward to using the best of Irish and international research and innovation to ensure that marketeers, advertisers and clients can understand and access the unique influence and position that radio commands in today’s exciting audio landscape.”