RTÉ 2FM has recorded a boost in listeners amid the shock departure of the station’s top stars.
The latest JNLR figures for the period July 2023 – June 2024 have been released, revealing an increase in audience figures compared to the last report in May.
However, its worth noting this data was collected while Doireann Garrihy, Jennifer Zamparelli, and The 2 Johnnies were still working for the station.
All four stars left 2FM in May, which has lead to a huge presenter shakeup across the weekday schedule.
2FM Breakfast recorded a listenership of 149,000, which is an increase of +6,000 BoB.
The show was previously hosted by Doireann Garrihy, Donncha O’Callaghan and Carl Mullan – however Doireann left the station in May, just weeks before Donncha also announced his departure.
Jennifer Zamparelli’s old 9-12pm slot, which has since been taken over by Laura Fox, has 141,000 listeners, which is also an increase of 6,000 compared to the last book.
Jennifer announced her sudden exit from 2FM in May, while she had been on extended leave.
The presenter has since admitted her “gut” told her not to sign a new contract with the station.
Tracy Clifford has 128,000 listeners enjoying great music each lunchtime, a 7,000 increase from the last book, while 2FM Drive recorded an audience of 157,000 listeners, which is 6,000 more than the last report.
The coveted Drivetime slot was previously hosted by The 2 Johnnies, who left the station at the end of May.
The show was briefly taken over by Lottie Ryan and David O’Reilly, but is now being hosted by Beta Da Silva until 2FM bosses find permanent replacements for the 2 Johnnies.
Meanwhile, Game On has 42,000 listeners tuning in weeknights for sports chat, +5,000 BoB, and Weekends on 2FM from 9am-12noon has 136,000 listeners on Saturdays (+7,000 BoB) and 128,000 on Sunday (+8,000 BoB).
Roz and Emma on 2FM from 12-3pm have 133,000 listeners on Saturdays, which is a 9,000 increase compared to the last book, and 98,000 listeners on Sundays, which is a modest 1,000 increase BoB.
Overall, the RTÉ 2FM weekly reach has increased by 94,000 to 791,000, compared to this time last year.
Dan Healy, Head of RTÉ Radio Strategy and RTÉ 2FM, said: “Laura Fox has had an immediate positive impact to the 2FM with her show growing by 6,000 listeners weekdays from 9am to 12pm. Laura has a brilliant team led by Kate Proctor.
“Tracy Clifford has increased again in this survey up 7,000 listeners from 12pm to 3pm. The Breakfast Show are up 5,000 and the 2FM Drive slot up 6,000 listeners.
“We are in the middle of a process of discovering the next new radio talent for Ireland, almost 140 people are coming through 2FM over the next two weeks. We are meeting incredibly talented people from all walks of life.
“Off the back of this strong book we look forward to building on these gains and bringing a new breakfast and evening drive show for the audience over the next few months. Finally, a massive thanks from all the 2FM team to our listeners.”
