Midland's 103 CEO Albert Fitzgerald and LMFM CEO Michael Crawley (right) pictured as Independent radio across Ireland celebrated 25 years of proud service to Ireland's radio listeners.

25 years of independent radio celebrated

Published: Thu 17 Jul 2014, 6:42 PM

Last updated: Thu 17 Jul 2014, 7:51 PM

Some 25 years ago on 24 July 1989 Dublin’s FM104 became the first independent radio station to go live on air. Today more than 1,500 people are employed in 34 independent radio stations and the sector is a vital economic and social contributor to the fabric of Ireland.

The broadcasting landscape has been transformed and enriched with the licensing of independent radio stations across Ireland and over 2.5 million people, tune into independent radio on a daily basis.

Marking 25 years of independent radio, a reception for IBI members was hosted by John O’Mahony, TD, Chairman of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications in Leinster House. During the reception Mr O’Mahony launched a new website www.independentradio25years.ie which charts the history and achievements of independent radio stations across Ireland over the past 25 years. It contains archive materials including photographs and broadcasts which show the changing face of radio in Ireland.