Independent Broadcasters of Ireland

Ireland's independent radio sector provides fair, balanced and accurate public service content. Stations bring our audience the latest news and current affairs, plus a wide range of music genres including by Irish artists. They provide local sports coverage, emergency information, banter and discussion. And importantly... companionship.

Independent radio provides choice for consumers. All there when you need it - for free and without requiring broadband.

In the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland (IBI), we advocate for our Members and our listeners throughout Ireland and we support the development of a strong, vibrant and successful independent radio sector.

We believe that it is vital that we continue to provide trusted services to listeners, to be their medium of choice, and to innovate in the digital era so that radio's connection remains strong and adds value to society.

We champion a strong commercial radio sector which contributes to a healthy society and competes for advertising and share of mind. We deliver high quality, balanced content and connection. We make a positive impact on behalf of our Members and listeners.

We engage actively with legislators, policymakers, regulators and external stakeholders and are Members of the Association of European Radios, representing thousands of radio stations across Europe.

Independent radio in Ireland employs professional journalists, producers, presenters and editors to produce content. They provide valuable services to our listeners. All editorial content is produced with the interests of the listener in mind and to a very high standards, complying with all Codes and regulations. That is not the case with large web and social media platforms. Because of this, we believe legislators, policymakers and regulators need to simplying the obligations on our sector, to address the stark absence of a level playing field.

Our stations provide communities from Donegal to Cork, from Galway to Wexford with vital services, including in emergencies. Commercially we play a vital role in enabling small and media sized businesses, state organisations, and large brands to reach our millions of listeners. Our stations are the voice of their communities, covering local events, championing local causes, and giving airtime to local voices, and providing music that is the soundtrack to our lives. The sector needs to be helped to survive and thrive.

Our objectives:
• Highlight the contribution of our sector and achieve appropriate support to develop/sustain its services
• Achieve fair regulation and legislation, and a level media playing field in Ireland
• Defend unrestricted access of our stations to listeners, not mediated by third parties or platforms
• Develop a positive, bright, progressive future for the sector and its employees, enabling Members to innovate and develop positively

The independent radio broadcasting sector in Ireland has consistently provided choice and high quality services to listeners since it was established in 1989. Today, Independent Broadcasters of Ireland represents over 30 thriving commercial radio stations. Stations provide hundreds of hours of public service content every week collectively. We continue to invest in quality journalism, local programming, and innovative content. Our stations employ over 1,000 people, reach millions of listeners daily, and remain deeply committed to the communities we serve. As media evolves, we're embracing digital platforms while maintaining the personal connection and local focus that makes radio unique.

Moving into a bright future, our mission is:

• To promote a strong, vibrant and innovative radio sector which reflects the preferences and needs of listeners and provides trusted high quality content

• To represent the interests of radio stations to policymakers and legislators in Ireland and Europe, and to the independent media regulator

• To advocate on behalf of the radio listeners of Ireland and constantly seeking to ensure that the quality of programming remains extremely high.

• To regularly contribute to industry consultations and forums on issues ranging from programming to advertising and strategy.

• To provide a distinct and coherent national voice in the ongoing campaign for competitive equality across the broadcasting and media sectors.

Our member stations produce thousands of hours of local news content annually, covering council meetings, court cases, community events, and local issues. This commitment to local journalism ensures communities stay informed about matters that directly affect their lives.

Through radiothons and charity initiatives, IBI member stations have raised millions of euros for local charities and causes. These campaigns mobilize communities and demonstrate radio's unique power to bring people together for good.

Independent radio generates significant economic activity, employing over 1,000 people directly and supporting many more jobs indirectly. Our stations are major advertisers and contributors to local economies across Ireland.

By championing Irish music, supporting local artists, and celebrating local culture, our stations enrich Ireland's cultural landscape. We provide platforms for new talent and preserve local traditions through our programming.