WEALTH October 3, 2026 0 Comments

Unlocking the Secrets Behind IMRO Radio Awards 2026: Which Broadcasters Are Dominating Ireland’s Airwaves and Why It Matters to Your Business Future?

Ever wonder what happens when Ireland’s brightest radio minds converge for a night? Well, Friday night at the Lyrath Estate Hotel in Kilkenny was no ordinary gathering — it was the 2026 IMRO Radio Awards, where 42 categories weren’t just ticked off but fiercely competed for, unleashing a whirlwind of creativity and passion. Picture this: broadcasters, producers, and every behind-the-scenes maestro coming together, all eager to celebrate standout moments, including the unforgettable Radio Moment of the Year that brought Brenda Fricker’s voice to the forefront. From local gems like Shannonside Northern Sound to the powerhouse Today FM taking national honors, this wasn’t just an awards bash; it was a masterclass in storytelling, innovation, and sheer dedication to the art of radio. As the night unfolded with stories, laughter, and a few surprise moments, I couldn’t help but think — what’s the secret sauce that keeps radio not just alive but thriving in today’s digital hurricane? Turns out, it’s all about bold ideas and the teams who bring them to life. Curious to dive deeper into this electric evening? LEARN MORE

Ireland’s radio industry gathered at Lyrath Estate Hotel in Kilkenny on Friday night for the 2026 IMRO Radio Awards, with prizes presented across 42 categories.

Hosted by Dermot Whelan, the awards brought together broadcasters, producers and radio teams from across the country, with four awards among the night’s headline prizes.

The Radio Moment of the Year award went to Brenda Fricker for her appearance on Brendan O’Connor on RTÉ Radio 1.

Shannonside Northern Sound was named Local Station of the Year, while Spin 1038 took the Music Station of the Year award. Today FM was named National Station of the Year.

Waterford’s WLR received a silver award for Déise Today – The Fuel Crises 2026 in the Current Affairs Programme Local/Regional category.

Chris Doyle, chair of the IMRO Radio Awards Committee, said the awards had highlighted the quality and creativity across the sector.

“Across the awards, we have seen bold ideas, brilliant storytelling and an extraordinary understanding of audiences,” he said.

“The IMRO awards recognise the voices we hear, but also the teams whose creativity makes great radio possible. Congratulations to everyone recognised tonight. You have given Irish radio another year worth celebrating.”

The evening also celebrated four new inductees to the IMRO Radio Hall of Fame: Michael Crawley of LMFM, Teena Gates of Bauer Media Ireland, Helen Ní Shé of RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta and Marty Whelan of RTÉ lyric fm.

The four were inducted at a special event at IMRO in September before receiving a welcome from their industry peers at Friday night’s awards.

Tom Dunne, chair of IMRO, said the organisation was proud to continue its role as title sponsor of the awards, which it has supported since 2017.

“This evening is a chance to recognise the presenters, producers, researchers, journalists, music programmers, sound engineers and station teams whose talent and dedication shape outstanding radio every day,” he said.

Aoife MacEvilly, Broadcasting & Video-on-Demand Commissioner at Coimisiún na Meán, said radio continued to play an important role in Ireland’s media landscape.

“Coimisiún na Meán is proud to sponsor the IMRO Radio Awards again this year,” she said, adding that the organisation was committed to supporting the sector through funding schemes and engagement on its Broadcasting Services Strategy.

She congratulated the winners and nominees, as well as those working across the industry to “shape radio for the future”.

The awards concluded with celebrations on the dance floor, bringing the 2026 edition of the event to a close.

Photo: Inductees of the Hall of Fame at the IMRO Radio Awards 2026 held at the Lyrath Estate Hotel on Friday 2 October 2026. Photo by Andres Poveda.