Commercial audio and radio operator Bauer Media Audio has entered into an agreement to acquire Irish regional radio station, Red FM. The acquisition, which is subject to regulatory approval, follows on the heels of Bauer’s expansion in Portugal earlier this year and its move into Ireland in 2021.
Based in Cork, Red FM reaches some 129,000 listeners each day. Bauer Media Audio says that with this agreement it is “committed to ensuring that the station continues to grow and develop, providing investment and innovation to create an even better listener experience for the people of Cork.”
In Ireland, Bauer Media Audio already operates radio brands Today FM, Newstalk and SPIN. The business says its also invested to launch the GoLoud podcast network and in audioXi, which it describes as the country’s largest digital audio advertising exchange.
“Cork’s Red FM is an important contributor to Cork’s media and cultural landscape, providing local audiences with much loved entertainment and essential local news and information,” said Richard Dawkins, president of Audio, Bauer Media Group.
“Red FM is a fantastic addition to the Bauer Media Audio Ireland portfolio, and we are excited to support its future development. Together, both Red FM and Bauer Media Audio will continue serving the needs of listeners and commercial partners, both in Cork and further afield.”
With this deal, Bauer Media Audio claims to reach more than 61 million listeners across nine European countries every week.