Bauer Media Audio has announced the finalisation of its acquisition of Red FM, a commercial radio station based in the Cork region of Ireland. The station will join Today FM, Newstalk, 98 FM, SPIN 1038 and SPIN Southwest within Bauer Media Audio’s Ireland portfolio.
Bauer Media Audio says that as part of the group, Red FM will be able to leverage enhanced digital expertise, ensuring that it can take advantage of new opportunities to grow and develop, creating even better listener experiences for its audience and outcomes for its commercial partners.
With the addition of Red FM, Bauer Media Audio now extends its position in Ireland, reaching more than 1.9 million listeners every week, and grows its total reach across Europe to more than 61 million weekly listeners.
Speaking on the transaction, Richard Dawkins, president of audio at Bauer Media Group, said, “We’re delighted to be welcoming Cork’s Red FM to Bauer Media Audio. The station has been playing an important role in the lives of its listeners for the past two decades, providing great music, speech, entertainment and important local news. We’re excited to be expanding within Ireland with the acquisition of this high-quality business and look forward to the opportunities this brings to deepen our relationships with listeners and commercial partners in broadcast and digital audio.”
Diarmuid O’Leary, CEO of Cork’s Red FM, added, “I’d like to thank everyone who has been a part of this journey for their contribution, in particular the staff at the radio station, who have been central to our success over the last 20 years. Red FM is now ready to embark on a new chapter, and I’m sure that as a valued part of Bauer Media Audio, the station will continue to soar to even greater heights.”