DAB Radio insights with Kevin Brannigan, CEO Bay Broadcasting

Bay Broadcasting has announced the “imminent” rollout of three of its radio stations to DAB, making them available to an estimated 85% of the population. Radio Nova, Classic Hits Radio and Sunshine 106.8 will broadcast on the Failte DAB Mux2 trial, which will reach most of the country outside the Dublin when launched. Bay claims the move marks a new era of national scale and audience growth for the group and describes the launch of the three radio services on national DAB as the most exciting development for radio choice in over a decade.

It believes the move will significantly increase its reach, with Nova and Sunshine expected to add 2.5m potential listeners and Classic Hits a further 1.2m people. Bay Broadcasting said the rollout gives the group the potential to challenge Bauer Media’s monopoly on national radio commercial radio in Ireland.

To find out more about this I spoke to Kevin Brannigan the CEO of Bay Broadcasting. Kevin spoke to me about his background, the radio stations Bay Broadcasting owns, Failte DAB Mux2, how technology has changed radio from the 1980’s till now, and looking for more Irish talent to present on DAB radio.

More about FáilteDAB Mux 2:

FáilteDAB Mux 2 is an extended DAB+ trial network that covers approximately 85% of the Irish population. Launched in April 2026, it expands coverage well beyond the original Dublin-centric trial area to include the Midlands, Southeast, Cork, Limerick, Clare, Galway, and Mayo.

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