Bay Broadcasting's takeover of Galway Bay FM approved

Radio station announces new chief executive and chair

Bay Broadcasting has completed its acquisition of Galway Bay FM after receiving approval from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) and the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O'Donovan.

Bay Broadcasting has completed its acquisition of Galway Bay FM after receiving approval from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) and the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O'Donovan.

The transaction, first announced in early June, sees Bay Broadcasting add Galway Bay FM to its growing portfolio, making it the second largest radio group in Ireland – and the largest Irish-owned radio group in the country.

Fionnuala Rabbitt will become Galway Bay FM's new chief executive and Keith Finnegan the chair of the board. Ms Rabbitt is a former producer and digital media lead at Galway Bay FM. “It is truly special to be returning to Galway Bay FM, where my broadcasting career began, and indeed to Galway, my home city. After over a decade living and working in Donegal with Highland Radio, I’m thrilled to return with a fresh perspective and deep respect for the station’s unique place in the community," said Ms Rabbitt.

Galway Bay FM launched in 1989 under the name Radio West, rebranding in 1993. The Connacht Tribune Ltd, which owned a 27% stake, became sole owners in 2006. Galway Bay FM broadcasts to Galway city and county, with a market share of 34%, with listeners predominantly in the age 27 to 60 bracket. The station has a staff count of 25 at is based at Sandy Road in the city.

 “Galway Bay FM is a terrific station with an outstanding team and a legacy that’s unmatched in Irish local radio. Its heritage as the voice of Galway is something we deeply respect and are proud to help sustain. As we welcome it into the Bay Broadcasting portfolio, we see huge opportunity to support the station’s growth and to ensure it continues to thrive as the leading radio broadcaster of the west of Ireland," said Bay Broadcasting chief executive Kevin Branigan. 

Bay Broadcasting's other stations in the group include Radio Nova, Ireland’s Classic Hits Radio and Sunshine 106.8. Bay Broadcasting is privately-owned and co-founded by Mike Ormonde and Mr Branigan. It operates Dublin music radio stations Radio Nova and Sunshine 106.8, along with Ireland’s Classic Hits Radio, which broadcasts to Dublin, Cork, Limerick, and Galway.