Radio listeners opt for local stations over top presenters

Radio listeners are turning away from many of the country’s best known presenters in favour of local radio stations, according to the official audience figures.

New results published by the Joint National Listenership Research show top broadcasters like Marian Finucane, Derek Mooney and Ronan Collins all suffered a significant drop in listeners last year.

Ms Finucane lost a massive 44,000 listeners for her Sunday morning show during 2012 — a 13% decrease, although 305,000 still tune in. Her Saturday show fared considerably better — down just 1% to 363,000.