#RAJAR - Country station sees best launch in 20 years

From a press release to news@media.info
Posted 28 October 2015, 8.01pm edt

Northern Ireland’s newest and fastest growing radio station has attracted no fewer than 85,000 weekly listeners – just months after its launch.

That means Downtown Country has secured the highest launch audience figures for any new local station in 20 years.

The figures were revealed in the latest report by RAJAR – the body responsible for measuring audience figures across the UK.

They also show that Downtown and Cool FM are the commercial radio market leaders yet again – with a combined listener total of more than 600,000.

MD Mark Mahaffy described the station’s performance as “astonishing”.

“We knew we were onto a winner with Downtown Country – but these incredible figures have exceeded all expectations,” he said.

“Country music has never been more popular and we’re very much tapping into what is the world’s fastest growing musical genre. We are delighted with its success just a short time after it was launched.”

Downtown Country is a province-wide 24/7 music station covering an exciting eclectic mix of American and local country showcasing a plethora of talent across the spectrum of both contemporary and classic genres.

It is the UK’s first digital country station and the first-ever indigenous digital only radio station in Northern Ireland.

Head of Programming Stuart Robinson added: “Our programmes have taken on a fresh and modern approach and have provided a platform to introduce new country presenting talent and music to Northern Ireland’s airwaves. “We want to take this opportunity to say a big thank-you to our listeners – all 85,000 of you every week. This is quite simply a tremendous achievement.”

Among the artists featured on Downtown Country are contemporary stars such as Carrie Underwood, Ward Thomas and Lady Antebellum along with the more traditional legends including Johnny Cash, Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton.

Pictured above: Downtown Country presenters Stuart Banford, Kirstie McMurry and BIg T celebrating the station's first RAJAR figures.