Northern Ireland’s favourite commercial radio station, Cool FM, marks a major broadcasting milestone this week – by turning 30!
The iconic hit music station has steadily grown in terms of its audience and reach since its launch on 7 February 1990. Its music, news, interviews and celebrity chats have entertained, informed and influenced the lives of young and old alike.
The celebrations coincide with the announcement of the latest RAJAR figures, with Cool FM achieving its best ever audience reach of 506,000 weekly listeners and retaining its position as NI’s number one commercial radio station.
Much of Cool FM’s success has been its engagement through phone-ins, competitions and promotions, with over £1 million won through Cash Call in the last year.
Tomorrow (Fri 7 Feb) the station will mark its birthday with its biggest single cash give-away of £30,000 to one lucky caller.
“When we launched in 1990, we welcomed audiences to ‘a brand-new radio station for a brand-new decade’,” said Stuart Robinson, Content Director at Cool FM.
“Thirty years on and we continue to offer something new and appealing to all who tune in to the station. We’ve changed with the times, grasped the digital age, and brought our listeners with us. With over 900,000 followers across Cool FM’s social media channels, we’ve not only grown our reach but also connected with new, younger audiences.
Stuart continued: “Cool FM’s appeal is also due to dynamics of its team of DJs – from the breakfast time banter of Pete, Paulo and Rebecca, to the iconic Cool Goes Quiet, led by Melissa Riddell. Collectively their familiar voices and down-to-earth approach have helped establish Cool as ‘another member of the family’ in homes across the country.”
John Kearns, who was part of the original line-up in 1990 and who returned to Cool FM’s drivetime slot in 2015 added:
“I’m simply a music addict and am thrilled to be part of Cool’s 30-year journey. Those who trusted us at the start of the 90s have remained loyal, and many more have joined us along the way. It speaks volumes for the entire team at Cool – news, production, sales and management – whose insights, drive and innovation have created a radio station which continues to evolve through the decades.”
The 30th milestone coincides with the recent appointment of David Tighe as Managing Director of Bauer Media Group – Northern Ireland, the parent company of Cool FM, Downtown and Downtown Country, marking another progressive step for the local radio stations.
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