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The acquisition of Galway Bay FM by Radio Nova and Classic Hits Radio operator Bay Broadcasting has been cleared by regulators.
Bay Broadcasting, which also runs Sunshine 106.8, said last month that the move marks a significant expansion of its footprint while bringing its total listenership to 810,000, making it the second largest radio group in Ireland.
Galway Bay FM is the licensed broadcaster for Galway City & County and has a market share of 34 per cent. The station, which currently employs 25 people, launched in 1989 under the name Radio West before rebranding in 1993. Connacht Tribune became sole owner of Galway Bay FM in 2006.
“Galway Bay FM stands out as one of Ireland’s most respected local stations, with a loyal audience and a strong local identity. It’s one of the most enduring local radio stations in the country and its track record speaks for itself," said Kevin Branigan, director of Bay Broadcasting.
"We look forward to working with the excellent team in Galway Bay FM and to continuing the station’s proud position as the leading radio service in Galway”.
Peter Allen, the outgoing chair of Galway Bay FM, said there had been several interested parties but Bay Broadcasting was the "clear choice".
"Their respect for local radio, strong track record, and Irish ownership aligned with everything we’ve worked to build over decades really stood out. The shareholders – many of whom are families with generations of involvement – wanted to ensure that the station's future remained rooted in Galway," he added.
Branigan and Mike Ormonde founded Bay Broadcasting in 2008. The acquisition will increase its headcount to 85.
Guinness to sponsor Aer Lingus College Football Classic
Guinness will sponsor the next two Aer Lingus College Football Classics as the event's official beer partner.
As part of the deal, the Diageo stout brand will turn select Dublin pubs into fan hubs ahead of the American college football games at the Aviva Stadium.
Official tailgating pubs and events will be listed on the Aer Lingus College Football Classic game app, available for download on the Google Play Store and the App Store starting next week.
The pact covers the games between Kansas State University and Iowa State University. Texas Christian University will play the University of North Carolina next year in what will be the last game of the initial five-game series.
The Aer Lingus College Football Classic has that Guinness will sponsor the American college football series for the next two years.
The deal will cover the game at the Aviva Stadium on August 23 between Kansas State University and Iowa State University in what is 'week zero' of the 2025 college football season.
Texas Christian University will play the University of North Carolina next year in what will be the last game of the initial five-game series.
As part of the link up, select pubs across the city will also be turned into fans hubs for K-State and Iowa State fans.
Official tailgating pubs and events will be listed on the Aer Lingus College Football Classic game app, available for download on the Google Play Store and the App Store starting next week.
The Guinness Storehouse will also join in the celebrations, offering extended opening hours, themed food specials, and special activations like custom 'STOUTies' featuring team logos.
"We are incredibly excited to partner with the Aer Lingus College Football Classic," added Ross Bissett, commercial director for on-trade at Guinnes owner Diageo Ireland.
"Guinness has always been about bringing people together, fostering connection, and celebrating moments that matter.
"This partnership is a natural fit, and we are so excited for fans to experience our game week build-up in pubs and venues across the country.
"We can’t wait to create an unparalleled atmosphere of camaraderie and celebration for fans, both in Stadium for the game and across some of Dublin’s most renowned pubs.”
Catriona Byrne named EVOKE sales manager
Catriona Byrne has been named sales manager at EVOKE, Ireland’s leading digital destination for women, reaching over 1.4 million users each month.
Byrne brings more than two decades of experience in the media industry, having held roles at TV3/Virgin Media, The Irish Daily Star, and Reach PLC, where she served as head of sales across both digital and print platforms.
Most recently, she worked client-side as a head of brand where she led marketing, sponsorship, events, and hospitality initiatives, managing large-scale campaigns across multiple channels.
Commenting on her new role, Byrne said: “The opportunity to work on such a vibrant brand as EVOKE is incredible. I’ve followed EVOKE since its inception and have admired its growth and evolution.
"I know the audience well and am excited to collaborate with the team to drive the brand’s next chapter. I also look forward to collaborating again with all those great friends with whom I have worked for many years.”
Robbie Clarke rejoins RED C
Robbie Clarke has rejoined RED C Research as director of its Irish division.
Clarke previously worked for RED C from 2006 to 2016 before joining Empathy Research where he led award-winning projects for Kerry Foods, Bord Bia, Musgraves and Business in the Community Ireland among others.
In his more than 20-year career, Clarke has also worked for Millward Brown and The Leading Edge and has experience in research, brand strategy, and data-driven decision-making.
In his new role, Clarke will be responsible for leading client partnership, driving innovation in research design and mentoring the next generation of insight professionals.
“I’m excited to be joining the talented team at RED C. I’ve always admired their evidence-based, consultative approach to research and look forward to contributing to the continued success and innovation of the business,” said Clarke.
“We are thrilled to welcome Robbie Clarke back to the RED C fold,” said Richard Colwell, chief executive of RED C Research Group.
“Robbie’s proven track record in delivering actionable insights and his passion for research excellence aligns perfectly with RED C’s commitment to providing strategic clarity to our clients. His appointment marks an exciting addition to further our continued growth.”
Earlier this year, appointed Ciara Reilly to take over as managing director from co-founder Sinead Mooney.
WPP names Cindy Rose CEO
WPP has picked board member Cindy Rose to replace Mark Read at chief executive.
The Microsoft executive will be tasked with leading the advertising group's recover after it issued a major profit warning on Wednesday.
Rose has been on the WPP board since 2019 and will take over from Read on September 1 as he departs four months earlier than expected.
Shares in the British-headquartered group declined to a 16-year low following the profit warning and rose two per cent in early deals.
Rose has spent the past nine years in senior leadership positions with Microsoft, where she rose to chief operating officer of global enterprise and formerly headed its UK business. She has also worked for Disney, Vodafone and Virgin Media.
Rose is a graduate of Columbia University and New York Law School, and an Advisory Board Member at Imperial College Business School in London and McLaren Racing.
As WPP chief executive, Rose will be based in London and New York. She holds British and American citizenship and was awarded an OBE in 2019 for her services to UK technology.
“WPP is a company I know and love – not only from my six years on the Board but as a client and partner for many years before that – and I couldn’t be happier or more excited to be appointed as CEO. I began my career in the creative industries and this feels like coming home," said Rose.
“There are so many opportunities ahead for WPP. We have and continue to build market-leading AI capabilities, alongside an unrivalled reputation for creative excellence and a preeminent client list. WPP has the most brilliant, talented, creative people and I can't wait to write the company's next chapter together."
Flogas' Emerald Park advert makes utility feel like amusement
Every week, Amárach and Future Proof Insights share exclusive findings from their PRIZM+ ad testing service, showcasing best practice creative advertising in Ireland.
Set in the recognisable thrill of Emerald Park, Flogas' summer campaign sets out to do something rare, make utility feel like amusement. The creative leans into the metaphor of energy as a rollercoaster, linking the excitement of a theme park to the reliability of Flogas’ dual fuel offering.
The tone is light, familiar, and confidently Irish, balancing domestic realism with surreal humour. Subtle, repetitive cues reinforce the brand’s identity: the “gas man” line is both a literal description and a playful nod to Irish vernacular, which is quickly refined to “the gas and electricity man.”
This correction builds continuity with previous Flogas campaigns and supports memory encoding through repetition, making it easier for viewers to retrieve the message later.
At a neural level, the ad performs well. Engagement builds steadily, with memorisation peaking precisely where it should, alongside brand assets and verbal payoffs.
To read more on this advert, CLICK HERE.
Photo: Galway Bay FM's base on Sandy Road. (Pic: Bay Broadcasting)
