Galway Bay FM has been acquired by a company that owns several independent radio stations, including Radio Nova, Ireland’s Classic Hits Radio and Sunshine 106.8.

Bay Broadcasting said that the move marked a significant expansion of its footprint across Ireland and reaffirmed its commitment to its local radio investments in Ireland.

The purchase is subject to approval by the CCPC (Competition and Consumer Protection Commission) and also subject to Ministerial approval.

In a statement, Kevin Branigan, Director of Bay Broadcasting, said: “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. 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”.

Speaking on behalf of the departing shareholders of Galway Bay FM, Peter Allen, Chairman said: “There were 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. We’re proud of what we’ve achieved and confident that Galway Bay FM will be in excellent hands.”

Galway Bay FM, which now has a weekly listenership of 132,000 people, 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.

A family-run business deeply embedded in the west of Ireland, the Tribune Group developed Galway Bay FM into a trusted voice for Galway city and county, serving a licensed audience aged 27–60.

Bay Broadcasting is a privately-owned Irish media company co-founded by Mike Ormonde and Kevin Branigan.

With the addition of Galway Bay FM, Bay Broadcasting will become the second largest radio group in Ireland — and the only Irish-owned radio group, now larger than Onic (formerly Wireless), operators of FM104/Q102 in Dublin, 96FM/103FM in Cork, Live 95 In Limerick and LMFM in Louth/Meath.

The purchase of Galway Bay FM will give Bay 810,000 listeners compared to Onic’s 796,000 listeners. The acquisition has already been approved by Coimisiún na Meán.