Stuart Fogarty

Our January Sale will come to an end shortly…..saving you 50% on our already discounted rates.

It’s been huge and we’re grateful for all your support and bookings – we are. thank you.

One week left, so do shout.

 

From Checkout

Carlsberg Group has completed its acquisition of Irish soft drink maker Britvic Ireland, it was announced today.

The completed acquisition follows Carlsberg’s purchase of the Ballygowan-maker’s parent company Britvic plc.

Carlsberg will retain Britvic Ireland as a standalone soft drinks business, with managing director Kevin Donnelly remaining at the helm.

In addition to this, the acquisition will not impact any roles in the company’s Irish operations.

Britvic Ireland will continue to produce and sell its portfolio of soft drinks – including MiWadi, Club, Cidona and TK.

Similarly, Diageo will continue to sell Carlsberg alcoholic brands in Ireland.

The company has been manufacturing soft drinks at Kylemore Road in Ballyfermot for the past 50 years and has been bottling Ballygowan at Newcastle West in Limerick for 35 years.

Britvic Ireland remains the only large-scale soft drinks manufacturer in the Republic of Ireland. It employs over 400 people.

Today’s deal establishes Britvic Ireland as the only standalone soft drink company in Carlsberg’s Western Europe operations.

‘Combined Strengths’

Speaking about the acquisition, the Carlsberg Group EVP of Western Europe Søren Brinck said, “Today marks a pivotal milestone in the history of the Carlsberg Group as we welcome the acquisition of Britvic Ireland.

“Carlsberg Group has extensive and successful experience with soft drinks in various markets, and Britvic Ireland has an exciting portfolio of brands and products that are beloved in the Irish market.

“With the acquisition, Carlsberg also further strengthens its existing relationship with PepsiCo and will now become their largest bottling partner in Europe.

“This deal brings together two businesses with strong values, growth ambitions, and a determination to positively contribute to communities, industry and the planet.

“We believe that our combined strengths will help us succeed as we plan for a better tomorrow together.”

Donnelly, the managing director of Britvic Ireland, added, “At Britvic Ireland we are very grateful for 16 wonderful years as part of Britvic plc.

“We are excited to join the Carlsberg Group, a larger and more global business.

“We look forward to accessing increased investment and capability to continue our growth journey and are confident that this acquisition will bring about exciting opportunities for the development of our brands, teams and operations.”

 

Read on…..

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From The Examiner

In what was a big year for Irish television, The Late Late Toy Show has yet again taken the top spot as the most-watched programme on Irish TV in 2024.

Sport made up the remaining nine of the top 10 most-watched programmes, with the Guinness Six Nations, All-Ireland hurling and football finals and the UEFA Euro 2024 final all featuring prominently.

 

From Irish Independent

From The Independent

It’s easy.

 

 

 

We already have discounted media prices on our platform and we haven’t increased them for the Sale.

So if you book any media at those published prices we’ll give you a further 50% off in price or, if you prefer, an additional 50% in the same media.

Just let is know Stuart@Admatic.ie.

You have to book in January during the Sale (which may end at our discretion before end January) but your ads can appear anytime January to December 2025.

So if you’re planning a campaign later in the year, now’s the time to book it.

Remember too, you’ll also not have to face the standard media prices increases, normally January 31st!

The only condition is that the invoice value has to be 5,000 euro+ (plus VAT) at least (10,000 euro of media therefore).

Cal us too 085 7100458

 

 

 

 

 

From Business Plus

A third (33%) of the 336 business leaders questioned for the B2Best research in February said they are more optimistic about the economy than they were a year ago.

A further quarter (27%) said they saw no change in their optimism levels year-on-year while four in 10 businesses (40%) are less optimistic about the Irish economy than they were this time last year, the research conducted for Business Plus by Amárach shows.

The vast majority (87%) of executives who responded work for Irish-headquartered firms, but of the 13% attached to multinationals, 38% said they are more optimistic and 33% are less optimistic about the economy compared to last year.

Just 32% of Irish-headquartered firms said they are more optimistic while 42% answered that they are less optimistic.

Around 26% of Irish and 29% of foreign firms answered ‘no change’.

B2C firms (47%) stood out as being less optimistic than average, while B2B (38%) and mixed (36%) companies were below the average for economic pessimism.

Conversely, a third of B2C firms (33%) answered that they are more optimistic year-on-year, slightly more than mixed businesses (31%) but less than among B2B firms.

Some 34% of mixed companies answered no change compared to 21% of B2C and 27% of B2B.

Exporters (37%) were more likely to answer that they are more optimistic about the economy than non-exporting firms (30%).

Optimism was higher among respondents when they were asked about their own company’s growth prospects, with 43% answering that they are more optimistic than last year against 30% who are less optimistic and 27% who are the same.

Again, foreign-headquartered multinationals (56%) were generally likely to answer that they are more optimistic than Irish-based firms (41%), and the inverse was true for being less optimistic (22% vs 32%).

The proportion of SMEs (42%) and corporations (44%) answering that they are more optimistic than in 2023 were similar, but small businesses (33%) were significantly more likely than corporates (24%) to be less optimistic about their growth prospects.

In terms of market focus, mixed companies were the most likely to be more optimistic about their fortunes (46%) compared to B2B (44%) and B2C (40%), and B2C (33%) firms were most likely to be less optimistic versus B2B (30%) and mixed (27%)

Firms that export (48%) abroad far over-indexed the average for being more optimistic about their prospects while non-exporters (40%) were below average.

Amarách conducted the research from 1-19 February among a sample of 336 decision-makers in Irish organisations using an online survey questionnaire designed in collaboration with Business Plus.

 

From RTE

A fresh start to 2025 with new faces, familiar voices and plenty of Irish music to keep us entertained through the winter days and nights.

Non-stop weekend entertainment starts as always on Friday nights: Patrick Kielty rang in the new year for the nation with a star-studded guest line up and will continue that trend with The Late Late Show (421K, Ads 15+, 1.5M streams) every Friday night starting with the celebration of Tradfest. Expect a fantastic blend of traditional tunes and songs by a hand-picked group of Ireland’s finest musicians including Sean Keane, Aoife Scott and Mike Hanrahan.

There’s an all-new Irish line-up on Saturday nights, which becomes the new destination for Ireland’s Fittest Family (400K, Ads 15+, 356K streams) followed by a new season of The Young Offenders (1.6M streams). The Tommy Tiernan Show (371K, Ads 15+, 826K streams) then returns with a new series of his show, where guests from all walks of life open up about their personal life and career experiences.

Dancing with the Stars (450K, Ads 15+, 500K streams) returns on Sunday nights for its 8^th season. This year, dancer Karen Byrne has set aside her glitterball and replaces it with a judging paddle as she takes her seat as the 4^th judge. There’s a host of new Irish celebrities putting on their dancing shoes and sequins and competing to lift that famous glitterball. The Dancing with the Stars Ireland: Official Podcast will also return on January 6th, presented by Carl Mullan, Lottie Ryan and Laura Fox.

Dermot Bannon is back on Sunday nights for a new season of Room to Improve (620K, Ads 15+, 1.1M streams). Four families from across Ireland have chosen Dermot as the architect for their new feature build with everyone challenged to keep within budget as he tries to turn each house into a dream home. There’s a bonus episode this year featuring former Dancing with the Stars judge Julian Benson, as he prepares to open a dedicated facility in Dublin for the families of Cystic Fibrosis patients. Architect Hugh Wallace then takes up the design baton with Great House Revival (336K, Ads 15+, 397K streams) as he follows homeowners across Ireland as they attempt to restore and transform their derelict heritage properties into comfortable homes fit for modern day living. Following its highly successful first season, Cheap European Homes (208K, Ads 15+, 55K streams) returns with an extended format of hour-long episodes. This time Ireland’s favourite bargain house hunter Maggie Molloy, travels to France, Spain, Portugal and Italy in search of dream properties that won’t break the bank. The search for Ireland’s Home of the Year (309K, Ads 15+, 780K streams) takes place once again. The judges will visit some exceptionally beautiful homes across the country, allowing us all to sneak a peek inside.

There’s also quality Irish programming throughout the week. Monday nights will feature brand-new gripping documentaries, with subjects including former solicitor Michael Lynn, who went on the run when faced with multi-million-euro fraud allegations, leading to a decade-long Garda mission for him to face justice on Irish soil. There is also a two-part series that charts the rise of Gerard Hutch, known as The Monk, from small-time inner-city criminal to major gangland figure.

High Road, Low Road (270K, Ads 15+) returns with a cast of unusual and sometimes mismatched celebrity couples heading off to a set of holiday destinations for unforgettable adventures of discovery, culture and fun. However, as fans of the show will know, while both are headed to the same location, they have very different experiences, often with hilarious consequences.  The much-anticipated final series of Yellowstone comes to RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player as Kevin Costner has traded in his cowboy boots to become governor of Montana, and his children will remain at his side as they battle new villains to uphold their legacy over the Yellowstone ranch.

Thursday nights on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player will feature a combination of comedy with a little touch of love at first sight! The second series of No Worries if Not! will see more unique comedy sketches with some of the biggest stars of Irish online comedy coming together to write and deliver one-liners like no other. Next, we’re off to the First Dates (156K, Ads 15+, 789K streams) restaurant to catch up with teenage romantics, flirty thirties and seductive seniors; this year the series features people of all ages from student freshers to fresh-faced septuagenarians. It’s a season packed with unexpected revelations, drama and diversity, so take a deep breath and prepare to feel your heart melt!

The new year will also feature a jam-packed new and live sports schedule as Champions League returns earlier than usual with the new season commencing on Wednesday nights in early January. URC, Investec Champions Cup and Six Nations (Live play only: 411K, Ads 15+, 870K streams) will capture the attention of all rugby fans with prominent fixtures that promise to have you on the edge of your seat, while the Allianz GAA league with all the new GAA rules will also be up and running. Racing will be live from Leopardstown and the League of Ireland will be in full action on Friday nights, live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player.

There’s a host of new Irish language programming on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player. Fóram, RTÉ’s new weekly current affairs, presented by journalist Caoimhe Ní Laighin, will discuss the political stories of the week, as well as stories from around the country.  2024 was the year of global elections, and in Vótáil Cormac Ó hEadhra takes a look back at Ireland’s love/hate relationship with General Elections and the hype of the campaigns. Scéalta na Lochanna is a captivating documentary series on Ireland’s two largest lakes, Lough Corrib and Lough Neagh which explores the history, culture, environment and industry on these beautiful bodies of water.  Aistear an Amhráin returns to RTÉ One this spring to explore the stories behind some of Ireland’s most loved and popular songs. Series two includes the heartbreaking ballad Grace made famous by the late great, Jim McCann and Spandau Ballet’s 80’s anthem Through the Barricades, which Gary Kemp was inspired to write following the tragic death of band roadie, Thomas Reilly. Tarrac na Farraige is a new series which focuses on the fishing industry in Ireland. The ambitious series follows a colourful and diverse cast throughout Ireland’s coastal communities, as they grapple with a fragile industry on the cusp of change. In Réiteoir, Gráinne McElwain investigates referee abuse across Gaelic games. Saol na Feirme follows farmers from all over Ireland over one full farming year and on the first of February we celebrate St. Bridget’s day, with the second edition of Na Féilte Tine-Imbolg.

Returning to RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player is Other Voices, the much-loved winter music festival that has welcomed some of the world’s most eclectic music-makers and captured on film scores of unique, one-off live performances.

RTÉ will also provide a diverse slate of quality Irish content for Ireland’s youngest audiences from original Irish animation, live action and educational content. Sir Mouse returns in January with some fresh adventures, following the bossy knight and her gentle friend Dragon in a medieval world full of daring tales. Brand-new Maddie + Triggs brings more music and sound discoveries while Storybud offers new hilarious celebrity stories with Jason Byrne and Tara Lynne O’Neill. Plus, Hey Fuzzy Yellow is back to encourage kids to think independently and express themselves through exploration and play.

2FM Rising has launched its artists for 2025, including Amble, Annie-Dog, BOLD LOVE, CamrinWatsin, Celaviedmai, Cliffords, ESSIRAY, F3miii, Fortúne Igiebor and Pastiche. They will all be championed by 2FM throughout the coming year, focusing particularly on acts unveiling new music and interviews.

On RTÉ Radio 1, Bridget’s Way, presented by Doireann Ní Ghlacáin, celebrates both the ancient act of pilgrimage and the women of Ireland as it follows the newly established ‘Saint Bridget’s Way’ 9-day pilgrimage. Listeners in search of fresh restorative fare should check out Continental Riffs, where two creative figures talk informally to each other about journeys both real and metaphorical, inspired by the continent of Europe.

RTÉ Documentary on One presents a new podcast series ‘Where is Jón?’ outlining the bizarre and unexplained disappearance of poker player Jón Jónsson. ‘Insights with Sean O’Rourke returns for a fourth series. Among the guests preparing to sit down with Sean will include gardening sensation Diarmuid Gavin, designing legend Paul Costelloe and literary royalty Cathy Kelly.

Director of Video at RTÉ, Steve Carson, said: “Our new year schedule is all about great quality Irish programming, for everyone. The weekends are filled with fantastic entertainment, and we’ve lots of live sport, new Irish music and important documentaries, each one reflecting a unique aspect of life in Ireland. Every programme is crafted by dedicated production teams, and we’re thrilled to work with and support the Irish creative sector as we focus on entertaining and informing all our audiences”

 

Sources:

• TV data based on average Adults 15+ audience for latest series
• RTÉ Player data based on all streams for 2024
• Ireland’s Fittest Family based on 2023 data

 

From Breaking News:

A watershed ban on television and radio alcohol advertising is to be introduced next month when new legislation is enacted.

The aim is to protect children from exposure to alcohol advertising and to break any positive associations that may exist between alcohol and lifestyle

On January 10th, the hours permitted under the Broadcast Watershed provision of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act restricts the hours permitted for advertising alcohol products on television and radio to reduce children’s exposure to alcohol advertisements.

In November last, then Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly commenced the Broadcast Watershed provision of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act. The Act was developed in 2018 to address the harmful consumption of alcohol in Ireland.

So far 28 of the 31 provisions of the Act have been commenced and of the three sections that remain to come into force section 13 of the Act regulates the content of advertisements for alcohol products and limits that content to factual information only.

In addition, advertisements for alcohol products will be required to include health warnings and details of the Health Service Executive (HSE) alcohol information website

The aim is to protect children from exposure to alcohol advertising and to break any positive associations that may exist between alcohol and lifestyle, according to a Department of Health spokesperson.

“Work on the drafting of the advertising Regulations is continuing in conjunction with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel. Once finalised, the draft regulations will require submission to the EU Commission for assessment and once they have completed that process, they will require notification under the World Trade Organisation (WTO) process,” the department spokesperson explained.

“Section 18 of the Act introduces a restriction to alcohol advertisements in hardcopy publications sold in Ireland. The provision, while limited to print media, aims to reduce exposure to alcohol advertising.”

A former Lord Mayor of Dublin and Independent councillor Christy Burke has called for an advert for the Rockshore lager which features Boyzone singer Ronan Keating to be removed due to what he calls the “glamourisation of drinking”. Rockshore, the Diageo-owned Irish lager and cider brand, unveiled the Christmas campaign last year

In the new festive advert Keating, who hails from Dublin, shares a reworded version of the 1963 Christmas classic It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year and shares the mic singing: “It’s the most wonderful time for a beer.”

However, the Dublin north inner city councillor believes the advert should be withdrawn from TV broadcasts. “The glamourisation of drinking by the creators of Rockshore should be withdrawn. I believe using a well-known figure such as Ronan Keating is trying to make drinking cool which of course would influence younger people.

“Mr Keating is an idol to a lot of people and of course children and younger age groups are going to take notice. Christmas can be a tough enough time for people domestically so glamourising drinking is not a good look,” Cllr Burke added.

Diageo has been contacted for comment.