Local radios in NRW: Strengthening reporting from 2024!

Local radios in NRW: Strengthening reporting from 2024!

A lot is happening in the radio business in North Rhine-Westphalia. What is particularly exciting is the reorganization of the local radio stations, which is being initiated by the FUNKE media group. From January 2024, the editorial teams of Radio Mülheim, Radio Oberhausen, Radio Emscher Lippe and Radio K.W. move to the corporate headquarters in Essen. This is an important step towards collaboration - the goal: to sustainably increase reach and strengthen listener loyalty. FUNKE media group reports that the editorial teams are planning a lunch program together that will be broadcast from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Modernization is also on the agenda: four new studios with the latest technology and equipment are being built in the media house in Essen. Editors-in-chief, like the one at Radio Emscher Lippe, emphasize the importance of locally integrated reporting and proximity to the listeners. The creation of three new editorial positions is intended to strengthen the local team and further increase the quality of the programs.

Challenge and success in local radio

In the midst of these developments, however, the NRW local radio stations are celebrating a remarkable success: They are still the undisputed market leaders in the audio rankings. According to the current ma 2025 Audio II, which is published by the RADIO NRW was published, they reach 6.05 million listeners every day - for the 50th time in a row! They also record an impressive number of listeners of 2.886 million per day in the advertising-relevant target group between 14 and 49 years old.

Marco Morocutti, the managing director of RADIO NRW, expresses his gratitude for this success: “It is important to set the course for a modern, future-oriented structure in order to ensure the continued excellent success of our local radio stations,” says Morocutti. Despite increasing competition and changing media consumption patterns, local radio remains strong in the region.

A pair of glasses on the rose pond

And speaking of local topics: A citizen from Oberhausen has developed an inspiring idea. He creates “glasses” for the rose pond that enhance the view and beauty of nature even more. Of course, this creative campaign provides something to talk about and encourages people to engage with local conditions. The “Glasses of the Rose Pond” should not only function as a visual highlight, but also serve as a symbol of the connection between people and their surroundings, which is entirely in keeping with regional awareness. This is not just about beauty, but also about quality of life.

Overall, it shows that local radio in North Rhine-Westphalia and creative local projects go hand in hand to strengthen the community and promote awareness of regional issues. It remains exciting to see how developments in the radio sector continue to unfold and what impulses will come from initiatives such as the “Glasses of the Rose Pond”.