Latest figures show that the number of people listening to news and current affairs radio grew during the pandemic, with RTÉ's Morning Ireland broadcasting to just under a half a million listeners.

The JNLR listenership figures released today show that Morning Ireland is the most listened to radio programme in the country with 491,000 people tuning in every morning, a year on year increase of 62,000.

Liveline with Joe Duffy grew by 41,000 to 404,000 and is the second most listened to programme in the country, while the Marian Finucane Show, now presented by Brendan O'Connor has 382,000 listeners.

The News at One on RTÉ Radio One grew by 50,000 listeners to 370,000 while The Today Show, which was presented by Sean O'Rourke, Sarah McInerney and Claire Byrne during the period increased by 54,000 to 369,000 listeners.

Drivetime and the Tubridy Show also saw increases to their listenership figures.

Head of RTE Radio 1, Peter Woods described the growth as phenomenal and said programme teams and presenters had worked hard, often in trying circumstances to deliver the highest standards to listeners.

"This JNLR is a snapshot of what has been an incredible time in the lives of people in this country. The performance of Radio 1 across the board is phenomenal," said Mr Woods.

"It's a tribute to our programme teams and presenters, their hard work and enduring commitment - often, individually, in trying circumstances - delivering to the highest standards for our listeners. In this era when news is constantly questioned, RTÉ Radio 1 remains the trusted source and that is humbling for all of us here. Journalism matters."