David Tighe has taken over as the new chief executive of Independent Radio Sales (IRS) the advertising sales house that represents 21 independent radio stations around the country.
Tighe, who takes over from Dan Healy, is one of the radio industry’s best known figures, having spent seven years as chief executive of Limerick’s Live 95FM. More recently he was interim chief executive of 4FM for a year and went on to become the first chief executive of Radio Nova. In 2011, he set up Planet Consultants, a media and marketing consultancy business. Tighe also acted as chairman of the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland (IBI) for three years and sat on the Broadcasting Complaints Commission for three years.
According to the Tim O’Keeffe, chairman of IRS,”we are delighted that David Tighe has joined IRS as CEO as he is a consummate professional with over 20 years experience in radio at a very senior level and more recently with his work in developing new media and digital strategies worldwide. We are confident that he will utilise his considerable experience, talent, enthusiasm and personal dynamism for the future development of our successful organisation. “IRS has been in a profit-making situation since 2011 and in the current year we are outperforming the market. With David at the helm we look forward to making further progress in helping our stations continue to deliver for our multitude of clients and for our audiences.”
Commenting on his appointment David Tighe adds: “I am absolutely delighted to have been appointed to this very important position in Irish broadcasting. This chance to lead and shape IRS is an opportunity I just could not miss and now I am in the position to deliver on that ambition. “I believe in the unique power of radio and I am looking forward to promoting and showcasing the excellent brands that IRS represents on a daily basis. Radio has many great strengths and listenership continues to be strong. I have spent the last few years working around the globe with media organisations. I look forward to using some of this insight in the months ahead to ensure the further growth and continued success of IRS.”
