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Scott Williams played a key role in the launch of Limerick’s New95FM (now Live 95) in the nineties.

Scott Williams, a central figure in the development and growth of Ireland’s independent radio sector, has been inducted into the prestigious IMRO Radio Awards Hall of Fame.

His induction, alongside John Bowman and Fr. Brian D’Arcy, celebrates his immense contribution to the airwaves. The ceremony will take place today at the IMRO offices in Dublin, ahead of the annual IMRO Radio Awards gala in Kilkenny on Friday.

Williams is noted as being the first voice heard on the independent airwaves when FM104 (then Capital Radio) launched in July 1989.

His career spanned decades, during which he served in numerous roles as a presenter, Programme Director, and Chief Executive.

His legacy is particularly strong across the independent regional network, including the Mid-West.

Williams was actively involved in the launch of several major stations, including Limerick’s New95FM, as Live 95 was called at the time. 

He also held strategic leadership positions across the country, serving as the Group Content Director for Wireless Ireland from 2017 to 2025.

During his term with Wireless Ireland, he oversaw content for some of the biggest stations in the country, including FM104, Dublin’s Q102, LMFM, Belfast’s U105, Cork’s 96FM and C103, and crucially, Limerick’s Live 95.

In this role, he was instrumental in leading teams to improved JNLR ratings and custom content offerings.

Williams has dedicated his career to collaboration and innovation within the radio sector. As Chairman of IBI, he spearheaded the ‘Choose Radio’ marketing initiative, which directly led to the establishment of Radiocentre Ireland.

His vision was also key to the launch of The Irish Radioplayer app in 2015, which was the first major sectoral initiative between RTÉ and the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland (IBI). This app now serves as the portal for all Irish independent and RTÉ stations.

Williams served as the Chairman of the Irish Radioplayer Steering Board from 2015 to 2024.

His dedication to accurate audience measurement was demonstrated during his time as Chairman of JNLR from 2018 to 2025. During this period, he oversaw the evolution of the listener survey to incorporate the analysis of digital listening alongside traditional FM delivery.

Williams’ impact has not gone unrecognised, as he has been honoured with a PPI Gold Radio Award in 2008 for the innovative ‘Make Small Print Big Print’ action campaign that aired on his Q102 Drivetime programme. He also received an Outstanding Achievement Award in 2016 for his work in the origination and delivery of the Irish Radioplayer app.

“The IMRO Radio Awards Hall of Fame is a celebration of enduring excellence, passion, and dedication to the craft of broadcasting,” said Chair of the IMRO Radio Awards, Chris Doyle. “It is a privilege to honour these remarkable individuals whose voices and vision have left a lasting legacy on our industry.”

Scott Williams stepped down from Wireless in January 2025 and now operates a small consultancy service, Billboard Productions.

His induction into the Hall of Fame solidifies his status as a true architect of modern Irish radio.

The other two inductees are John Bowman, a prominent Irish historian, journalist, and broadcaster, best known for his long association with RTÉ radio and television, and Fr. Brian D’Arcy,  presenter of ‘Sunday with Brian D’Arcy’ on BBC Radio Ulster.