Former LMFM chief Michael Crawley inducted into IMRO Radio Awards Hall of Fame

Former LMFM chief executive Michael Crawley has been inducted into the IMRO Radio Awards Hall of Fame following a 35-year career at the helm of the Drogheda-based radio station. Mr Crawley is one of four leading figures in Irish broadcasting selected for the honour in 2026, alongside Teena Gates of Bauer Media Ireland, Helen Ní Shé of RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta and RTÉ lyric fm presenter Marty Whelan. The four are being recognised for careers which have made a significant and lasting contribution to Irish radio, both on air and behind the scenes. Mr Crawley joined LMFM as CEO in June 1991 and remained in the position until June of this year. His departure from LMFM was announced as part of a wider review of operations by the station's parent company Onic. During his tenure, LMFM developed into the most popular radio station in the North East, a position IMRO says it has maintained since the mid-1990s. The station also secured numerous broadcasting awards during his time at the helm, including being named Local Radio Station of the Year on three occasions. Read more 'Unauthorised' stickers appear on cars in Louth estate amid ongoing frustration over illegal parking Mr Crawley's contribution, however, extended well beyond LMFM. He played a significant role in the development of Ireland's independent radio sector and was involved in establishing a number of important industry organisations and initiatives, including IRS, INN, Learning Waves and Radiocentre Ireland. He was particularly influential in the development of Learning Waves, championing its application to Skillnet Ireland and helping secure the support of independent radio stations for the training network. He subsequently became the first chairperson of the Learning Waves board, serving from 2004 to 2008 before returning to the role in 2011. Across two terms, he became the longest-serving chairperson in the organisation's history. Announcing this year's inductees, Chris Doyle, Chair of the IMRO Radio Awards Committee, said the Hall of Fame recognises people whose contribution to the industry has 'stood the test of time'. He said the four inductees had each made their mark in different ways through leadership, journalism, storytelling and their connection with listeners. IMRO said Mr Crawley's induction specifically recognises his leadership and role in building and developing the independent radio sector. The four will be inducted at a special Hall of Fame ceremony at the IMRO offices on Tuesday, September 15. The ceremony comes ahead of the annual IMRO Radio Awards, which will take place at the Lyrath Estate Hotel in Kilkenny on Friday, October 2.