A study by Learning Waves and DCU also found the medium helped support communities and give them a platform over the past two years.
The report also found that radio played a key role in fighting misinformation and supporting communities during the pandemic.
The training body says while listenership grew, with 80 percent of Irish adults tuning in over the last two years. the significant economic challenges faced by the sector can't be underestimated.
The sector faced a lot of economic issues with the effective collapse of advertising revenue overnight.
The Government is being told that work needs to happen to ensure radio stations continue to function in the future.
Author of the study Colm Kearns says local radio stations need financial help from the Government to ensure they thrive
