With a presence that spans almost two decades on the White Isle, Ibiza Global Radio is undeniably one of the island’s heritage brands. But to enjoy continuous success in this ever-changing, highly competitive place, you have to be able to review, adapt and transform with the times.
Under new management since 2021, the multi-platform broadcaster and publisher has done just that. And after current CEO Daniele Luppino took over the reins of the Ibiza Global empire, this year has seen another big shake-up that is set to propel the brand to the next level.
After more than a decade, island favourite and international DJ and music promoter Igor Marijuan has returned to the Ibiza Global airwaves as operational director, a station that he started back in 2004 and directed for two years before moving on to other musical adventures.
Since his return in early 2023, he has already streamlined the station’s output, overseen the opening of the new studio in Playa d’en Bossa and worked relentlessly to generate new partnerships on the island. Marijuan also plays an instrumental part in taking the iconic Ibiza Global brand beyond the Balearics and out into the world – more on that later.
He says, “I feel very proud that Ibiza Global Radio entrusted me with the direction of the station that I consider the pioneer of electronic music here on the island.
“When I created the project 19 years ago it was in response to the appetite that Ibiza had for this sound, it was the time when the international promoters began to arrive on the island and so the radio played a very big role in the electronic music industry worldwide. Ibiza Global Radio was the first station from Ibiza to transmit this kind of sound from the island. And to come back to it after so many years being involved with other broadcasting projects feels like coming full circle to me.
” Speaking about his vision for the future of the brand, he continues, “My idea is to rebuild Ibiza Global Radio into the linear station it should be in the 21st century. Based on that, we’re going to push the live content as much as possible, which is not usual these days.
“Our motto has always been ‘From Ibiza to the world’ and we want to help our listeners stay connected to the island through the radio – even long after their holiday, wherever they live. This year, we have new shows, new selectors, new connections… and it’s really exciting to see how much the people want to be part of the Ibiza Global Family.”
Indeed, the Ibiza Global clan continues to grow. 2023 has seen the opening of a new studio in Playa d’en Bossa, complete with a bar called Ibiza Global Point where fans, friends and family of the station can stop by, listen to the music and enjoy a drink – perhaps with one of their favourite DJs as they come in and out for their live shows.
Igor says, “The location of the new studio is just amazing because it is at the core of the electronic music scene in Playa d’en Bossa. And finally, we have a studio with sea views – which is totally amazing and connected to Ibiza’s spirit!
“It’s also the first time ever that we have a physical touchpoint for our listeners rather than being this ethereal presence on the airwaves. This was really important to me, that the people can feel the radio, and hopefully we will open further Ibiza Global Points around the world.
” The opening of this first ‘bricks and mortar’ space is part of a worldwide expansion plan for the radio, which is already present in Mallorca, Milan and Dubai, and more destinations to open soon.
Last year, the station further expanded its reach through its collaboration with Grupo Prisa in Madrid, a renowned Spanish-language broadcasting conglomerate whose radio division is the largest Spanish-language radio group with around 22 million listeners in Spain and Latin America.
By partnering with PRISA’s broadcast platform LOS40 (formerly known as Los 40 Principales), Ibiza Global Radio’s line-up of DJs takes over the airwaves of LOS40 DANCE with “BEACH BEATS” every day to transmit the essence of the island through the most avant-garde and emotive Organic House, Deep House, Tech House and Melodic Techno tracks as well as other styles of electronic music.
Furthermore, in 2023 the Ibiza Global Festival is set to return to the shores of San Antonio again, even bigger than its successful first edition, and with plans to take the event off-island and onto the European mainland. After launching in Ibiza on August 11th and 12th, the electronic music gathering will pop up in Barcelona and Madrid, Spain, and Milan, Italy.
Ibiza Global Radio – taking the sound of White Isle around the world with big steps!
