Ireland’s Evolving News Landscape: Awareness Declines, Importance Grows

As the year draws to a close, a new analysis from Core Research reveals a significant shift in how the Irish public engages with news. The recently published Core Research REVIEW 25 highlights a paradox: while fewer people are aware of current events, those who do stay informed perceive the stories they follow as increasingly significant. This duality reflects a broader transformation in media consumption habits that has evolved over the past decade.

The dataset from Core Research, which includes responses from over 120,000 individuals in Ireland, has uncovered patterns indicating that public engagement with news is changing. The analysis encompasses more than 2,000 stories that span various topics, including sport, politics, and culture. It suggests a recalibration of the public’s relationship with information, where individuals are more selective about the news they consume.

A notable finding is that 41% of respondents frequently or occasionally avoid news due to its emotional impact, the overwhelming volume of information, or the prevalence of distressing topics like war and politics. Despite this, the appetite for professional journalism remains strong, with 1 in 5 people in Ireland subscribing to online news services, in line with European trends. Trust in news sources has also risen to 51%, marking a high level of confidence by international standards.

The data indicates that awareness of news has decreased compared to five years ago, especially when compared to the peak during the Covid-19 pandemic. Yet, those who remain engaged with news report a stronger belief in the importance of the stories they encounter. This suggests that while awareness is narrowing, the resonance of the news that reaches the public is intensifying.

Changing News Consumption Patterns

The Cultural Index, a measure that combines awareness with perceived significance, provides further insight into these trends. The average awareness of news stories has fallen from nearly 70% in 2015, dipped during the pandemic, and now stands below 60%. Conversely, perceived importance among those who remain informed has increased from approximately 65% to over 70% today. This indicates that while fewer people are following the news, those who do feel that it carries more weight, particularly in an era marked by global challenges.

Analyzing the sources from which the public obtains their news reveals a widening chasm between two distinct information ecosystems. Those over 40 years old tend to rely on traditional media outlets, with 57% watching live TV news or documentaries daily, compared to 36% of younger adults. Similar trends emerge with radio and online news consumption. For older generations, information is filtered through institutions that prioritize accuracy and context.

In contrast, younger adults, particularly those under 40, navigate a more personalized media landscape. Nearly 48% of this demographic streams online video for news daily, while 38% engage with content from social influencers. The use of platforms like Reddit is also more prevalent among younger users (26% compared to 15% for older individuals). Additionally, 65% of younger adults utilize WhatsApp groups for sharing news, highlighting a shift towards intimate, network-driven communication styles that prioritize personal connections over institutional narratives.

This divergence in news consumption may lead to differing interpretations of Ireland’s challenges and its future. As awareness of news declines and the significance of selected stories rises, understanding these distinct ecosystems will be crucial for assessing how various generations perceive and interact with the world around them.

Looking Ahead

The findings from Core Research underscore a critical question regarding the future of news consumption in Ireland: Are people disengaging from traditional news, or are they simply redefining what constitutes news? As the media landscape continues to evolve, it will be essential to monitor these trends to better comprehend the implications for public discourse and societal engagement.

Finian Murphy, a researcher focused on public sentiment and culture, emphasizes that this evolving relationship with news reflects broader societal changes. As various generations adapt to different sources and styles of information, the implications for journalism and public engagement will remain significant in the years ahead.

This analysis contributes to a growing understanding of how media habits are shifting in Ireland and beyond, providing valuable insights for policymakers, media organizations, and the public alike.