Ireland’s Evolving News Landscape: Engagement Drops, Importance Rises

Ireland is experiencing a significant transformation in how its citizens engage with news. According to the latest findings from Core Research, fewer people are aware of current events, yet those who remain informed consider the news they consume to be increasingly important. This shift reflects changing patterns in public interaction with information over the past decade.

The Changing Dynamics of News Consumption

Core Research’s recently released REVIEW 25 highlights a notable trend: while awareness of news has declined, the perceived significance of the stories that capture attention has intensified. This observation stems from analysis of over 2,000 stories across various topics, including politics, economics, and culture, with insights derived from interviews with more than 120,000 individuals in Ireland.

One of the report’s key findings is that 41% of people now actively avoid the news, citing factors such as emotional impact, information overload, and a focus on war and politics. Despite this, approximately 20% of the population subscribes to online news services, indicating a continued appreciation for professional journalism. Trust in news sources has also increased to 51%, suggesting a selective engagement rather than outright rejection of news.

Awareness Declines, Significance Grows

Data indicates that overall news awareness has dropped from nearly 70% in 2015, fell during the Covid-19 pandemic, and has now stabilized below 60%. Yet, for those who remain engaged, the perceived importance of news has risen from around 65% to over 70% today. This dynamic illustrates that while fewer individuals are following the news, those who do see it as more consequential, particularly in light of ongoing global uncertainties.

The Cultural Index, which assesses both awareness and perceived importance on a scale of 1 to 100, reveals that many significant stories receive limited media coverage but resonate deeply with those who are aware of them. Major events like the Ukraine invasion in 2022 and the reopening of businesses post-lockdown have captured national attention, while most stories do not achieve such widespread engagement.

As awareness narrows, understanding where individuals obtain their news takes on greater significance. Core Research’s findings show a clear divide between two distinct information ecosystems: one shaped by traditional media and the other driven by social platforms and personalized recommendations.

Older adults tend to rely on traditional news formats, with 57% of those over 40 watching live TV news daily, compared to 36% of younger adults. Radio and online news consumption follow similar patterns, indicating a preference for structured, curator-driven content among older generations.

In contrast, younger audiences are increasingly engaging with personalized news sources. Nearly 48% of individuals under 40 stream online video for news daily, while 65% use platforms like WhatsApp to share information. This demographic shift highlights a shift away from institutional sources towards networks and social connections, resulting in a more fragmented news landscape.

The implications of these trends are profound. As overall awareness of news declines, the significance of stories that do capture attention grows, shaping how different generations perceive Ireland’s challenges and future. The emerging question is whether people are disengaging from traditional news or simply consuming entirely different realities.

In summary, the Core Research REVIEW 25 underscores the evolving relationship between the Irish public and news. Engagement may be waning, but the importance attributed to the news that remains in focus is on the rise. Understanding these patterns will be crucial for media organizations as they navigate a rapidly changing information landscape.