Irish News Consumption Shifts as Public Engagement Evolves

Recent analysis reveals a notable shift in how the Irish public engages with news. According to the Core Research REVIEW 25, fewer individuals are aware of the news around them, yet those paying attention find the stories they follow increasingly significant. This duality highlights a transformation in news consumption patterns that has emerged over the past decade.

The Core Research dataset, which surveyed over 120,000 people, indicates that while general awareness of news has declined, the importance attributed to the stories that capture attention has intensified. This trend raises essential questions about whether people are becoming more selective in their news consumption, turning away from traditional outlets, or redefining what constitutes news altogether.

Changing Relationships with Information

A comprehensive examination of over 2,000 stories spanning various sectors, including politics, economics, and culture, illustrates a public recalibrating its relationship with information. The Reuters Institute Digital News Report revealed that 41% of respondents often or sometimes avoid news due to factors like mood impact or information overload. Despite this aversion, approximately 20% of people in Ireland pay for online news, reflecting a continued appreciation for professional journalism even amidst a self-imposed news diet.

Trust in news has also risen to 51%, maintaining high levels compared to international standards. Thus, it is evident that the public is not entirely rejecting news; rather, they are curating their news experiences. The Core Research REVIEW 25 notes that awareness of news events has decreased since 2015, particularly when compared to the heightened engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, among those who remain engaged, there is a growing sense that the stories they encounter are more meaningful.

Diverging Information Ecosystems

Data spanning ten years indicates that only one in 20 stories achieves over 90% awareness, illustrating that significant events, such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine or major political elections, capture widespread attention. However, the average awareness of stories has declined from nearly 70% in 2015 to below 60% in recent years. In contrast, perceived importance among those who do follow the news has increased from approximately 65% to over 70% today.

The Cultural Index, which measures the awareness and perceived importance of news stories, reveals that relevance is now often defined by a story’s significance rather than its reach. Many stories that may receive limited media attention gain higher importance among those who are aware of them, suggesting that public perception is shifting.

As awareness diminishes, understanding where people source their news becomes increasingly crucial. The Core REVIEW 25 survey found a widening gap between two distinct information ecosystems: one based on traditional media and the other shaped by personalized, algorithm-driven platforms.

Among older adults, traditional formats remain prevalent, with 57% of individuals 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 curated information from established institutions.

Conversely, younger generations inhabit a more personalized information environment. Approximately 48% of individuals under 40 stream online videos for news daily, while 38% receive news from social influencers. Engagement with platforms like Reddit also skews younger, emphasizing a shift towards information sourced from networks and micro-communities rather than traditional media outlets.

The consequences of these diverging ecosystems are profound, shaping how different generations interpret current events and envision the future of Ireland. Ultimately, the question may no longer be whether engagement with news is declining, but rather whether people are consuming entirely different realities.

Finian Murphy, a researcher and strategist focused on public sentiment, culture, and communities, highlights these crucial trends. As the landscape of news consumption continues to evolve, understanding these dynamics will be essential for media professionals and the public alike.

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