Shift in Irish News Consumption Reflects Changing Public Engagement

The landscape of news consumption in Ireland is undergoing a significant transformation, as highlighted in the recently released Core Research REVIEW 25. The study reveals that while interest in news remains, the manner in which the public engages with it has shifted dramatically over recent years. Notably, a growing number of individuals are becoming selective about the news they consume, leading to a paradox where awareness of stories is diminishing but the perceived importance of those stories is increasing.

Declining Awareness Amid Rising Significance

According to the findings from Core Research, which has surveyed over 120,000 individuals in Ireland over the last decade, there is a marked decline in awareness of current events. The research indicates that only one in twenty stories now achieve over 90% awareness, a stark contrast to previous years. Major events such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the reopening of businesses after the Covid-19 lockdowns have captured public attention, but these are exceptions rather than the norm.

As fewer people stay informed about the broader news landscape, those who do engage report that the stories they follow resonate more deeply. The data shows that while overall story awareness has fallen from nearly 70% in 2015, the perceived importance of news has risen from approximately 65% to over 70% today. This suggests a recalibration of the public’s relationship with news, where individuals are curating their information intake rather than outright rejecting it.

Emerging Information Ecosystems

The Core Research REVIEW 25 also highlights a growing divide in how different demographics access news. Older adults, particularly those over 40, continue to rely on traditional news formats. More than 57% of this age group watches live TV news daily, while 55% listen to radio news. In contrast, younger adults, particularly those under 40, are increasingly turning to personalised, algorithm-driven sources for their news. Nearly 48% of this demographic stream online video news daily, compared to just 30% of older adults.

This shift indicates a broader trend where individuals prefer news that is tailored to their interests, often sourced from social media influencers and peer networks. For example, daily engagement with platforms like WhatsApp is reported by 65% of younger adults, compared to 53% of those aged 40 and above. This trend raises important questions about the nature of information consumption and its implications for public understanding of national and international issues.

The divergence in news consumption practices suggests that the future generations are perceiving reality through a lens shaped by personal networks and content algorithms, rather than through institutional sources traditionally seen as authoritative. As the gap between these two ecosystems widens, it is crucial to understand how this affects public perception of Ireland and its challenges.

In conclusion, while the number of people engaged with news may be decreasing, the stories that resonate are seen as increasingly important. The data from Core Research emphasizes the ongoing evolution of news consumption in Ireland, reflecting broader shifts in how society interacts with information. As individuals navigate this changing landscape, the focus may no longer be solely on engagement with news, but rather on the distinct realities shaped by their chosen sources.

Finian Murphy, a researcher and strategist focused on public sentiment and culture, underscores this pivotal moment in news consumption. The implications of these findings are far-reaching, suggesting a need for both media outlets and consumers to adapt to a landscape that is continually evolving.