Irish Enthusiasm for News Remains High, Local Outlets Reign Supreme in Trustworthiness
Ireland stands out in the European media landscape, boasting a robust appetite for news that surpasses the continental average and even outpaces the United Kingdom and the United States. A new report, the Digital News Report Ireland 2025, reveals that 56% of Irish citizens express a high level of interest in news, a significant 11 percentage points higher than the European average of 45%. This fervent engagement with current affairs highlights the importance of news consumption within Irish society. The study, conducted by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at Oxford University and analyzed by Dublin City University’s FuJo Institute, paints a picture of an informed populace with strong connections to traditional news mediums.
The cornerstone of Ireland’s media landscape remains its local news outlets. Trust in local radio and newspapers shines through, with both formats registering over 70% approval ratings from respondents as their most trusted news sources. This unwavering faith in community-focused journalism underscores its vital role in keeping Irish citizens informed about local developments and fostering a sense of connection within their communities. RTÉ, Ireland’s national public service broadcaster, enjoys a similar level of trust, further emphasizing the public’s preference for established, credible news organizations.
While traditional platforms remain strong, the digital realm is increasingly influencing how Irish audiences access news. Online platforms, excluding social media and blogs, match television as the primary news source, with both reaching 58% of respondents. Social media also plays a significant role, with nearly half of those surveyed (47%) using platforms like Facebook and Twitter for news consumption. Radio maintains a healthy listenership at 36%, while print newspapers, although facing digital disruption, still hold a 22% share of the news consumption pie.
The rise of newer digital formats like podcasts further diversifies the Irish media landscape. With a 12% reach, podcasting in Ireland surpasses both the UK and the European average, demonstrating its growing appeal as a news source, albeit lagging behind the US adoption rate. The report also acknowledges the nascent presence of AI chatbots in the news dissemination sphere, currently reaching a small but potentially growing 5% of the population.
Addressing the ever-present challenge of online misinformation, the report highlights a significant concern amongst Irish citizens. Two-thirds of respondents expressed worry about distinguishing real news from fake news on the internet, a sentiment echoed across all age groups. This widespread anxiety underscores the urgent need for effective strategies to combat disinformation and empower citizens with critical thinking skills to navigate the digital information landscape.
The report’s findings offer a comprehensive overview of the evolving news consumption habits of Irish citizens. The sustained high interest in news, coupled with the continued trust in established media outlets, underscores the importance of quality journalism in Irish society. The increasing adoption of digital platforms, along with the growing popularity of podcasts, signals a shift in consumption patterns, while the widespread concern about online misinformation necessitates ongoing efforts to promote media literacy and combat the spread of false information. The media landscape continues to evolve, and understanding these trends is crucial for both news providers and consumers alike.