There have been significant changes in the way in which Irish people access news, with smartphones now the defining device when it comes to accessing digital news in Ireland, according to new research commissioned by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI).

Among the key findings of the analysis undertaken by DCU’s FuJo were: news consumption is high in Ireland across all demographics, with 86pc of people accessing some news every day; digital migration is significant with 41pc of respondents stating that online is their main source of news; and 58pc think traditional news sources remain important – within these TV (37pc) is the dominant player (radio 14pc and print 7pc) .

Meanwhile, fewer than half of those surveyed (46pc) trust the news in general, but 57pc said they trust their chosen sources of news.

Traditional news is perceived to be more accurate, reliable and trusted than online news in general. TV news is seen to be more accurate than either print or online news.  

Across the domestic market, RTÉ dominates with 58pc watching TV news and 33pc listening to RTÉ radio news weekly. RTÉ news online is the most accessed digital news brand at 31pc. INM print publications capture 33pc of Irish news consumers weekly.

Social media is not as highly trusted as other news sources in Ireland. Just 7pc consider it a trusted source.

According to Kevin O’Sullivan, editor, The Irish Times; Marie McGonagle, a media law academic, NUI Galway; and Mark Little, CEO and founder, Storyful. 

“The universal provision of well-resourced news and current affairs and a culture of mature conversation, open debate and healthy dissent are essential elements of a democratic society,” said BAI chief executive Michael O’Keeffe.

“The increased availability and accessibility of news content are clear benefits of the digital age but these developments do not, of themselves, ensure plurality. Citizens need to be aware of, and be empowered to access, a diverse range of quality and culturally relevant content. Comparative and specific research is an essential building block in the process to deliver on this requirement.”  

Source: Businessandleadership

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