The latest annual Reuters Digital News Report for Ireland 2025 reveals that 5% of the Irish population is sourcing news from AI chatbots.
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This finding stands out in today’s report, providing a compelling glimpse into the evolving landscape of media consumption.
What’s Your Interest Level in News?
More than half—56%—of adults in Ireland express they are “extremely” or “very interested” in news. However, looking back ten years to 2015, that figure was significantly higher at 71%.
The report highlights ongoing trends that indicate a gradual shift in how engaged the public remains with news. Rónán Ó Domhnaill from Coimisiún na Meán notes, “What we are observing is a gradual but managed decline in the amount of trust and interest in news.”
Who Can We Trust?
In a media landscape frequently challenged by fake news and misinformation, it’s heartening to see that trust levels remain robust. RTÉ News leads in credibility, receiving a trust rating of 72%, alongside local radio news at 72%. The Irish Times follows closely with 70%, while the BBC also registers at 70%. Other sources include the Irish Independent at 68% and Newstalk, Today FM, and Sky News at 66%.
In an era saturated with options, these findings reinforce the argument for channeling resources into trusted news-gathering entities.
Local newspapers also showed promising trust levels at 71%. However, Dave O’Connell, editor of the Connacht Tribune, remarked, “While it’s great to see these trust levels, it’s a different story regarding sales. How do we transform this trust into sustainable careers within the industry?”
Dr. Eileen Culloty from DCU, who contributed to this research, emphasized that “local media enjoys strong public trust.” She also echoed O’Connell’s concerns, stating, “Trust alone doesn’t pay salaries or sustain newsrooms.” The key challenge remains in converting this trust into viable local journalism careers, ensuring that communities continue to receive vital information.
O’Connell highlighted the importance of Coimisiún na Meán’s support, particularly schemes aimed at local journalism and court reporting, as essential for bridging the funding gap necessary for quality news coverage.
Concerns About Fake News
People across all age groups express worry about misleading information online, with 68% saying distinguishing ‘real’ from ‘fake’ influences their news consumption. This statistic underscores the need for journalists to maintain diligence in their newsgathering and verification practices.
In a world where anyone can broadcast live, these insights confirm the resilience and significance of verified content. The expectations for quality, well-researched journalism remain high, affirming that these standards are crucial across various demographics.
Willingness to Pay for News
The report indicates that 20% of individuals are now paying for news subscriptions. A decade prior, only 7% had opted for digital news subscriptions, with The Irish Sun being the only national title behind a paywall at that time. Fast forward ten years, and the Irish Independent’s publisher Mediahuis recently celebrated surpassing 100,000 paid subscribers.
During the report’s launch, Samantha McCaughren from Mediahuis stated, “What we did 20 years ago, we don’t do now.” She elaborated on how their approach has evolved: “When we think about a story, we consider all angles. Is there a podcast element? A video component? We have entirely reimagined how we cover stories,” as she shared with RTÉ News.
This approach is now essential for any vibrant newsroom striving to stay relevant. The challenge of balancing commercial realities while delivering quality news remains a continuous struggle for news organizations.
A New Contender: AI Chatbots
Perhaps the most striking statistic from the report: 5% of respondents are using AI chatbots for news. This figure, presented in response to a question about platforms used in the past week, is the first of its kind and marks a significant new entry into the media landscape.
Television remains the leading choice, with 58% of people relying on it for news, followed closely by online news, also at 58%. Social media is utilized by 47%, while 36% of Irish individuals tune into radio for their news. This highlights the resilience of radio, particularly as its digital shift has evolved significantly in recent years.
Ten years ago, 69% of the public turned to printed newspapers for information, a figure that has declined to only 20% today. Interestingly, podcasts have gained traction as a news source, with 12% of respondents recognizing them as a means of information—higher than figures reported in the UK (7%) and the USA (15%).
With 19% of individuals expressing they are either “very” or “somewhat” comfortable using AI for news—especially among individuals under 35, who are nearly twice as comfortable—it’s clear that digital platforms will continue to shape the future of newsrooms. McCaughren highlighted the critical role of podcasts in the Mediahuis newsroom, with a dedicated team of 16 working on podcast content ranging from daily news to sports and crime.
As a concluding thought, I turned to an AI chatbot for a summary of this report, which aptly stated: “Irish audiences remain highly engaged and trusting in news at 56%, with strong trust levels for local radio/newspapers at 72%, but they exercise caution regarding AI.” This captures the sentiment well—while caution is warranted, AI represents a new frontier that could redefine the news landscape in Ireland.
Thus, as we anticipate the next report, observing the trends surrounding AI chatbots will be crucial. Audiences may exercise caution now, but the introduction of this new source of news marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for journalism in Ireland.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
