Young readership figures particularly encouraging as latest JNRS shows more than ¾ of 15-24 year olds “regularly read a newspaper”.

Ireland remains one of the most literate societies in the developed world, with more than 2.9 million people or almost 82% of the adult poulation regularly reading a newspaper.

The latest Joint National Readership Survey (JNRS) shows that, despite the array of media channels available, newspapers still represent the ‘tried and trusted’ source of news and information for most people.

And even though the most recent readership figures are down slightly on the last survey, National Newspapers of Ireland (NNI) says that consumers are as loyal as ever to their preferred newspaper.

“There’s no evidence that people are giving up reading newspapers,” says NNI’s Frank Cullen. “If there’s a slight dip in the readership figures it’s mainly down to economic issues, in particular the fact that there are now fewer people in work and therefore fewer newspapers being shared around the workplace.

“The latest JNRS is actually very encouraging, with 64% of people saying they are completely loyal to their newspaper and would not change,” Mr Cullen said. “They might occasionally go without a newspaper to save money – just as they might skip the takeaway coffee in the morning – but their loyalty remains undiminished; they are still newspaper readers.”

Of particular encouragement to the newspaper industry will be the findings relating to young people, with the latest JNRS showing that 75% of all students and 77% of 15-24 year olds regularly read a newspaper.

“Like in other countries, our young people source their news and information from a variety of media including the internet, social media and television,” said Frank Cullen. “Unlike most other countries, our young people are also extremely enthusiastic readers – that’s a positive reflection on our society and it’s something we can be very happy with.

“We have a range of Newspapers in Education initiatives going on, and in that context the latest JNRS is very encouraging,” he said. “We want people to start reading at an early age and we want them to continue reading and enjoying newspapers throughout their life.”

The latest JNRS also shows that:

• 9 out of 10 adults who own stocks and shares read a newspaper regularly
• 8 out of 10 people who have insurance, a pension or health policy and those with a mortgage / credit union or bank account read a newspaper regularly
• More than 8 out of 10 people who plan to buy a car in the next 12 months read a newspaper regularly
• 8 out of 10 people who plan to buy or sell property read a newspaper regularly