Public puts ‘significant value’ on newspapers

IRELAND’S deep-rooted traditional newspaper following means consumers will continue to place a “significant value” on commentary and opinion provided in print.

A report on the industry prepared by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) said a migration from print to online media will not impact in Ireland to the same extent as other countries.

Partner with PwC entertainment and media practice in Ireland, Ann O’Connell, said: “Despite the current difficulties facing the market this is an exciting time to be part of the newspaper industry as it continues to evolve to meet the requirements of its readers and their demands for an ‘old’ world content delivered to them via ‘new’ world technology.”

According to PwC in this period of “uncertainty” those in the industry who “embrace the challenges of a changing marketplace will survive”.

The report by PwC conducted among 4,900 respondents was drafted in conjunction with the World Association of Newspapers (WAN).

The report notes that in Ireland, newspaper sales are not declining to the same extent as in other parts of the world. However, numerous issues exist, such as the dramatic slowdown in advertising revenues and the ongoing migration of readers to online sources for content.