88% regularly read newspapers

THE latest Joint National Readership Survey (JNRS) shows that more than 3.1 million people – 88% of the adult population – are regular readers of Irish newspapers. That represents an increase of more than 64,000 readers in the past 12 months alone.

The JNRS, covering the period July 1, 2008, to June 30, 2009, has further good news for the newspaper industry with more than 58% now reading any daily title and 71.4% reading any Sunday title, placing Ireland among Europe’s elite when it comes to newspaper readership.

National Newspapers of Ireland co-ordinating director Frank Cullen said the economic uncertainty suggests more and more people will be picking up a newspaper in the months ahead.

“A lot of today’s news is quite complex and requires a double take in order to fully grasp. People trust newspapers to get to the heart of the matter, and I’m confident that our readership figures will continue on this upward curve.

“The other traditional strengths of our medium – convenience, familiarity, value for money – areimportant factors as well,” he added, “and although times are tough, today is certainly a good day for Irish newspapers.”

The Irish Examiner has a daily readership of 210,000 readers, according to the JNRS. The figures show 80% of Irish Examiner readers read no other daily newspaper. The newspaper also recorded a 4% increase in the key AB category of readers.