Tag: podcasts

Digital News Report Ireland 2025

A majority of Irish people are either extremely or very interested in news, according to the annual Digital News Report Ireland 2025, published today by Coimisiún na Meán. Research for the Digital News Report is undertaken by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at the University of Oxford and analysis of the Irish data is provided by the DCU Institute for Future Media, Democracy and Society (FuJo).

The Irish Report, which is in its eleventh year, shows that most people in Ireland (56%) across all age groups are interested in news. This represents the highest level of interest in news since 2022, up 3 points from last year, but down from a peak of 70% in 2021, during the Covid pandemic. This enthusiasm for news puts Irish audiences ahead of their UK (39%) and US (51%) counterparts and ahead of the European average (45%).

When asked about trusted sources of news, RTÉ News (72%), local radio news (72%) and local newspapers (71%) emerge as the most trusted brands, underlining the continued importance of both national and local news sources for Irish audiences.

Rónán Ó Domhnaill, Media Development Commissioner at Coimisiún na Meán said: ‘’Coimisiún na Meán is delighted to offer our continued support to the Digital News Report Ireland, which reflects our commitment to a media landscape that consumers can trust, by supporting access to high-quality sources of news and information.

Whether watching, listening, streaming, or reading, the Digital News Report shows that most Irish people can’t get enough of news. It is encouraging to see that interest in news remains high in Ireland when compared internationally, even as the formats used to consume news continue to change. We are heartened to see the continuing trend of the Irish public’s unique and longstanding relationship with radio, which remains a cornerstone of Ireland’s media landscape. It is also important to see the trust Irish people place in local news sources, with local radio and local newspapers among the most trusted brands for Irish audiences.

While the Report gives us cause for optimism about the Irish news sector, considering the public’s strong appetite for news, we recognise that An Coimisiún’s ambition of developing and shaping a media landscape that reflects who we are as a society requires ongoing and sustainable levels of funding for media outlets to support high-quality journalism, and news that people can trust.’’

Key findings from this year’s Report include:

Interest in news – Interest in news in Ireland remains robust compared to other countries. 22% of Irish people say they are ‘extremely interested’ in news, with 34% saying they are ‘very interested’ and 33% saying they are ‘somewhat interested’. Just 3% say they are ‘not at all interested’ in news.

Trust in news – Overall, Irish audiences trust news more when compared to other countries. When asked if they trust the news most of the time, 50% of respondents in Ireland ‘agreed’ or ‘strongly agreed’, compared to 35% in the UK, 30% in the US and 39% for merged data from Europe.

Trust in brands – Traditional news outlets continue to perform well when Irish audiences are asked about their trust in brands. RTÉ News (72%), local or regional radio (72%), and local or regional newspapers (71%) are the most trusted brands. 70% of Irish respondents described the Irish Times as trustworthy, with the same percentage for BBC News, 68% for the Irish Independent and 66% for each of Newstalk, Today FM and Sky News.

Source of News – When asked which platforms you have used in the last week as a source of news, 58% of Irish respondents said television, with the same percentage (58%) citing online media (excluding social media and blogs). 47% say they have used social media as a source of news in the last week, with 36% saying radio, 22% saying printed newspapers, 12% saying podcasts and 5% citing AI chatbots.

Paying for News – The Report shows that 20% of people in Ireland are now paying for news, up from 7% in 2015 and a 3-point increase from last year. When asked if they have had a paid subscription/membership to a digital news service in the last year, the two frontrunners among Irish audiences are the Irish Independent (36%) and the Irish Times (33%).

Radio and Podcasts – In 2025, 11% of Irish respondents say they use radio as their primary source of news, which is significantly higher compared to the UK (8%), US (3%) or the European average (7%). When asked about the use of radio as a source of any news consumed, this figure increases to 36%. Irish audiences are also on-board with podcasts, with 12% listening to podcasts as a source of news in the last week, higher than in the UK (7%) and the European average (9%) but lower than the US (15%).

Artificial Intelligence – Audiences’ attitudes to the use of AI for news are changing. Last year, those ‘very’ and ‘somewhat’ comfortable with news mainly produced by AI with some human oversight were 15%. This has increased to 19% this year, with under-35s almost twice as comfortable as over-35s when considering the same measure.

 Disinformation and Misinformation – When asked for their thoughts about online news, 68% of Irish respondents say they are concerned about what is real and what is fake on online. All age cohorts show concern about fake information online, with the highest rate (72%) among those aged 65+ and the lowest rate (62%) among those aged 18-24.

Commenting on the Digital News Report Ireland 2025, Dr. Eileen Culloty, Deputy Director of the DCU Institute for Future Media, Democracy and Society (FuJo) said: ‘’Local media enjoy strong public trust, an indication of their deep roots in Irish life. But trust alone doesn’t pay salaries or sustain newsrooms. The big challenge is to convert trust into viable careers in local journalism so that local media can continue informing communities.”

Earlier this year, Coimisiún na Meán awarded €5.7 million through new Journalism Schemes, funded by the Department of Arts, Culture, Communications, Media and Sport and which covered Local Democracy and Courts Reporting. These Schemes have to date facilitated over 100 new or enhanced journalism roles in Ireland. By the end of this year, An Coimisiún will have run the second round of those Schemes, as well as two new Journalism Schemes, covering Digital Transformation and News Reporting.

The Digital News Report Ireland 2025 can be found on the Coimisiún na Meán website.

Shure MV7i Smart Microphone and Interface: The World’s First Microphone with Built-in Audio Interface

Shure has announced the MV7i Smart Microphone and Interface, at CES 2025. Featuring a world-first and patented technology, the MV7i sets a new standard of versatility and ease-of-use for podcasters, musicians, and streamers who require two channels of recording. Answering the needs of today’s creators, the MV7i enables users to directly connect a second XLR microphone of their choice or musical instrument (keyboard, guitar, etc.), eliminating the need for an external hardware interface. Designed to simplify the way creators record audio, the MV7i offers the same unmatched audio quality as the award-winning MV7+ – complete with onboard DSP and MOTIV Mix™ desktop and MOTIV mobile app integration.

Shure MV7i Smart Microphone

“Whether they’re recording a podcast with a guest or tracking vocals and instruments simultaneously in their home studio, creators need technology that simplifies their workflow and makes capturing audio seamless,” says Eduardo Valdes, AVP of Global Marketing and Product Management, at Shure. “The MV7i delivers the same renowned sound signature as the celebrated MV7+ and streamlines the creative process, saving creators from additional expenses and the hassle of confusing setups so they can focus on their craft and push boundaries, while we handle the technology. By combining Shure’s legendary microphone audio quality with an integrated interface, we’re eliminating complexity while maintaining professional standards, all in one elegant solution.”

Engineered for seamless two-channel recording, the MV7i supports diverse creative needs, from podcasting with a guest to recording vocals and instruments. The built-in interface lets users seamlessly connect a second microphone or instrument directly into the MV7i, and then control both channels of audio either in the MOTIV apps through a computer or phone or with any Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) and app. Its powerful, built-in Digital Signal Processing (DSP) engine ensures studio-quality sound on both channels, minimising production setup. Creators can adjust the DSP setting on each of the MV7i’s two channels independently.

Inspired by Shure’s iconic SM7B, the MV7i’s design is complemented by a durable metal chassis, ensuring longevity and reliability. The microphone includes a built-in combo XLR and ¼” input, enabling users to connect a second microphone or instrument with 60dB gain and 48V phantom power, compatible with both dynamic and condenser mics. The MV7i instantly detects input type and automatically selects and applies the appropriate DSP for the recording application. Its USB-C output ensures broad compatibility with Mac, Windows, and select mobile devices, and is MFi certified for iPhone and iPad use. Additionally, the colour-customisable LED touch panel provides intuitive mute control and a dual-channel LED display for quick, at-a-glance access, simplifying adjustments during recordings and livestreams. The MV7i is compatible with your favourite Digital Audio Workstation and streaming platform.

“Creators no longer need a separate interface. The MV7i puts it all in one convenient and space-saving package, designed for users regardless of their level of audio knowledge,” continued Valdes. “Customised control of the microphone through MOTIV Mix makes it even easier to use.”

Key Features and Benefits

  • Auto Level Mode with SmartGate™ Technology: Automatically calibrates gain based on proximity, volume, and room dynamics. SmartGate works with Auto Level Mode to dynamically reduce the volume of a channel when either of the two users falls silent, minimising crosstalk and guaranteeing that concurrent conversations do not disrupt the separate audio streams.
  • Real-Time Denoiser: Actively reduces ambient noise, ideal for podcasting and at-home recording.
  • Digital Popper Stopper™: Removes harsh plosive sounds, ensuring clear audio without a physical pop screen.
  • Adjustable Reverb: Select from three reverb types with customisable intensity, perfect for versatile recording environments.

The MV7i answers the increasing need for versatile, professional-grade recording solutions that can keep up with today’s fast-moving content landscape. With the explosive growth in podcasting, streaming, and home music production, creators require studio-quality audio solutions that are both powerful and intuitive. The MV7i’s innovative dual-channel capability addresses this demand head-on, extending Shure’s legacy of excellence in the creator and musician space.

MOTIV Mix™ Desktop App

Unlock the full potential of the MV7i through the MOTIV Mix app. This platform lets users customize the LED panel, access up to five multi-track recording and routing channels, and fine-tune settings like sound signature, gain, and more. At launch, users can leverage three powerful output configurations:

·       Mixdown Mode: Combines microphone and mono input audio into one mono audio output. Perfect for occasions when you want to use the audio quickly with no additional post-production.
·       Multi-Track Mode: Renders two separate mono audio tracks: one for the microphone and one for the XLR-1/4” input. Ideal when you want to keep the two tracks separate for further editing. 
·       Stereo Mode: Combines microphone and stereo input audio into one stereo audio track. Preserves the stereo audio from the Input and places mic input in both left and right channels. Great for voiceovers with stereo audio in the background.

MV7i Mobile Support The MV7i can be connected to smartphones or tablets over a USB-C cable, enabling users to record two channels of audio directly into their mobile devices. Users can record two channels of audio directly into their favourite apps or choose to leverage the Shure MOTIV Audio and MOTIV Video apps to record and adjust their preferred DSP settings while on-the-go.

Pricing and Availability
Shure is showcasing the MV7i for the first time at Pepcom CES Digital Experience in Las Vegas. The MV7i Smart Microphone and Interface is available now for £329 / €389 / $349 RRP. Each purchase comes with a quick start guide, 3m USB-C to USB-C cable, and download instructions for MOTIV Apps. For additional information on the MV7i Microphone, please visit www.shure.com/mv7i.

See our mic reviews 

Tech Review – XLR/USB Dynamic Microphone FIFINE K688

The FIFINE XLR/USB Dynamic Microphone K688 is a simple to use audio product well presented in the packaging it came in, setting up this mic could not be easier to only requiring minimal technical knowledge it is basically a plug and play unit that is also well built and constructed with just one wire for power ( in our review model) and a mount to hook up to existing equipment and is a standard.

There is one volume wheel and gain wheel under the base and easy to control and is one of the easiest mics I have tried to use and gives a much better audio experience for those listening rather than using standard audio on the products you use, the sound is crisp and clear no matter where you sit or have the unit placed..

The XLR participation upgrades the audio team so that you can trust it in guarding the sound quality reproduction. Achieving a 93dB S/N ratio in the actual test, the extremely low cable interference ensures the sound can be picked up without a miss.

Dual ports of XLR and USB give K688 a next level of flexibility. Plug and play USB-C still retains its consistent compatibility on computers, tablets, and PlayStation, providing great convenience for your impromptu recording needs.

In USB connected mode, fiddling the comprehensive features on the mic body around your fingers will make you feel like a pro audio engineer, the mute button, live monitor jack are your weapon to observe unexpected audio during recording. With the microphone and headphone level controls, you can easily run a pre-recording check or even make adjustments.

The cardioid pattern always focuses on your voice. The flatter frequency response shows that the K688 maintains excellent performance in all ranges: Keeping the bass thick enough without compromising the warmth of the mids, the highs are bright and crisp for recording vocal details.

The matte metal finish caters to minimalist style, the shock mount does an important job of resisting the rumbling noises of tabletop, if you notice the grey foam cover on top of the mic, the thick flocked filter is designed to provide more pops protection when talking to your audience.

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