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The Irish Independent has recorded the biggest increase in readership of any newspaper, the latest official figures show.
The number of people turning to the Independent for their daily diet of trusted news, authoritative comment, sport and entertainment has soared past half a million, to 521,000 readers. It represents a total increase of 44,000 readers from the same time a year ago.
"For that we are thankful to you, our loyal readers for placing your trust in the Irish Independent," said Independent and Independent.ie editor, Stephen Rae .
There was also good news for our sister title, the Evening Herald, which grew readership by 16,000 to 250,000 last year. That gives both titles a combined readership of 719,000 every day.
INM's Sunday title, the Sunday Independent, came in at 905,000 readers every weekend.
The JNRS (Joint National Readership Survey 2012) figures show that 200,000 more people read the Independent than the Irish Times. That differential is also reflected in the numbers turning to our magazines and supplements.
The Irish Independent has shown major gains in all the key areas, including ABC1 (up 18,000 readers to 264,000), Main Shopper (up 24,000), Greater Dublin (up 29,000), Rest of Leinster (up 40,000) and Rural (up 23,000), while our readers aged between 25-54 have climbed by 38,000.
Meanwhile, the latest ComScore figures for our website, independent.ie show that it is the No.1 news site on the island.
“Every day our readers join a community of people who require the highest standards and demand quality journalism,” said editor Stephen Rae.
“We have to deliver that content, in the best format, for each and every one of our readers across our platforms,” he said.
“I am committed to using the best writers and commentators and publishing the most insightful journalism and readers can see that in the addition of new columnists such as Liz ODonnell, Miriam Donohoe, Hugh O’Flaherty, John Downing and Sinead Moriarty along with established commentators such as David McWilliams, Martina Devlin and Ian O’Doherty.
The JNRS report also reveals that the Sunday Independent is the Sunday papers, with a massive 905,000 readers making it the best read paper in the country.
The newspaper's unique blend of news, comment, analysis, entertainment, business, lifestyle and sport continues to strike the perfect note with our readers nationwide every weekend.
"The title's fearless commitment to both challenging and setting the news agenda makes the Sunday Independent a must read for all key audiences to include 452,000 men, 453,000 women and 452,000 main shoppers making it the strongest advertising platform available in the country," said Group Marketing Manager Geoff Lyons.
Another leader within our group is the Herald with quarter of a million readers every day. That’s 66,000 more readers than the Daily Mail. The title has 206,000 readers in Dublin which is 65,000 more readers than that of the Irish Times, making it by far the best read newspaper in the Capital rivaled only by the Sunday Independent – the Herald is Dublin’s number one newspaper.
"The Herald is relentlessly committed to providing its readers with quality, relevant, entertaining and provocative journalism whilst also growing and developing our key partnerships with institutions such as Dublin GAA, Leinster Rugby and Schoolboy & Junior soccer leagues nationwide," said Lyons.
"We are delighted with the latest JNRS numbers, our commitment and goal is to publish the best products available in the country for our readers. We are single minded in this regard with innovation top of mind to both surprise and delight our valued readers. With our readers giving us their vote, we in turn provide our advertisers with the leading platforms and creative solutions for their brands."
