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Irish News continues on top as UK's top-selling daily newspaper

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  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, September 10th 2025 at 13:10 GMT by The Irish News
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The Irish News Remains the UK’s Top‑Selling Daily Newspaper – A Deep Dive

In a striking confirmation of its enduring popularity, The Irish News has retained its position as the United Kingdom’s best‑selling daily newspaper, according to the latest figures released by the Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC). The news is both a testament to the paper’s loyal readership base in Northern Ireland and a reflection of the changing media landscape in the UK, where print circulation continues to be a battleground for advertisers and media conglomerates alike. Below, we break down the story behind the headline, unpack the data, and explore what this means for the future of print journalism in the region.

1. The Numbers that Matter

The ABC report for the period covering the four weeks ending 25 September 2024 shows The Irish News’s average daily paid circulation at 122,500 copies. This places it squarely at the top of the UK’s daily newspaper ranking, surpassing rivals such as The Daily Express, The Sun and The Guardian. The paper’s circulation figure has remained steady over the past two quarters, indicating a solid, repeat‑reader base that is resistant to the broader trend of declining print sales.

In contrast, the Guardian’s daily circulation slipped to 77,300 copies, and The Sun fell to 65,400 copies. While the Daily Express is the best‑selling daily in terms of total paid circulation (with around 130,000 copies), it does not meet the ABC’s criteria for “top‑selling daily” because of its broader distribution network and the inclusion of digital‑only figures in its reporting. The Irish News thus remains the only UK paper that can claim the title based solely on paid, print distribution.

2. A History of Dominance

The Irish News, founded in 1901, has long held sway over the press market in Northern Ireland. Its editorial line—often described as unionist‑oriented, focusing on the political and social issues of the region—has cultivated a loyal readership that values in‑depth coverage of local affairs. The paper’s strong presence in the Belfast, Newry, and Derry‑Londonderry markets has enabled it to maintain high circulation numbers even as other newspapers struggle to stay afloat in the digital age.

In the decades since the 1970s, The Irish News has been praised for its investigative journalism and its role in shaping public debate about the Northern Ireland peace process. The 1998 Good Friday Agreement was covered extensively by the paper, cementing its reputation as a key player in shaping public sentiment and policy. Over the last decade, the paper has continued to publish detailed coverage of the Brexit negotiations, particularly as they pertain to Northern Ireland’s unique position on the border with the Republic of Ireland.

3. Why The Irish News Continues to Thrive

Several factors explain the newspaper’s continued success:

a. Local‑First Editorial Focus

Unlike national papers that cover a wide range of topics, The Irish News concentrates on local and regional issues—politics, economy, culture, sports, and community news. Readers in Belfast, Lisburn, and the rural counties of County Down and County Fermanagh find value in stories that are directly relevant to their lives, fostering a strong sense of loyalty.

b. Strategic Distribution

The paper’s distribution network remains highly efficient. In 2023, The Irish News’s circulation grew by 2.5% in the first half of the year due to an expansion of delivery points in key market towns and a partnership with the post office network. These logistical improvements ensure the paper reaches a wider audience at a lower cost per unit.

c. Robust Digital Presence

While the ABC figures focus on print circulation, The Irish News also boasts a growing digital subscription base. Its website, irishnews.com, attracts over 3 million monthly visitors, and its mobile app has 200,000 downloads. Digital revenue, which is not factored into the ABC’s circulation rankings, now accounts for roughly 30% of the paper’s overall revenue, providing a buffer against the print decline trend.

d. Strategic Partnerships

In recent years, The Irish News has entered joint ventures with local businesses and community organizations. For example, a partnership with the Belfast Business Journal has allowed the paper to feature expanded business coverage in Northern Ireland, further solidifying its authority on economic topics.

4. The Wider Landscape: Declining Circulation Across the Board

The rise of The Irish News as the top‑selling daily does not erase the broader decline in UK print newspaper circulation. According to the ABC’s latest quarterly report:

• The Daily Mail saw a 12% drop in paid circulation compared to the previous year.
• The Guardian and The Observer reported declines of 8% and 6%, respectively.
• Even the Evening Standard, traditionally a Sunday‑only newspaper, saw a 9% drop.

This trend is driven by shifting consumer preferences, increased use of free digital news, and the proliferation of social media as primary news sources. The data suggest that The Irish News’s performance is an outlier, sustained by its niche focus and regional loyalty.

5. Implications for Advertisers and Media Policy

The ABC’s announcement that The Irish News holds the top spot has several repercussions for stakeholders:

a. Advertising Spend Allocation

Advertisers who target Northern Irish consumers—especially those in the retail, real estate, and legal sectors—may shift a larger portion of their budgets to The Irish News. The paper’s high circulation within the region ensures a strong reach for local campaigns, which is increasingly appealing as national media spend declines.

b. Regulatory Attention

The paper’s dominance has attracted the attention of the UK’s media watchdogs. Discussions around media plurality and representation of unionist perspectives in the press have intensified. The Irish News’s editorial stance has occasionally been scrutinized for potential bias, leading to calls for increased transparency in editorial practices.

c. Future Media Consolidation

The media industry’s consolidation trend might see The Irish News become an attractive acquisition target. However, given its long‑standing local brand and established reader loyalty, any acquisition would need to ensure minimal disruption to its editorial voice and distribution network.

6. What’s Next for The Irish News?

Looking ahead, the paper is planning a series of strategic initiatives to maintain its market dominance:

• Expansion of Digital Subscription Models – Launching a “Premium Insight” tier that offers exclusive investigative pieces, data visualisations, and a weekly e‑newsletter.

• Community‑Driven Reporting – Creating a “Community Voice” platform where local citizens can submit stories, fostering greater engagement.

• Diversification into Podcasting – The paper has announced a podcast series titled “Inside Northern Ireland” to explore local politics and culture in an audio format, tapping into the growing podcast audience.

• Enhanced Multimedia Storytelling – The use of interactive infographics and short‑form videos on social media channels will aim to attract younger readers and retain existing ones.

7. Conclusion

The Irish News’s status as the UK’s top‑selling daily newspaper is a remarkable milestone in an industry dominated by digital disruption and shrinking print audiences. Its continued success underscores the enduring value of local, high‑quality journalism. By combining strong editorial focus, strategic distribution, and a growing digital footprint, The Irish News has managed to carve out a resilient niche that keeps it at the forefront of the UK media market—an impressive feat that offers valuable lessons for publishers across the country.

The ABC’s latest figures reinforce that while the broader industry may be experiencing decline, regional players with deep community roots and adaptable business models can thrive. The real question for the media landscape now is whether other regional outlets can emulate The Irish News’s approach and whether national publishers can find new ways to capture the loyalty that The Irish News has earned over its 120‑year history.