Hybrid identities, acculturation and the homeland: News consumption patterns of Polish and Nigerian migrants in Ireland

This study examines the news consumption patterns of Nigerian and Polish migrants in Ireland in the context of acculturation and homeland attachment. Drawing on focus groups/short interviews with 24 participants, we explore how migrants navigate information flows across transnational spaces. We identify three overarching themes: (a) consumption of news events in Poland/Nigeria as connection to the homeland; (b) Irish news as an information source and channel for acculturation; (c) news as a source of concern. Both groups consume Irish news media for both practical and symbolic purposes, while many maintain intensive homeland news consumption for emotional connection and cultural continuity. These findings provide valuable insights into the factors shaping a diaspora community's interpretation of acculturation and identity formation, and the role of news media in such processes.