Screen Producers Australia has welcomed new research from the Australian Communications and Media Authority on trends in the Australian media landscape.
The research highlights a significant shift in Australian media consumption, with streaming services seeing increased usage, more app-based communication, and a notable decline in live free-to-air TV viewership.
According to the report, released this week in an update from ACMA, a record 91% of Australians used an online service to watch video content in a given week, marking a clear move away from traditional TV services.
SPA CEO Matthew Deaner commented on the findings:
“While live free-to-air TV will always play an important role for Australian audiences, we are seeing a tipping point towards free-to-air streaming (or BVOD) services, with less than half of Australians watching live free-to-air TV for the first time.”
Deaner also reiterated SPA’s position on government regulation of online video platforms. He emphasised the need for comprehensive and future-proof measures:
“Any local content rules put forward need to be ‘future proof’ to capture the full impact of technology on audience behaviour.”
The ACMA research further underscores the dominance of streaming services, with SPA calling for regulatory frameworks that evolve alongside shifting audience trends.
The research includes five detailed reports analysing trends in viewing, listening, telecommunications, communication methods, internet usage, and content consumption, compiled from industry data and ACMA’s annual consumer survey.
For more on the ACMA report, visit their official update HERE.
