Australia’s media combines strong public broadcasters (ABC, SBS) with highly concentrated private ownership across TV, print, radio, and digital. Consolidation since the 2000s—culminating in Nine–Fairfax—reduced independent voices, while digital platforms capture advertising growth. Internet penetration is high and mobile‑first habits shape discovery, as streaming and social video rise. Regional newsrooms have contracted, increasing reliance on national brands. Explore detailed coverage by metropolitan and regional markets.
Media Structure and Regulation
ABC and SBS provide nationwide news, culture, education, and multilingual services under public charters. Commercial groups (Seven, Nine, Ten, News Corp) integrate content production with distribution. ACMA regulates broadcast licensing and standards; the Press Council oversees print self‑regulation. Policy debates focus on cross‑media ownership, platform accountability, and sustaining public‑interest journalism.
News deserts have emerged as local print contracts and community radio fills gaps. National networks aggregate audiences via BVOD platforms (7plus, 9Now, 10 Play), while FAST channels expand ad‑supported streaming.
Digital Adoption and Economics
Most Australians are online daily; smartphones drive social, video, and messaging. Streaming competes with free‑to‑air for time, with live sport and news maintaining linear TV relevance. Ads follow attention toward short‑form video and social, while the News Media Bargaining Code shaped platform–publisher deals without fully offsetting legacy revenue declines.
Brands blend TV reach with creator content and performance video, prioritising mobile measurement and addressable video across connected TVs.
Leading Television Channels
Australia's national television networks operate through a combination of metropolitan and regional broadcasting affiliates, with programming strategies varying by market size and demographic composition. The five major metropolitan markets—Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth—drive national ratings and advertising revenue, while regional affiliates maintain distinct local programming and news coverage tailored to community needs. For market-specific television coverage and local station information, visit metro and regional market pages.
Seven Network
Seven is currently Australia's most watched television and streaming network, reaching 17.2 million people monthly. Its content is led by flagship news programs like 7NEWS and Sunrise, major sporting events (AFL, BBL cricket, Super Bowl), popular reality shows (Farmer Wants A Wife, Australian Idol, Dancing With The Stars), and a robust digital offering through 7plus, which has seen substantial growth in streaming viewership.
Nine Network
Nine has claimed the #1 spot in key primetime and demographic segments for the first half of 2025. Its portfolio includes 9News, competitive reality formats, drama series, and prime sporting events. Nine’s digital platform, 9Now, is a leader in streaming amongst commercial broadcasters, capturing significant BVOD market share.
Network 10
Network 10 has experienced dramatic streaming growth and is celebrated for its comedy lineup (Have You Been Paying Attention?, The Cheap Seats, Sam Pang Tonight), reality formats (Gogglebox, Survivor, MasterChef Australia), and sports coverage, including the CommBank Matildas and Subway Socceroos. Its programming appeals to broad family audiences.
ABC
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation is the nation’s public broadcaster, renowned for impartial news, current affairs, local drama, documentaries, and arts content. ABC also produces educational and children’s programming, notably through ABC Kids and iview. Its commitment to Australian stories and public service sets it apart.
SBS
The Special Broadcasting Service specializes in multicultural and multilingual programming, including international news, documentaries, sport (especially football), and world movies. SBS positions itself as Australia’s gateway to global perspectives, with distinctive focus on diversity and inclusion.
7mate
7mate is Seven Network’s multi-channel targeting male audiences with action series, reality competitions, adventure sports, and motorsports. Its lineup features live sport, classic comedies, and gaming culture.
9Gem
9Gem is Nine’s general entertainment multi-channel, offering classic movies, British dramas, crime series, and expanded sports coverage, including cricket and tennis tournaments.
10 Bold
10 Bold caters to mature audiences with classic drama, crime procedurals, nostalgia-driven series, and daytime entertainment repeats from the Network 10 catalog.
ABC ME
ABC ME is the public broadcaster’s dedicated channel for school-aged children and teens, featuring age-appropriate dramas, animations, educational content, and interactive experiences.
7TWO
7TWO targets older and family viewers with British detective series, lifestyle shows, home improvement, reality formats, and retro programming from the Seven Network archive.
Major Radio Broadcasting Networks
Gold 104.3 (Melbourne): Gold 104.3 is Melbourne’s top-rated FM station, specializing in classic hits from the '70s, '80s, and '90s. It’s known for upbeat music, personality-driven breakfast shows, and nostalgic formats that appeal to a broad, adult audience.
Smooth FM 95.3 (Sydney): Smooth FM 95.3 leads in Sydney with a mix of easy-listening classics, mellow contemporary hits, and a feel-good, relaxing format. The channel boasts high-profile presenters and dedicates programming to smooth, uninterrupted listening often favored during work or leisure.
Nova 100 (Melbourne): Nova 100 is among Australia’s most-listened-to stations, focusing on current hits, pop culture, and lively breakfast and drive-time programs. Its dynamic hosts foster a youthful, energetic atmosphere appealing to a younger demographic.
2GB (Sydney): 2GB is Sydney’s leading talk radio station, featuring news, interviews, sport, and commentary. It caters to an audience seeking informed discussion and in-depth news coverage, particularly through its highly-rated breakfast and drive segments.
Triple M (Brisbane): Triple M Brisbane champions rock, sport, and local comedy across its schedule. The station’s “real music” approach, lively breakfast team, and strong community presence make it a favorite among adult rock enthusiasts.
Mix 102.3 (Adelaide): Mix 102.3 dominates Adelaide’s FM market with a mix of contemporary adult hits, fun morning teams, and community-centric promotions. The station is popular for blending music and lifestyle content tailored to local listeners.
96FM (Perth): 96FM is Perth’s leading station for classic hits, blending old favorites with light rock and feel-good playlists. It has a prominent breakfast program and retains strong loyalty among mature listeners.
NOVA 93.7 (Perth): NOVA 93.7 offers a youthful, energetic mix of pop hits, entertaining personalities, and vibrant morning shows. Its modern playlist and local engagement have recently propelled it to the number one spot in Perth.
KIIS 1065 (Sydney): KIIS 1065 is renowned for high-profile entertainment, chart-topping music, and pop-culture programming. Its flagship breakfast show, featuring well-known hosts, delivers humor, interviews, and viral moments tailored to a metropolitan audience.
Triple M (Newcastle): Triple M Newcastle leads the regional market with a focus on classic rock, sports coverage, and local news. Its breakfast and drive shows are popular for their genuine engagement with community issues and audience interaction.
Media Consumption Patterns & Audience Behavior
Digital and Streaming Usage
Streaming and social video lead entertainment time, while linear TV holds value for live sport and national news. Younger audiences spend more time on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, shifting discovery to mobile feeds; older viewers sustain broadcast habits. News avoidance and time‑shifting rise, with catch‑up apps normalising on‑demand viewing.
Advertisers rebalance toward short‑form and creator video alongside BVOD and CTV. Social platforms increasingly drive first exposure, with TV amplifying reach for major events.
Devices and Urban–Regional Split
Smartphones dominate daily attention; connected TVs expand streaming in living rooms. Urban markets adopt new formats fastest; regional areas retain higher radio and free‑to‑air usage due to access and habits. Podcasts grow among younger and professional listeners.
Hybrid consumption is the norm: mobile for discovery and clips; TV and radio for shared moments, live sport, emergencies, and community information.
Market Metrics & Industry Statistics
Key media and advertising indicators (Australia, 2025)
Indicator
Figure
Notes
Internet penetration
~97% of population
Mobile‑first usage; strong urban adoption
Social media users
~78% of population
Instagram/TikTok strongest with under‑35s
CTV/BVOD usage
Growing double‑digit YoY
7plus, 9Now, 10 Play expand ad‑supported streaming
Ad spend mix
Digital leads; social video rising
Legacy media stable to declining
Local newsrooms
Consolidation ongoing
Regional gaps; community radio fills information needs
Media Trust & Consumer Preferences
Trust Dynamics
Trust varies by brand and format: public broadcasters and weather/news utilities rank higher than social platforms. Concerns about misinformation and polarisation persist, especially on social. Transparency efforts—source labels, fact‑checking, corrections—support credibility, while local reporting and live coverage (emergencies, sport, elections) sustain shared trust.
Audiences increasingly verify across multiple outlets; creators and niche publishers influence topic discovery but rely on trusted brands for confirmation.
Content and Device Preferences
News, sport, and entertainment dominate. Short‑form and highlights grow alongside full‑length streaming. Podcasts expand among commuters and professionals. Smartphones lead daily consumption; connected TVs anchor household viewing.
Urban audiences adopt new formats earliest; regional audiences retain radio and free‑to‑air habits. Hybrid journeys are common: discover on social, watch long‑form on CTV, and follow updates via radio.
