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Research program

Our research provides evidence that informs our decisions. It helps us to better understand communications and media markets and the issues that matter to Australians.

Why we undertake research

The ACMA has statutory obligations to report to, and advise, the Minister for Communications, as well as to inform industry and the public about telecommunications, radiocommunications, broadcasting and some online services.

Our research program assists in meeting our statutory obligations and supports us to make regulatory decisions informed by evidence. We also undertake research that informs our internal planning and public consultations.

View our research index.

To get the latest news on ACMA research, subscribe to our research newsletter or follow us on social media.

 

How we collect research and data

As an expert and independent regulator operating in the public interest, we use research and data as an evidence base for decision-making and to keep us up-to-date on market developments and consumer trends.

We commission independent market research agencies to undertake surveys on how we consume media and communication services, and other related topics.

We gather intelligence and insights to understand the markets we regulate and industry characteristics. We also conduct environmental scanning to identify domestic and international regulatory developments relevant to our remit. Data is sourced through third-party data subscriptions to gain broader insights and help analyse trends.

The data gathered by the ACMA from media and communications industry reporting, and from our monitoring of industry compliance with obligations and rules, is also used to report on the communications industry, including performance.

Planned research projects

2024–25 research projects What the project will deliver
News in Australia – 
Measuring diversity in our media
This research will support the implementation of the media diversity measurement framework. We’ll monitor the state of the Australian news market and measure levels of diversity across Australia’s contemporary print, radio, TV and online news media landscape.
Communications and media in Australia series Based on annual consumer survey data, our ongoing Communications and media in Australia series features a range of research looking at the Australian communications and media landscape.

Updates to the program may occur as our research requirements evolve in response to changing external and organisational priorities.

Legislative basis for our research

Our research focus helps us to fulfil the regulatory functions in the Australian Communications and Media Authority Act 2005 and legislation related to our telecommunications, radiocommunications, broadcasting and online content functions.

Our research program also helps us to meet our requirements under the Regulatory Performance Guide.

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