What the ACMA Says About Aussie Viewers
It’s no surprise that the way Australians consume content has shifted dramatically in recent years. With streaming platforms now part of everyday life, movies, shows, music and even audiobooks are available almost anywhere, anytime. And the numbers show just how much these habits have evolved.
Just last week, the Australian Communications & Media Authority released its latest findings from 2025, and the results highlight how significantly things have changed. Gone are the days when free to air TV dominated the media industry, with 91% of adults using streaming services at least once a week, mainly Netflix, Stan and Binge.
Another big shake up comes with the gradual rise of Google owned YouTube, a free to use platform that’s now rivalling the major streaming giants.
Unsurprisingly, all of these services and broadcasters have rapidly adopted the ever growing technology of artificial intelligence, using it to curate algorithms and present audiences with content tailored to them.
But traditional television can’t be completely dismissed. After years of steady decline, around 52% of adults still watch free to air TV, which the ACMA has described as a “modest rebound,” though viewership remains far below 2017 levels.
At the same time, the way Australians catch up on missed TV has continued to evolve. While free to air viewing has dipped overall, catch up platforms owned by the same networks remain a steady part of people’s weekly routines. Services like ABC iview, 7plus and 9Now still attract strong audiences, with iview holding onto its position as the most used catch up option, even though its numbers have softened slightly. The commercial networks have picked up some of that movement, with both 7plus and 9Now seeing small increases as viewers spread their attention across more platforms.
Radio listening has followed a similar pattern of change. After several years of gradual decline, the ACMA notes that radio has stabilised, with almost two thirds of adults tuning in weekly throughout 2025.
But the way people listen has shifted noticeably. Traditional AM/FM still has a loyal base, but online music streaming continues to dominate overall listening habits, with 72% of adults using services such as Spotify, Apple Music or YouTube Music. This reflects a broader trend: Australians increasingly prefer content that fits around their day, rather than content they have to schedule their day around.
Overall, the ACMA’s latest data shows a nation steadily shifting toward on demand, flexible viewing and listening habits, and the slow but seemingly inevitable decline of free to air television. It’s certainly a trend worth watching closely.
John Gill
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