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.
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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
| 2025–26 research projects | What the project will deliver |
|---|---|
| BetStop – mixed method user experience research | BetStop – the National Self-Exclusion Register™ is an important consumer safeguard that enables individuals, particularly those who may be—or at risk of—experiencing gambling harm, to self-exclude from all Australian licensed interactive betting providers (online and telephone-based) in a single process. This research explores users’ experiences with the Register including its ease of use, effectiveness and suggestions for improvement. The research also explores the views of interactive gamblers who have never self-excluded on the Register, to understand awareness and perceptions of the Register among this target audience. |
| News media in Australia – News consumption | This research will support the implementation of the Media Diversity Measurement Framework. Based on annual consumer survey (ACS) data, this research will explore news consumption habits and address data gaps identified in the News media in Australia: 2025 report. A new initiative will use ACS data along with qualitative interviews to identify a series of consumer segments, facilitating a deeper understanding of the attitudes and behaviours that drive news consumption habits. |
| Online streaming safeguards | Based on consumer survey data, this research examines consumer adoption and usage of online streaming services, as well as their awareness of and attitudes toward content safeguards. The findings contribute to the ACMA’s understanding of consumer expectations in the context of evolving media consumption behaviours. |
| Communications and media in Australia series | Based on ACS data, our ongoing Communications and media in Australia series features a range of research looking at the Australian communications and media landscape. |
| Emerging technology – Artificial Intelligence sector developments | This research explores Artificial Intelligence (AI) developments in the telco, media and interactive gambling sectors. |
The ACMA may also release additional research that supports our regulatory work.
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.