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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

 

2022-23 research projects

What the project will deliver

Captioning quality consumer research

This research will explore consumers' experiences with the quality of captioning to support the review of the captioning quality standard.

This research aligns with our 2022–23 compliance priority on captioning compliance.

Digital platform reports and complaints research

This research will consider users’ experience of reporting their concerns and making complaints about harmful content on digital platforms.

Research to support the Telecommunications Consumer Protection (TCP) Code review

This research will explore telecommunications consumer experiences and international regulatory safeguards.

This research also aligns with our 2022–23 compliance priority on financial hardship.

Social casinos

This research will examine the take up and usage of social casinos in Australia, along with developments in international regulatory approaches.

Communications and media in Australia series

Based on annual consumer survey data, our ongoing Communications and media in Australia series features a range of snapshots, research reports and interactive reports looking at the Australian communications and media landscape.

Market studies

In-depth studies examining:

  • communications supply chain developments 
  • Australian and overseas deployment of 5G private networks.

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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