How Much TV Do Australians Watch? 2021 ACMA Report

According to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) Communications Report 2021, the average Australian watches 2 hours 43 minutes of broadcast television per day.

Key Trends

• Stable but shifting: Slight decline from 2h 48m (2019).
• Excludes streaming: This is linear TV only (free-to-air + subscription broadcast). Netflix, Stan, Disney+, Binge, Kayo, YouTube, TikTok are not included. Total screen time is significantly higher.
• Age divide: 65+ watch ~4h/day; 18–24 watch <1h linear but high streaming.
• Gender: Women historically watch slightly more linear TV than men.
• Region: Regional/rural viewers watch more broadcast TV than metro (fewer streaming alternatives, older demographic).

Streaming Context

As of 2023, ~80% of Australian households have at least one streaming subscription. Average daily streaming estimated at 1.5–2h. Total video consumption likely exceeds 4–5 hours/day.

Measurement

ACMA uses OzTAM (metro) and Regional TAM (regional) people-meter panels. "Watching" = live + playback within 28 days (time-shifted).