TV Consumer Survey 2022 - Final Report
TV Consumer Survey 2022 - Final Report
TV Consumer Survey 2022 - Final Report
71 Appendix
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Report details.
Report prepared for: The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts
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Table of contents
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Overview and
methodology
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Ages 18-34 Respondents who are aged between 18 and 34 years old
Ages 35-54 Respondents who are aged between 35 and 54 years old
Ages 55+ Respondents who are aged 55 years old and over
Bottom Two Box score – sum of the results for the bottom two options in a response frame with a scale (e.g.,
B2B
‘Disagree’ and ‘Strongly disagree’)
HH Household
SEIFA Quintile Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (where Quintile 1 is most disadvantage, and Quintile 5 is least disadvantage)
Top Two Box score – sum of the results for the top two options in a response frame with a scale (e.g., ‘Strongly
T2B
agree’ and ‘Agree’)
TVCS Television Consumer Survey
TV Television
Definitions of terms
Term Definition
Respondents People who responded to the quantitative survey
the Department The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts
Parents Respondents who are parents / guardians / carers of a child / children aged 15 years old and under
Screen content Content watched on a screen, including things like television shows or programs, movies, documentaries and sports
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Methodology - TVCS
Overview Research methodology
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Rounding of numbers
Percentages are shown rounded to 0 decimal places. As rounding has been used in
producing data tables and nets in analysis, some scales may not add to exactly 100%.
Chart labelling
For readability on certain charts, labels for values smaller than a certain percentage
(specified on chart) have been suppressed due to space and readability.
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Where differences across subgroups are mentioned in the report commentary (for example, ‘higher than’, or ‘lower than’),
unless otherwise noted, it implies that a statistically significant difference at a 95% confidence level has been established.
This means that when a difference is described as being ‘significant’ one can be 95% confident that the difference is real
and not due to random sampling variation.
For brevity and ease of reading, significance testing has been noted in this report for the following subgroups, and generally
on the leading figure per chart.
Group
• Gender
• Age
• Regional / Metro (Capital city vs Rest of State)
• Household type
Further sub group differences are noted in the Banner data table set, provided to the Department.
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Sample profile
Full methodological details can be found in the Appendix 1 at the end of the report, and a copy of the survey instrument as
Attachment 1.
In 2022, the MCCS and TVCS were run concurrently in the one survey instrument. A portion of the survey questions were
asked of both the MCCS and TVCS streams, for a total of 5017 people completing these questions.
Questions specific to MCCS were asked of 4002 respondents in the Media stream, and questions specific to TVCS were
asked of 4016 respondents in the TV stream.
This page shows the unweighted profile of the final sample (i.e., those who completed the survey) for respondents across
the MCCS and TVCS, across a range of key demographic characteristics.
Boosts were also conducted for parents / guardians / carers and those in regional Australia.
TOTAL MCCS TVCS
TOTAL MCCS TVCS
n % n % n %
Total 5017 100 4002 100 4016 100
Gender Male 2287 46 1757 44 1823 45
Female 2713 54 2230 56 2176 54
Non-binary / gender fluid / different identity 15 0.3 13 0.3 15 0.4
Age 18-24 155 3 143 4 154 4
25-34 526 10 486 12 409 10
35-44 971 19 909 23 535 13
45-54 905 18 821 21 570 14
55-64 918 18 657 16 833 21
65-74 1050 21 670 17 1025 26
75+ 492 10 316 8 490 12
Capital city Capital city 3129 62 2864 72 2307 57
Rest of state 1887 38 1137 28 1709 43
Household Single or couple (no children) 2487 50 1723 43 2487 62
Parents (with dependent children) 1847 37 1770 44 871 22
Parents (with non-dependent children 435 9 317 8 410 10
Adults living in a share house 121 2 89 2 121 3
Other household type 123 2 99 2 123 3
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Executive summary
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The Future of Broadcasting: Television Consumer Survey (TVCS) collects intelligence on the attitudes,
expectations, and behaviours of Australians in relation to accessing screen content via televisions and
other devices (including on various platforms such as free-to-air, online subscription services, and on-
demand television).
The survey involved an online probability-based survey with adults in Australia, and non-probability-based
surveys to boost for those living in regional Australia. The TVCS was conducted concurrently with the 2022
Media Content Consumption Survey (MCCS) in a single survey instrument. The first section of this report,
on general screen content habits, forms a foundation for both surveys. The results presented in the first
section make comparisons to previous results from the MCCS where appropriate.
A total of 4016 surveys specific to the TVCS were completed during September and October 2022. The
Television Consumer Survey is in its foundational year, with 2022 being the first year it has been
undertaken.
The following summary slides provide key points from a number of areas of interest that were explored in
the survey.
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TVCS
MCCS
General screen content habits
Platform access continues to be led by online subscription services, with several platforms increasing this year
Online subscription services were the leading type of platform for screen content in Australia in 2022, maintaining the trend seen in
N 2021.
In 2022, the most common platforms that respondents used to watch screen content in the past 7 days were online subscription
services (66%), free video streaming services (58%), and commercial free-to-air TV (excluding on-demand TV, 53%). Publicly
owned free-to-air was watched by 41%, while 34% watched publicly owned free-to-air on-demand TV. Almost half (49%) of
respondents indicated they watched screen content on ‘other websites or apps’.
Also of note, in 2022 the use of ‘other websites or apps (e.g., Facebook, Tik Tok, Instagram)’ has increased significantly (watched
past 7 days), while pay-per-view has declined significantly.
In terms of access, the primary online streaming subscription service respondents have access to was Netflix (68%). In 2022,
Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Binge, Kayo and Paramount + have all significantly increased.
High volume consumption (time spent) seen in pay TV, commercial free-to-air TV, also online subscription services
Pay TV and commercial free-to-air TV (excluding on-demand) platforms had the highest average weekly viewing time (9.51 and
9.08 hours, respectively). While an average of 8.16 hours was spent watching online subscription services.
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TVCS TV Access
Broadcast signal / antennas are being used to access TV, as are on-demand apps via smart TVs
The majority of respondents who watched free-to-air TV in the past 7 days (59%) access free-to-air TV through a broadcast
signal or antenna, however, a net of 53% are accessing via on-demand TV apps, with approximately one-third (32%) accessing it
through on-demand TV apps on a smart TV.
While a traditional broadcast signal or antenna is still the primary means of accessing free-to-air TV, on-demand apps are also a
common means of access (especially through smart TVs).
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TVCS Free-to-air TV
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TVCS TV Devices
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Free-to-air remains the primary means of sports consumption, but is on the decline
Half of respondents (50%) had consumed sports content via commercial free-to-air TV. However, in 2022 commercial free-to-air
TV, and publicly-owned free-to-air TV (15%) both declined significantly since 2021 (from 67% and 19%, respectively).
However, commercial free-to air on-demand TV (16%) and publicly owned on-demand TV have both significantly increased this
year (10%).
The most important feature of sports content for respondents who have watched sports in the past 6 months was that it is freely
available on broadcast TV (36%).
Free-to-air remains the main service that respondents prefer to access sports programming in Australia.
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General Screen
Content Habits
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Platform access continues to be led by online subscription services, with several platforms increasing this year
Online subscription services were the leading type of platform for screen content in Australia in 2022, maintaining the trend
seen in 2021.
In 2022, the most common platforms that respondents used to watch screen content in the past 7 days were online
subscription services (66%), free video streaming services (58%), and commercial free-to-air TV (excluding on-demand TV,
53%). Publicly owned free-to-air was watched by 41%, while 34% watched publicly owned free-to-air on-demand TV. Almost
half (49%) of respondents indicated they watched screen content on ‘other websites or apps’.
Also of note, in 2022 the use of ‘other websites or apps (e.g., Facebook, Tik Tok, Instagram)’ has increased significantly
(watched past 7 days), while pay-per-view has declined significantly.
In terms of access, the primary online streaming subscription service respondents have access to was Netflix (68%). In
2022, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Binge, Kayo and Paramount + have all significantly increased.
High volume consumption (time spent) seen in pay TV, commercial free-to-air TV, also online subscription services
Pay TV and commercial free-to-air TV (excluding on-demand) platforms had the highest average weekly viewing time (9.51
and 9.08 hours, respectively). While an average of 8.16 hours was spent watching online subscription services.
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TVCS 1
21
Note for ‘net’ inclusions
Pay TV 22
24 ‘‘NET: Online’ includes:
17 ‘Online subscription services’, ‘Free
Sports specific website or app 16
15 video streaming services’, ‘Other
87 websites or apps’, and ‘Sports specific
NET: Online 83 website or app’.
81
‘NET: Free-to-air’ includes:
75
NET: Free-to-air 77 ‘Commercial free-to-air TV’, ‘Publicly
80 owned free-to-air TV’, and ‘Free-to-air
Source: C1. Which of the following did you watch in the past 7 days at home or elsewhere on any device? catch-up TV’. (In 2022 ‘Free to air’ was
Base: TVCS & MCCS, All respondents. 2022: n=5017. 2021: n=4135. 2020: n=4096 split out by on-demand and live TV)
Notes: Don’t know/refused responses not shown: 2022 DK = 0.0%, Ref = 0.0%. 2021 DK = 0.0%, Ref = 0.0%. 2020 DK = 0.0%,
Ref = 0.0%. Responses for codes not shown on chart if <5% in 2022.
Callouts
• In 2022, 'other websites or apps (e.g., Facebook, Tik Tok, Instagram)’ have
increased significantly, while Pay-per-view has declined since 2021.
Online subscription services were the leading type of platform for screen content in Australia in 2022, maintaining the trend seen
in 2021.
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TVCS 2
Television 87 8 10 28 15 13 12 13 53 47
Mobile phone or
74 22 12 11 7 8 15 26 49 44
smartphone
Computer (desktop or
62 9 6 10 5 11 21 38 31 25
laptop)
TV smart accessory /
44 3 4 10 6 8 13 56 10 16
Digital media player
Tablet 38 3 4 6 4 7 14 62 17 13
Subgroup
↑ Television (net use) was higher for:
o Ages 35-54 (90%) and ages 55+ (90% vs 78% of ages 18-34)
o Those living outside a capital city (90% vs 85% of those living in a capital city)
o Those living alone or without children (86%), parents with non-dependent children (88%), and
parents with dependent children (89% vs 72% of adults living in a share house)
o Those with a TV less than 2 years old (91%, vs those with a TV 2 or more years old 87%)
o Those who watched sport in P7D (91% vs 82% of did not watch sport)
Across devices, mobile phones or smartphones have the highest frequency viewing of screen content (more often than 5 times a
day).
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MCCS 3
AVG AVG
Up to 5 hours 6-10 hours 11-15 hours 16-20 hours 21-25 hours 26-35 hours More than 35 hours
hours hours
% 2022 2021
Source: C2. On average, how many hours per week do you spend watching each of the following?
Base: TVCS & MCCS, Respondents who watched screen content in past 7 days. 2022: n= from 189 to 2984. AVG hours of ‘Free to air on demand TV in 2021 was 5 hours.
Notes: Don’t know/refused responses not shown, % very per statement. Labels for responses less than 5% not shown on chart. Not shown on chart due to the code being split out in 2022).
Despite having a lower rate of usage for watching screen content in households, pay TV tended to have longer average time spent
viewing.
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Television Consumer
Survey Results
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TV Access
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TV Access:
Broadcast signal / antennas are being used to access TV, as are on-demand apps via smart TVs
The majority of respondents who watched free-to-air TV in the past 7 days (59%) access free-to-air TV through a broadcast
signal or antenna, however, a net of 53% are accessing via on-demand TV apps, with approximately one-third (32%)
accessing it through on-demand TV apps on a smart TV.
While a traditional broadcast signal or antenna is still the primary means of accessing free-to-air TV, on-demand apps are
also a common means of access (especially through smart TVs).
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TVCS How respondents access free-to-air television
The majority of respondents (59%) access free-to-air television through a broadcast signal or antenna, although approximately one-third (32%) access it through
on-demand TV apps on a smart TV, and around one-quarter (23%) access it via on-demand apps through an internet-connected device plugged into their
television.
% Subgroups
↑ Broadcast signal / antenna was higher for:
Broadcast signal / antenna 59 o Men (66% vs 51% of women)
o Those living outside a capital city (65% vs 55% of those living in a
On-demand TV apps through a smart TV 32
capital city)
o Those living alone (64% vs 51% of parent with dependent
Net on-
On-demand apps through an internet- children, and 53% of parents with non-dependent children)
connected device plugged into a 23 demand TV o Those with HH income of $1 to $51,999 per year (64% vs 54% of
television apps those with HH income of $156,000 or more per year)
On-demand TV apps through a device
other than a television
19 53%
↑ On-demand TV apps through a smart TV was higher for:
A Pay TV set-top box through cable or o Women (36% vs 28% of men)
18
satellite o Those with a TV less than 2 years old (40%, vs 30% of those with
a TV 2 or more years old)
A VAST box / VAST satellite dish 2 o Those with HH income of $156,000 or more per year (38% vs
28% of those with HH income of $1 to $51,999 per year)
o Those who pay for 6+ subscription services (63% vs 29% of
Other 0.8
those who pay for 0, and 37% of those who pay for 1-2)
While a traditional broadcast signal or antenna is still the primary means of accessing free-to-air TV, on-demand apps are also a
common means of access (especially through smart TVs).
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TVCS How respondents access free-to-air television most often
Respondents who indicated that they access free-to-air television via multiple methods were asked to select the method they use most often. The most
commonly cited method was through a broadcast signal or antenna (45%).
Subgroups
%
↑ Broadcast signal / antenna was higher for:
o Men (50% vs 40% of women)
Broadcast signal / antenna 45
o Those living outside a capital city (50% vs 42% of those living in a
capital city)
On-demand TV apps through a smart TV 19
Other 0.1
Of those with multiple ways to access free-to-air television, access through a broadcast signal or antenna was the most common.
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TVCS How Pay TV signal arrives
Respondents who access free-to-air television via Pay TV mostly report the Pay TV signal arrives via satellite (44%) or cable (26%).
%
Subgroups
Source: NEWC2d. How does that Pay TV signal arrive to your TV?
Base: TVCS, Respondents who access free-to-air TV via Pay TV and have watched Pay TV in the past 7 days. 2022: n=427.
Notes: Don’t know/refused responses not shown: DK = 2%, Ref = 0.0%
Satellite access was the most common method to access Pay TV services, especially for those in regional areas of Australia.
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TVCS TV smart accessories used in the past 6 months
The most commonly used TV smart accessory was Google Chromecast, which was used by 23% of respondents in the past 6 months. Nearly half of
respondents (46%) said they have not used any TV smart accessories in the past 6 months.
Subgroups
↑ Google Chromecast was higher for:
%
o Ages 18-34 (31%), and ages 35-54 (25% vs 16% of ages 55+)
o Ages 18-34 (31% vs 25% of ages 35-54)
Google Chromecast 23
o Those living in a capital city (25% vs 19% of those living outside a capital city)
Foxtel set-top box 13 o Parents with dependent children (27% vs 20% of those living alone)
o Those with a TV less than 2 years old (27%, vs 22% of those with a TV 2 or more
Apple TV box 9 years old)
o Those with a HH income of $104,000 to $155,999 per year (29% vs 19% those
Telstra TV 7
with a HH income of $1 to $51,999 per year)
Fetch 6 o Those who pay for 3-5 subscription services (35% vs 17% of those who pay for
0, and 25% of those who pay for 1-2)
A connected set-top box 6
Google Chromecast is the most used accessory for a TV. That said, almost half of people have not used any TV smart accessory in
their house in the past 6 months.
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TVCS Reasons for using TV smart accessories
Having a TV that wasn’t smart compatible was the main reason that respondents used a Google Chromecast (7%), followed by wanting to access
particular shows or content (7%), or wanting to access internet only content through their TV (5%).
Source: NEW12a. Why do you choose to access screen content via <INSERT RESPONSE SELECTED AT NEW12>?
Base: TVCS, Respondents who used a TV smart accessory in the past 6 months. 2022: n=2039.
Notes: Don’t know/refused responses not shown, % vary per statement.
Subgroups Subgroups
↑ TV wasn’t smart compatible was higher for: ↑ I wanted to access particular shows or content was higher for:
• Google Chromecast: • Google Chromecast:
• Ages 18-34 (11% vs 7% of ages 35-54, and 5% of ages 55+) • Ages 18-34 (10% vs 6% of ages 35-54, and 7% of ages 55+)
• Those with a TV 2 or more years old (10% vs 6% of those with a • Those with a TV less than 2 years old (11% vs 8% of those with a TV 2 or
TV less than 2 years old more years old)
o Those with a HH income of $104,000 to $155,999 per year (10%,
vs 6% of those with a HH income of $1 to $51,999 per year)
TV smart accessories are being used as a solution to connect to the internet, or to access particular shows or content.
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TVCS Whether TV smart accessories have free-to-air access
Over two-thirds of respondents said that their Telstra TV (77%), Fetch (69%) or Apple TV box (67%) has free-to-air on-demand apps. Around one-quarter of
respondents said that their Amazon Fire TV (24%), Apple TV box (28%) and Google Chromecast (30%) has no free-to-air access.
Other free-to-air
Free-to-air on- access (e.g. No access to
demand apps external antenna free-to-air
/ satellite)
Telstra TV 77 12 7
Fetch 69 23 7
Apple TV box 67 2 28
Amazon Fire TV 64 8 24
Google Chromecast 60 8 30
A connected set-top box 57 29 12
Foxtel set-top box 52 36 10
Source: NEW12b. Does this device, <INSERT SELECTED AT NEW12>, have free-to-air TV on-demand apps or other free-to-air TV
access?
Base: TVCS, Respondents who used a TV smart accessory in the past 6 months. 2022: n= from 76 to 772.
Notes: Don’t know/refused responses not shown, % vary per statement. Responses not shown for ‘other’ TV smart accessory category.
In general TV smart accessories have free-to-air access or free-to-air apps, however some respondents reported not having free-to-
air access via these types of accessories.
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TVCS
Whether respondents know which service they want to 5
Subgroups
↑ Always was higher for:
o Men (47% vs 41% of women)
Never Rarely Sometimes Always
o Ages 55+ (54% vs 36% of ages 35-54, and 37% of ages 18-34)
o Those living outside a capital city (47% vs 42% of those living in a
capital city)
4 11 41 44 o Those living alone (47% vs 37% of parents with dependent children)
Most respondents always or sometimes know which service they want to watch when they go to watch screen content.
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TVCS
Whether respondents know which content they want to 6
% Subgroups
Yes, have a particular program / movie in
mind
30 ↑ Yes, I have a particular program / movie in mind was higher for:
o Ages 55+ (37% vs 28% of ages 35-54, and 23% of ages 18-34)
o Those who watched sport in P7D (32% vs 28% of those who did not
Yes, I have a genre or type of program in watch sport)
33 o Those with HH income of $1 to $51,999 (37% vs 31% of those with HH
mind
income of $52,000 to $103,999, 27% of $104,000 to $155,999, and 24%
of $156,000 or more)
No, I browse content on one service o Those with HH income of $52,000 to $103,999 (31% vs 24% of those
18
with HH income of $156,000 or more)
↑ No, I browse content on one service was higher for: Those who pay for 1-2
No, I browse content on multiple services 19 subscription services (20% vs 13% of those who pay for 3-5)
Source: NEW9. When you watch screen content, do you typically know what you want to watch prior to turning on your
device?
Base: TVCS, Respondents who watched screen content in the past 7 days. 2022: n=3952.
Notes: Don’t know/refused responses not shown: DK = 0.3%, Ref = 0.1%.
Most respondents have a sense of the program or the type of program they want to watch before they turn on their device. Two
fifths of respondents say they typically browse.
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TVCS What is first displayed when device is turned on
More than half of respondents (51%) said that free-to-air TV channels are displayed when they first turn on their TV. Almost one-quarter of respondents (23%)
also said that free-to-air TV channels are displayed when they first turn on their TV smart accessory.
Subgroups
%
↑ Free-to-air TV channels was higher for:
51 • Television:
Free-to-air TV channels o Ages 35-54 (49%), and ages 55+ (64% vs 35% of ages 18-34)
23
o Ages 55+ (64% vs 49% of ages 35-54)
o Those living outside a capital city (57% vs 48% of those living in a capital
Selection of apps set by the 14 city)
manufacturer or platform 20 o Those living alone (57%), and parents with non-dependent children
(57% vs 42% of parents with dependent children, 26% of adults living in
My own apps or a list of apps 11 a share house, and 42% of those living in another household type)
I’ve customised TV o Parents with dependent children (42% vs 26% of adults living in a share
20
house)
o Those whose TV is 2 or more years old (57% vs 37% of those whose TV
12 is less than 2 years old)
The app that I was last using TV smart
21 o Those who watched sport in P7D (55% vs 48% of those who did not
accessory
watch sport)
Subscription or cable TV 7 o Those with HH income of $1 to $51,999 (60% vs 50% of those with HH
channels (not accessed income of $52,000 to $103,999, 49% of $104,000 to $155,999, and 44%
through an app) 9
of $156,000 or more)
o Those who pay for 0 subscription services (62% vs 48% of those who
4 pay for 1-2, 36% of those who pay for 3-5, and 29% of those who pay for
Other (specify)
4 6+)
o Those who pay for 1-2 subscription services (48% vs 36% of those who
pay for 3-5, and 29% of those who pay for 6+)
Source: NEW11. When you first turn on your main <INSERT EITHER: ‘television’ OR ‘TV smart accessory’>, what is first
displayed?
Base: TVCS, Respondents who watch screen content on a TV or TV smart accessory. 2022: n= from 1460 to 3494.
Notes: Don’t know/refused responses not shown. TV: DK = 0.9%, Ref = 0.0%. TV Smart accessory: DK = 1.7%, Ref = 0.0%
TVs generally display free-to-air channels when they are turned on, however, apps are more likely to be displayed first on TV smart
accessories.
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TVCS What respondents first choose when they turn the device on
Under half of respondents (43%) said that they select free-to-air TV channels when they first turn on their TV. In contrast, the most common service selected
when respondents first turn on their TV smart accessory was a subscription streaming service (28%).
Subgroups
%
↑ Free-to-air TV channels was higher for:
43 • Television:
Free-to-air TV channels
18 o Men (47% vs 40% of women)
o Ages 35-54 (40%) and ages 55+ (61% vs 19% of ages 18-
A subscription streaming service 19 34)
28 o Ages 55+ (61% vs 40% of ages 35-54)
What I was last watching / the screen I was last 11 o Living outside a capital city (51% vs 39% of those living in
on 11 a capital city)
o Living alone (51% vs 33% of parents with dependent
I browse my own apps or a customised list of 8 children, 44% of parents with non-dependent children,
apps 11 TV 23% of adults living in a share house, and 31% of those
living in another household type)
Subscription or cable TV channels (not accessed 5
7 o Parents with non-dependent children (44% vs 33% of
through an app)
TV smart parents with dependent children, and 23% of adults living
5 accessory in a share house)
An on-demand free-to-air television service
7 o TV is 2 or more years old (47% vs 33% of those whose TV
is less than 2 years old)
I ‘cast’ the content I want onto the television from 4 o Watched sport in P7D (48% vs 38% of those who did not
my phone or another device 11 watch sport)
I browse the apps set by the manufacturer or 3 o HH income of $1 to $51,999 (53% vs 44% of those with
platform 6 HH income of $52,000 to $103,999, 34% of $104,000 to
$155,999, and 36% of $156,000 or more)
Other (specify) 1 o HH income of $52,000 to $103,999 (44% vs 34% of those
1 with HH income of $104,000 to $155,999, and 36% of
$156,000 or more)
Source: NEW11b. When you first start watching content on your <INSERT EITHER: ‘television’ OR ‘TV smart accessory’>, which of the following do you most o Pay for 0 subscription services (59% vs 37% of those who
commonly select…
pay for 1-2, 28% of those who pay for 3-5, and 19% of
Base: TVCS, Respondents who watch screen content on a TV or TV smart accessory. 2022: n= from 1460 to 3494.
those who pay for 6+)
Notes: Don’t know/refused responses not shown. TV: DK = 0.2%, Ref = 0.3%. TV Smart accessory: DK = 0.3%, REF = 0.0%
o Those who pay for 1-2 subscription services (37% vs 28%
of those who pay for 3-5, and 19% of those who pay for
6+)
Free-to-air TV channels are a common starting point when a TV is first turned on.
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TVCS
Importance of various features as a reason for watching 9
free-to-air TV
The features that were most commonly rated as an essential reason for watching free-to-air TV were that there are no ongoing subscription costs (32%), that it
is easy to access (26%), and that it has national or international news content (26%). The features that were least considered an essential reason for watching
were having the latest, high quality picture definition (7%), and having a broad range of international content (6%).
The benefits of watching free-to-air TV focus on the lack of cost and ease of access. News is also a reason for watching.
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TVCS
Importance of various features as a reason for watching 0
Convenience and lack of ads in online subscription services are essential reasons for watching.
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TVCS
Importance of various features as a reason for watching on- 1
demand TV services
Being able to watch what they want, when they want was also the feature most commonly rated by respondents as an essential reason for watching on-demand
TV services (31%).
The primary reason for watching on-demand TV is, similar to online subscription services, convenience. However, respondents
ranked other features quite differently.
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2
Free-to-air TV
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3
Free-to-air TV:
Televisions are primarily used to watch free-to-air
Most respondents used a television (including smart TV) to access free-to-air (87% net use), while mobile phones had the
lowest usage overall (42% net use).
While free-to-air TV is watched mostly on a television, it is also accessed to a lesser extent by other means (e.g. tablets,
games consoles, computers, mobile phones).
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TVCS
Frequency of watching free-to-air TV on various devices 4
(%)
Most respondents used a television (including smart TV) to access free-to-air (87% net use), while pay TV boxes (78%) or TV smart accessories /
digital media players were also used by 63%. Approximately one-fifth of respondents (18%) watched free-to-air TV on a television more often than 5
times a week. Mobile phones had the lowest usage overall (42% net use).
More often than 3-5 times a More often than 3-5 times a Once or twice
Net Use Once or twice a day Never
5 times a day day 5 times a week week a week
Subgroups
↑ Television (net use) was higher for:
o Ages 35-54 (89%), and ages 55+ (94% vs 74% of ages 18-34)
o Ages 55+ (94% vs 89% of ages 35-54)
o Those living outside a capital city (90% vs 85% of those living in a capital city)
o Those living alone (88%), parents with dependent children (86%), and parents with non-dependent children (91% vs
70% of adults living in a share house)
o Those who watched sport in P7D (93% vs 82% of those who did not watch sport)
While free-to-air TV is watched mostly on a television, it is also accessed to a lesser extent by other means (e.g., tablets, games
consoles, computers, mobile phones).
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5
TVCS Whether a TV has free-to-air on-demand apps
Approximately half of respondents said that their TV has free-to-air on-demand apps (51%), or that it has some but not all apps (23%). Approximately one-
quarter (25%) of respondents said that they do not have free-to-air on-demand apps on their TV.
Subgroups
↑ Yes was higher for:
o Living in a capital city (53% vs 48% of those living outside a capital city)
No Some, but not all apps Yes
o TV is less than 2 years old (63% vs 46% of those whose TV is 2 or more
years old)
o Watched sport P7D (54% vs 48% of those who did not watch sport P7D)
o SEIFA Quintile 2 (54% vs 43% of those in Quintile 1)
25 23 51
o SEIFA Quintile 5 (58% vs 43% of those in Quintile 1, and 47% of those in
Quintile 3)
o HH income of $52,000 to $103,999 (51%), and $104,000 to $155,999 (53%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
vs 43% of those with HH income of $1 to $51,999)
Source: NEW12c. Does your TV have free-to-air TV on-demand apps? (e.g. ABC iView, SBS On Demand, 9Now, 10 Play, o HH income of $156,000 or more (63% vs 43% of those with HH income of
7plus)? $1 to $51,999, 51% of $52,000 to $103,999, and 53% of $104,000 to
Base: TVCS, Respondents who watch screen content on a television. 2022: n=3193.
$155,999)
Notes: Don’t know/refused responses not shown: DK = 0.9%, Ref = 0.0%
On-demand apps have relatively large coverage, but there are still some people that do not have access to this feature on their TV
(‘no, do not have free-to-air TV on demand apps’, 25%).
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TVCS Ease of navigating to live free-to-air TV on various devices
When asked whether it was easy or difficult to navigate to live free-to-air TV on a range of devices, generally respondents said that it was easy for
certain devices (but not others). The easiest device was a television (net T2B 76%), followed by pay TV box (net T2B 63%). However, it was not as
easy for respondents to navigate to live free-to-air TV on a computer (net T2B 34%) or a games console connected to a television (net T2B 32%).
I don't watch live free-to-air TV on that device I do not own or use that device T2B (net
Very difficult Difficult Easy +
Neither easy nor difficult Easy Subgroups
Very easy % Very easy)
↑ Net Easy and Very easy was higher for:
76 • Pay TV box: Ages 35-54 (66%), and ages 55+ (67% vs
Television (including smart TV) 14 33 43
47% of ages 18-34)
Pay TV box 8 8 16 30 33 63
Tablet 32 5 17 24 14 39
Source: NEW13. To what extent is it easy or difficult to navigate to free-to-air television (live broadcast TV, not on-demand) on each
of the following types of devices?
Base: TVCS, Respondents who watch free-to-air TV on a device.. 2022: n= from 180 to 3314.
Notes: Don’t know/refused responses not shown, % vary per statement. Labels for responses <5% not shown on chart.
Whilst TVs are generally easy to navigate to free-to-air TV, some devices such as mobile phones and tablets are not as easy to
navigate for live free-to-air.
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TVCS
Ease of navigating to on-demand free-to-air TV on various 7
devices
When considering the ease of navigating to on-demand free-to-air TV on a range of devices, most respondents said that it was easy (net ‘easy’ and ‘very easy’)
to navigate to on-demand free-to-air TV on a television (62%), a TV smart accessory or digital media player (61%), and a Pay TV box (58%).
I don't watch on-demand TV on that device I do not own or use that device Subgroups
T2B (net
Very difficult Difficult Easy +
↑ Net Easy and Very easy was higher for:
Neither easy nor difficult
% Easy
Very easy) • Television:
Very easy o Those living in a capital city (65% vs 59% of
those living outside a capital city)
Television (including smart TV) 11 5 15 34 28 62
o Those whose TV is less than 2 years old (70%
vs 60% of those whose TV is 2 or more years
TV smart accessory / Digital media old)
11 6 16 35 26 61
player
o Those with HH income of $156,000 or more
(71% vs 59% of those with HH income of $1 to
Pay TV box 13 9 15 32 26 58 $51,999, 63% of $52,000 to $103,999, and 62%
of $104,000 to $155,999)
Tablet 24 6 15 32 19 51
• Mobile phone or smart phone:
o Ages 18-34 (47%), and ages 35-54 (48% vs
Mobile phone or smartphone 29 5 5 17 28 15 43 32% of ages 55+)
o Parents with dependent children (48% vs 34%
Computer (desktop or laptop) 28 6 5 19 27 14 41 of parents with non-dependent children)
o Those who did not watch sport in P7D (46% vs
40% of those who watched sport)
Games console connected to a
30 5 6 22 26 6 33
television
Source: NEW13b To what extent is it easy or difficult to navigate to free-to-air television for on-demand TV on each of the following devices?
Base: TVCS, Respondents who watch free-to-air TV on a device.. 2022: n= from 180 to 3314.
Notes: Don’t know/refused responses not shown, % vary per statement. Labels for responses <5% not shown on chart.
On-demand free-to-air TV is less easy to access via TV devices (than linear TV), but more easy to access on TV smart accessories
and other devices.
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TVCS Reasons it is difficult to navigate to free-to-air TV
The main reasons that respondents gave for finding it difficult to navigate to free-to-air TV (either live or on-demand, across devices) were that they had
problems with signing in, passwords, or creating accounts (16%), and that it is not a user-friendly process and is difficult to access content (14%). A smaller
proportion of respondents indicated they don’t know how to access content on certain devices (8%). Other respondents indicated that the difficulty was caused
by technological issues such as the content freezing or cutting out (6%) or dislike of using the remote or controller (6%).
%
Issue with aerial / antenna 3 “Just too old for all this new stuff!”
Screen size too small 1 “I don't use often enough, so I use TV.”
Other (specify) 29
“I don’t have it set up on these
Source: NEW13a. Why do you find it difficult to access? devices.”
Base: TVCS, Respondents who find it difficult to navigate to free-to-air TV on one or more devices. 2022: n= 634. (Live free-to-air, via television n=147, On-demand
free-to-air, via Television n=217). “I'm not very tech savvy (or interested
Notes: Don’t know/refused responses not shown: DK = 10%, Ref = 5% in learning) I'll grab a book if I am
Subgroups frustrated.”
↑ Problems with signing in / passwords or creating accounts was higher for: Those living outside a capital
city (23% vs 12% of those living in a capital city)
For free-to-air TV, navigation issues centered around problems with signing in, and user friendliness.
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TVCS
Importance of access to free-to-air TV to choice of television 9
However, around a third indicated ease of access to free-to-air TV is not important in their choice of television model or connected
television device.
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0
TV Devices
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1
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2
TVCS Number of TVs in respondents’ houses
On average, respondents have 2.0 TVs in the household. Most respondents reported having one (38%) or two (32%) TVs in their house, although some had
three (17%) or four (7%). Ages 18-34 were more likely to say they had zero TVs in their household (5%).
Subgroups
↑ Zero was higher for:
% o Ages 18-34 (5% vs 2% ages 35-54, and 1% of ages 55+)
o Adults living in a share house (7% vs 1% of parents with dependent children, and
1% of parents with non-dependent children)
Zero 3 o Those who did not watch sport in P7D (4% vs 1% of those who watched sport)
o Those in SEIFA Quintile 5 (4% vs 2% of those in Quintile 1)
o Those who pay for 0 subscription services (5% vs 0.7% of those who pay for 3-5)
One 38
↑ One was higher for:
o Ages 18-34 (49% vs 34% of ages 35-54, and 33% of ages 55+)
Two 32 o Those living alone (47%), and adults living in a share house (52% vs 34% of
parents with dependent children, 24% of parents with non-dependent children,
and 22% of those living in another household type)
Three 17
AVG: o Parents with dependent children (34% vs 24% of parents with non-dependent
children)
o Those who did not watch sport in P7D (43% vs 32% of those who watched sport)
Four 7 2.0 o Those with HH income of $1 to $51,999 (42% vs 33% of those with HH income of
$156,000 or more)
o Those who pay for 0 (45%), and 1-2 subscription services (41% vs 29% of those
Five 2 who pay for 3-5, and 24% of those who pay for 6+)
Those aged 18-34 are less likely to have a TV in their household than any other age group.
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TVCS
Number of TVs that have external aerials or antennas 3
connected to them
On average, 1.3 TVs in households have external aerials or antennas connected to them. Around one-fifth of respondents (21%) said that none of the TVs in
their house have external aerials or antennas connected to them, while almost half (44%) said that one of the TVs in their house does.
Subgroups
↑ Zero was higher for:
% o Women (24% vs 17% of men)
o Ages 18-34 (38%), and ages 35-54 (18% vs 10% of ages 55+)
Zero 21 o Ages 18-34 (38% vs 18% of ages 35-54)
o Those living in a capital city (26% vs 13% of those living outside a capital
One 44 AVG: city)
o Parents with dependent children (23% vs 16% of parents with non-
Two 22
1.3 dependent children),
o Adults living in a share house (47% vs 20% of those living alone, 23% of
Three 8 parents with dependent children, 16% of parents with non-dependent
children, and 28% of those living in another household type)
Four 3
o Those living in another household type (28% vs 16% of parents with
Five 1 non-dependent children)
o Those whose TV is less than 2 years old (25% vs 20% of those whose
Six 1 TV is 2 or more years old)
o Those who did not watch sport in P7D (25% vs 16% of those who
Seven 0.1 watched sport)
o Those in SEIFA Quintile 3 (23%), and Quintile 5 (26% vs 15% of Quintile
Eight 0.1 1)
o Those with HH income of $52,000 to $103,999 (24% vs 17% of those
Nine 0.0 with HH income of $1 to $51,999)
Source: NEW17bb. Of the working TVs in your house, how many have external aerials or antennas connected to them? ↑ One was higher for:
Base: TVCS, Respondents have at least one TV in their house. 2022: n=3910. o Those living outside a capital city (48% vs 41% of those living in a
Notes: Don’t know/refused responses not shown: DK = 1%, Ref = 0.1% capital city)
o Those living alone (48% vs 37% of parents with non-dependent children)
o Those who did not watch sport in P7D (46% vs 41% of those who
watched sport)
o Those with HH income of $1 to $51,999 (50% vs 41% of those with HH
income of $52,000 to $103,999, and 36% of $156,000 or more)
The average number of TVs with aerial connected to them is lower than the number of actual TVs in the house.
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TVCS Number of TVs connected to the internet
On average, 1.4 TVs in households are connected to the internet. Nearly half of respondents (46%) said that only one TV in their household connects to the
internet and nearly one-quarter indicated two (23%). Less than one-fifth of respondents said that none of the TVs in their house are connected to the internet
(16%).
Subgroups
↑ Zero was higher for:
o Ages 55+ (24% vs 11% of ages 35-54, and 11% of ages 18-34)
%
o Living outside a capital city (21% vs 14% of those living in a capital city)
o Living alone (22% vs 10% of parents with dependent children, 11% of parents with
Zero 16 non-dependent children, and 8% of adults living in a share house)
o TV is 2 or more years old (20% vs 6% of those whose TV is less than 2 years old)
One 46 o Those who did not watch sport P7D (18% vs 14% of those who watched sport P7D)
AVG: o Those in SEIFA Quintile 1 (19%), Quintile 2 (19%), and Quintile 3 (18% vs 12% of
Quintile 4, and 13% of Quintile 5)
Two 23
1.4 o Those with HH income of $1 to $51,999 (30% vs 13% of those with HH income of
$52,000 to $103,999, 8% of $104,000 to $155,999, and 6% of $156,000 or more)
Three 9 o Those with HH income of $52,000 to $103,999 (13% vs 8% of $104,000 to $155,999,
and 6% of $156,000 or more)
Four 3 o Those who pay for 0 (15%), and 1-2 subscription services (11% vs 4% of those who
pay for 3-5)
Five 1
↑ One was higher for:
o Ages 18-34 (56% vs 42% of ages 35-54, and 41% of ages 55+)
Six 0.4 o Those living in a capital city (47% vs 43% of those living outside a capital city)
o Those living alone (52%) and adults living in a share house (64% vs 40% of parents
Seven 0.1 with dependent children, and 38% of parents with non-dependent children)
o Adults living in a share house (64% vs 39% of those living in another household type)
Eight 0.0 o Those who did not watch sport P7D (48% vs 43% of those who watched sport P7D)
o Those who pay for 1-2 subscription services (51% vs 43% of those who pay for 3-5,
Source: NEW17b. Of the working TVs currently in your house, how many are connected to the internet (e.g., a smart TV or
and 33% of those who pay for 6+)
through a smart TV accessory such as a Google Chromecast)?
Base: TVCS, Respondents who have at least one TV in their house. 2022: n=3910 ↑ Two was higher for:
Notes: Don’t know/refused responses not shown: DK = 0.5%, Ref = 0.1% o Parents with dependent children (30%) and parents with non-dependent children
(26% vs 19% of those living alone, and 13% of adults living in a share house)
o Those who watched sport P7D (26% vs 21% of those who did not watch sport P7D)
o Those with HH income of $52,000 to $103,999 (27%), and $156,000 or more (26% vs
18% of those with HH income of $1 to $51,999)
The average number of TVs connected to the internet is slightly higher than the number of TVs that use external antennas.
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TVCS How TVs are connected to the internet
For those that do have at least one TV connected to the internet, most respondents (78%) said that their TV connects to the internet because it is a smart TV,
although just over one-third (38%) said that their TV is connected to the internet through a separate device.
Subgroups
%
↑ It is a smart TV was higher for:
o Men (80% vs 75% of women)
o Ages 55+ (81% vs 74% of ages 18-34)
o Those whose TV is less than 2 years old (92% vs 71% of those
It is a smart TV 78 whose TV is 2 or more years old)
o Those who watched sport P7D (81% vs 74% of those who did not
watch sport P7D)
o Those with HH income of $156,000 or more (84% vs 77% of
those with HH income of $1 to $51,999, 77% of $52,000 to
$103,999, and 73% of $104,000 to $155,999)
Source: NEW17c. How do the TVs in your house connect to the internet?
Base: TVCS, Respondents who have at least one TV connected to the internet in their house. 2022: n=3085.
Notes: Don’t know/refused responses not shown: DK = 0.6%, Ref = 0.0%
The most common way a TV connects to the internet is without a separate device.
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TVCS Age of current main TV
The average age of the current main TV in households is 4.5 years. Over one-third of respondents (37%) said the main TV in their house is between 2 and less
than 5 years old. Approximately one-in-ten respondents said their TV was less than one year old (10%), or 10 or more years old (9%).
Subgroups
Less than one year old Between 1 and less than 2 years old ↑ Less than 1 year old was higher for:
Between 2 and less than 5 years old Between 5 and less than 10 years old o Men (12%, vs 8% of women)
o Those who watched sport P7D (12% vs 9% of those who did not
10 or more years old watch sport P7D)
↑ Between 5 and less than 10 years old was higher for: Those with HH
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
income of $52,000 to $103,999 (29% vs 21% of those with HH income of
$156,000 or more)
Source: NEW17d. How old is your current main TV?
Base: TVCS, Respondents have at least one TV in their house. 2022: n=3910.
Notes: Don’t know/refused responses not shown: dk = 0.2%, Ref = 0.1% AVG: ↑ 10 or more years old was higher for:
o Ages 35-54 (10%), and ages 55+ (11% vs 5% of ages 18-34)
4.5 o Those who did not watch sport in the P7D (10% vs 7% of those
years who watched sport P7D)
o Those with HH income of $1 to $51,999 (12% vs 7% of those with
HH income of $52,000 to $103,999, and 7% of $156,000 or more)
Younger age cohorts (ages 18-34) are more likely to have a newer TV in their household.
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TVCS Brand of main TV
The most common brand of TV used as the main TV by respondents was Samsung (27%), followed by LG (19%), and Sony (14%).
Subgroups
% ↑ Samsung was higher for:
o Those living in a capital city (31% vs 21% of those living outside a
capital city)
Samsung 27
o Those who watched sport P7D (30% vs 24% of those who did not
watch sport P7D)
LG 19 o Those in SEIFA Quintile 4 (33% vs 22% in Quintile 1, 22% in
Quintile 2, and 26% in Quintile 3)
Sony 14 o Those in SEIFA Quintile 5 (30% vs 22% in Quintile 1, and 22% in
Quintile 2)
Hisense 11 o Those with HH income of $104,000 to $155,999 (29%), and
$156,000 or more (34% vs 22% of those with HH income of $1 to
Panasonic 9 $51,999)
Samsung is the most common brand of TV, especially for those living in capital cities, and parents.
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TVCS Reasons for buying a new TV
Just under one-tenth of respondents (9%) said they had bought a new TV in the past 6 months. The most common reason for buying a new TV was to upgrade
or keep up with new technology (39%). Around three in ten respondents (30%) bought a new TV because their existing one broke or malfunctioned, while others
saw a good deal (17%).
%
To upgrade or keep up with new
39
technology
TV broke or malfunctioned 30
“Yes, I bought a
new TV in the I saw a good deal 17
past 6 months”
To add more TVs to the house 15
9% Buying my first TV 10
Other (specify) 4
Source: NEW16. Did you buy a new TV in the past 6 months?
Base: TVCS, All respondents. 2022: n=4016. Source: NEW16b. What were the reason(s) you bought a new TV?
Notes: No/Don’t know/refused responses not shown: No = Base: TVCS, Respondents who bought a new TV in the past 6 months. 2022: n=366.
90.51, DK = 0.0%, Ref = 0.0% Notes: Don’t know/refused responses not shown: DK = 0.3%, Ref = 0.0%
Subgroups Subgroups
↑ To upgrade or keep up with new technology was higher for: ↑ TV broke or malfunctioned was higher for:
o Women (47% vs 33% of men) o Those living outside a capital city (40% vs 24% of those
o Those whose TV is less than 2 years old (43% vs 21% of living in a capital city)
those whose TV is 2 or more years old) o Those with HH income of $104,000 to $155,999 (45% vs
16% of those with HH income of $156,000 or more)
The changing pace of technology drives most new purchases while replacing a broken device ranks second.
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9
TVCS Importance of various features when buying a new TV
The primary feature that respondents ranked as most important to consider when buying a new TV was that it is internet-enabled (29%). Screen size was most
commonly ranked as the second most important feature (24%), while price was the primary feature ranked as third most important (20%).
% Subgroups
29
Internet-enabled 14 ↑ Internet-enabled was higher for:
12
• Most important feature:
20 o Women (32% vs 26% of men)
Price 17
20 o Those living in a capital city (31% vs 25% of those
living outside a capital city)
16 o Parents with dependent children (34% vs 28% of those
Resolution and picture quality 17
14 living alone, and 25% of parents with non-dependent
15 children)
Screen Size 24 o Those whose TV is less than 2 years old (33% vs 27%
19 of those whose TV is 2 or more years old)
Most important
10
Easy to use 10 ↑ Price was higher for:
10
• Most important feature:
Provides access to free-to-air television through an 5 o Those living outside a capital city (23% vs 19% of
6 Second most
antenna / satellite 7 those living in a capital city)
important o Those in SEIFA Quintile 2 (24%), and Quintile 3 (25%
2 vs 17% of those in Quintile 4, and 16% in Quintile 5)
Audio or sound quality 5
8 o Those with HH income of $1 to $51,999 (24% vs 18%
2 Third most of those with HH income of $104,000 to $155,999, and
Has the latest streaming apps 6 important 13% of $156,000 or more)
5 o Those with HH income of $52,000 to $103,999 (24%
0.5 vs 13% of those with HH income of $156,000 or more)
Refresh rate (hertz rate) 1
2
0.4
Type of lighting (back-lit or edge-lit) 0.4
1
Source: NEW18. When buying a new TV, which of the following features are important to you? Please order your top three features from 1 to 3 (where 1 is the
most important, 2 is the next most important, and 3 is your third most important).
Base: TVCS, All respondents. 2022: n=4016.
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Sports Content on TV
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Sports content:
Sport is a popular content type in Australia
The majority of respondents had watched sport in the past 6 months (67%). Just under half of respondents (46%) had
watched or listened to sport in the past 7 days (net live sport, replayed sport, other sports-related programs). Live sport
significantly increased since 2021 (42% in 2022, 37% in 2021).
The majority of respondents had watched sports online or on TV in the past 6 months.
Live free-to-air remains the primary means of sports consumption, but is on the decline
Half of respondents (50%) had consumed sports content via commercial free-to-air TV. However, in 2022 commercial free-
to-air TV, and publicly-owned free-to-air TV (15%) both declined significantly since 2021 (from 67% and 19%, respectively).
However, commercial free-to air on-demand TV (16%) and publicly owned on-demand TV have both significantly increased
this year (10%).
The most important feature of sports content for respondents who have watched sports in the past 6 months was that it is
freely available on broadcast TV (36%).
Free-to-air remains the main service that respondents prefer to access sports programming in Australia.
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2
TVCS Frequency of watching sports in past 6 months
The majority of respondents had watched sport in the past 6 months (67%). Approximately one-third (33%) of respondents said they have not watched sports in
the past 6 months, while just under one-fifth said they have watched sports less than once a month (18%). A similar proportion (17%) indicated they have
typically watched sports one to two days a week over the past 6 months.
% Subgroups
Several times a day 2 ↑ One to two days a week was higher for:
Net watch o Men (20% vs 14% of women)
o Ages 35-54 (16%), and ages 55+ (22% vs 11% of ages 18-34)
About once a day 3 sport P6M o Ages 55+ (22% vs 16% of ages 35-54)
Source: NEW19. Over the past 6 months, how often have you typically watched sports online or on TV?
Base: TVCS, All respondents. 2022: n=4016.
Notes: Don’t know/refused responses not shown: DK= 0.0%, Ref = 0.0%
The majority of respondents had watched sports online or on TV in the past 6 months.
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TVCS Sports content consumed in the past 7 days
Just under half of respondents (46%) had consumed sport in the past 7 days (net live sport, replayed sport, other sports-related programs), although 53% had
not watched or listened to any sports content in this period.
Subgroups
↑ Net Live sport, replayed sport, and other sports-related programs was higher
for:
Net watch o Men (57% vs 36% of women)
o Ages 35-54 (46%), and ages 55+ (54% vs 36% of ages 18-34)
sport P7D o Ages 55+ (54% vs 46% of ages 35-54)
46% o Those living alone (48%), and parents with non-dependent children
%
(50% vs 33% of adults living in a share house, and 33% of those living in
another household type)
42 o Parents with dependent children (46% vs 33% of adults living in a share
Live sport 37 house)
38 o Those with HH income of $156,000 or more (56% vs 43% of those with
HH income of $1 to $51,999, and 44% of $52,000 to $103,999)
15
↑ I didn’t watch sports programs P7D was higher for:
Replayed sport 15 2022 o Women (63% vs 42% of men)
18 o Ages 18-34 (64%), and ages 35-54 (54% vs 45% of ages 55+)
2021
o Ages 18-34 (64% vs 54% of ages 35-54)
7 2020 o Adults living in a share house (67% vs 52% of those living alone, 54% of
Other sports-related programs 9 parents with dependent children, and 49% of parents with non-
9 dependent children)
o Those living in another household type (67% vs 52% of those living
alone, and 49% of parents with non-dependent children)
53 o Those with HH income of $1 to $51,999 (56%), and $52,000 to $103,999
I didn’t watch sport programs in
56 (55% vs 44% of those with HH income of $156,000 or more)
the past 7 days
55
Source: E1. In the past 7 days, did you watch or listen to…?
Base: TVCS, All respondents. 2022: n=4016. 2021: n=4135. 2020: n=4096. Callouts
Notes: Don’t know/refused responses not shown: 2022 DK=0.3%, Ref = 0.2%. 2021 DK = 0.0%, Ref = 0.0%. 2020 DK = 0.0%, Ref =
0.0%. • In 2022, live sport has increased significantly, while other sports
related programs has decreased.
Around half of respondents reported watching or listening to sport in the past 7 days.
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TVCS
Whether respondents who had not consumed sport in past 7 days 4
100% Subgroups
↑ Yes was higher for:
o Men (35% vs 27% of women)
33 30
80% o Ages 35-54 (31%), and ages 55+ (38% vs 22% of ages 18-34)
o Ages 55+ (38% vs 31% of ages 35-54)
o Those living alone (34% vs 15% of adults living in a share house)
60%
Yes ↑ No was higher for:
No o Women (73% vs 65% of men)
40% o Ages 18-34 (78%), and ages 35-54 (69% vs 62% of ages 55+)
67 70 o Ages 18-34 (78% vs 69% of ages 35-54)
20%
0%
2021 2022
Source: E5. Do you watch or listen to sports at all during a normal year?
Base: TVCS, Respondents who have not consumed sports content in the past 7 days. 2022:
n=2060. 2021: n=2211
Callouts
Notes: Don’t know/refused responses not shown: 2022 DK = 0.1%, Ref = 0.0%. 2021 DK = 0.0%, • No significant differences observed between 2022 and 2021.
Ref = 0.0%.
About a third of those who didn’t watch sport in the past 7 days still report watching some sports in a normal year.
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TVCS How respondents consumed sports content
Half of respondents (50%) had consumed sports content via commercial free-to-air TV, however this has declined since 2021. More than one-quarter (26%)
used a sports-specific website or app, and one-fifth (21%) used Pay TV. However, commercial free-to air on-demand TV (16%) and publicly owned on-demand
TV have both significantly increased this year (10%).
%
50
Subgroups
Commercial free-to-air TV, excluding on-
67 ↑ Commercial free-to-air TV was higher for:
demand 63 o Ages 35-54 (48%), and ages 55+ (62% vs 30% of ages 18-34)
26
Sports specific website or app 25 o Ages 55+ (62% vs 48% of ages 35-54)
21 o Those living outside a capital city (56% vs 47% of those living in a capital
21 city)
Pay TV 25
29
16 ↑ Sports specific website or app was higher for:
Commercial free-to-air on-demand TV 7
o Ages 18-34 (33%), and ages 35-54 (29% vs 21% of ages 55+)
Publicly owned free-to-air TV, excluding 15 o Parents with dependent children (32% vs 22% of those living alone)
19 o Those with HH income of $156,000 or more (35% vs 21% of those with
on-demand 22
11 HH income of $1 to $51,999, and 22% of $52,000 to $103,999)
Free video streaming services 12 o Those who pay for 3-5 (41%), and 6+ subscription services (67% vs
13 2022
17% of those who pay for 0 subscriptions services, and 21% of those
Publicly owned free-to-air on-demand TV 6
10 Net free- 2021 who pay for 1-2)
7 to-air 2020 o Those who pay for 6+ subscription services (67% vs 41% of those who
Online subscription services 8 pay for 3-5 subscription service)
3
9 72% o Those whose TV is less than 2 years old (31% vs 25% of those whose
Betting agency website or app 3 TV is 2 or more years old)
4
1
Pay-per-view services 2
1
7
Other websites or apps 6
6
Net
15 online Callouts
Radio 10
• In 2022, commercial free-to-air TV, publicly owned TV, pay TV and
15
Other (Please specify)
0.8
0.7
41% pay-per-view has declined since 2021.
0.2 • Radio has significantly increased for sports content consumption in
Source: E2. How did you watch or listen to sports related programs in the past 7 days?
2022.
Base: TVCS, Respondents who consumed sports content in the past 7 days. 2022: n=1956. 2021: n=1924. 2020: n=1880.
Notes: Don’t know/refused responses not shown: 2022 DK = 0.3%, Ref = 0.0%. 2021 DK = 0.1, Ref = 0.0%. 2020 DK = 0.0%, Ref =
0.0%.
Free-to-air remains the main service that respondents prefer to access sports programming in Australia.
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TVCS Importance of various features of sports content (%)
The most important feature of sports content for respondents who have watched sports in the past 6 months was that it is freely available on broadcast TV
(36%). The next most important features were that it is freely available either online or on broadcast TV (30%), and that it is available on-demand so that
matches and events can be watched at any time (13%).
Subgroups
Consumers have a strong preference for free availability of sports programming and content production in Australia.
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TVCS Whether sports content consumed was men’s, women’s, or both
The majority of respondents (59%) who had consumed sports content indicated that they had watched or listened to men’s sport, while two-fifths (39%) had
consumed both men’s and women’s sport.
Subgroups
↑ Men’s sport was higher for:
o Ages 18-34 (64%), and ages 35-54 (67% vs 52% of ages 55+)
Men's sport Women's sport Both o Those in SEIFA Quintile 3 (66), and Quintile 5 (66% vs 55% of those in
Quintile 1, 52% of those in Quintile 2, and 53% of those in Quintile 4)
o Those with HH income of $52,000 to $103,999 (62%), and $156,000 or
2022 59 2 39 more (65% vs 51% of those with HH income of $1 to $51,999)
Callouts
• In 2022, women’s sport significantly decreased compared to 2021.
Audiences are increasingly interested in seeing both male and female representation in sports programs.
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TVCS Types of sports content consumed (%)
Australian Rules Football was the most commonly watched men’s sport (33%, steady since 2021 at 34%), followed by Rugby League (31%, decreasing from 36%
in 2021), and international test cricket matches (28%, and 27% in 2021). The most commonly watched sports overall (net ‘men’s’, ‘women’s’, and ‘both’), were
Olympic Games events (75%), and Commonwealth Games events (66%). The most commonly watched women’s sport was netball matches (16%).
% Men's Women's Both I don't watch this sport
Thank you
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Appendix 1:
Methodology
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Methodology Summary
For the 2022 TVCS and MCCS, the Social Research Centre’s probability based online panel
– Life in Australia™ was used as the primary data collection vehicle for the probability-based
sample estimates. The Social Research Centre established Life in Australia™ – Australia’s
first and only national probability-based online panel – in December 2016. Cohorts included
adults, parents, children, and teachers / educators.
An opt-in online panel, Online Research Unit (ORU), was used to source a non-probability
sample boost of parents or guardians of children aged 0 to15 years (MCCS), and regional
Australians (TVCS).
Data from the Life in Australia™ and ORU panels were then blended together using
statistical techniques to minimise the bias associated with non-probability samples.
More details on the survey methodology can be found in the Technical Report delivered to
the Department (named ‘Attachment 2 - 2853 Television and Media Content Consumption
Survey Technical Report’).
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Survey design
The structure and questions of the 2020 and 2021 questionnaires provided the basis for
development of the MCCS and TVCS 2022 instrument. New items were developed to reflect
areas of contemporary policy significance. Future of Broadcasting Working Group (Working
Group) were consulted on the design of the TVCS instrument.
Survey length
The 2022 MCCS and TVCS conducted via Life in Australia™ had a combined average
completion length of 37.9 minutes.
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Cognitive Testing
Cognitive testing was used to inform the development of new survey questions for the TVCS
questionnaire. Changes to questions and terminology previously used in the MCCS were
also tested through this process. This was to ensure that the questions as phrased would be
well-understood by survey participants and provide consistent, quantifiable results.
The testing was conducted through 8 cognitive interviews with adults and occurred via video-
conference.
These interviews examined the extent to which respondents understood the question being
asked and were are able to provide sensible and accurate answers.
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Ethical considerations
The Social Research Centre is aware of its obligations and responsibilities of ethical and
legal responsibilities in undertaking any form of general community survey. To this end, the
Social Research Centre is aware of and adheres to the National Health and Medical
Research Council’s (NHMRC) National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research
(the National Statement) and confirms our compliance with all appropriate privacy and
confidentiality legislation and guidelines covering issues such as informed consent and data
handling and security.
All aspects of this research were undertaken within a strict ethical framework and ensure
compliance with the National Statement, Australian Privacy Principles, and Research Society
Code of Conduct. Given the Survey content for this study (as deployed in 2020 and 2021)
was unlikely to cause psychological distress and did not seek to capture sensitive
information, formal ethics approval was not undertaken. The NHMRC National Statement
would refer to a project of this nature as ‘negligible risk’, that is, “research in which there is
no foreseeable risk of harm or discomfort; and any foreseeable risk is no more than
inconvenience” (associated with giving up time to participate in research).
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Corporate Governance
All research was undertaken in compliance with the International Standard of ISO 20252
Market, opinion and social research, the Research Society code of practice standards, the
Market and Social Research Privacy Principles, and the Australian Privacy Principles.
The Social Research Centre is an accredited Company Partner of The Research Society
with all senior staff as full members and several senior staff QPR accredited. The Social
Research Centre is also a member of the Australian Data and Insights Association (ADIA
formerly known as AMSRO) and bound by the Market and Social Research Privacy
Principles / Code.
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Questionnaire
The survey instrument was delivered to the Department (named ‘Attachment 1 - 2853 TV
Consumer and Media Content Consumption Survey 2022 - 14 Sept 2022’).
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