ABC achieves record news audience

Originally published by ABC | 26 August 2021

The ABC is recording the biggest news audiences in its history as Australians seek trustworthy sources to help them navigate pandemic conditions at home and keep across critical international events such as the situation in Afghanistan.

ABC News has now been Australia’s No 1 digital news brand since January 2020 in overall monthly unique audience, and also on smartphones and among women.

ABC News was first ranked the top online news brand five years ago with a unique audience in July 2016 of 6.5 million Australians, or 33% of the active online population.

In June this year 12.8 million Australians, or 51% of people aged 2+, used either the website or app.

During August the ABC News mobile app achieved its highest weekly audience on record of 1.4 million users. Total ABC iview consumption and streams of ABC News Australia on YouTube were also the highest ever in the week.

Major audience drivers in 2021 include coverage of the continuing impact of COVID-19 on all Australians; the ABC’s world-class reporting of the Asia Pacific, including recent events in Afghanistan; the outstanding Regional & Local coverage from news teams across the country; and our unrivalled investigative reporting.

“The audience appreciation for ABC News journalism and coverage is extraordinary,” said ABC Director, News Gaven Morris.

“The demand for trustworthy, quality content on digital platforms is huge and still growing incredibly fast.

“Our TV and radio broadcasts remain strong on our live channels and traditional services and we’re also seeing great take-up through on-demand platforms such as ABC iview and ABC Listen.

“We’re proud Australians across age groups and in all parts of the community are turning to the ABC – and that we’re delivering the services they want just when they need us the most.”