Media Research, Forecasts & Analysis

Australia Advertising Expenditure Forecast 2026

: We forecast the total advertising market to grow at a 3.6% CAGR over the next five years, stabilised after a period of pandemic and post-pandemic disruption. Overall, the momentum of digital will be blunted by technological disruption. The beneficiaries are the ‘traditional’ media who will improve…

15.4% Surge in oOh Media Leads Sector as M&A Activity Offsets Governance Turmoil

: The media sector experienced significant divergence in May 2026, characterised by aggressive M&A activity and governance setbacks. oOh Media emerged as the top performer with a 15.4% increase following a bidding war, while ARN Media fell 10.7% amid a shareholder revolt and substantial revenue losse…

FTA TV Recovery Requires Ad Agency Re-set: Moving from Clicks to Value

: This report analyses the Australian free-to-air (FTA) television landscape, focusing on the shift from traditional broadcast to Broadcaster Video on Demand (BVOD). It explores the correlation between GDP growth and advertising expenditure, the impact of media agency incentive structures on TV's mar…

Netflix/Warner takeover will squeeze local media

: In early December 2025, Netflix entered a definitive agreement to acquire the film and TV studio assets of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), including Warner Bros. Pictures, HBO, and HBO Max. This reflects an SVOD industry that has matured and now seeks profitability through consolidation. If successfu…

Australian Government Must Win the News Bargaining Battle

: The Australian Treasury's consultation paper outlines a significant shift in media regulation, moving from voluntary encouragement to a mandatory levy system. By targeting platforms based on total Australian revenue rather than news carriage, the government seeks to close loopholes that allowed com…

In Defence of Australia’s ESafety Commission - Why Technology Needs Regulation

: This report analyses the growing global and domestic resistance to unregulated technology platforms, focusing on the Australian eSafety Commission's role. It explores the philosophical and legal justifications for government intervention in digital markets, drawing parallels between historical indu…