Media regulator, ACMA, reports that 20 million Australians use Facebook, and 7 million people use TikTok, including almost half of all 25–34 year olds and around 10 per cent of 65 to 74 year olds. Instagram is preferred by younger people: 80 per cent of 18 to 24 year olds.

Social media use is widespread and increasing, including for accessing ABC content. The ABC has been engaged for almost fifteen years in an increasing extension of its content delivery on social media.

Michael Ward, ABC Alumni Chair, has looked at the ABC’s increasing use of social media which plays a growing role as a primary news source for Australians. Social media is a wild place, awash with extreme views, misinformation, abuse and hate speech. All the more reason that the ABC should be there as a trusted voice.

Read more of Michael’s analysis