Newsflash: TV beats print

The statistics show that 53.3 per cent of Australians use the television as their main source of news. From this, 45 per cent said that ABC TV was their preferred channel for keeping up with what is happening in the world.

Viewers look to the ABC because it is less biased than other networks, according to Craig McMurtrie, head of network and state coverage, ABC news. "People choose ABC News over other stations because they know it's accurate, impartial and independent - right across our television, radio and online platforms," he said.

In a fast-paced society, television is less stagnant than other mediums of communication, according to McMurtrie. "I believe that people choose television because they want a wrap-up of what's been going on during the day, including the latest developments in breaking stories and because the timing of the evening bulletins fits their busy lives," he said.

"As more and more of our television content is delivered online and viewing habits change, that may not always be the case; but people still want to see the images for themselves to get the full sense of a story and catch up with events."

Just behind television, newspapers were Australian's next favourite medium. 20.5 per cent of respondents said that they use papers to stay up-to-date with domestic news. The Herald Sun in Melbourne was the most popular newspaper, read by 15.5 per cent of respondents, followed by the Sydney Morning Herald, 13 per cent, the Daily Telegraph 10.5 per cent and The Age 10 per cent.

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