The latest data from Enhanced Media Metrics Australia (emma) released today has found 16.8 million people read news media in print or on digital devices during August.

Consumption of news media on digital devices in particular continues to surge, with 13.3 million Australians, accessing news, information and entertainment content on smartphones, tablets, PCs and laptops.

Newspaper readership remained stable, with 13.6 million people, reading a newspaper in August. Metropolitan newspapers were read by 11.3 million people, while regional and community newspapers were read by 7.5 million people.

NewsMediaWorks CEO Mark Hollands says quality, influential journalism continues to engage consumers across all platforms, and pointed out significant crossover in readers’ usage of platforms.

“The fact that people choose various platforms to consume news media shows that it remains an integral part of their lives and lifestyles and demonstrates why news media is a powerful medium for advertisers to connect with our audiences,” he says.

“Three in five readers, or 60 per cent, say they get news from both digital and print sources, well ahead of the number of readers who rely solely on print, at 21 per cent, or digital, at 19 per cent.

“The news media sector continues to be strong, stable and resilient across all platforms. Our industry dominates the national agenda with its influential journalism and large and engaged audiences.”

According to the emma data for the 12 months to August 2016, The Sydney Morning Herald is Australia’s highest-reaching title across all platforms with 6.33 million readers. The Daily Telegraph followed, reaching 4.47 million readers and the Herald Sun on 4.22 million. 

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