Western Sydney University partners with ABC Education to examine young Australians’ news literacy needs
Western Sydney University is partnering with the education arm of Australia’s national broadcaster, ABC Education, to implement a national survey that will examine the news literacy of young people.
With the funding provided by ABC Education, the survey will examine the news practices, experiences and abilities of young people aged 8-16 years. The 2026 survey will mark the fourth time the survey has been implemented.
Professor Tanya Notley from the School of Humanities and Communication Arts and Institute for Culture and Society will lead the longitudinal survey as part of the Advancing Media Literacy in Australia research program.
Professor Notley said the survey will support organisations like ABC Education who develop resources to advance young Australians’ news literacy.
“It is critical that we understand how young people’s expectations and experiences of news are changing over time and how education can address knowledge gaps. The upcoming survey will also explore how young people’s news engagement influences civic participation,” said Professor Notley
Annabel Astbury from ABC Education is pleased to again be involved in supporting the survey.
“This survey provides valuable insights into the habits of young people when it comes to their news consumption,” said Ms Astbury
"ABC Education is proud to support Professor Notley's work which has already had an impact on the way we approach media literacy education in this country."
Professor Notley will work with a team of Australian researchers from Western Sydney University, University of Canberra and Queensland University of Technology. You can learn more about the survey and related research on the Advancing Media Literacy in Australia research website.
ENDS
31 July 2025
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