18 June 2026 · mediaaudiencebbcabcradio australia
Media research in the spotlight
Tebbutt Research has a long track record in media and audience research across the Pacific, including work for respected media organisations, broadcasters and development partners.
This work helps media organisations understand who they are reaching, which platforms people use, which sources audiences trust, where access gaps remain, and how reporting can better serve communities across the region.
Our media research has included audience surveys, citizen media engagement studies, radio listenership studies, focus group discussions, media access research and analysis of trust, misinformation and information needs.
Public examples of our media research
Public examples include media research in Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Vanuatu for BBC Media Action and ABC International Development.
In Papua New Guinea, BBC Media Action’s national media audience research, conducted in partnership with Tebbutt Research and the National Research Institute, explored media access, trust, misinformation, news needs and the role of mainstream and social media.
In Samoa, BBC Media Action’s audience research examined media habits and preferences, including internet and smartphone access, news sources, trust, misinformation and communication needs.
In Vanuatu, national media research conducted by Tebbutt Research for BBC Media Action and VANGO showed the growth of digital media and mobile phone access, while also highlighting continuing gaps for rural communities.
For ABC International Development, Tebbutt Research conducted the 2023 PNG Citizen Media Engagement Study. The study included a quantitative survey of 2,000 respondents across PNG’s four regions, alongside qualitative focus group discussions with youth in urban locations.
Audience research for broadcasters
Tebbutt Research has also conducted audience and listenership research for international broadcasters operating in the Pacific.
Earlier work for ABC Radio Australia measured audience awareness, listening frequency, programme preferences, recent listenership and media access across major Pacific urban centres.
- Radio Australia’s strong figures – Association for International Broadcasting
- Radio Australia connects with audiences – Scoop
Tebbutt Research audience data is also referenced in later public reporting on ABC International’s Pacific audience reach.
Media research used in wider analysis
Tebbutt Research media studies have also been cited in academic and development analysis of journalism, media strengthening and communications in the Pacific.
For example, research conducted in Solomon Islands has been cited in analysis of journalism training and media assistance, including discussion of radio’s importance, media access, Honiara-centric reporting and the role of local information networks.
Pacific media research capability
Media use in the Pacific is changing quickly, but not evenly. Radio, television, newspapers, social media, messaging apps, churches, community leaders, family networks and word of mouth all play different roles depending on country, location, age, income, language and access.
Tebbutt Research brings practical experience in measuring these behaviours across Pacific settings.
Our media research capability includes:
- Audience measurement
- Radio and television listenership studies
- Media access and platform use research
- Trust and misinformation research
- Citizen media engagement studies
- Public interest media research
- Quantitative audience surveys
- Qualitative focus groups and depth interviews
- Urban, rural and remote fieldwork
- Multi-country Pacific media studies
This work supports media organisations, broadcasters and development partners to improve reporting, strengthen audience engagement and understand how people across the Pacific access and use information.
Aside from the countries mentioned here, we have media experience across other countries.