How does the media work in Australia?

The ABC and the SBS are Australia's national public broadcasters. Credit: AAP Image/Joel Carrett

A free, independent and diverse press is a fundamental pillar of democracy. Australia has two taxpayer-funded networks that serve the public interest (ABC and SBS), plus a variety of commercial and community media outlets. Although publicly funded media receives money from the government, it is unlike the state-sponsored outlets found overseas.

Australia has two publicly funded broadcasters: the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS).
Taxpayers fund the ABC and the SBS as a public service.
Public broadcasters are different from state-controlled media.
Australia also has commercial and community media outlets that raise revenue through advertising or sponsorship.