The widespread availability of digital television has changed the viewing habits of Australians. According to the Roy Morgan Single Source report, 58 per cent of Aussies aged 14 years old and above are watching digital TV channels.

However, with more spare time on their hands, more pre-Boomers and the Baby Boomers are watching digital TV than members of Generations X, Y and Z. The research firm reported that in the past 12 months to June 2011, 85 per cent of Aussie households received digital TV signal, up from 74 per cent for the same period a year ago.

Younger Aussies, particularly 26 per cent members of Gen X identified GO! as their favourite digital TV channel, followed by Eleven and 7mate with 20 per cent each. It was also the favourite of 34 per cent of Gen Z and 29 per cent of Gen Y members, while Eleven and 7mate were cited by 22 to 23 per cent of Gen Y and Z members.

Among older Aussies, their favourite digital TV channel is 7TWO. It was cited by 30 per cent of pre-Boomers and 26 per cent of Baby Boomers. Both older groups also pointed to ABC2 and GEM as their next favourite digital TV channels.

George Pesutto, industry director for media of Roy Morgan Research, explained the popularity of 7TWO to elder Australians to its British programming, while GO! is the choice of more younger Aussies because of its youth-oriented programs.

Communications Minister Stephen Conroy estimates 80 per cent of West Australians would be able to access all digital TV channels by mid-2012 following the installation of more transmitters in regional and remote areas by broadcasters.

He disclosed that the federal government allocated $34 million over the next four years for commercial free-to-air broadcasters in remote and regional WA, regional South Australia and central Australia.

Mr Conroy said four new sites are now running in Western Australia, eight more will be completed by the end of 2011 and 38 transmitters are scheduled to be installed across the state by the middle of 2012 in preparation for the full shift to digital TV by Australia in 2013.