During times of crises, like the recent bushfires and COVID-19, we’ve seen a significant increase in a need for on-demand content—people want meaningful, practical information available at their fingertips to help them make thoughtful decisions that impact themselves and their families.

But while Australia has a range of online streaming services available, most are entertainment-based, and none focus solely on the fintech and start-up areas. It’s a void in the market that ausbiz is stepping in to fill and Vocus is helping to deliver through our reliable connectivity solutions.

This new network will be live streaming business, markets, and startup news and information, providing real-time coverage of Australia’s share market, along with expert analysis and commentary across a broad range of investments, all via an app and on Twitter. The goal? Provide Australians with credible, sensible information they can apply to their own lives, all straight from the ausbiz app.

Launching a free streaming app, rather than a traditional news channel, may seem like a bold move, but it makes sense when you break down the way Australians consume their news and how much time they spend online.

Pre-COVID-19, Aussies spent nearly 40 hours a week online, a figure that’s likely to increase as people practice social distancing and stay indoors. Additionally, a recent Deloitte survey finds that Australians are watching an average of 22 hours of television a week, and 30 per cent of that is streaming video on demand.

And while brand trust, unique content, and in-depth analysis are the three drivers for willingness to pay for online news content, 64 per cent of Australians say nothing would entice them to pay for news.

As a challenger brand, we’ve always enjoyed supporting businesses that shake up the status quo and do things differently. We’re excited that our partnership with ausbiz will help Australians stay connected to information and each other—it’s just what we need during these uncertain times.