New podcast reveals around 1,000 people on average attend AGMs of companies experiencing ongoing media coverage
Melbourne, 30 April, 2026 — Listed Australian companies experiencing ongoing media coverage can expect an increase in attendees of 16 times at their AGM, Computershare has revealed on its new podcast.
The global financial services firm analysed AGM attendance data alongside company media coverage and found that firms with increased attention typically saw an average 1,000 attendees at their AGM - predominately as online visitors.
By contrast, firms that have not seen recent news coverage receive between 50 and 60 AGM visitors.
Marnie Reid, CEO Issuer Services Australia and New Zealand at Computershare, said: “The findings highlight a shift in how retail shareholders engage with listed companies.
“Retail shareholders are less likely than ever to limit their interactions with a company to simply reading company reports.
“Additional coverage means shareholders and others are more likely to take advantage of the way many AGMs are now organised and log in to watch AGMs live as they unfold.”
Paul Murphy, head of ESG Asia Pacific at Georgeson, said: “Shareholder meetings are significant accountability and reputation management forums for companies, and AGMs are now more likely to act as a referendum on shareholder sentiment.
“Additional media and shareholder scrutiny make it more important than ever that companies engage with stakeholders year-round to ensure they don't leave important discussions or decisions to their AGM itself.”
Murphy also revealed how any issues experienced by one company ‘raises the bar’ for others across Australia to also address.
In the first edition of the newly launched The Computershare Podcast Reid and Murphy also discuss:
The overall drop in the level of in-person voting during AGMs.- The large number of high-quality questions from shareholders.
- Shareholders being increasingly interested in individual directors and wanting to hear from them, not just from the CEO or chair.
Shareholders showing greater interest in company operations, including in their approach to cybersecurity and AI.
The Computershare Podcast is available here: AGMs in a new era of accountability Information Classification.
