The nation’s largest media conglomerate, Nine Entertainment, has announced the sale of its talkback radio stations to Sydney pub mogul Arthur Laundy for $56 million. This transaction is part of a broader strategic overhaul that also includes the acquisition of outdoor advertising company QMS Media for $850 million, signaling a significant shift in Australia’s media landscape.
Nine Radio, which encompasses well-known stations such as 2GB, 3AW, 4BC, 6PR, 2UE, Magic1278, and 4BH, has been divested as the profitability of talk radio declines and its audience ages. In a move that surprised industry observers, the network was acquired by 85-year-old billionaire Arthur Laundy, a prominent figure in the hospitality industry who expanded his inheritance of two pubs into a $1.75 billion empire, according to the Australian Financial Review’s 2025 Rich List.
Strategic Moves in a Changing Media Landscape
This development follows Nine’s decision to convert its regional television station NBN in northern New South Wales into an affiliate station. The acquisition of QMS Media, which boasts a national network of digital billboards including a lucrative contract with the City of Sydney, is expected to bolster Nine’s subscription services and promote its streaming platform, Stan.
“Today’s announcements mark a critical milestone in our Nine2028 transformation,” said Nine’s CEO Matt Stanton. “These transactions will create a more efficient, higher-growth, and digitally powered Nine Group for our consumers, advertisers, shareholders, and people.”
Laundy’s Vision for Radio and Hospitality
Arthur Laundy’s son, Craig Laundy, who managed the family business and served as a Liberal minister under former Prime Ministers Malcolm Turnbull and Scott Morrison, expressed enthusiasm for the acquisition. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the radio stations’ role in the lives of Australians.
“We see strong similarities between hotels and talkback radio,” Craig Laundy remarked. “Patrons in our venues are at the center of everything we do, and we will have that same ethos with our listeners.”
Sydney breakfast host Ben Fordham, speaking to his 2GB audience, described the sale as “fantastic news,” assuring listeners that it would be “business as usual” under the Laundy family’s stewardship. “They treat people well, they’re really good people, and that’s a great start,” Fordham said.
Implications and Future Prospects
The move represents a significant realignment for Nine, which recently divested its stake in the real estate portal Domain for $1.4 billion. Nine’s restructuring efforts aim to position the company to withstand industry disruptions and deliver sustainable value to shareholders.
“We haven’t taken this decision lightly,” said Tom Malone, manager of Nine Radio. “It’s a good outcome for our radio employees as the Laundys look to invest in and grow the brands.”
Furthermore, Nine anticipates a continued partnership with Laundy, leveraging Nine News journalists on radio and showcasing Stan Sport through Laundy venues. This collaboration is expected to enhance advertising sales and expand Laundy’s advertising spend on Nine properties.
The surprise acquisition by Arthur Laundy, not previously mentioned in months of speculation, was initially reported by The Australian Financial Review’s Street Talk column. The sale underscores the Laundy family’s passion for radio and its powerful connection with local audiences, as noted by Nine’s CEO, Matt Stanton.
As Nine navigates this transformative phase, the media giant remains a key player in Australia’s media industry, publishing the Australian Financial Review, the Sydney Morning Herald, and The Age, while owning Channel Nine.
