Macquarie’s 4BC missed but not forgotten in Nine-Fairfax merger
UPDATE: Macquarie Media’s Brisbane station 4BC was initially missed on the list of media brands and networks published by Nine Network and Fairfax Media this morning, upon the announcement of their groundbreaking merger.
A spokesperson for Fairfax communications has confirmed to Radio Today that 4BC is included in the deal despite being accidentally left off the merger slide below.
ORIGINAL STORY: Nine Entertainment and Fairfax Media have announced a merger agreement this morning, in a deal worth an estimated $4 billion.
The merger sees the formation of a merged entity, which will become Australia’s largest integrated media player, and has significant implications for radio with Fairfax being a majority shareholder of Macquarie Media.
Under the new merger, Macquarie Media’s radio network, including stations 2GB, 3AW and 6PR, as well as the newly rebranded Macquarie Sports Radio, will join a portfolio comprising Nine’s television network as well as a suite of large-scale brands in digital and publishing.
Neil Mitchell also broke the news on 3AW Mornings.
“Your world is about to change…” he said.
The deal sees Nine acquire all of Fairfax’s shares, taking a controlling 51.1% share in the new business.
Nine’s Hugh Marks will act as chief executive, while former Federal Treasurer Peter Costello will become as the company’s chair.
No Neil, your world is about to change.
Whoops looks like Southern Cross Austereo got left at the alter. Hugh wins !
You Forgot 4BC..
Great! Perhaps the new entity could think about reinstating the Magic Network and give me back my Melbourne Breakfast Show!
Blackers
The original story noted that 2GB would be included in the merger. I assumed that this included 4BC.
After all, the once great 4BC is now just a relay service for Sydney’s 2GB.
Perhaps the new entity will now see sense and put and end to the Sports Radio debacle.
I’ll have easy listening 4BH back in Brisbane please.
mELISSA & I HOPE WIDE WORLD OF SPORTSBRADIO REPLACES MACQYARUE SPORTSBRADIO & ALL CHANNEL 9 SPORTSBANOPUNCERS JOINF WIDE WORKD OF SPORTS RADIO