In a significant strategic shift, Nine Entertainment has announced the sale of its entire talkback radio network to Sydney pub magnate Arthur Laundy while simultaneously making a major investment in outdoor advertising.
Major Portfolio Reshuffle
The nation's largest media company has sold its Nine Radio division, which includes prominent stations 2GB, 3AW, 4BC, 6PR, 2UE, Magic1278 and 4BH, to billionaire publican Arthur Laundy for $56 million. This divestment comes as talk radio profits continue to decline and audiences become increasingly older in demographic profile.
Surprise Acquisition by Pub Baron
In a move that surprised industry observers, 85-year-old Arthur Laundy has expanded his business empire into media ownership. Laundy, who inherited two pubs in 1969 and grew them into a portfolio of 40 venues valued at approximately $1.75 billion according to the Australian Financial Review's 2025 Rich List, now adds radio broadcasting to his diverse holdings.
Strategic Investment in Outdoor Advertising
Concurrently, Nine Entertainment has announced the acquisition of QMS Media, a prominent outdoor advertising company, for $850 million. QMS operates a national network of digital billboards located at strategic positions including Sydney bus stops and other high-traffic urban locations.
Further Structural Changes
The media conglomerate has also converted its wholly-owned regional television station NBN in northern New South Wales to an affiliate station model. This restructuring follows Nine's earlier divestment of its stake in real estate portal Domain, which was sold for $1.4 billion.
Corporate Transformation Strategy
Nine chief executive officer Matt Stanton described these announcements as marking "a critical milestone in our Nine2028 transformation." He stated that "these transactions will create a more efficient, higher-growth, and digitally powered Nine Group for our consumers, advertisers, shareholders and people."
Stanton further explained that "this positions Nine well for the future, enabling the group to withstand industry disruption and deliver long-term sustainable value to our shareholders."
Broader Media Landscape Impact
These substantial portfolio changes represent a major upheaval within Australia's media landscape. Nine Entertainment, which publishes the Australian Financial Review, the Sydney Morning Herald and the Age while also owning Channel Nine, is fundamentally reshaping its business focus away from traditional radio broadcasting toward digital and outdoor advertising platforms.
The company's strategic pivot reflects broader industry trends as media organisations adapt to changing consumer habits, advertising revenue streams, and technological disruption across the sector.
