‘A pivotal moment for Australian media’: Seven and Southern Cross Media agree to merge

Two giants of Australian media, Seven West Media and Southern Cross Media, have agreed to merge and create a total TV, audio and digital platform with "extensive scale" and reach across metropolitan and regional Australia.

The proposal, announced today, aims to create a “truly national, diversified media organisation”, with many of Australia’s biggest media assets under one roof - including the Seven Network and its affiliate channels 7two, 7mate, 7flix and 7Bravo, regional TV stations, The West Australian, and 19 community newspaper titles, plus Southern Cross’s radio assets Hit Network, Triple M, 2DayFM and the Listnr audio platform.

“This combination marks a pivotal moment for Australian media,” Jeff Howard, managing director and CEO of SWM, said in an ASX filing.

“By bringing together the complementary assets and brands of SWM and SCA, we are creating a truly national, diversified media organisation with extensive scale and reach across our free-to-air television, streaming, audio, digital and publishing assets.”

The statement said both companies’ assets are “highly complementary”, with strong positions in the Australian advertising market across free-to-air television, streaming, audio, digital and publishing. SWM and SCA management anticipate between A$25 million to A$30 million in annual pre-tax savings, with incremental revenue expected to be generated.

SWM chairman Kerry Stokes said the merger would deliver "significant" financial and strategic benefits for SWM shareholders.

"This is an important merger, as the combined company will be better able to serve both metropolitan and regional viewers, listeners, partners and advertisers. It will add strength to each of the combined businesses’ television, audio, digital and publishing operations across the country.”

Heith Mackay-Cruise, chairman of SCA, added the merger will create one of Australia’s leading total TV, audio and digital platforms, with the scale and reach to better serve Australian audiences.

“The merged entity will offer partners and clients a ‘one-stop shop’ for opportunities to reach this valuable audience across all mediums, leveraging shared content and commercial opportunities to add value beyond the initial cost synergy estimates.”

Both companies have agreed that Jeff Howard will be the managing director and CEO of the combined group, and John Kelly will assume the role of group managing director, audio.

Kerry Stokes will serve as chair of the board of directors until stepping down in February 2026, at which point Heith Mackay-Cruise will take over the role.