Fairfax-Macquarie Radio merger on hold as ACCC steps in
The consumer watchdog has opened an informal investigation into the proposed merger between the two biggest talkback radio groups in the country, Fairfax Radio and Macquarie Radio.
The Australian Consumer and Competition Commission is seeking submissions from interested parties on the proposed deal, with a decision due by March 5.
A merger would bring together the dominant stations in the Sydney and Melbourne markets, with Macquarie’s 2GB boasting the likes of Alan Jones and Ray Hadley and Fairfax’s 3AW with Tom Elliott and Peter and Kate all dominant in their respective timeslots.
However the two companies have already started to share resources with Alan Jones set to broadcast to Brisbane on Fairfax’s 4BC during the Queensland state elections.
My sympathies go out to listeners of Fairfax’s 4BC.
Here we go again …
Obviously a Sydney person wrote this story saying 3aw’s Peter and Kate are dominant in Melb. They were the Christmas break breakfast hosts while the dominant Ross and John were on holidays.
I heard the hour and it didn’t go well.
Began with lengthy diatribes on obscure matters. One included a hatchet job on a first term MP in the South Burnett region who has next to zero recognition in Brisbane.
The many callers to Jones’ producers and those who did make it to air were actually critical of Alan’s style and he toned down his invective as the hour progressed.
There will be much discussion at his next production meeting. Would this have been expected?
4BC rates only 5%, so I don’t think anyone in government or opposition would be too concerned about the reach of Alan in Brisbane. It is severely limited.