Media bombshells are a bit like buses. For a long time not much happens, then a bunch of them come along at once.
The latest involves the proposed merger of Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) and Seven West Media. If it proceeds, it will see the Triple M and Today radio stations and the Seven television network under the same ownership.
In Brisbane, the transaction would bring together Channel Seven, Triple M (whose Marto, Margaux and Dan are pictured, above) and B105.
It’s a bombshell because few saw it coming. In fact, the rumour mill had it that Nine Entertainment was running the ruler over SCA.
And, in breaking news, Mediaweek is reporting that it’s far from a done deal, with Nine — which already has its own radio assets (that would have to be disposed of before or soon after any purchase of SCA) — considering its options.
If the Seven deal goes ahead, I can’t imagine too many changes on the airwaves in the immediate future — if approved, the deal won’t take effect until early next year — except, perhaps, a few TV voices popping up on the radio, as program guests and in news reports. Long term, I’m sure they will find “synergies” that will save money but hopefully not cost too many jobs.
If Nine doesn’t make a counter play for SCA, or doesn’t succeed in doing so, the Seven arrangement will inform its review into its current radio assets. Will it hang on to its current news-talk network, including 4BC in Brisbane, or perhaps eye off Nova or ARN (KIIS/ Gold)?
If the former, it needs to make some major changes. In the case of 4BC, it needs to stop viewing the station through the lens of a Sydney person’s idea of what (and who) Brisbane audiences want to listen to. (See next item.)
At any rate, it’s worth noting that the last big play for SCA, by ARN, fell over in spectacular fashion.
Cold comfort
Thumbs up to “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, ABC Brisbane’s Mornings announcer, who gave a shout out to Bill McDonald, who left 4BC last week. Although they had been competitors, Austin pointed out generously, and correctly, that McDonald is a top bloke who is well loved in the radio world and beyond.
In fact, social media is full of good wishes for McDonald, from colleagues, former colleagues and media rivals alike.
It seems to me that the honchos at Nine Radio don’t appreciate who they’ve lost, and the goodwill that goes along with being a good bloke. I’d hate to think that the takeaway is that it doesn’t pay to be a nice guy.
Meanwhile, media commentator Rob McKnight says on his McKnight Tonight YouTube channel he has “rock solid” information that 4BC will remain live and local next year.
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Games funding idea
Thanks to James Cridland for pointing out this article about the novel way one of London’s leading tourist attractions is contributing back to the city’s coffers.
Rather than ask for just a one-off contribution to local improvements when the Eye’s owners wanted to make the temporary structure a permanent fixture, they settled for a deal where they would get 1% or ticket sales.
It has paid off handsomely — to the tune of £14 million over 20 years — and many local projects have benefitted from this stream of funding.
This sounds to me like an idea the Brisbane authorities should consider.
P.S.
It may not be immediately apparent that I have a German surname — it’s been changed twice since the Döberitz family disembarked a ship in Maryborough and settled in Bundaberg in the late 19th century. In any case, I’m please to throw my support behind Brisbane German Week, which will be held from October 1-7.
It’s not just all beer and skittles; there’s a business side to it, too. Details are here.
P.P.S.
The Kookaburra Queen, the replica paddle steamer that has plied the Brisbane River for decades, has reportedly sold for $550,000 — a premium over the lowball bid made late last week by a well-known Brisbane media identity.
Disclaimer: Brett Debritz is a former Nine Radio employee.
©2025 Brett Debritz. If I’ve inadvertently used copyrighted material, failed to give credit where it’s due, written or said something you disagree with, or otherwise upset or unexpectedly delighted you, please leave a comment, email me or connect with me at @debritz on X and Mastodon, @brettdebritz on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and BlueSky, and @radiobert on YouTube. Links provided as a courtesy; I take no responsibility for their contents or give any warranty of their veracity. Image: Triple M/SCA
[SRC] https://misterbrisbane.substack.com/p/sca-and-seven-spring-a-surprise
