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Nine Sells 2GB, 3AW to ARN for $18.7 Million

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, January 29th 2026 at 17:11 GMT by Daily Mail
      Locales: New South Wales, South Australia, Queensland, AUSTRALIA

Sydney, Australia - January 29th, 2026 - Nine Entertainment Co. has officially announced the sale of its iconic radio stations, 2GB in Sydney and 3AW in Melbourne, to Australian Radio Network (ARN) Media for $18.7 million. The deal, unveiled today, marks a further strategic pivot for Nine, solidifying its focus on television broadcasting and burgeoning digital platforms while ARN expands its considerable footprint in the competitive Australian radio market.

This transaction isn't an isolated event; it's the latest in a series of divestments from Nine's radio holdings. In 2019, Nine exited its ownership of Macquarie Media, indicating a long-term strategy of streamlining its portfolio and prioritizing sectors demonstrating stronger growth potential. This latest sale suggests that, despite the enduring popularity of radio, Nine views its future prospects as more secure in television and, crucially, the rapidly evolving digital space.

"This transaction allows Nine to further concentrate on our core broadcasting and digital businesses," stated Nine Chief Executive Mike Sneeshen. He emphasized the iconic status of 2GB and 3AW, expressing confidence that ARN is "well-placed to nurture and grow them." The acknowledgment of the stations' heritage is significant, recognising the established listener base and brand recognition they possess.

ARN Media, already a dominant force with stations like KIIS FM and WSFM, sees this acquisition as a "significant step" in its growth trajectory. ARN's CEO, Nick Scott, highlighted the strategic importance of securing these two highly-rated stations. "These stations are a fantastic addition to the ARN family, and we're looking forward to building on their legacy," he stated. The acquisition immediately strengthens ARN's position in the crucial Sydney and Melbourne markets, offering increased advertising reach and cross-promotional opportunities.

The deal is contingent upon standard regulatory approvals, but is anticipated to be finalized before the end of 2026. Critically, ARN has committed to retaining the vast majority of staff at both 2GB and 3AW. This move aims to ensure continuity of programming and maintain the established connection with loyal listeners, a vital consideration in a competitive media environment. As Scott noted, "continuity is important to our listeners," underlining ARN's understanding of the stations' established audience.

Industry analysts point to this sale as further evidence of the ongoing disruption within the media landscape. While radio remains a popular medium, particularly amongst commuter demographics, it faces increasing pressure from the rise of on-demand audio content, including streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music, as well as the proliferation of podcasts. These digital alternatives offer listeners greater control, personalization, and a wider variety of content, challenging traditional radio's dominance.

The financial implications of the sale are also noteworthy. Nine expects the transaction to reduce its net debt, providing increased financial flexibility for investment in its core areas of growth. This is particularly important in a climate of rising production costs and increasing competition for content creation.

The long-term implications of this deal are yet to be fully realized. Will ARN be able to successfully integrate 2GB and 3AW into its existing network? Can it effectively navigate the challenges posed by the digital audio revolution? The answers to these questions will determine the success of the acquisition and shape the future of radio broadcasting in Australia. One thing is certain: the media landscape continues to evolve, and companies must adapt to survive. Nine's decision to focus on television and digital, and ARN's expansion into traditional radio, represent two distinct, but potentially viable, strategies for navigating this turbulent environment.