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Nine Sells Radio Empire for $182 Million

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, January 29th 2026 at 4:25 GMT by Daily Mail
      Locale: AUSTRALIA

Sydney, Australia - January 29, 2026 - Nine Entertainment Co. has officially divested its entire radio portfolio, including iconic stations like 2GB, 3AW, and 4BC, to a newly formed consortium spearheaded by radio industry veterans Graham Mott, Paul Green, and Bruno Baumann. The AUD$182 million deal marks a pivotal moment for both Nine and the Australian Radio Network (ARN), signaling a strategic realignment for the media giant and a new era for one of the nation's largest radio broadcasters.

The transaction, announced earlier today, sees Nine refocusing its energies and investments on its core businesses: free-to-air television and streaming services Stan and 9Now. For years, Nine has been navigating the increasingly competitive media landscape, and this sale is widely seen as a logical step in concentrating resources where growth is most promising - namely, the rapidly expanding digital entertainment market.

"We've built ARN into a fantastic business, but we've decided to focus our resources on our growth areas in broadcast and streaming," stated Nine CEO Mike Sneesman. "This allows us to double down on Stan and 9Now, ensuring we are best positioned to capture the future of entertainment in Australia."

The consortium, which has yet to formally name its new entity, secured all of ARN's assets. This extensive network includes not only flagship stations 2GB (Sydney), 3AW (Melbourne), and 4BC (Brisbane), but also popular stations 96FM (Perth), 97.3 FM (Sydney), 104.5 (Melbourne), KIIS FM (Sydney & Melbourne), and Triple M (various markets). The breadth of this portfolio solidifies the consortium's immediate position as a major player in the Australian radio industry.

Graham Mott brings decades of experience in radio leadership, having previously held key roles at Nova Entertainment and Southern Cross Austereo. Paul Green is a seasoned media executive with a strong track record in broadcasting and digital media, while Bruno Baumann is well-regarded for his financial acumen and strategic investment experience. The combination of their expertise is anticipated to provide a stable and innovative foundation for ARN's future.

"This is an exciting new chapter for ARN," the consortium stated in a joint release. "We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining the high quality of content and service that ARN's listeners and advertisers expect." This commitment is crucial, given the strong brand loyalty built around ARN's established stations and personalities. Industry analysts predict the consortium will initially prioritize maintaining operational stability and retaining key talent, before exploring potential growth strategies.

The financial structure of the deal outlines an upfront payment of AUD$132 million to Nine, with the remaining AUD$50 million contingent on the future performance of the radio business. This performance-based element incentivizes the consortium to maximize ARN's profitability and growth potential in the coming years.

Analysts are already speculating on potential strategies the new owners might employ. These range from further digital integration and podcasting investments to exploring opportunities for content syndication and cross-promotion. The changing habits of Australian listeners, with a growing preference for on-demand audio and streaming content, present both challenges and opportunities for the radio industry.

This sale follows a wider trend in the media industry, where companies are increasingly streamlining their portfolios to concentrate on core competencies. Nine's decision reflects a broader shift towards digital entertainment, driven by the rise of streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video. The company's increased investment in Stan is a clear indication of its commitment to becoming a dominant player in the Australian streaming market. The completion of the sale is expected by the end of June, after which the consortium will begin the process of formally taking control of ARN.