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Laundy Buys Nine's Radio Stations in Surprise Media Move

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, January 30th 2026 at 14:03 GMT by The West Australian
      Locales: New South Wales, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA

Sydney, Australia - January 30th, 2026 - Billionaire publican and property mogul Arthur Laundy has solidified his position as a rising force in Australian media with the acquisition of Nine Entertainment's talkback radio stations: 2SM, 4BC, and 5RM. The deal, finalized earlier today, signifies a notable reshuffling of the media landscape and a surprising bet on the continued relevance of traditional radio in a rapidly evolving digital age.

Laundy, already a prominent figure in the hospitality industry with a sprawling pub empire, is expanding his portfolio through his private company, Brewsters Pty Ltd. Brewsters already holds stakes in several regional Triple M stations, making this acquisition a strategic move to broaden its radio footprint and potentially create synergistic opportunities.

The financial details of the transaction remain largely confidential, but industry analysts estimate the deal to be in the tens of millions of dollars. What's particularly striking isn't necessarily the sum itself, but the why. In an era dominated by on-demand streaming, podcasts, and digital news consumption, investing heavily in AM talkback radio seems, on the surface, counterintuitive. However, several factors suggest Laundy sees untapped potential.

Talkback radio, despite predictions of its demise, retains a dedicated and surprisingly resilient audience, particularly amongst older demographics and commuters. These listeners value the immediacy, local focus, and conversational nature of the medium - qualities not easily replicated by digital alternatives. 4BC in Brisbane, for instance, consistently draws a strong local audience with its coverage of Queensland politics and current affairs. 2SM, with its Sydney base, caters to a similar demographic, offering a mix of news, talk, and sports coverage. 5RM, serving regional Victoria, fills a crucial communication gap in areas with limited digital connectivity.

"Mr. Laundy isn't just buying radio stations; he's buying access to established audiences," explains media analyst Dr. Eleanor Vance of the University of Technology Sydney. "These stations have decades of brand recognition and a loyal listener base. He's likely looking at opportunities to integrate these stations with his other businesses - promoting his hotels, potentially offering exclusive content, and building a powerful local advertising network."

The acquisition comes at a time when Nine Entertainment has been streamlining its assets, focusing on its streaming platform, Stan, and core television operations. Nine's decision to offload the talkback stations is part of a broader trend of media companies divesting from traditional radio to concentrate on digital ventures. This creates an opening for entrepreneurs like Laundy, who recognize the value in serving niche audiences and capitalizing on established brands.

Laundy's strategy isn't expected to be a simple continuation of the status quo. Sources close to Brewsters suggest plans to revitalize the stations with updated programming, potentially incorporating more digital elements and leveraging social media to engage with listeners. There's also speculation about introducing new talent and expanding the stations' reach through online streaming and podcasting. A key challenge will be attracting a younger demographic without alienating the existing, loyal audience. The success of this venture hinges on effectively blending traditional radio formats with modern digital strategies.

The impact of this deal extends beyond the immediate players involved. It raises questions about the future of AM radio in Australia, and whether other entrepreneurs will follow Laundy's lead in identifying undervalued assets in the traditional media landscape. It also signals a potential shift in media ownership, with private investors playing an increasingly prominent role.

Brewsters has indicated that the transition of ownership will be seamless, with existing staff largely retained. However, major programming changes are anticipated within the next six to twelve months. The radio industry will be watching closely to see if Arthur Laundy can successfully transform these established talkback stations into thriving media assets in the digital age.