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{{Short description|Australian media company}} {{Short description|Australian media company}}
{{Redirect-distinguish|Macquarie Regional RadioWorks|Macquarie Radio Network}} {{Redirect-distinguish|Macquarie Regional RadioWorks|Macquarie Radio Network}}
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{{About|the Australian media enterprise||SCA (disambiguation)}}
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The company is headquartered in ]. It was founded in 2004 as a ] of ] for the purpose of acquiring regional radio stations, before expanding into television broadcasting in 2007 with the acquisition of ]. It also operates the LISTNR platform in Australia. The company is headquartered in ]. It was founded in 2004 as a ] of ] for the purpose of acquiring regional radio stations, before expanding into television broadcasting in 2007 with the acquisition of ]. It also operates the LISTNR platform in Australia.
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==History== ==History==
===2004–05: RG Capital & DMG Regional Radio acquisitions=== ===2004–05: RG Capital & DMG Regional Radio acquisitions===
On 3 June 2004, Macquarie Bank announced it would acquire ] for $173 million, gaining control of 36 radio stations in ], ], ] and ].<ref name="macbank-rg">{{cite news |title=Macquarie Bank Group announces intention to acquire RG Capital Radio |url=http://www.macquarie.com/com/about_macquarie/media_centre/20040603a.htm |accessdate=22 April 2019 |work=] |date=3 June 2004| archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20040724142715/http://www.macquarie.com/com/about_macquarie/media_centre/20040603a.htm| archivedate=24 July 2004}}</ref><ref name="westaus-rg">{{cite news |last1=Ubels |first1=Helen |last2=Frew |first2=Wendy |title=Grundy set to quit $173m radio empire |url=http://www.thewest.com.au/20040602/business/tw-business-home-sto125915.htm |accessdate=22 April 2019 |work=] |date=2 June 2004 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20040606184430/http://www.thewest.com.au/20040602/business/tw-business-home-sto125915.html |archivedate=6 June 2004}}</ref> The ] approved the acquisition in August 2004,<ref>{{cite news |title=Federal Court Ruling APPROVES RG Capital Takeover |url=https://radioinfo.com.au/news/federal-court-ruling-approves-rg-capital-takeover |accessdate=22 April 2019 |work=Radioinfo.com.au |date=23 August 2004}}</ref> with the stations to be operated through the company's Regional Media Limited subsidiary, trading as '''Macquarie Regional RadioWorks'''. The acquisition was finalised on 1 September 2004. On 3 June 2004, Macquarie Bank announced it would acquire ] for $173 million, gaining control of 36 radio stations in ], ], ] and ].<ref name="macbank-rg">{{cite press release |title=Macquarie Bank Group announces intention to acquire RG Capital Radio |url=http://www.macquarie.com/com/about_macquarie/media_centre/20040603a.htm |access-date=22 April 2019 |publisher=] |date=3 June 2004| archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20040724142715/http://www.macquarie.com/com/about_macquarie/media_centre/20040603a.htm| archivedate=24 July 2004}}</ref><ref name="westaus-rg">{{cite news |last1=Ubels |first1=Helen |last2=Frew |first2=Wendy |date=2 June 2004 |title=Grundy set to quit $173m radio empire |url=http://www.thewest.com.au/20040602/business/tw-business-home-sto125915.htm |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20040606184430/http://www.thewest.com.au/20040602/business/tw-business-home-sto125915.html |archivedate=6 June 2004 |access-date=22 April 2019 |newspaper=] |location=Perth}}</ref> The ] approved the acquisition in August 2004,<ref>{{cite news |date=22 August 2004 |title=Federal Court ruling approves RG Capital takeover |url=https://radioinfo.com.au/news/federal-court-ruling-approves-rg-capital-takeover |access-date=22 April 2019 |work=RadioInfo Australia}}</ref> with the stations to be operated through the company's Regional Media Limited subsidiary, trading as '''Macquarie Regional RadioWorks'''. The acquisition was finalised on 1 September 2004.


On 3 September 2004, Macquarie Bank announced its acquisition of ]'s regional radio assets.<ref name="smh-dmg">{{cite news |title=MacBank snaps up DMG assets |url=https://www.smh.com.au/business/macbank-snaps-up-dmg-assets-20040903-gdjo78.html |accessdate=22 April 2019 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=3 September 2004}}</ref> The $193.5 million deal included 57 regional stations, with DMG retaining Hot 91.1 Sunshine Coast and ] Gosford alongside its metropolitan assets. This increased Regional Media's reach into ] and ], initially controlling 93 radio stations and becoming the largest commercial radio network in Australia. However, as the ] prevents companies from controlling more than two commercial radio stations in a regional market, Regional Media was required to divest radio stations in ], ], ], ]/] and ]. On 1 September 2005, ] Albury was acquired by ],<ref name="MMRW-Ace">{{cite news |title=Ace Radio announces acquisition of 2AY from MRRWorks |url=https://radioinfo.com.au/news/ace-radio-announces-acquisition-2ay-mrrworks |accessdate=19 April 2019 |work=Radioinfo.com.au |date=1 September 2005}}</ref> while six stations in the remaining five markets were sold to ].<ref name="MMRW-Prime">{{cite news |title=Macquarie Regional Radioworks sells stations to Prime TV |url=https://radioinfo.com.au/news/macquarie-regional-radioworks-sells-stations-prime-tv |accessdate=19 April 2019 |work=Radioinfo.com.au |date=1 September 2005}}</ref> On 3 September 2004, Macquarie Bank announced its acquisition of ]'s regional radio assets.<ref name="smh-dmg">{{cite news |date=3 September 2004 |title=MacBank snaps up DMG assets |url=https://www.smh.com.au/business/macbank-snaps-up-dmg-assets-20040903-gdjo78.html |access-date=22 April 2019 |newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald |publisher=John Fairfax Holdings |location=Sydney}}</ref> The $193.5 million deal included 57 regional stations, with DMG retaining Hot 91.1 Sunshine Coast and ] Gosford alongside its metropolitan assets. This increased Regional Media's reach into ] and ], initially controlling 93 radio stations and becoming the largest commercial radio network in Australia. However, as the ] prevents companies from controlling more than two commercial radio stations in a regional market, Regional Media was required to divest radio stations in ], ], ], ]/] and ]. On 1 September 2005, ] Albury was acquired by ],<ref name="MMRW-Ace">{{cite news |title=Ace Radio announces acquisition of 2AY from MRRWorks |url=https://radioinfo.com.au/news/ace-radio-announces-acquisition-2ay-mrrworks |access-date=19 April 2019 |work=RadioInfo Australia |date=1 September 2005}}</ref> while six stations in the remaining five markets were sold to ].<ref name="MMRW-Prime">{{cite news |title=Macquarie Regional Radioworks sells stations to Prime TV |url=https://radioinfo.com.au/news/macquarie-regional-radioworks-sells-stations-prime-tv |access-date=19 April 2019 |work=RadioInfo Australia |date=1 September 2005}}</ref>


On 17 November 2005 the company was restructured into a ] consisting of an Australian-based ] and ], and an additional private company based in ]. Macquarie Media Group was in turn ] on the ], but with majority control retained by Macquarie Bank. In December, Macquarie Bank announced an ]1.19 billion deal to acquire a 40% stake in Taiwanese ] provider Taiwan Broadband Communications from equity firm ],<ref>{{cite web |title=Macquarie Bank acquires interest in Taiwan Broadband Communications |url=https://www.macquarie.com/mgl/com/news/2005/200501219a.htm |publisher=Macquarie Bank |accessdate=2 August 2019 |date=19 December 2005}}</ref> 60% of which would be financed by Macquarie Media Group.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Steffens |first1=Miriam |last2=Choudhury |first2=Ambereen |title=Macquarie snares Taiwan Broadband |url=https://www.theage.com.au/business/macquarie-snares-taiwan-broadband-20051220-ge1ge2.html |accessdate=2 August 2019 |work=The Age |date=20 December 2005}}</ref> In March 2008, the company divested its stake to the Macquarie Korea Opportunities Fund in a $400 million deal.<ref>{{cite news |title=Macquarie Media sells Taiwan Broadband stake |url=https://www.smh.com.au/business/macquarie-media-sells-taiwan-broadband-stake-20080312-1yur.html |accessdate=2 August 2019 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=12 March 2008}}</ref> On 17 November 2005 the company was restructured into a ] consisting of an Australian-based ] and ], and an additional private company based in ]. Macquarie Media Group was in turn ] on the ], but with majority control retained by Macquarie Bank. In December, Macquarie Bank announced an ]1.19 billion deal to acquire a 40% stake in Taiwanese ] provider Taiwan Broadband Communications from equity firm ],<ref>{{cite web |title=Macquarie Bank acquires interest in Taiwan Broadband Communications |url=https://www.macquarie.com/mgl/com/news/2005/200501219a.htm |publisher=Macquarie Bank |access-date=2 August 2019 |date=19 December 2005}}</ref> 60% of which would be financed by Macquarie Media Group.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Steffens |first1=Miriam |last2=Choudhury |first2=Ambereen |date=20 December 2005 |title=Macquarie snares Taiwan Broadband |url=https://www.theage.com.au/business/macquarie-snares-taiwan-broadband-20051220-ge1ge2.html |access-date=2 August 2019 |newspaper=The Age |publisher=John Fairfax Holdings |location=Melbourne}}</ref> In March 2008, the company divested its stake to the Macquarie Korea Opportunities Fund in a $400 million deal.<ref>{{cite news |title=Macquarie Media sells Taiwan Broadband stake |url=https://www.smh.com.au/business/macquarie-media-sells-taiwan-broadband-stake-20080312-1yur.html |access-date=2 August 2019 |newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald |publisher=Fairfax Media |location=Sydney |date=12 March 2008}}</ref>


===2006–08: American Consolidated Media & Southern Cross acquisitions=== ===2006–08: American Consolidated Media & Southern Cross acquisitions===
By 2006, Macquarie Regional RadioWorks was increasingly networking news and programming on its 86 radio stations from a series of hubs in ], ], the ] and ]. This was criticised by a number of politicians, including ] MPs ] and ].<ref>{{Cite episode |title=Live And Local - Dead And Buried |url=https://www.abc.net.au/mediawatch/episodes/media-watch---2006---episode-33/9976934|access-date= |series=] |network=] |date=25 September 2006 |season=2006 |number=33}}</ref> In response, the ] ] introduced the Broadcasting Services Amendment (Media Ownership) Act 2006, including requiring each commercial radio licence to produce 4.5 hours of 'locally significant' content each business day commencing from 1 January 2008.<ref name="reform-smh">{{cite news |last1=Coorey |first1=Phillip |author1-link=Phil Coorey |title=Parliament passes media laws |url=https://www.smh.com.au/business/parliament-passes-media-laws-20061018-gdomil.html |accessdate=22 April 2019 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=18 October 2006}}</ref><ref name="reform-radioinfo">{{cite news |title=Mergers and acquisitions race begins. Media Laws to be proclaimed 4 April |url=https://radioinfo.com.au/news/mergers-and-acquisitions-race-begins-media-laws-be-proclaimed-4-april |accessdate=22 April 2019 |work=Radioinfo.com.au |date=29 March 2007}}</ref> This was later relaxed to 3 hours for most stations, with exemptions for smaller stations.<ref>{{cite news |title=Regional Radio local content rules relaxed: minimum 3 hrs not 4.5 hrs per day |url=https://radioinfo.com.au/news/regional-radio-local-content-rules-relaxed-minimum-3-hrs-not-45-hrs-day |accessdate=22 April 2019 |work=Radioinfo.com.au |date=14 September 2007}}</ref> By 2006, Macquarie Regional RadioWorks was increasingly networking news and programming on its 86 radio stations from a series of hubs in ], ], the ] and ]. This was criticised by a number of politicians, including ] MPs ] and ].<ref>{{Cite episode |title=Live And Local - Dead And Buried |url=https://www.abc.net.au/mediawatch/episodes/media-watch---2006---episode-33/9976934|access-date= |series=] |network=] |date=25 September 2006 |season=2006 |number=33}}</ref> In response, the ] ] introduced the Broadcasting Services Amendment (Media Ownership) Act 2006, including requiring each commercial radio licence to produce 4.5 hours of 'locally significant' content each business day commencing from 1 January 2008.<ref name="reform-smh">{{cite news |last=Coorey |first=Phillip |author1-link=Phil Coorey |date=18 October 2006 |title=Parliament passes media laws |url=https://www.smh.com.au/business/parliament-passes-media-laws-20061018-gdomil.html |access-date=22 April 2019 |newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald |publisher=John Fairfax Holdings |location=Sydney}}</ref><ref name="reform-radioinfo">{{cite news |title=Mergers and acquisitions race begins. Media Laws to be proclaimed 4 April |url=https://radioinfo.com.au/news/mergers-and-acquisitions-race-begins-media-laws-be-proclaimed-4-april |access-date=22 April 2019 |work=RadioInfo Australia |date=29 March 2007}}</ref> This was later relaxed to 3 hours for most stations, with exemptions for smaller stations.<ref>{{cite news |title=Regional Radio local content rules relaxed: minimum 3 hrs not 4.5 hrs per day |url=https://radioinfo.com.au/news/regional-radio-local-content-rules-relaxed-minimum-3-hrs-not-45-hrs-day |access-date=22 April 2019 |work=RadioInfo Australia |date=14 September 2007}}</ref>


In November 2006, Macquarie Media Group purchased a 13.8% stake in ], acquiring 10 million shares for AU$195 million.<ref>{{cite news |title=Macquarie takes stake in Southern Cross |url=https://www.smh.com.au/business/macquarie-takes-stake-in-southern-cross-20061118-gdoutw.html |accessdate=2 August 2019 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=18 November 2006}}</ref> On 25 January 2007, the company's interests expanded into the United States, with the acquisition of newspaper publisher ] for ]80 million (AU$102 million).<ref>{{cite news |title=Macquarie Media buys US newspaper business |url=https://www.smh.com.au/business/macquarie-media-buys-us-newspaper-business-20070125-gdpber.html |accessdate=2 August 2019 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=25 January 2007}}</ref> In November 2006, Macquarie Media Group purchased a 13.8% stake in ], acquiring 10 million shares for AU$195 million.<ref>{{cite news |title=Macquarie takes stake in Southern Cross |url=https://www.smh.com.au/business/macquarie-takes-stake-in-southern-cross-20061118-gdoutw.html |access-date=2 August 2019 |newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald |publisher=John Fairfax Holdings |location=Sydney |date=18 November 2006}}</ref> On 25 January 2007, the company's interests expanded into the United States, with the acquisition of newspaper publisher ] for ]80 million (AU$102 million).<ref>{{cite news |title=Macquarie Media buys US newspaper business |url=https://www.smh.com.au/business/macquarie-media-buys-us-newspaper-business-20070125-gdpber.html |publisher=Fairfax Media |location=Sydney |access-date=2 August 2019 |newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=25 January 2007}}</ref>


On 3 July 2007, Macquarie Media Group announced a takeover bid of ], offering AU$17.41 per share for a total value of $1.35 billion.<ref name="SCB-ABC1">{{cite news |title=Southern Cross Broadcasting sold for $1.35b |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2007-07-03/southern-cross-broadcasting-sold-for-135b/88180 |accessdate=31 May 2019 |work=ABC News |date=3 July 2007}}</ref><ref name="SCB-announcement">{{cite web |title=Macquarie Media Group proposed acquisition – $17.41 cash per share |url=http://www.southerncrossbroadcasting.com.au/files/announcements/2007.07.19%20-%20Letter%20to%20Shareholders.pdf |work=Southern Cross Broadcasting |accessdate=31 May 2019 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070829220023/http://www.southerncrossbroadcasting.com.au/files/announcements/2007.07.19%20-%20Letter%20to%20Shareholders.pdf |archivedate=29 August 2007 |date=19 August 2007}}</ref> Under the deal, Macquarie would assume Southern Cross Broadcasting's regional television assets – ], affiliated with the ]; ], affiliated with ]; and ], a joint-venture with ]. Its remaining assets, including metropolitan radio stations, Satellite Music Australia and ], were to be onsold to ] for AU$520 million.<ref name="SCB-ABC1"/><ref name="SCB-announcement"/> In return, Macquarie would acquire nine regional radio stations from Fairfax – three in Queensland: ] and ] Bundaberg and ] Ipswich; and six in South Australia: ] and Magic 105.9 Port Augusta, 5CC and Magic 89.9 Port Lincoln, and ] and Magic 93.1 Renmark.<ref name="SCB-ACCC-1">{{cite web |title=Statement of Issues — Macquarie Media Group - proposed acquisition of certain regional radio assets owned by Fairfax Media Limited |url=https://www.accc.gov.au/system/files/public-registers/documents/D07%2B86279.pdf |website=] |accessdate=31 May 2019 |date=13 September 2007}}</ref> The ] gave prior approval to the deal, with the caveat that 12 radio stations currently controlled by Macquarie would be sold pursuant to the Broadcasting Services Act 1992.<ref name="SCB-ACMA">{{cite web |title=Divestment of commercial radio licences by Macquarie Media Group |url=http://www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD/pc=PC_311008 |website=]|accessdate=31 May 2019 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080801032046/http://www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD/pc=PC_311008 |archivedate=1 August 2008 |date=14 March 2008}}</ref> On 17 October, the ] approved the deal, but ruled that the deal for Fairfax to sell nine radio stations to Macquarie would result in a "substantial lessening of competition".<ref name="SCB-ACCC-2">{{cite news |title=ACCC not to oppose acquisitions by Macquarie Media Group |url=https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/accc-not-to-oppose-acquisitions-by-macquarie-media-group |accessdate=31 May 2019 |work=Australian Competition & Consumer Commission |date=17 October 2007}}</ref> On 3 July 2007, Macquarie Media Group announced a takeover bid of ], offering AU$17.41 per share for a total value of $1.35 billion.<ref name="SCB-ABC1">{{cite news |title=Southern Cross Broadcasting sold for $1.35b |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2007-07-03/southern-cross-broadcasting-sold-for-135b/88180 |access-date=31 May 2019 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=3 July 2007}}</ref><ref name="SCB-announcement">{{cite web |title=Macquarie Media Group proposed acquisition – $17.41 cash per share |url=http://www.southerncrossbroadcasting.com.au/files/announcements/2007.07.19%20-%20Letter%20to%20Shareholders.pdf |publisher=Southern Cross Broadcasting |access-date=31 May 2019 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070829220023/http://www.southerncrossbroadcasting.com.au/files/announcements/2007.07.19%20-%20Letter%20to%20Shareholders.pdf |archivedate=29 August 2007 |date=19 August 2007}}</ref> Under the deal, Macquarie would assume Southern Cross Broadcasting's regional television assets – ], affiliated with the ]; ], affiliated with ]; and ], a joint-venture with ]. Its remaining assets, including metropolitan radio stations, Satellite Music Australia and ], were to be onsold to ] for AU$520 million.<ref name="SCB-ABC1"/><ref name="SCB-announcement"/> In return, Macquarie would acquire nine regional radio stations from Fairfax – three in Queensland: ] and ] Bundaberg and ] Ipswich; and six in South Australia: ] and Magic 105.9 Port Augusta, 5CC and Magic 89.9 Port Lincoln, and ] and Magic 93.1 Renmark.<ref name="SCB-ACCC-1">{{cite web |title=Statement of Issues — Macquarie Media Group - proposed acquisition of certain regional radio assets owned by Fairfax Media Limited |url=https://www.accc.gov.au/system/files/public-registers/documents/D07%2B86279.pdf |website=] |access-date=31 May 2019 |date=13 September 2007}}</ref> The ] gave prior approval to the deal, with the caveat that 12 radio stations currently controlled by Macquarie would be sold pursuant to the Broadcasting Services Act 1992.<ref name="SCB-ACMA">{{cite web |title=Divestment of commercial radio licences by Macquarie Media Group |url=http://www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD/pc=PC_311008 |website=]|access-date=31 May 2019 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080801032046/http://www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD/pc=PC_311008 |archivedate=1 August 2008 |date=14 March 2008}}</ref> On 17 October, the ] approved the deal, but ruled that the deal for Fairfax to sell nine radio stations to Macquarie would result in a "substantial lessening of competition".<ref name="SCB-ACCC-2">{{cite news |title=ACCC not to oppose acquisitions by Macquarie Media Group |url=https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/accc-not-to-oppose-acquisitions-by-macquarie-media-group |access-date=31 May 2019 |publisher=Australian Competition & Consumer Commission |date=17 October 2007}}</ref>


On 5 November, Macquarie Media Group acquired Southern Cross Broadcasting, selling its non-television assets to Fairfax Media the following day.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Tabakoff |first1=Nick |title=Southern Cross falls to Mac and Fairfax |url=http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,22708729-30540,00.html |accessdate=31 May 2019 |work=The Australian |date=6 November 2007 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071109071025/http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,22708729-30540,00.html |archivedate=9 November 2007}}</ref> On 12 December, both parties abandoned negotiations for the South Australian and Queensland radio stations.<ref>{{cite news |title=Radio station sale switched off |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2007-12-12/radio-station-sale-switched-off/985108 |accessdate=31 May 2019 |work=ABC News |date=12 December 2007}}</ref> On 14 March 2008, Macquarie divested 18 radio stations for AU$34.5 million.<ref name="SCB-sales">{{cite news |title=Small operators and new players pick up Mac Bank licence sales |url=https://radioinfo.com.au/news/small-operators-and-new-players-pick-mac-bank-licence-sales |accessdate=31 May 2019 |work=Radioinfo.com.au |date=14 March 2008}}</ref> Nine Tasmanian stations were sold to ],<ref name="SCB-ACMA"/><ref name="SCB-Grants">{{cite news |title=Tas radio stations sold |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2008-03-14/tas-radio-stations-sold/1072588 |accessdate=31 May 2019 |work=ABC News |date=14 March 2008}}</ref> with four Queensland stations sold to Smart Radio.<ref name="SCB-ACMA"/> ] Atherton was bought by Coastal Broadcasters Pty Ltd, owners of 4KZ and ] Innisfail, while ] Gippsland and 4GC and ] Charters Towers were sold to ],<ref name="SCB-ACMA"/> a new entity formed by ] executives Guy Dobson and Rex Morris.<ref name="SCB-Resonate">{{cite news |title=Next Gen radio moguls plant an acorn in Warragul and Charters Towers |url=https://radioinfo.com.au/news/next-gen-radio-moguls-plant-acorn-warragul-and-charters-towers |accessdate=31 May 2019 |work=Radioinfo.com.au |date=16 October 2008}}</ref> While only one of Macquarie's two stations in ] were required to be sold, both ] and ] were sold to ].<ref name="SCB-ACMA"/> On 5 November, Macquarie Media Group acquired Southern Cross Broadcasting, selling its non-television assets to Fairfax Media the following day.<ref>{{cite news |last=Tabakoff |first=Nick |date=6 November 2007 |title=Southern Cross falls to Mac and Fairfax |url=http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,22708729-30540,00.html |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071109071025/http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,22708729-30540,00.html |archivedate=9 November 2007 |access-date=31 May 2019 |newspaper=The Australian |publisher=News Limited |location=Sydney}}</ref> On 12 December, both parties abandoned negotiations for the South Australian and Queensland radio stations.<ref>{{cite news |title=Radio station sale switched off |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2007-12-12/radio-station-sale-switched-off/985108 |access-date=31 May 2019 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=12 December 2007}}</ref> On 14 March 2008, Macquarie divested 18 radio stations for AU$34.5 million.<ref name="SCB-sales">{{cite news |title=Small operators and new players pick up Mac Bank licence sales |url=https://radioinfo.com.au/news/small-operators-and-new-players-pick-mac-bank-licence-sales |access-date=31 May 2019 |work=RadioInfo Australia |date=14 March 2008}}</ref> Nine Tasmanian stations were sold to ],<ref name="SCB-ACMA"/><ref name="SCB-Grants">{{Cite news |date=14 March 2008 |title=Tas radio stations sold |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/03/14/2189743.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=25 April 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080425013634/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/03/14/2189743.htm |access-date=21 March 2008 |work=] |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation}}</ref> with four Queensland stations sold to Smart Radio.<ref name="SCB-ACMA"/> ] Atherton was bought by Coastal Broadcasters Pty Ltd, owners of 4KZ and ] Innisfail, while ] Gippsland and 4GC and ] Charters Towers were sold to ],<ref name="SCB-ACMA"/> a new entity formed by ] executives Guy Dobson and Rex Morris.<ref name="SCB-Resonate">{{cite news |title=Next Gen radio moguls plant an acorn in Warragul and Charters Towers |url=https://radioinfo.com.au/news/next-gen-radio-moguls-plant-acorn-warragul-and-charters-towers |access-date=31 May 2019 |work=RadioInfo Australia |date=16 October 2008}}</ref> While only one of Macquarie's two stations in ] were required to be sold, both ] and ] were sold to ].<ref name="SCB-ACMA"/>


Following the Southern Cross Broadcasting acquisition, Macquarie's regional radio and television business commenced trading as '''Macquarie Southern Cross Media'''.<ref>{{cite news |title=Expanded Macquarie Media renamed |url=http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23068786-30540,00.html |accessdate=2 August 2019 |work=The Australian |date=17 January 2008 |quote=It is believed the rebadging is to be completed by mid-February, when use of the MRR name will cease.}}{{dead link|date=July 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} </ref> Following the Southern Cross Broadcasting acquisition, Macquarie's regional radio and television business commenced trading as '''Macquarie Southern Cross Media'''.<ref>{{cite news |last=Tabakoff |first=Nick |date=18 January 2008 |title=Expanded Macquarie Media renamed |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=AWGLNB&req_dat=3AB36969C29445C598BFB754B6281F39&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Anews%252F11E3DD41C7494F88 |access-date=29 April 2024 |newspaper=The Australian |publisher=News Limited |location=Sydney |page=23 |via=] |id={{EBSCOhost|200801181023035315}} |quote=It is believed the rebadging is to be completed by mid-February, when use of the MRR name will cease.}}</ref>


===2009–10: Restructure=== ===2009–10: Restructure===
In August 2009, Macquarie Media Group posted a loss of $84.6 million in 2008-09, compared with a $273 million profit in the previous financial year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://radioinfo.com.au/news/tough-year-macquarie-media-group-84-million-loss|title=Tough Year at Macquarie Media Group: $84 million loss|date=18 August 2009}}</ref> Despite lower revenue, the Group's Australian assets delivered a profit of $123.4 million, but ACM significant losses<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theage.com.au/business/us-newspapers-are-red-all-over-20090820-es4r.html|title=US newspapers are red all over|date=20 August 2009}}</ref> In August 2009, Macquarie Media Group posted a loss of $84.6 million in 2008-09, compared with a $273 million profit in the previous financial year.<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 August 2009 |title=Tough Year at Macquarie Media Group: $84 million loss |url=https://radioinfo.com.au/news/tough-year-macquarie-media-group-84-million-loss |access-date=29 April 2024 |website=RadioInfo Australia}}</ref> Despite lower revenue, the Group's Australian assets delivered a profit of $123.4 million, but ACM significant losses<ref>{{Cite news |last=Steffens |first=Miriam |date=21 August 2009 |title=US newspapers are red all over |url=https://www.theage.com.au/business/us-newspapers-are-red-all-over-20090820-es4r.html |access-date=29 April 2024 |newspaper=The Age |publisher=Fairfax Media |location=Melbourne}}</ref>


In December 2009, MMG security holders voted in favour of a conversion from a triple-stapled structure to a single ASX-listed company. MMG was renamed Southern Cross Media Group with former RG Capital Radio CEO Rhys Holleran as the Chief Executive Officer.<ref>{{cite web |last= |title=MMHL Extraordinary General Meetings |url=http://www.macquarie.com/dafiles/Internet/mgl/mmg/docs/nom-explanatory-memo-coverletter-proxy-forms-nov.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100816083134/http://www.macquarie.com/dafiles/Internet/mgl/mmg/docs/nom-explanatory-memo-coverletter-proxy-forms-nov.pdf |archive-date=16 August 2010 |access-date=12 January 2022 |website=www.macquarie.com}}</ref> In December 2009, MMG security holders voted in favour of a conversion from a triple-stapled structure to a single ASX-listed company. MMG was renamed Southern Cross Media Group with former RG Capital Radio CEO Rhys Holleran as the Chief Executive Officer.<ref>{{cite web |last= |title=MMHL Extraordinary General Meetings |url=http://www.macquarie.com/dafiles/Internet/mgl/mmg/docs/nom-explanatory-memo-coverletter-proxy-forms-nov.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100816083134/http://www.macquarie.com/dafiles/Internet/mgl/mmg/docs/nom-explanatory-memo-coverletter-proxy-forms-nov.pdf |archive-date=16 August 2010 |access-date=12 January 2022 |publisher=Macquarie Bank}}</ref>


===Austereo=== ===Austereo===
] ]
The company was founded by ], and when commercial ] was introduced into Australia it acquired the licence for metropolitan ], ]; ] commenced transmission in September 1980. The next station to join the network was ] in ], ] in 1986, eventually to be followed by ] in ], ] and ] in ], ] for which the company was successful in converting to the FM band in 1990. Austereo also purchased ] radio station ] in ], Western Australia with the intention of converting the station to FM. 6IX, which had been re-launched by Austereo as ''The Eagle 1080 AM'', was consequently sold off after being outbid for either of the two new FM licences by rivals ] and ], which Austereo now own. The company was founded by ], and when commercial ] was introduced into Australia it acquired the licence for metropolitan ], ]; ] commenced transmission in September 1980. The next station to join the network was ] in ], ] in 1986, eventually to be followed by ] in ], ] and ] in ], ] for which the company was successful in converting to the FM band in 1990. Austereo also purchased ] radio station ] in ], Western Australia with the intention of converting the station to FM. 6IX, which had been re-launched by Austereo as ''The Eagle 1080 AM'', was consequently sold off after being outbid for either of the two new FM licences by rivals ] and ], which Austereo now own.


1995 saw a monopolistic arrangement take place whereby ] purchased the ] owned ] network, and Triple M in turn merged with Austereo to form a single umbrella company. 1995 saw a monopolistic arrangement take place whereby ] purchased the ] owned ] network, and Triple M in turn merged with Austereo to form a single umbrella company.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Potter |first=Ben |date=27 May 1993 |title=Village grabs FM in late bid |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/s/InfoWeb/aggdocs/AUNB/11BC46280B590B68/104B74501DCB01D3?s_lang |access-date=12 November 2014 |newspaper=The Age |publisher=John Fairfax Holdings |location=Melbourne |page=21 |edition=Late |via=NewsBank |issn=0312-6307}}</ref><ref>
{{Cite news |last=Bartholomeusz |first=Stephen |date=27 September 1994 |title=Merging of networks faces some stiff tests |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/s/InfoWeb/aggdocs/AUNB/11C72839E3230690/104B74501DCB01D3?s_lang |access-date=12 November 2014 |newspaper=The Age |publisher=John Fairfax Holdings |location=Melbourne |page=41 |edition=Late |via=NewsBank |issn=0312-6307}}
<ref>{{Cite news
</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Stenberg |first1=Maryann |last2=Jones |first2=Megan |date=15 October 1994 |title=TPC approves FM merger |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/s/InfoWeb/aggdocs/AUNB/11C72814F0884930/104B74501DCB01D3?s_lang |access-date=12 November 2014 |newspaper=The Age |publisher=John Fairfax Holdings |location=Melbourne |page=33 |edition=Late |via=NewsBank |issn=0312-6307}}</ref> The merger was part of a single deal that was unpopular due to the fierce rivalry between the two radio networks, and the fact that ] and ] were also direct competitors in the ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lecky |first=Sue |date=1 October 1994 |title=Can Enemies Be Friends After They're Married? - News Review |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/s/InfoWeb/aggdocs/AUNB/11BCAB9B201472B8/104B74501DCB01D3?s_lang |access-date=12 November 2014 |newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald |publisher=John Fairfax Holdings |location=Sydney |page=25 |edition=Late |via=NewsBank |issn=0312-6315}}</ref>
| edition = Late
| issn = 0312-6307
| pages = 21
| last = BEN POTTER
| title = Village grabs FM in late bid
| work = Age, The (Melbourne, Australia)
| access-date = 12 November 2014
| date = 27 May 1993
| url = http://docs.newsbank.com/s/InfoWeb/aggdocs/AUNB/11BC46280B590B68/104B74501DCB01D3?s_lang
}}</ref><ref>
{{Cite news
| edition = Late
| issn = 0312-6307
| pages = 41
| last = Bartholomeusz
| first = Stephen
| title = Merging of networks faces some stiff tests
| work = Age, The (Melbourne, Australia)
| access-date = 12 November 2014
| date = 27 September 1994
| url = http://docs.newsbank.com/s/InfoWeb/aggdocs/AUNB/11C72839E3230690/104B74501DCB01D3?s_lang
}}
</ref><ref>{{Cite news
| edition = Late
| issn = 0312-6307
| pages = 33
| last = STENBERG
| first = MARYANN
| author2=MEGAN JONES
| title = TPC approves FM merger
| work = Age, The (Melbourne, Australia)
| access-date = 12 November 2014
| date = 15 October 1994
| url = http://docs.newsbank.com/s/InfoWeb/aggdocs/AUNB/11C72814F0884930/104B74501DCB01D3?s_lang
}}</ref> The merger was part of a single deal that was unpopular due to the fierce rivalry between the two radio networks, and the fact that ] and ] were also direct competitors in the ].<ref>{{Cite news
| edition = Late
| issn = 0312-6315
| pages = 25
| title = CAN ENEMIES BE FRIENDS AFTER THEY'RE MARRIED? - NEWS REVIEW
| work = Sydney Morning Herald, The (Australia)
| access-date = 12 November 2014
| date = 1 October 1994
| url = http://docs.newsbank.com/s/InfoWeb/aggdocs/AUNB/11BCAB9B201472B8/104B74501DCB01D3?s_lang
}}</ref>


===Merger=== ===Merger===
In March 2011, Southern Cross Media launched an A$714 million takeover bid of national radio broadcaster, the ] Group.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2011-03-17 |title=Australia competition regulator allows Southern Cross bid for Austereo |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/austereo-idUSSDYGEE7W620110317 |access-date=2023-05-10}}</ref> On 6 April 2011 shareholders of the ] Group accepted the takeover bid, giving SCM a more than 90% share in the company.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-04-06 |title=Southern Cross to raise $471m for Austereo takeover |url=https://www.smh.com.au/business/southern-cross-to-raise-471m-for-austereo-takeover-20110406-1d3gs.html |access-date=2023-02-18 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref> Southern Cross Media and Austereo merged in July 2011 to form Southern Cross Austereo.<ref>{{cite web|title=Introducing the new look Southern Cross Austereo|url=http://mumbrella.com.au/introducing-the-new-look-southern-cross-austereo-52949|work=Mumbrella|access-date=27 July 2011|date=21 July 2011}}</ref> In March 2011, Southern Cross Media launched an A$714 million takeover bid of national radio broadcaster, the ] Group.<ref>{{Cite news |date=17 March 2011 |title=Australia competition regulator allows Southern Cross bid for Austereo |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/austereo-idUSSDYGEE7W620110317 |access-date=10 May 2023}}</ref> On 6 April 2011 shareholders of the ] Group accepted the takeover bid, giving SCM a more than 90% share in the company.<ref>{{Cite news |date=6 April 2011 |title=Southern Cross to raise $471m for Austereo takeover |url=https://www.smh.com.au/business/southern-cross-to-raise-471m-for-austereo-takeover-20110406-1d3gs.html |access-date=18 February 2023 |newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald |publisher=Fairfax Media |location=Sydney |language=en}}</ref> Southern Cross Media and Austereo merged in July 2011 to form Southern Cross Austereo.<ref>{{cite web|title=Introducing the new look Southern Cross Austereo|url=http://mumbrella.com.au/introducing-the-new-look-southern-cross-austereo-52949|work=Mumbrella|access-date=27 July 2011|date=21 July 2011}}</ref>


===Post-merger=== ===Post-merger===
Line 115: Line 66:
Starting from 7 November 2011, Southern Cross Austereo slowly rolled out ], ], ], ] and ] as digital channels across the GTS/BKN areas.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gtsbkn.com.au/s_cms/index.php?page=new-digital-tv|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120104085652/http://www.gtsbkn.com.au/s_cms/index.php?page=new-digital-tv|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 January 2012|title=New TV Channels - Southern Cross GTS/BKN Television|access-date=28 October 2018}}</ref> Starting from 7 November 2011, Southern Cross Austereo slowly rolled out ], ], ], ] and ] as digital channels across the GTS/BKN areas.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gtsbkn.com.au/s_cms/index.php?page=new-digital-tv|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120104085652/http://www.gtsbkn.com.au/s_cms/index.php?page=new-digital-tv|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 January 2012|title=New TV Channels - Southern Cross GTS/BKN Television|access-date=28 October 2018}}</ref>


On 23 August 2012, Guy Dobson (director of metro radio) was announced as Chief Officer of Content for the Southern Cross Austereo network, working across radio and television.<ref>{{cite news|title=Guy Dobson appointed Chief Content Officer at SCA|url=http://www.radioinfo.com.au/news/11335|access-date=23 August 2012|newspaper=radioinfo|date=23 August 2012}}</ref> On 23 August 2012, Guy Dobson (director of metro radio) was announced as Chief Officer of Content for the Southern Cross Austereo network, working across radio and television.<ref>{{cite news |date=23 August 2012 |title=Guy Dobson appointed Chief Content Officer at SCA |url=https://radioinfo.com.au/news/guy-dobson-appointed-chief-content-officer-sca/ |access-date=23 August 2012 |work=radioinfo Australia}}</ref>


Southern Cross Austereo began broadcasting a datacast channel, ], already carried by ], in December 2012 on LCN 54 in Southern Cross Ten markets, on LCN 64 in Tasmania and on LCN 74 in Darwin. Southern Cross began broadcasting the shopping channel ], already carried by ], in December 2012 on LCN 54 in Southern Cross Ten markets, on LCN 64 in Tasmania and on LCN 74 in Darwin.


Southern Cross Austereo began broadcasting its own datacast channel, ] on 21 May 2013 on LCN 56 in Southern Cross Ten markets, on LCN 66 in Tasmania and on LCN 76 in Darwin. Southern Cross began broadcasting its own datacast channel, ] on 21 May 2013 on LCN 56 in Southern Cross Ten markets, on LCN 66 in Tasmania and on LCN 76 in Darwin.


On 7 December 2013, Southern Cross Austereo switched GDS/BDN to a feed of ] Adelaide.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?id=267719117162&story_fbid=10151737369552163|title=PRESS RELEASE: Southern Cross Austereo... - Southern Cross GTS/BKN|via=Facebook|date=5 December 2013|access-date=28 October 2018}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=December 2020}} On 7 December 2013, the company switched GDS/BDN to a feed of ] Adelaide.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Press Release: Southern Cross Austereo has announced that viewers of The Nine Network in South Australia's Spencer Gulf and Broken Hill region will have access to Adelaide News, A Current Affair and other programs from Saturday 7th December |date=5 December 2013 |publisher=Southern Cross Austereo |url=https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?id=267719117162&story_fbid=10151737369552163 |via=Facebook |access-date=28 October 2018}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=December 2020}}


In October 2014, Southern Cross Austereo announced it would relaunch SAFM in Adelaide as ],<ref>{{cite news |title=hit107 {{!}} Adelaide’s Hit Music Station revealed |url=https://www.radiotoday.com.au/hit-107-adelaide-revealed/ |access-date=20 August 2020 |work=Radio Today (Australia) |date=16 October 2014}}</ref> with a staggered ]-wide relaunch announced in December.<ref>{{cite news |title=SCA's Today stations to rebrand as Hit |url=https://www.radioinfo.com.au/news/scas-today-stations-rebrand-hit |work=Radioinfo.com.au |date=17 December 2014}}</ref> On 14 January 2015, the network was relaunched as '''Today's Hit Network''', with the relaunch extending to Canberra in January 2016.<ref>{{cite web |title=Canberra’s Hit104.7 Arrives |url=https://www.radiotoday.com.au/canberra-s-hit104-7-arrives/ |access-date=16 December 2015 |website=Radio Today (Australia) |date=15 December 2015}}</ref> ] Hobart was relaunched as Hit100.9 in February,<ref>{{cite web |title=#HitHobart |url=https://www.radiotoday.com.au/hithobart/ |access-date=4 February 2016 |website=Radio Today (Australia) |date=4 February 2016}}</ref> with the remaining network stations adopting the '''Hit Network''' branding as part of a national brand consolidation in December.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Battersby |first1=Lucy |title=60 regional radio stations to become Triple M or Hit Network |url=http://www.smh.com.au/business/media-and-marketing/southern-cross-austereo-rebranding-60-regional-radio-stations-as-triple-m-and-hit-network-20160926-grocec.html |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=26 September 2016}}</ref> In October 2014, the company announced it would relaunch SAFM in Adelaide as ],<ref>{{cite news |date=16 October 2014 |title=hit107 {{!}} Adelaide's Hit Music Station revealed |url=https://www.radiotoday.com.au/hit-107-adelaide-revealed/ |access-date=20 August 2020 |work=Radio Today}}</ref> with a staggered ]-wide relaunch announced in December.<ref>{{cite news |title=SCA's Today stations to rebrand as Hit |url=https://www.radioinfo.com.au/news/scas-today-stations-rebrand-hit |work=radioinfo Australia |date=17 December 2014}}</ref> On 14 January 2015, the network was relaunched as '''Today's Hit Network''', with the relaunch extending to Canberra in January 2016.<ref>{{cite web |date=15 December 2015 |title=Canberra's Hit104.7 Arrives |url=https://www.radiotoday.com.au/canberra-s-hit104-7-arrives/ |access-date=16 December 2015 |website=Radio Today}}</ref> ] Hobart was relaunched as Hit100.9 in February,<ref>{{cite web |date=4 February 2016 |title=#HitHobart |url=https://www.radiotoday.com.au/hithobart/ |access-date=4 February 2016 |website=Radio Today}}</ref> with the remaining network stations adopting the '''Hit Network''' branding as part of a national brand consolidation in December.<ref>{{cite news |last=Battersby |first=Lucy |title=60 regional radio stations to become Triple M or Hit Network |url=http://www.smh.com.au/business/media-and-marketing/southern-cross-austereo-rebranding-60-regional-radio-stations-as-triple-m-and-hit-network-20160926-grocec.html |newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald |publisher=Fairfax Media |location=Sydney |date=26 September 2016 |access-date=29 April 2024}}</ref>


Southern Cross began broadcasting ] on 29 August 2015, the same day the channel was officially launched, in Seven-affiliated markets on LCN 68 in Tasmania, Broken Hill and the Spencer Gulf and on LCN 78 in Darwin.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.racing.com/news/2015-08-28/southern-cross-tv-picks-up-racingcom |title=Southern Cross TV picks up Racing.com |last=Biddington |first=Tom |date=28 August 2015 |publisher=Racing.com |access-date=3 March 2016}}</ref> Southern Cross began broadcasting ] on 29 August 2015, the same day the channel was officially launched, in Seven-affiliated markets on LCN 68 in Tasmania, Broken Hill and the Spencer Gulf and on LCN 78 in Darwin.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.racing.com/news/2015-08-28/southern-cross-tv-picks-up-racingcom |title=Southern Cross TV picks up Racing.com |last=Biddington |first=Tom |date=28 August 2015 |publisher=Racing.com |access-date=3 March 2016}}</ref>


In March 2016, gaming news publisher Press Start was acquired by Southern Cross Austereo, which resulted in its founder and owner Shannon Grixti being appointed as managing director of Press Start starting on 27 March 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Grixti |first=Shannon |date=25 March 2016 |title=Southern Cross Austereo Acquires Press Start |url=https://press-start.com.au/news/2016/03/25/southern-cross-austereo-acquires-press-start/ |access-date=1 October 2024 |website=Press Start |language=en-US}}{{Third-party inline|date=October 2024}}</ref> Grixti launched Press Start in early 2014 and the acquisition was completed on 8 June 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 June 2016 |title=SCA acquires press-start.com.au in digital expansion strategy |url=https://radioinfo.com.au/news/sca-acquires-press-startcomau-digital-expansion-strategy/ |access-date=1 October 2024 |website=radioinfo Australia |language=en-AU}}</ref>
On 29 April 2016, Southern Cross Austereo announced that it had signed a five-year affiliation deal with ], owner of the Nine Network, for almost $500 million, taking the place of ] as the primary regional Nine affiliate. On 1 July 2016, Southern Cross switched its primary affiliation from Network Ten to the Nine Network and Nine's metropolitan branding was introduced across Southern Cross' television assets in Queensland, Southern NSW and Victoria,<ref name="Hayes">{{cite web |url=http://mumbrella.com.au/nine-entertainment-and-southern-cross-austereo-sign-affiliate-agreement-363377 |title=Nine Entertainment and Southern Cross Austereo sign 'landmark' affiliate agreement |last=Hayes |first=Alex |date=29 April 2016 |publisher=mUmBRELLA |access-date=29 April 2016}}</ref> joining its existing Nine affiliate station in Spencer Gulf, SA and Broken Hill, NSW. Southern Cross' Northern NSW station, ], was not part of the deal as the Nine-owned ] already operated in the region.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.smh.com.au/business/media-and-marketing/nine-and-southern-cross-in-multiyear-eaffiliation-deal-20160428-goha3w.html |title=Nine and Southern Cross in multi-year affiliation deal |last=White |first=Dominic |date=29 April 2016 |website=Sydney Morning Herald |access-date=29 April 2016}}</ref><ref name="Hayes"/>


On 29 April 2016, Southern Cross Austereo announced that it had signed a five-year affiliation deal with ], owner of the Nine Network, for almost $500 million, taking the place of ] as the primary regional Nine affiliate. On 1 July 2016, Southern Cross switched its primary affiliation from Network Ten to the Nine Network and Nine's metropolitan branding was introduced across Southern Cross' television assets in Queensland, Southern NSW and Victoria,<ref name="Hayes">{{cite web |url=http://mumbrella.com.au/nine-entertainment-and-southern-cross-austereo-sign-affiliate-agreement-363377 |title=Nine Entertainment and Southern Cross Austereo sign 'landmark' affiliate agreement |last=Hayes |first=Alex |date=29 April 2016 |publisher=mUmBRELLA |access-date=29 April 2016}}</ref> joining its existing Nine affiliate station in Spencer Gulf, SA and Broken Hill, NSW. Southern Cross' Northern NSW station, ], was not part of the deal as the Nine-owned ] already operated in the region.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.smh.com.au/business/media-and-marketing/nine-and-southern-cross-in-multiyear-eaffiliation-deal-20160428-goha3w.html |title=Nine and Southern Cross in multi-year affiliation deal |last=White |first=Dominic |date=29 April 2016 |newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald |publisher=Fairfax Media |location=Sydney |access-date=29 April 2016}}</ref><ref name="Hayes"/>
Upon the affiliation change, the channel listing for Southern Cross Austereo's Nine-affiliated stations was reshuffled with Nine on channel 5 and 51, ] on channels 50, ] on channel 52 in standard definition, ] on channel 53, 9Life on channel 54 and Aspire TV on channel 56.<ref>{{cite web |date=11 June 2016 |title=Nine on 5 |url=http://www.nineon5.com.au/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160614083635/http://www.nineon5.com.au/ |archive-date=14 June 2016 |access-date=14 June 2016 |publisher=]}}</ref> ] Spencer Gulf/Broken Hill remained unchanged with Nine on channel 8, 9Gem on channel 80 and 9Go! on channel 88. As a result TVSN stopped broadcasting in the Nine-affiliated markets and was replaced with a ''To Be Advised'' slide until being replaced with ] on 1 August 2016.


Upon the affiliation change, the channel listing for Southern Cross' Nine-affiliated stations was reshuffled with Nine on channel 5 and 51, ] on channels 50, ] on channel 52 in standard definition, ] on channel 53, 9Life on channel 54 and Aspire TV on channel 56.<ref>{{cite web |date=11 June 2016 |title=Nine on 5 |url=http://www.nineon5.com.au/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160614083635/http://www.nineon5.com.au/ |archive-date=14 June 2016 |access-date=14 June 2016 |publisher=Southern Cross Austereo}}</ref> ] Spencer Gulf/Broken Hill remained unchanged with Nine on channel 8, 9Gem on channel 80 and 9Go! on channel 88. As a result TVSN stopped broadcasting in the Nine-affiliated markets and was replaced with a ''To Be Advised'' slide until being replaced with ] on 1 August 2016.
Due to the need to import and install the required equipment, Southern Cross Austereo originally stated that it would not immediately offer Nine's digital services ] and ] upon the transition; the broadcaster stated that they planned to begin transmitting them by mid-August—a delay which would have caused the third match of the ] on 13 July to not be transmitted in high definition in the affected regions—which includes parts of the New South Wales and Queensland regions who play the series.<ref name="smh-soonohd">{{cite web |url=http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/state-of-origin-iii-wont-be-in-hd-as-channel-nine-changes-channels-on-regional-tv-20160615-gpja91.html |title=State of Origin III won't be in HD as Channel Nine changes channels on regional TV |last=Joyce |first=James |date=15 June 2016 |website=Sydney Morning Herald |access-date=21 June 2016}}</ref> However, on 24 June 2016, Southern Cross Austereo announced that it had been "working tirelessly to get HD to air as quickly as possible", and 9HD became available from launch day on channel 50.<ref name="smh-yeshd">{{cite web |url=http://www.juneesoutherncross.com.au/story/3989446/hd-wont-go-off-air-in-channel-nine-switch-for-regional-viewers/?cs=2452 |title=HD won't go off-air in Channel Nine switch for regional viewers |date=24 June 2016 |website=Junee Southern Cross |access-date=27 June 2016}}</ref> The same approach also prompted 9Life to return early on 17 July 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scaengage.com.au/news-events/sca-affiliation-agreement-with-nine-entertainment-co-faq/ |title=SCA Affiliation Agreement with Nine Entertainment Co., FAQ |date=5 May 2016 |publisher=Southern Cross Austereo |access-date=8 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nineon5.com.au/#!faq/cee5 |title=Nine On 5 FAQ |date=12 June 2016 |publisher=Southern Cross Austereo |access-date=12 June 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611220608/http://www.nineon5.com.au/#!faq/cee5 |archive-date=11 June 2016 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>


Due to the need to import and install the required equipment, Southern Cross originally stated that it would not immediately offer Nine's digital services ] and ] upon the transition; the broadcaster stated that they planned to begin transmitting them by mid-August—a delay which would have caused the third match of the ] on 13 July to not be transmitted in high definition in the affected regions—which includes parts of the New South Wales and Queensland regions who play the series.<ref name="smh-soonohd">{{cite news |last=Joyce |first=James |date=15 June 2016 |title=State of Origin III won't be in HD as Channel Nine changes channels on regional TV |url=http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/state-of-origin-iii-wont-be-in-hd-as-channel-nine-changes-channels-on-regional-tv-20160615-gpja91.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160616060935/http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/state-of-origin-iii-wont-be-in-hd-as-channel-nine-changes-channels-on-regional-tv-20160615-gpja91.html |archive-date=16 June 2016 |access-date=21 June 2016 |newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald |publisher=Fairfax Media |location=Sydney}}</ref> However, on 24 June 2016, Southern Cross Austereo announced that it had been "working tirelessly to get HD to air as quickly as possible", and 9HD became available from launch day on channel 50.<ref name="smh-yeshd">{{cite news |date=24 June 2016 |title=HD won't go off-air in Channel Nine switch for regional viewers |url=http://www.juneesoutherncross.com.au/story/3989446/hd-wont-go-off-air-in-channel-nine-switch-for-regional-viewers/?cs=2452 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625132310/http://www.juneesoutherncross.com.au/story/3989446/hd-wont-go-off-air-in-channel-nine-switch-for-regional-viewers/?cs=2452 |archive-date=25 June 2016 |access-date=27 June 2016 |newspaper=Southern Cross |publisher=Fairfax Media |location=Junee}}</ref> The same approach also prompted 9Life to return early on 17 July 2016.<ref>{{cite web |date=5 May 2016 |title=SCA Affiliation Agreement with Nine Entertainment Co., FAQ |url=http://www.scaengage.com.au/news-events/sca-affiliation-agreement-with-nine-entertainment-co-faq/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604002831/http://www.scaengage.com.au/news-events/sca-affiliation-agreement-with-nine-entertainment-co-faq/ |archive-date=4 June 2016 |access-date=8 May 2016 |publisher=Southern Cross Austereo}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nineon5.com.au/#!faq/cee5 |title=Nine On 5 FAQ |date=12 June 2016 |publisher=Southern Cross Austereo |access-date=12 June 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611220608/http://www.nineon5.com.au/#!faq/cee5 |archive-date=11 June 2016 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
Southern Cross Austereo announced on 25 July 2016 that it would broadcast the New Zealand-based home shopping channel ] as a ] service, on their stations. The channel became available on 1 August 2016 in Queensland, Southern NSW, ACT and Victoria on LCN 55; Northern NSW, Spencer Gulf and Broken Hill on LCN 54; Tasmania on LCN 64 and Darwin on LCN 74.<ref>{{cite web |date=25 July 2016 |title=YESSHOP coming to SCA regional viewers August 1 |url=http://www.scaengage.com.au/uncategorized/yesshop-coming-to-sca-regional-viewers/ |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160728005442/http://www.scaengage.com.au/uncategorized/yesshop-coming-to-sca-regional-viewers/ |archive-date=July 28, 2016 |access-date=25 July 2016 |publisher=Southern Cross Austereo}}</ref> However, Yesshop's owner (Yes Retail) made the decision to cease trading on 29 September 2016 citing lack of funds to pay wages and the company's current losses of approximately 20 million dollars.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11719322|title=YesShop shopping channel shutting down|date=29 September 2016|newspaper=The New Zealand Herald|access-date=4 October 2016|location=Auckland}}</ref> Employees were terminated the same day, and the channels were removed on Freeview later that day.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/84786034/yesshop-tells-employees-it-must-close-immediately|title=YesShop tells employees it must close immediately|date=29 September 2016|publisher=Stuff.co.nz|access-date=30 September 2016}}</ref>


Southern Cross announced on 25 July 2016 that it would broadcast the New Zealand-based home shopping channel ] as a ] service, on the company's stations. The channel became available on 1 August 2016 in Queensland, Southern NSW, ACT and Victoria on LCN 55; Northern NSW, Spencer Gulf and Broken Hill on LCN 54; Tasmania on LCN 64 and Darwin on LCN 74.<ref>{{cite web |date=25 July 2016 |title=YESSHOP coming to SCA regional viewers August 1 |url=http://www.scaengage.com.au/uncategorized/yesshop-coming-to-sca-regional-viewers/ |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160728005442/http://www.scaengage.com.au/uncategorized/yesshop-coming-to-sca-regional-viewers/ |archive-date=July 28, 2016 |access-date=25 July 2016 |publisher=Southern Cross Austereo}}</ref> However, Yesshop's owner (Yes Retail) made the decision to cease trading on 29 September 2016 citing lack of funds to pay wages and the company's current losses of approximately 20 million dollars.<ref>{{cite news |date=29 September 2016 |title=YesShop shopping channel shutting down |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11719322 |access-date=4 October 2016 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |publisher=] |location=Auckland}}</ref> Employees were terminated the same day, and the channels were removed on Freeview later that day.<ref>{{cite news |last=Edmunds |first=Susan |date=29 September 2016 |title=YesShop tells employees it must close immediately |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/84786034/yesshop-tells-employees-it-must-close-immediately |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024152526/http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/84786034/yesshop-tells-employees-it-must-close-immediately |archive-date=24 October 2016 |access-date=30 September 2016 |work=Stuff |department=BusinessDay |publisher=Fairfax Media}}</ref>
In November 2016, Southern Cross Austereo signed a long-term contract with PodcastOne to launch a localised version of the online podcast service, rebranded as PodcastOne Australia. The service launched sometime in early 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.podcastone.com/b/SOUTHERN-CROSS-AUSTEREO-PARTNERS-WITH-AMERICAN-POWERHOUSE-NETWORK-PODCASTONE-TO-CREATE-PODCASTONE-AUSTRALIA/-896585972276340070.html|title=SOUTHERN CROSS AUSTEREO PARTNERS WITH AMERICAN POWERHOUSE NETWORK PODCASTONE TO CREATE PODCASTONE AUSTRALIA|date=28 November 2016|publisher=PodcastOne|access-date=3 August 2023}}</ref>


In November 2016, Southern Cross Austereo signed a long-term contract with ] to launch a localised version of the online podcast service, rebranded as PodcastOne Australia. The service launched sometime in early 2017.<ref>{{cite press release |date=28 November 2016 |title=Southern Cross Austereo partners with American powerhouse network PodcastOne to create PodcastOne Australia |url=https://www.podcastone.com/b/SOUTHERN-CROSS-AUSTEREO-PARTNERS-WITH-AMERICAN-POWERHOUSE-NETWORK-PODCASTONE-TO-CREATE-PODCASTONE-AUSTRALIA/-896585972276340070.html |access-date=3 August 2023 |publisher=PodcastOne}}</ref>
In December 2016, Southern Cross Austereo lodged a planning application with the ACT Government to demolish the CTC studios, administration and playout facility to make way for a residential development.<ref>{{Cite web |title=46 Aspinall Street, Watson, ACT |url=https://www.planningalerts.org.au/applications/759930 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201233930/https://www.planningalerts.org.au/applications/759930 |archive-date=2017-02-01 |access-date=2017-01-20 |website=Planning Alerts}}</ref> The proposed studio campus demolition comes just over a year after ] closed its Canberra studios at Kingston, moving its offices to the industrial suburb of ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Doherty |first=Megan |date=2015-08-08 |title=WIN Television selling up its Kingston base |work=] |url=http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/canberra-life/win-television-selling-up-its-kingston-base-to-move-to-fyshwick-after-26-years-making-stars-20150807-gitwen.html |url-status=live |access-date=2017-01-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202002557/http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/canberra-life/win-television-selling-up-its-kingston-base-to-move-to-fyshwick-after-26-years-making-stars-20150807-gitwen.html |archive-date=2017-02-02}}</ref> The trend of vast television estates making way for residential developments has been seen in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. In 2009 however, a planned redevelopment of the original ATV studios at ] in Melbourne was cancelled due to a slump in property prices.


In December 2016, the company lodged a planning application with the ACT Government to demolish the CTC studios, administration and playout facility at ] to make way for a residential development.<ref>{{Cite web |title=46 Aspinall Street, Watson, ACT |url=https://www.planningalerts.org.au/applications/759930 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201233930/https://www.planningalerts.org.au/applications/759930 |archive-date=1 February 2017 |access-date=20 January 2017 |website=Planning Alerts|date=15 December 2016 }}</ref> The proposed studio campus demolition comes just over a year after ] closed its Canberra studios at Kingston, moving its offices to the industrial suburb of ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Doherty |first=Megan |date=8 August 2015 |title=WIN Television selling up its Kingston base to move to Fyshwick after 26 years making stars |url=http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/canberra-life/win-television-selling-up-its-kingston-base-to-move-to-fyshwick-after-26-years-making-stars-20150807-gitwen.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202002557/http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/canberra-life/win-television-selling-up-its-kingston-base-to-move-to-fyshwick-after-26-years-making-stars-20150807-gitwen.html |archive-date=2 February 2017 |access-date=20 January 2017 |newspaper=] |publisher=Fairfax Media |location=Canberra, Australian Capital Territory}}</ref> The trend of vast television estates making way for residential developments has been seen in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. In 2009 however, a planned redevelopment of the original ATV studios at ] in Melbourne was cancelled due to a slump in property prices.
In March 2017, Southern Cross Austereo announced that it would be launching a high definition simulcast of its main Seven-affiliated channel, ''Southern Cross HD'' in Tasmania on digital channel 60, in time for the first match of the ] later that month.<ref>{{cite AV media | people=Southern Cross News Tasmania | date=14 March 2017 | title=YouTube: Southern Cross announces HD launch for Tasmania (14 Mar 17) | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w170UdVxJkA |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211215/w170UdVxJkA |archive-date=2021-12-15 |url-status=live| medium=Television news bulletin | publisher=WAtvPresentation}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Although SCHD launched in Tasmania on 22 March 2017 (whilst downgrading 7mate to standard definition on digital channel 63), it only began broadcasting Channel 7 programming in native high definition from 19 June 2018.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2017/03/southern-cross-tas-switching-on-hd.html |title=Southern Cross Tas switching on HD |last=Knox |first=David |date=16 March 2017 |publisher=TV Tonight |access-date=30 March 2017}}</ref>


In March 2017, Southern Cross Austereo announced that it would be launching a high definition simulcast of its main Seven-affiliated channel, ''Southern Cross HD'' in Tasmania on digital channel 60, in time for the first match of the ] later that month.<ref>{{cite AV media |author=Southern Cross News Tasmania |date=14 March 2017 |title=Southern Cross announces HD launch for Tasmania (14 Mar 17) | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w170UdVxJkA |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211215/w170UdVxJkA |archive-date=15 November 2021 |url-status=live |type=Television news bulletin |publisher=WAtvPresentation |via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Although SCHD launched in Tasmania on 22 March 2017 (whilst downgrading 7mate to standard definition on digital channel 63), it only began broadcasting Channel 7 programming in native high definition from 19 June 2018.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2017/03/southern-cross-tas-switching-on-hd.html |title=Southern Cross Tas switching on HD |last=Knox |first=David |date=16 March 2017 |publisher=TV Tonight |access-date=30 March 2017}}</ref>
Following months of negotiations, Southern Cross Austereo finalised an agreement on 28 March 2017 to sell their Ten-affiliated Northern NSW station, NRN, to WIN Television for a total of $55 million,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://mumbrella.com.au/sca-sells-nsw-tv-assets-win-55m-435161 |title=SCA sells northern NSW television assets to WIN for $55m |last=Burrowes |first=Tim |date=28 March 2017 |publisher=Mumbrella |access-date=28 March 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Bingemann |first=Mitchell |date=28 March 2017 |title=Southern Cross Media sells northern NSW TV operations to WIN |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/media/broadcast/southern-cross-media-sells-northern-nsw-tv-operations-to-win/news-story/92ce06126946c9863a95245aa4eaf2b5 |newspaper=The Australian |access-date=28 March 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Mason |first=Max |date=28 March 2017 |title=Southern Cross to sell northern NSW TV business to WIN |url=http://www.afr.com/business/media-and-marketing/tv/southern-cross-to-sell-northern-nsw-tv-business-to-win-20170327-gv7ukv |newspaper=The Australian Financial Review |access-date=28 March 2017}}</ref> with the sale taking effect on 31 May 2017.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20170519/pdf/43jcx1pgz0m8vm.pdf |title=Southern Cross Austereo: Agreement of Sale of NNSW TV Operations and Trading Update |publisher=Australian Securities Exchange |format=PDF |access-date=20 May 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2017/05/win-completes-deal-for-southern-cross-northern-nsw.html |title=WIN completes deal for Southern Cross Northern NSW |last=Knox |first=David |date=20 May 2017 |publisher=TV Tonight |access-date=20 May 2017}}</ref> Due to operational logistics, WIN did not commence broadcasting their identity to the NRN market until 1 September 2017. This sale relieved Southern Cross of their only sole Ten-affiliated station, with their remaining Ten affiliate, ] operating in the Spencer Gulf/Broken Hill region where Southern Cross holds monopoly ownership of all three network affiliates.


Following months of negotiations, Southern Cross Austereo finalised an agreement on 28 March 2017 to sell their Ten-affiliated Northern NSW station, NRN, to WIN Television for a total of $55 million,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://mumbrella.com.au/sca-sells-nsw-tv-assets-win-55m-435161 |title=SCA sells northern NSW television assets to WIN for $55m |last=Burrowes |first=Tim |date=28 March 2017 |publisher=Mumbrella |access-date=28 March 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Bingemann |first=Mitchell |date=28 March 2017 |title=Southern Cross Media sells northern NSW TV operations to WIN |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/media/broadcast/southern-cross-media-sells-northern-nsw-tv-operations-to-win/news-story/92ce06126946c9863a95245aa4eaf2b5 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240409065953/https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/media/broadcast/southern-cross-media-sells-northern-nsw-tv-operations-to-win/news-story/92ce06126946c9863a95245aa4eaf2b5 |archive-date=9 April 2024 |access-date=28 March 2017 |newspaper=The Australian |publisher=News Corp Australia}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Mason |first=Max |date=28 March 2017 |title=Southern Cross to sell northern NSW TV business to WIN |url=http://www.afr.com/business/media-and-marketing/tv/southern-cross-to-sell-northern-nsw-tv-business-to-win-20170327-gv7ukv |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170328084913/http://www.afr.com/business/media-and-marketing/tv/southern-cross-to-sell-northern-nsw-tv-business-to-win-20170327-gv7ukv |archive-date=28 March 2017 |access-date=28 March 2017 |newspaper=Australian Financial Review |publisher=Fairfax Media |location=Sydney}}</ref> with the sale taking effect on 31 May 2017.<ref>{{cite press release |last1=McKechnie |first1=Nick |last2=Chapman |first2=Creina |date=19 May 2017 |title=Agreement of Sale of NNSW TV Operations and Trading Update |url=http://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20170519/pdf/43jcx1pgz0m8vm.pdf |publisher=Southern Cross Austereo |location=Melbourne |via=Australian Securities Exchange |access-date=20 May 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2017/05/win-completes-deal-for-southern-cross-northern-nsw.html |title=WIN completes deal for Southern Cross Northern NSW |last=Knox |first=David |date=20 May 2017 |publisher=TV Tonight |access-date=20 May 2017}}</ref> Due to operational logistics, WIN did not commence broadcasting their identity to the NRN market until 1 September 2017. This sale relieved Southern Cross of their only sole Ten-affiliated station, with their remaining Ten affiliate, ] operating in the Spencer Gulf/Broken Hill region where Southern Cross holds monopoly ownership of all three network affiliates.
On 17 July 2017, Southern Cross Austereo launched American religious channel SonLife Broadcasting Network (SBN), owned by ] ], as a datacast service. The channel is broadcast in regional Queensland, Southern NSW & ACT, and regional Victoria on channel 55 as well as Spencer Gulf in South Australia, and Broken Hill in New South Wales on channel 54. Despite this, SBN never launched in Northern NSW, because NRN was already owned by WIN at the time. The above list is via Southern Cross' 10-affiliated and then Nine-affiliated stations, and in Tasmania on channel 64 and Darwin on channel 74 via Southern Cross' Seven affiliate stations.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2017/07/religious-channel-coming-to-southern-cross-network.html |title=Religious channel coming to Southern Cross network |last=Knox |first=David |date=15 July 2017 |website=TV Tonight |access-date=15 July 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://sonlifetv.com/australia.html |title=Australia & New Zealand |website=SonLife Broadcasting Network |access-date=15 July 2017}}</ref>


On 17 July 2017, Southern Cross Austereo launched American religious channel SonLife Broadcasting Network (SBN), owned by ] ], as a datacast service. The channel is broadcast in regional Queensland, Southern NSW & ACT, and regional Victoria on channel 55 as well as Spencer Gulf in South Australia, and Broken Hill in New South Wales on channel 54. Despite this, SBN never launched in Northern NSW, because NRN was already owned by WIN at the time. The above list is via Southern Cross' 10-affiliated and then Nine-affiliated stations, and in Tasmania on channel 64 and Darwin on channel 74 via Southern Cross' Seven affiliate stations.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2017/07/religious-channel-coming-to-southern-cross-network.html |title=Religious channel coming to Southern Cross network |last=Knox |first=David |date=15 July 2017 |website=TV Tonight |access-date=15 July 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Australia & New Zealand |url=http://sonlifetv.com/australia.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019122555/http://sonlifetv.com/australia.html |archive-date=19 October 2017 |access-date=15 July 2017 |website=SonLife Broadcasting Network}}</ref>
From 1 July 2018, all local branding was phased out on all of Southern Cross Austereo's Seven-affiliated stations in favour of a generic Seven Network branding. Though news services offered by Southern Cross were also scheduled to be rebranded as ''Seven News'' on this date,<ref>{{cite news |last=Mayfield |first=Louis |date=8 June 2018 |title=Southern becomes Seven |url=https://www.whyallanewsonline.com.au/story/5456249/southern-becomes-seven/ |work=Whyalla News |location=Whyalla |access-date=9 June 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Kinniburgh |first=Chanel |date=9 June 2018 |title=Southern Cross Television rebadged from next month |url=https://www.ntnews.com.au/news/southern-cross-television-rebadged-from-next-month/news-story/6c95562dfe059369f82c328e9a2290ba |work=] |location=Hobart|access-date=11 June 2018}}</ref> the rebrand was delayed until further notice, citing concerns from Seven about using their news brand but not under their editorial control.<ref>{{cite news |title=Not Seven news |url=https://www.abc.net.au/mediawatch/episodes/not-seven-news---episode-22/9971262 |access-date=3 December 2018 |work=] |publisher=] |date=9 July 2018}}</ref>


From 1 July 2018, all local branding was phased out on all of Southern Cross Austereo's Seven-affiliated stations in favour of a generic Seven Network branding. Though news services offered by Southern Cross were also scheduled to be rebranded as ''Seven News'' on this date,<ref>{{cite news |last=Mayfield |first=Louis |date=8 June 2018 |title=Southern becomes Seven |url=https://www.whyallanewsonline.com.au/story/5456249/southern-becomes-seven/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143113/https://www.whyallanewsonline.com.au/story/5456249/southern-becomes-seven/ |archive-date=12 June 2018 |access-date=9 June 2018 |work=Whyalla News |publisher=Australian Community Media |location=Whyalla}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Kinniburgh |first=Chanel |date=9 June 2018 |title=Southern Cross Television rebadged from next month |url=https://www.ntnews.com.au/news/southern-cross-television-rebadged-from-next-month/news-story/6c95562dfe059369f82c328e9a2290ba |url-access=subscription |access-date=11 June 2018 |newspaper=] |publisher=] |location=Hobart}}</ref> the rebrand was delayed until further notice, citing concerns from Seven about using their news brand but not under their editorial control.<ref>{{cite episode |title=Not Seven news |url=https://www.abc.net.au/mediawatch/episodes/not-seven-news---episode-22/9971262 |access-date=3 December 2018 |series=] |publisher=] |date=9 July 2018}}</ref>
In September 2018, Southern Cross Austereo announced it would transfer its Canberra-based broadcast playout to NPC Media, a joint venture between the Nine and Seven Networks. CTC, via Southern Cross Austereo, would move remaining employees to a leased office facility in Canberra.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-09-25 |title=SCA to outsource television payout to NPC Media |url=https://www.marketscreener.com/SEVEN-WEST-MEDIA-LTD-9058799/news/SXL-SCA-to-outsource-television-playout-to-NPC-Media-27317294/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204231146/https://www.marketscreener.com/SEVEN-WEST-MEDIA-LTD-9058799/news/SXL-SCA-to-outsource-television-playout-to-NPC-Media-27317294/ |archive-date=2019-02-04 |access-date=2018-09-26 |website=Market Screener}}</ref> The changes were expected to be completed by 30 June 2020.


In September 2018, Southern Cross Austereo announced it would transfer its Canberra-based broadcast playout to NPC Media, a joint venture between the Nine and Seven Networks. CTC, via Southern Cross Austereo, would move remaining employees to a leased office facility in Canberra.<ref>{{Cite press release |date=26 September 2018 |title=SCA to outsource television payout to NPC Media |url=https://www.marketscreener.com/SEVEN-WEST-MEDIA-LTD-9058799/news/SXL-SCA-to-outsource-television-playout-to-NPC-Media-27317294/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204231146/https://www.marketscreener.com/SEVEN-WEST-MEDIA-LTD-9058799/news/SXL-SCA-to-outsource-television-playout-to-NPC-Media-27317294/ |archive-date=4 February 2019 |access-date=26 September 2018 |publisher=Southern Cross Austereo |via=Market Screener}}</ref> The changes were expected to be completed by 30 June 2020.
On 30 September 2018, Southern Cross Austereo launched ], in Tasmania, via ],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Knox |first=David |date=15 September 2018 |title=9Life to return to Tasmanian viewers {{!}} TV Tonight |url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2018/09/9life-to-return-to-tasmanian-viewers.html |access-date=2023-04-22 |website=] |language=en-AU}}</ref> and in the Spencer Gulf and Broken Hill regions, via ].


On 30 September 2018, Southern Cross Austereo launched ], in Tasmania, via ],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Knox |first=David |date=15 September 2018 |title=9Life to return to Tasmanian viewers |url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2018/09/9life-to-return-to-tasmanian-viewers.html |access-date=22 April 2023 |website=] |language=en-AU}}</ref> and in the Spencer Gulf and Broken Hill regions, via ].
Southern Cross Austereo launched ] in Darwin on 26 November 2018.<ref>{{cite web | url-access=limited |archive-url = https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/708601929241410/1617606795007581 |archive-date = 2022-04-30| url = https://www.facebook.com/Nortechcommunications/photos/a.715647841870152/1617606795007581/?type=3 |title = Nortech Communications on Facebook |website=]}}{{cbignore}}{{User-generated source|certain=yes|date=March 2022}}</ref>


Southern Cross Austereo launched ] in Darwin on 26 November 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 November 2018 |title=7HD is coming to Darwin November 26th. Finally we get the Footy in High Definition 🙌🏼. Dont forget to rescan your TV. |url=https://www.facebook.com/Nortechcommunications/photos/a.715647841870152/1617606795007581/?type=3 |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/708601929241410/1617606795007581 |archive-date=30 April 2022 |access-date=29 April 2024 |publisher=Nortech Communications |via=]}}{{cbignore}}{{User-generated source|certain=yes|date=March 2022}}</ref>
On 3 December 2018, the ]'s news bulletin changed its title to ''Nightly News'', followed on 14 January 2019 by ]'s bulletin. Around the same time, studio production for the Spencer Gulf edition of ''Nightly News'' was relocated from Southern Cross' Canberra headquarters to TNT's ] studio.<ref name="TVTonightSCA">{{cite news |title=Spencer Gulf bulletin relocates production to Hobart|url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2019/01/spencer-gulf-bulletin-relocates-production-to-hobart.html |access-date=27 April 2023 |work=Knox, David |publisher=TV Tonight |date=15 January 2019}}</ref>


On 3 December 2018, the ]'s news bulletin changed its title to ''Nightly News'', followed on 14 January 2019 by ]'s bulletin. Around the same time, studio production for the Spencer Gulf edition of ''Nightly News'' was relocated from Southern Cross' Canberra headquarters to TNT's ] studio.<ref name="TVTonightSCA">{{cite news |last=Knox |first=David |date=15 January 2019 |title=Spencer Gulf bulletin relocates production to Hobart |url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2019/01/spencer-gulf-bulletin-relocates-production-to-hobart.html |access-date=27 April 2023 |work=TV Tonight}}</ref>
Southern Cross Austereo launched a refreshed logo on 1 July 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Zanda |date=2019-07-01 |title=Southern Cross Austereo reveals "dynamic" new logo |url=https://radiotoday.com.au/sca-dynamic-new-logo/ |access-date=2023-04-08 |website=Radio Today |language=en-AU}}</ref>

Southern Cross Austereo launched a refreshed logo on 1 July 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Zanda |date=1 July 2019 |title=Southern Cross Austereo reveals "dynamic" new logo |url=https://radiotoday.com.au/sca-dynamic-new-logo/ |access-date=8 April 2023 |website=Radio Today |language=en-AU}}</ref>


====2020s==== ====2020s====


In March 2020, Southern Cross Austereo launched ], ] and ], in the Spencer Gulf/Broken Hill areas, via the stations ], GDS/BDN, and ], as well as making ], ], and ] all SD channels, to accommodate the aforementioned HD channels. This is the list of the changes that happened on 19 March 2020: 7HD launched on LCN 60, ] moved to LCN 63 from LCN 60 and became a SD channel, the main ] channel became available on both LCN 6 and 61, ] became available on LCN 50, ] moved to LCN 53 from LCN 55, ] moved to LCN 52 from LCN 50 and became a SD channel, and the main ] channel became available on both LCN 5 and 51. Southern Cross Austereo's Nine channel changes occurred sometime in late March 2020, here is the list of changes that happened to GDS/BDN in March 2020: ] became available on LCN 80, the main ] channel became available on both LCNs 8 and 81, ] moved to LCN 83 from LCN 88, and ] moved to LCN 82 from LCN 80 and it became a SD channel.<ref>{{cite web |last=SCA Spencer Gulf |date=17 March 2020 |title=TV CHANNEL CHANGES STARTING THIS THURSDAY |url=https://www.facebook.com/SCASpencerGulf/posts/pfbid0M2Neonye8ycdFz5pZnHUhL4zx8KVoQnBqPyThxaDrzsn1N3S4vCiEerrnmG9v7Dhl |website=]}}</ref> In March 2020, Southern Cross Austereo launched ], ] and ], in the Spencer Gulf/Broken Hill areas, via the stations ], GDS/BDN, and ], as well as making ], ], and ] all SD channels, to accommodate the aforementioned HD channels. This is the list of the changes that happened on 19 March 2020: 7HD launched on LCN 60, ] moved to LCN 63 from LCN 60 and became a SD channel, the main ] channel became available on both LCN 6 and 61, ] became available on LCN 50, ] moved to LCN 53 from LCN 55, ] moved to LCN 52 from LCN 50 and became a SD channel, and the main ] channel became available on both LCN 5 and 51. Southern Cross Austereo's Nine channel changes occurred sometime in late March 2020, here is the list of changes that happened to GDS/BDN in March 2020: ] became available on LCN 80, the main ] channel became available on both LCNs 8 and 81, ] moved to LCN 83 from LCN 88, and ] moved to LCN 82 from LCN 80 and it became a SD channel.<ref>{{cite press release |date=17 March 2020 |title=TV channel changes starting this Thursday |url=https://www.facebook.com/SCASpencerGulf/posts/pfbid0M2Neonye8ycdFz5pZnHUhL4zx8KVoQnBqPyThxaDrzsn1N3S4vCiEerrnmG9v7Dhl |access-date=29 April 2024 |publisher=Southern Cross Austereo |via=] |location=Spencer Gulf}}</ref>


In March and April 2020, Southern Cross Austereo outsourced their television play out to NPC Media. In March and April 2020, Southern Cross Austereo outsourced their television play out to NPC Media.


On 27 July 2020, Southern Cross Austereo relaunched the ], adopting a new logo and "pop-based" music format in an attempt to target a 30–54 year old audience.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Challenor |first1=Jake |date=27 July 2020 |title=Hit Network set for biggest overhaul in half-decade |url=https://www.radiotoday.com.au/sca-hit-network-rebrand/ |access-date=27 July 2020 |website=Radio Today (Australia)}}</ref> In addition, ] Brisbane and ] Adelaide reverted to their heritage brands '''B105''' and '''SAFM''' respectively. On 20 August 2020, Southern Cross Austereo announced the network would introduce statewide networked breakfast programs in ], ] and ], replacing 19 local shows.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Challenor |first1=Jake |date=20 August 2020 |title=Confirmed: SCA’s Hit Network axes 19 regional breakfast shows |work=Radio Today (Australia) |url=https://www.radiotoday.com.au/hit-network-syndicate-breakfast/ |access-date=20 August 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Martin |first1=Melissa |date=20 August 2020 |title=Southern Cross Austereo makes staff cuts across Australia, breakfast shows are networked |work=ABC News (Australia) |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-08-20/southern-cross-austereo-makes-staff-cuts-to-hit-network/12577958 |access-date=20 August 2020}}</ref> On 27 July 2020, Southern Cross Austereo relaunched the ], adopting a new logo and "pop-based" music format in an attempt to target a 30–54 year old audience.<ref>{{cite web |last=Challenor |first=Jake |date=27 July 2020 |title=Hit Network set for biggest overhaul in half-decade |url=https://www.radiotoday.com.au/sca-hit-network-rebrand/ |access-date=27 July 2020 |website=Radio Today}}</ref> In addition, ] Brisbane and ] Adelaide reverted to their heritage brands B105 and SAFM respectively. On 20 August 2020, Southern Cross Austereo announced the network would introduce statewide networked breakfast programs in ], ] and ], replacing 19 local shows.<ref>{{cite news |last=Challenor |first=Jake |date=20 August 2020 |title=Confirmed: SCA's Hit Network axes 19 regional breakfast shows |work=Radio Today |url=https://www.radiotoday.com.au/hit-network-syndicate-breakfast/ |access-date=20 August 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Martin |first=Melissa |date=20 August 2020 |title=Southern Cross Austereo makes staff cuts across Australia, breakfast shows are networked |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-08-20/southern-cross-austereo-makes-staff-cuts-to-hit-network/12577958 |access-date=20 August 2020}}</ref>


In August 2020, demolition of the entire CTC and Southern Cross Austereo studio site at Watson was completed to make way for a housing development. The demolition marked the end of 46 years as Canberra's home of television and Australia's first colour television station.{{Citation needed|date=April 2023}} In August 2020, demolition of the entire CTC and Southern Cross Austereo studio site at Watson was completed to make way for a housing development. The demolition marked the end of 46 years as Canberra's home of television and Australia's first colour television station.{{Citation needed|date=April 2023}}


On 1 December 2020, Southern Cross Austereo switched the affiliation of ] in Perth from the ] network to the Hit Network, with Hit92.9 relaunching as ].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hoffman |first1=Lily |date=18 November 2020 |title=Perth radio shake up: New Triple M station, Xavier Ellis, Juelz Jarry and Pete Curulli breakfast show axed |work=The West Australian |url=https://thewest.com.au/business/media/perth-radio-shake-up-new-triple-m-station-xavier-ellis-juelz-jarry-and-pete-curulli-breakfast-show-axed-ng-b881724727z |access-date=23 November 2020}}</ref> On 1 December 2020, Southern Cross Austereo switched the affiliation of ] in Perth from the ] network to the Hit Network, with Hit92.9 relaunching as ].<ref>{{cite news |last=Hoffman |first=Lily |date=18 November 2020 |title=Perth radio shake up: New Triple M station, Xavier Ellis, Juelz Jarry and Pete Curulli breakfast show axed |url=https://thewest.com.au/business/media/perth-radio-shake-up-new-triple-m-station-xavier-ellis-juelz-jarry-and-pete-curulli-breakfast-show-axed-ng-b881724727z |access-date=23 November 2020 |newspaper=The West Australian |publisher=Seven West Media |location=Perth}}</ref>


On 18 February 2021, PodcastOne Australia was rebranded as LiSTNR.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mediaweek.com.au/sca-launches-new-audio-destination-listnr/|title=SCA launches major new audio destination LiSTNR, rebrands PodcastOne platform|publisher=Mediaweek|date=2021-02-18|access-date=2023-08-03}}</ref> On 18 February 2021, SCA launched LiSTNR, which would incorporate the rebranded PodcastOne Australia, as well as their existing digital audio content in live streaming radio. SCA continued its partnership with the American PodcastOne with both companies sharing their content.<ref name=listnrlaunch>{{cite news |date=18 February 2021 |title=SCA launches major new audio destination LiSTNR, rebrands PodcastOne platform |url=https://www.mediaweek.com.au/sca-launches-new-audio-destination-listnr/ |access-date=3 August 2023 |magazine=Mediaweek}}</ref>


On 12 March 2021, Nine announced that it would return to ] as its regional affiliate in most markets beginning on 1 July 2021, in a deal that would last at least seven years.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Mediaweek|date=2021-03-11|title=Nine changes regional TV partners and signs deal with WIN|url=https://www.mediaweek.com.au/nine-signs-deal-with-win/|access-date=2021-05-16|website=Mediaweek|language=en-AU}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Samios |first=Zoe |date=2021-03-11 |title=Nine programs to return to WIN in new affiliate deal |url=https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/nine-to-return-programs-to-win-in-regional-areas-20210312-p57a29.html |access-date=2023-01-06 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref> This has ended SCA's five-year agreement with the ]. On 25 June 2021, SCA and Network 10 announced a two-year affiliation deal in regional Queensland, Southern NSW and regional Victoria, which introduced ] into regional areas for the very first time and it broadcasts on Channel 54,<ref></ref> as well as ] which launched on 1 August 2021 and it broadcasts on Channel 56.<ref name="SCASkyagreement"></ref> On SCA's 10 stations, ] ceased to broadcast on 31 July 2021, to accommodate ]. On 12 March 2021, Nine announced that it would return to ] as its regional affiliate in most markets beginning on 1 July 2021, in a deal that would last at least seven years.<ref>{{Cite news |date=12 March 2021 |title=Nine changes regional TV partners and signs deal with WIN |url=https://www.mediaweek.com.au/nine-signs-deal-with-win/ |access-date=16 May 2021 |magazine=Mediaweek |language=en-AU}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Samios |first=Zoe |date=12 March 2021 |title=Nine programs to return to WIN in new affiliate deal |url=https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/nine-to-return-programs-to-win-in-regional-areas-20210312-p57a29.html |access-date=6 January 2023 |newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald |publisher=Nine Entertainment |location=Sydney |language=en}}</ref> This has ended SCA's five-year agreement with the ]. On 25 June 2021, SCA and Network 10 announced a two-year affiliation deal in regional Queensland, Southern NSW and regional Victoria, which introduced ] into regional areas for the very first time and it broadcasts on Channel 54,<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Network 10 and Southern Cross Media Group confirm affiliation agreement |date=25 June 2021 |publisher=Southern Cross Austereo |location=Melbourne |url=https://www.southerncrossaustereo.com.au/media/media-releases/network-10-and-southern-cross-media-group-confirm-affiliation-agreement/ |access-date=29 April 2024}}</ref> as well as ] which launched on 1 August 2021 and it broadcasts on Channel 56.<ref name="SCASkyagreement" /> On SCA's 10 stations, ] ceased to broadcast on 31 July 2021, to accommodate ].


On 16 August 2022, SCA converted ], ], ], and ], from the MPEG-2 format to the MPEG-4 format in the Tasmania market.<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 August 2022 |title=CHANGES TO FREE-TO-AIR BROADCASTING IN YOUR AREA |url=https://www.southerncrossaustereo.com.au/media/3589/faq_mpeg4_2022_finalsca.pdf |website=Southern Cross Austereo}}</ref> On 16 August 2022, SCA converted ], ], ], and ], from the MPEG-2 format to the MPEG-4 format in the Tasmania market.<ref>{{Cite press release |date=13 August 2022 |title=Changes to free-to-air broadcasting in your area |url=https://www.southerncrossaustereo.com.au/media/3589/faq_mpeg4_2022_finalsca.pdf |place=Tasmania |publisher=Southern Cross Austereo |access-date=30 April 2024}}</ref>


SCA extended the affiliation deal with 10 to 31 December 2023, on 27 June 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mediaweek |date=2023-06-26 |title=SCA and Network 10 to continue regional affiliation agreement |url=https://www.mediaweek.com.au/sca-and-network-10-to-continue-regional-affiliation-agreement/ |access-date=2023-07-02 |website=Mediaweek |language=en-AU}}</ref> SCA extended the affiliation deal with 10 to 31 December 2023, on 27 June 2023.<ref>{{Cite news |date=27 June 2023 |title=SCA and Network 10 to continue regional affiliation agreement |url=https://www.mediaweek.com.au/sca-and-network-10-to-continue-regional-affiliation-agreement/ |access-date=2 July 2023 |magazine=Mediaweek |language=en-AU}}</ref>


SCA began broadcasting 10's datacast channel, Gecko, on 1 July 2023, on LCN 57, in Southern NSW, the ACT, Regional Victoria, Regional Queensland, Broken Hill, and Spencer Gulf, and on LCN 67 in Tasmania. SCA began broadcasting 10's datacast channel, Gecko, on 1 July 2023, on LCN 57, in Southern NSW, the ACT, Regional Victoria, Regional Queensland, Broken Hill, and Spencer Gulf, and on LCN 67 in Tasmania.

In December 2024, SCA agreed terms with ] to sell its television licences. The deal is scheduled to be completed in February 2025.<ref> '']'' 17 December 2024</ref>

====Proposed acquisition by ARN Media====
In October 2023, ] alongside private equity firm ] made a non-binding indicative offer to acquire 100% of the fully diluted share capital of the company.<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 October 2023 |title=ARN Media puts in a bid for Southern Cross Media's share capital |url=https://radioinfo.com.au/news/arn-media-puts-in-a-bid-for-southern-cross-medias-share-capital |access-date=19 October 2023 |website=RadioInfo Australia}}</ref> This comes after ARN acquired a 14.8% stake in SCA in June.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 June 2023 |title=ARN Media acquires 14.8% of Southern Cross Austereo |url=https://economics.nice.id.au/2023/06/23/arn-media-acquires-14-8-of-southern-cross-austereo/ |access-date=19 October 2023 |publisher=Nice Economics |language=en-AU}}</ref> Under the proposed sale, the ] would have remained with ARN, while the ] network would have joined ARN. The ] and ] networks, SCA's TV stations and LiSTNR would have been purchased by Anchorage.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Thompson |first1=Sarah |last2=Sood |first2=Kanika |last3=Rapaport |first3=Emma |name-list-style=and |date=17 October 2023 |title=KIIS FM's owner ARN Media teams up with PE to bid for Southern Cross |url=https://www.afr.com/street-talk/kiis-fm-s-owner-arn-media-teams-up-with-pe-to-bid-for-southern-cross-20231017-p5ed27 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231017064325/https://www.afr.com/street-talk/kiis-fm-s-owner-arn-media-teams-up-with-pe-to-bid-for-southern-cross-20231017-p5ed27 |archive-date=17 October 2023 |access-date=29 April 2024 |newspaper=Australian Financial Review |department=Street Talk |publisher=Nine Entertainment |location=Sydney |language=en-AU}}</ref> The deal collapsed after Anchorage withdrew.<ref> ''Australian Financial Review'' 13 May 2024</ref>


==Brands== ==Brands==
Line 189: Line 147:
The format of each station is defined by one of two common formats: The format of each station is defined by one of two common formats:


*] – plays adult hit music from the 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, 2010s and today targeted at those aged between 25 and 54 years old using various ] brands in metropolitan and regional areas<ref>{{cite web|title=Regional|url=http://www.southerncrossaustereo.com.au/radio/regional|work=Southern Cross Austereo|access-date=27 July 2011}}</ref> *] – plays adult hit music from the 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, 2010s and today targeted at those aged between 25 and 54 years old using various brands in metropolitan and regional areas<ref>{{cite web|title=Regional|url=http://www.southerncrossaustereo.com.au/radio/regional|publisher=Southern Cross Austereo|access-date=27 July 2011|archive-date=25 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110925105535/http://www.southerncrossaustereo.com.au/radio/regional|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*] Network – talkback and rock music format targeted at adults over 39, mainly on the AM and heritage FM stations *] Network – talkback and rock music format targeted at adults over 39, mainly on the AM and heritage FM stations


Line 207: Line 165:
| Hit | Hit
| ] | ]
| ] & ] | ] and ]
| Afternoon program | Afternoon program
|- |-
| Hit |Hit
|Mike E & Emma
| ]
|Mike Etheridge and Emma Chow
| ], ] & ]
| Drive program |Night program
|- |-
|Hit |Hit
|The Pulse with Seany B
|Jimmy & Nath
|Sean Brown
|Jimmy Smith and Nath Roye
|Night program<br>Weekend breakfast program |Late night program
|- |-
| Triple M | Triple M
Line 240: Line 198:
In 2019, Southern Cross Austereo shifted the Spencer Gulf and Broken Hill bulletin to ] at 7:00 pm rather than airing on the main channel. In 2019, Southern Cross Austereo shifted the Spencer Gulf and Broken Hill bulletin to ] at 7:00 pm rather than airing on the main channel.


In May 2021, SCA reached a content agreement with ], under which it would distribute the new free-to-air ] beginning 1 August 2021. The service is a ''de facto'' replacement for the Sky News on WIN service that it previously distributed.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Mediaweek|date=2021-05-30|title=Sky News Australia and Southern Cross Austereo sign content agreement|url=https://www.mediaweek.com.au/sky-news-australia-and-southern-cross-austereo-sign-content-agreement/|access-date=2022-02-16|website=Mediaweek|language=en-AU}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Meade |first=Amanda |date=2021-03-19 |title=Sky News dumped in the regions as Win welcomes Nine |url=http://www.theguardian.com/media/2021/mar/19/sky-news-dumped-in-the-regions-as-win-welcomes-nine |access-date=2022-02-16 |website=The Guardian |language=en}}</ref><ref name="SCASkyagreement">{{Cite web |title=Sky News and Southern Cross Austereo Sign Content Agreement |url=https://www.southerncrossaustereo.com.au/media/media-releases/sky-news-australia-and-southern-cross-austereo-sign-content-agreement/ |access-date=2023-01-06 |website=www.southerncrossaustereo.com.au |language=en-au}}</ref> In May 2021, SCA reached a content agreement with ], under which it would distribute the new free-to-air ] beginning 1 August 2021. The service is a ''de facto'' replacement for the Sky News on WIN service that it previously distributed.<ref>{{Cite news|date=31 May 2021|title=Sky News Australia and Southern Cross Austereo sign content agreement|url=https://www.mediaweek.com.au/sky-news-australia-and-southern-cross-austereo-sign-content-agreement/|access-date=16 February 2022|magazine=Mediaweek|language=en-AU}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Meade |first=Amanda |date=19 March 2021 |title=Sky News dumped in the regions as Win welcomes Nine |url=http://www.theguardian.com/media/2021/mar/19/sky-news-dumped-in-the-regions-as-win-welcomes-nine |access-date=16 February 2022 |newspaper=The Guardian |language=en}}</ref><ref name="SCASkyagreement">{{Cite press release |title=Sky News and Southern Cross Austereo sign content agreement |date=31 May 2021 |location=Melbourne |publisher=Southern Cross Austereo |url=https://www.southerncrossaustereo.com.au/media/media-releases/sky-news-australia-and-southern-cross-austereo-sign-content-agreement/ |language=en-au |access-date=6 January 2023}}</ref>


Following the switch back to Network 10 affiliation on 1 July 2021, Southern Cross returned to producing local news updates on their 10 stations after a five-year absence. The updates carry the '']'' branding and are produced out of the networks ] (QLD updates) and ] (Southern NSW and VIC updates) studios. The Southern NSW and Canberra updates are presented by Ruby Cairns, the Regional Queensland updates are presented by Daniel Pizarro,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mediaweek |date=2023-04-29 |title=Media Movers: Half Dome welcomes Simon Gellibrand, Seven, WhistleOut Australia, Mindshare |url=https://www.mediaweek.com.au/media-movers-half-dome-seven-whistleout-australia-mindshare/ |access-date=2023-05-02 |website=Mediaweek |language=en-AU}}</ref> and the Regional Victoria updates are presented by Kasey Wilkins. The updates, which typically don't include any corresponding ] or ], are researched, produced and presented by a single journalist. Fill-in presenters include Will Boddy, Rebecca Gaitaneris, Philippa Christian and Madeline Kerr. Following the switch back to Network 10 affiliation on 1 July 2021, Southern Cross returned to producing local news updates on their 10 stations after a five-year absence. The updates carry the '']'' branding and are produced out of the networks ] (QLD updates) and ] (Southern NSW and VIC updates) studios. The Southern NSW and Canberra updates are presented by Ruby Cairns, the Regional Queensland updates are presented by Daniel Pizarro,<ref>{{Cite news |date=29 April 2023 |title=Media Movers: Half Dome welcomes Simon Gellibrand, Seven, WhistleOut Australia, Mindshare |url=https://www.mediaweek.com.au/media-movers-half-dome-seven-whistleout-australia-mindshare/ |access-date=2 May 2023 |magazine=Mediaweek |language=en-AU}}</ref> and the Regional Victoria updates are presented by Kasey Wilkins. The updates, which typically don't include any corresponding ] or ], are researched, produced and presented by a single journalist. Fill-in presenters include Will Boddy, Rebecca Gaitaneris, Philippa Christian and Madeline Kerr.


On 13 April 2023, Southern Cross Austereo cancelled the ] bulletin, effective immediately. It is believed that some staff were not informed that the program would be aired for the last time that night until after it went to air. It ends over 50 years of news operations for the Spencer Gulf and Broken Hill regions, and leaves viewers with no local television news service.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ormonde |first1=Bill |last2=Cominos |first2=Christian |last3=Ward |first3=Nicholas |date=13 April 2023 |title=SA's last locally produced commercial regional news show axed |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-04-13/spencer-gulf-nightly-news-axed-by-southern-cross-austereo/102220072 |access-date=13 April 2023 |website=]|publisher=]|language=en-AU}}</ref> On 13 April 2023, Southern Cross Austereo cancelled the ] bulletin, effective immediately. It is believed that some staff were not informed that the program would be aired for the last time that night until after it went to air. It ends over 50 years of news operations for the Spencer Gulf and Broken Hill regions, and leaves viewers with no local television news service.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ormonde |first1=Bill |last2=Cominos |first2=Christian |last3=Ward |first3=Nicholas |date=13 April 2023 |title=SA's last locally produced commercial regional news show axed |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-04-13/spencer-gulf-nightly-news-axed-by-southern-cross-austereo/102220072 |access-date=13 April 2023 |website=]|publisher=]|language=en-AU}}</ref>


Longtime Tasmania updates presenter Alex Sykes left Southern Cross Austereo on 2 May 2023.<ref>{{Cite tweet |user=alex_sykes |date=2 May 2023 |title=After hundreds of news and weather bulletins across pretty much every state in Australia, I am bidding farewell. I look forward to serving the Tasmanian community in a different way in my new role as communications officer for the Hon. Julie Collins MP. |url=https://twitter.com/alex_sykes/status/1653206955983519744| number=1653206955983519744 |access-date=2023-05-02 |language=en}}</ref> Madeline Kerr currently presents the updates for Tasmania. Longtime Tasmania updates presenter Alex Sykes left Southern Cross Austereo on 2 May 2023.<ref>{{Cite tweet |user=alex_sykes |date=2 May 2023 |title=After hundreds of news and weather bulletins across pretty much every state in Australia, I am bidding farewell. I look forward to serving the Tasmanian community in a different way in my new role as communications officer for the Hon. Julie Collins MP. |url=https://twitter.com/alex_sykes/status/1653206955983519744 |number=1653206955983519744 |access-date=2 May 2023 |language=en}}</ref> Madeline Kerr currently presents the updates for Tasmania.


==Assets== ==Assets==
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|] |]
|- |-
| ]<sup>2</sup> | ]<sup>2</sup> (])
|] |]
|2PQQ "Triple M Mid North Coast" (106.7&nbsp;MHz FM) |2PQQ "Triple M Mid North Coast" (106.7&nbsp;MHz FM)
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{| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size:89%; width:50%" {| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size:89%; width:50%"
|- bgcolor=lightgrey |- bgcolor=lightgrey
! width="20%"|Licence area|| width="30%"|Stations that are part of<br />the Hit Network || width="30%"|Stations that are part of<br />the Triple M Network ! width="20%"|Licence area|| width="30%"|Stations that are part of<br />the Hit Network || width="30%"|Stations that are part of<br />]'s KIIS Network
|- |-
| ] | ]
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|- |-
| ] | ]
|] |]
|] |]
|- |-
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| ] | ]
| ] | ]
| 5SE "Triple M Limestone Coast"(963&nbsp;kHz AM) | 5SE "Triple M Limestone Coast"(90.5 mhz fm

|- |-
|} |}
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| ] | ]
|6KAR "Hit97.9 Goldfields" (97.9&nbsp;MHz FM) |6KAR "Hit97.9 Goldfields" (97.9&nbsp;MHz FM)
|6KG "Triple M Goldfields" (981&nbsp;kHz AM) |6 kg "Triple M Goldfields" (981&nbsp;kHz AM)
|- |-
| ] | ]
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|} |}
<small> <small>
1. 6TZ also re-transmitted via 1134&nbsp;kHz AM in ] (], now listed by the ] under 6TZ),<ref>]. . Accessed on 21 March 2008.</ref> and 756&nbsp;kHz AM in ] and the ] region.</small> 1. 6TZ also re-transmitted via 1134&nbsp;kHz AM in ] (], now listed by the ] under 6TZ),<ref>{{cite web |date=January 2024 |title=Radio and television broadcasting stations Internet edition |url=https://www.acma.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-02/Stations_Book_electronic_edition.pdf |access-date=30 April 2024 |publisher=]}}</ref> and 756&nbsp;kHz AM in ] and the ] region.</small>


===Television=== ===Television===
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* Santa Radio (seasonal), first launched for Christmas 2020, billed as a partnership between SCA and North Pole communications playing festive songs picked by Santa and his elves * Santa Radio (seasonal), first launched for Christmas 2020, billed as a partnership between SCA and North Pole communications playing festive songs picked by Santa and his elves
* Buddha Hits, "pop, electronica and acoustic vibes with a café music feel"<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.radio-australia.org/buddha-radio|title = Buddha Hits live}}</ref> * Buddha Hits, "pop, electronica and acoustic vibes with a café music feel"<ref>{{Cite web |title=Buddha Hits live |url=http://www.radio-australia.org/buddha-radio |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402230340/http://www.radio-australia.org/buddha-radio |archive-date=2 April 2019 |access-date=29 April 2024 |publisher=Radio Australia}}</ref>
* Easy 80s Hits, up-tempo, sing-along format of mainstream 1980 hits * Oldskool 80s Hits, up-tempo, sing-along format of mainstream 1980 hits
*RnB Fridays, hip-hop and ] *RnB Fridays, hip-hop and ]
*Dance Hits, dance tunes *Dance Hits, dance tunes
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* Triple M Soft Rock, soft rock * Triple M Soft Rock, soft rock


In 2021 Southern Cross Austereo announced it has invested in content discovery company Sonnant,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sonnant.com |title = Sonnant {{!}} AI Powered Promotion, Audience & Monetisation Tools For Content}}</ref> to add metadata to their digital content<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.southerncrossaustereo.com.au/media/media-releases/sca-invests-in-australian-ai-and-machine-learning-company-sonnant-to-power-digital-audio-experiences|title=SCA INVESTS IN AUSTRALIAN AI AND MACHINE LEARNING COMPANY SONNANT TO POWER DIGITAL AUDIO EXPERIENCES &#124; Southern Cross Austereo}}</ref> In 2021 Southern Cross Austereo announced it has invested in content discovery company Sonnant,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sonnant.com |title = Sonnant {{!}} AI Powered Promotion, Audience & Monetisation Tools For Content}}</ref> to add metadata to their digital content<ref>{{Cite press release |title=SCA invests in Australian AI and machine learning company Sonnant to power digital audio experiences |date=9 March 2021 |location=Melbourne |publisher=Southern Cross Austereo |url=https://www.southerncrossaustereo.com.au/media/media-releases/sca-invests-in-australian-ai-and-machine-learning-company-sonnant-to-power-digital-audio-experiences |access-date=29 April 2024}}</ref>


===Internet radio=== ===Internet radio===
Southern Cross Austereo broadcasts a number of internet radio stations on the LiSTNR platform. The launch of LiSTNR in February 2021 consisted of 15 music stations initially, with plans to add more stations and shows in the future.<ref></ref><ref></ref> Southern Cross Austereo broadcasts a number of internet radio stations on the LiSTNR platform. The launch of LiSTNR in February 2021 consisted of 15 music stations initially, with plans to add more stations and shows in the future.<ref name=listnr1>{{cite web |date=27 April 2021 |title=SCA's LiSTNR app ready for advertisers |url=https://radioinfo.com.au/news/scas-listnr-app-ready-advertisers |access-date=29 April 2024 |website=RadioInfo Australia}}</ref><ref name=listnr2>{{cite news |last=Manning |first=James |date=19 February 2021 |title=SCA's Grant Blackley on ambition of LiSTNR app and PodcastOne rebrand |url=https://www.mediaweek.com.au/scas-grant-blackley-on-ambition-of-listnr-app-and-podcastone-rebrand/ |access-date=29 April 2024 |magazine=Mediaweek}}</ref>


{| class="wikitable sortable" {| class="wikitable sortable"
Line 625: Line 584:
| 2010s || {{Start date and age|df=yes|2022|7}} || Chart hits, 2010s | 2010s || {{Start date and age|df=yes|2022|7}} || Chart hits, 2010s
|- |-
| Hard N Heavy <br> <small>(previously ''Triple M Hard N Heavy'' on ] digital radio from 2019–2022)</small> || {{Start date and age|df=yes|2022|11}} || Hard rock | Hard N Heavy <br> <small>(previously ''Triple M Hard N Heavy'' on ] digital radio from 2019 to 2022)</small> || {{Start date and age|df=yes|2022|11}} || Hard rock
|-
| Buddha <br> <small>(previously ''Buddha Hits'' on ] digital radio from 2012 to 2022)</small> || {{Start date and age|df=yes|2022|12}} || Easy listening, Chillout
|- |-
| Chill Pop Hits || {{Start date and age|df=yes|2023|3}} || Soft pop, Easy listening | Chill Pop Hits || {{Start date and age|df=yes|2023|3}} || Soft pop, Easy listening
|-
| Mushroom 50 (in collaboration with ]) || {{Start date and age|df=yes|2023}} || Indigenous, 80s, 90s, Rock, Australian music
|-
| Easy Hits <br> <small>(previously ''Easy Hits'' on ] digital radio from 2016 to 2023)</small> || {{Start date and age|df=yes|2023}} || Easy listening, 2000s, 90s, 80s
|- |-
|} |}


===Podcasts=== ===Podcasts===
SCA's LiSTNR app hosts selected PodcastOne ]s from the US as well as many locally-produced podcasts, including content from ], ], ], ], and others.<ref name=listnrlaunch/>


''The Briefing'' is a news podcast featuring presenters and journalists such as ], ], Katrina Blowers, ], Jamila Rizvi,<ref>{{cite web | title=Antoinette Lattouf joins LiSTNR podcast The Briefing | website=Mediaweek | date=2 March 2022 | url=https://www.mediaweek.com.au/antoinette-lattouf-joins-listnr-podcast-the-briefing/ | access-date=19 June 2024}}</ref> Sacha Barbour-Gatt, and Bension Siebert.<ref>{{cite web | title=The Briefing | website=listnr.com | date=19 June 2024 | url=https://www.listnr.com/podcasts/the-briefing | access-date=19 June 2024}}</ref>
They also own and operate the ] application and hold the rights to all of its ]s.


==Advertising sales== ==Advertising sales==


As well as advertising sales for all their own assets they were also in charge of this for the Nine owned and operated ] TV before the advertising sales were sold to WIN and then ]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Nine And Southern Cross Austereo Boost Their Partnership|url=https://www.nineforbrands.com.au/media-release/nine-and-southern-cross-austereo-boost-their-partnership/|access-date=31 July 2020|website=Nine for Brands|language=en-US}}</ref> As well as advertising sales for all their own assets, SCA were also in charge of advertising for the Nine owned and operated station ] from 1 July 2018,<ref>{{Cite press release |last1=Christensen |first1=Nic |last2=Chapman |first2=Creina |date=4 April 2018 |title=Nine and Southern Cross Austereo boost their partnership |url=https://www.nineforbrands.com.au/media-release/nine-and-southern-cross-austereo-boost-their-partnership/ |access-date=31 July 2020 |publisher=Nine Entertainment |language=en-AU}}</ref> until the advertising sales were sold to WIN on 1 July 2021 and then ] on 1 July 2022.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ward |first=Miranda |date=15 September 2021 |title=Nine and WIN inch closer together with sales team integration |url=https://www.afr.com/companies/media-and-marketing/nine-and-win-inch-closer-together-with-sales-team-integration-20210914-p58rkr |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915085345/https://www.afr.com/companies/media-and-marketing/nine-and-win-inch-closer-together-with-sales-team-integration-20210914-p58rkr |archive-date=15 September 2021 |access-date=30 April 2024 |newspaper=Australian Financial Review |publisher=Nine Entertainment |location=Sydney |language=en-AU}}</ref>


==Former owned and operated stations== ==Former owned and operated stations==
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**], ] **], ]


Further, due to conditions triggered by the purchase of the assets of ],<ref>] (14 March 2008). . Accessed on 21 March 2008.</ref> Macquarie Media Group was required to sell further stations to meet further diversity requirements at the time; the transactions to satisfy this being completed on 2008-03-14:<ref>] Online (14 March 2008). . Accessed on 21 March 2008.</ref> Further, due to conditions triggered by the purchase of the assets of ],<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Divestment of commercial radio licences by Macquarie Media Group |date=14 March 2008 |publisher=] |url=http://www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD/pc=PC_311008 |access-date=21 March 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080801032046/http://www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD/pc=PC_311008 |archive-date=1 August 2008}}</ref> Macquarie Media Group was required to sell further stations to meet further diversity requirements at the time; the transactions to satisfy this being completed on 14 March 2008:<ref name="SCB-Grants"/>


* To ]: * To ]:
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** ]: ] (558&nbsp;kHz AM) ** ]: ] (558&nbsp;kHz AM)


Southern Cross Austereo was made to sell ] and ] on the ], due to the larger than allowed overlap between the stations' licence area and that of Brisbane.<ref>RADIOTODAY.com.au (13 November 2012). . Accessed on 24 March 2014.</ref> In 2013, the two stations were sold to Eon Broadcasting. Southern Cross Austereo was made to sell ] and ] on the ], due to the larger than allowed overlap between the stations' licence area and that of Brisbane.<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 November 2012 |title=SCA to sell Sunshine Coast by March |url=http://radiotoday.com.au/news/whats-new/1576-sca-forced-to-sell-sunshine-coast.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121118105951/http://radiotoday.com.au/news/whats-new/1576-sca-forced-to-sell-sunshine-coast.html |archive-date=18 November 2012 |access-date=24 March 2014 |website=Radio Today}}</ref> In 2013, the two stations were sold to Eon Broadcasting.


==Controversies== ==Controversies==
===Ownership and control=== ===Ownership and control===
On 16 February 2006, the ] commenced an investigation into the ownership of radio stations by Elmie Investments, owned by Stuart Simpson.<ref name="ACMA-elmie1.1">{{cite report |date=November 2007 |title=Investigation into the Control of Commercial Radio Broadcasting Licences Held by Elmie Investments Pty Ltd |url=https://www.acma.gov.au/-/media/Diversity-Localism-and-Accessibility/Information/pdf/ELMIE_INVESTIGATION_REPORT-pdf.PDF?la=en |publisher=Australian Communications & Media Authority |format=PDF |section=1.1 – Background |accessdate=22 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=ACMA investigates MacMedia |url=https://www.radioinfo.com.au/news/acma-investigates-macmedia |accessdate=22 April 2019 |work=Radioinfo.com.au |date=21 February 2006}}</ref> The investigation revealed that Macquarie Regional RadioWorks had funded $9 million of Simpson's $10 million acquisition of five radio stations from AMI Radio.<ref name="ACMA-elmie1.1"/> The radio stations in question – ] ] and ] ] in Victoria, ] ] and ] ] in Queensland and, in Western Australia, ] ] – were located in markets where RadioWorks already controlled two commercial radio licences, and in November 2007 the company was found to be in breach of sections 54 and 56 of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992.<ref name="ACMA-elmie10.1">{{cite report |date=November 2007 |title=Investigation into the Control of Commercial Radio Broadcasting Licences Held by Elmie Investments Pty Ltd |url=https://www.acma.gov.au/-/media/Diversity-Localism-and-Accessibility/Information/pdf/ELMIE_INVESTIGATION_REPORT-pdf.PDF?la=en |publisher=Australian Communications & Media Authority |format=PDF |section=10.1 – Investigation findings |accessdate=22 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Evans |first1=Michael |title=Macquarie guilty of breaches |url=https://www.smh.com.au/business/macquarie-guilty-of-breaches-20071121-1bzj.html |accessdate=22 April 2019 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=22 November 2007}}</ref> The stations had been divested from Elmie Investments before the conclusion of the investigation. On 16 February 2006, the ] commenced an investigation into the ownership of radio stations by Elmie Investments, owned by Stuart Simpson.<ref name="ACMA-elmie1.1">{{cite report |date=November 2007 |title=Investigation into the Control of Commercial Radio Broadcasting Licences Held by Elmie Investments Pty Ltd |url=https://www.acma.gov.au/-/media/Diversity-Localism-and-Accessibility/Information/pdf/ELMIE_INVESTIGATION_REPORT-pdf.PDF?la=en |publisher=Australian Communications & Media Authority |format=PDF |section=1.1 – Background |access-date=22 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=ACMA investigates MacMedia |url=https://www.radioinfo.com.au/news/acma-investigates-macmedia |access-date=22 April 2019 |work=RadioInfo Australia |date=21 February 2006}}</ref> The investigation revealed that Macquarie Regional RadioWorks had funded $9 million of Simpson's $10 million acquisition of five radio stations from AMI Radio.<ref name="ACMA-elmie1.1"/> The radio stations in question – ] ] and ] ] in Victoria, ] ] and ] ] in Queensland and, in Western Australia, ] ] – were located in markets where RadioWorks already controlled two commercial radio licences, and in November 2007 the company was found to be in breach of sections 54 and 56 of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992.<ref name="ACMA-elmie10.1">{{cite report |date=November 2007 |title=Investigation into the Control of Commercial Radio Broadcasting Licences Held by Elmie Investments Pty Ltd |url=https://www.acma.gov.au/-/media/Diversity-Localism-and-Accessibility/Information/pdf/ELMIE_INVESTIGATION_REPORT-pdf.PDF?la=en |publisher=Australian Communications & Media Authority |format=PDF |section=10.1 – Investigation findings |access-date=22 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Evans |first1=Michael |title=Macquarie guilty of breaches |url=https://www.smh.com.au/business/macquarie-guilty-of-breaches-20071121-1bzj.html |access-date=22 April 2019 |newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald |publisher=Fairfax Media |location=Sydney |date=22 November 2007}}</ref> The stations had been divested from Elmie Investments before the conclusion of the investigation.


===''Kyle & Jackie O'' child rape victim incident=== ===''Kyle & Jackie O'' child rape victim incident===
In 2009, 2Day FM were ordered to provide increased protection for children after a 14-year-old girl was attached to a lie detector on the Kyle and Jackie O Show and pressured into discussing her sex life live on air. The radio show host, Kyle Sandilands, encouraged both the girl and her mother to discuss whether she was sexually active, to which the girl responded: "I've already told you the story of this and don't look at me and smile because it's not funny. Oh, okay. I got raped when I was 12 years old." To which Kyle replied: "Right. And is that, is that the only experience you've had?"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.channel4.com/news/kate-radio-prank-radio-disciplined-over-rape-show|publisher=Channel 4 News|title=Kate prank radio station disciplined over rape show|date=7 December 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/teenage-girls-radio-rape-admission-sparks-docs-inquiry/story-e6frg6n6-1225755999307|publisher=The Australian|title=Teenage girl's radio rape admission sparks DOCS inquiry }}</ref> In 2009, 2Day FM were ordered to provide increased protection for children after a 14-year-old girl was attached to a lie detector on the Kyle and Jackie O Show and pressured into discussing her sex life live on air. The radio show host, Kyle Sandilands, encouraged both the girl and her mother to discuss whether she was sexually active, to which the girl responded: "I've already told you the story of this and don't look at me and smile because it's not funny. Oh, okay. I got raped when I was 12 years old." To which Kyle replied: "Right. And is that, is that the only experience you've had?"<ref>{{cite web |date=7 December 2012 |title=Kate prank radio station disciplined over rape show |url=http://www.channel4.com/news/kate-radio-prank-radio-disciplined-over-rape-show |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121209004143/https://www.channel4.com/news/kate-radio-prank-radio-disciplined-over-rape-show |archive-date=9 December 2012 |access-date=29 April 2024 |website=Channel 4 News |publisher=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Bodey |first=Michael |date=29 July 2009 |title=Teenage girl's radio rape admission sparks DOCS inquiry |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/teenage-girls-radio-rape-admission-sparks-docs-inquiry/story-e6frg6n6-1225755999307 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130115013749/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/teenage-girls-radio-rape-admission-sparks-docs-inquiry/story-e6frg6n6-1225755999307 |archive-date=15 January 2013 |access-date=29 April 2024 |newspaper=The Australian |publisher=News Limited |location=Sydney}}</ref>


===''Summer 30'' royal hoax call incident=== ===''Summer 30'' royal hoax call incident===
{{Main|Suicide of Jacintha Saldanha}} {{Main|Suicide of Jacintha Saldanha}}
As part of a hoax call to the ] treating the wife of ] for acute ] in the critical first trimester of pregnancy, 2Day DJs – ] and Mel Greig – purported to be the Queen and the Prince of Wales. An experienced 46-year-old nurse, Jacintha Saldanha, took the call. During the call, she and colleagues were conned into revealing sensitive details regarding the patient's condition.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20649816|publisher=BBC News|title=Duchess of Cambridge hoax call nurse death a 'tragedy'|date=8 December 2012}}</ref> As part of a hoax call to the ] treating the wife of ] for acute ] in the critical first trimester of pregnancy, 2Day DJs – ] and Mel Greig – purported to be the Queen and the Prince of Wales. An experienced 46-year-old nurse, Jacintha Saldanha, took the call. During the call, she and colleagues were conned into revealing sensitive details regarding the patient's condition.<ref>{{cite news |date=8 December 2012 |title=Duchess of Cambridge hoax call nurse death a 'tragedy' |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20649816 |access-date=29 April 2024 |work=BBC News |publisher=BBC}}</ref>


The nurse was found dead the following morning in a suspected ] at the hospital where she worked.<ref name="telegraph">{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/kate-middleton/9731370/Duchess-of-Cambridge-radio-station-behind-hoax-call-says-it-has-not-broken-any-laws.html|publisher=Daily Telegraph|title=Duchess of Cambridge: radio station behind hoax call says it has not broken any laws}}</ref> The nurse was found dead the following morning in a suspected ] at the hospital where she worked.<ref name="telegraph">{{cite news |last=Duffin |first=Claire |date=8 December 2012 |title=Duchess of Cambridge: radio station behind hoax call says it has not broken any laws |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/kate-middleton/9731370/Duchess-of-Cambridge-radio-station-behind-hoax-call-says-it-has-not-broken-any-laws.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130114060454/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/kate-middleton/9731370/Duchess-of-Cambridge-radio-station-behind-hoax-call-says-it-has-not-broken-any-laws.html |archive-date=14 January 2013 |access-date=29 April 2024 |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph}}</ref>


There is some disagreement over the legality of the incident, with the hospital expressing concern that the incident may have broken the law and Rhys Holleran, the chief executive of 2Day FM's parent company Southern Cross Austereo, stating he was confident that was not the case.<ref name="radioinfo">{{cite web|url=http://www.radioinfo.com.au/news/11826|publisher=radioinfo.com.au|title=Austereo responds to hospital complaint}}</ref> There is some disagreement over the legality of the incident, with the hospital expressing concern that the incident may have broken the law and Rhys Holleran, the chief executive of 2Day FM's parent company Southern Cross Austereo, stating he was confident that was not the case.<ref name="radioinfo">{{cite web |date=9 December 2012 |title=Austereo responds to hospital complaint and takes radio show off air: UPDATED |url=https://radioinfo.com.au/news/austereo-responds-hospital-complaint-and-takes-radio-show-air-updated/ |access-date=29 April 2024 |website=RadioInfo Australia}}</ref>


At a Federal Court hearing it became known that Australian media watchdog Australian Communications & Media Authority (ACMA) had prepared a confidential, preliminary report saying that the Radio Royal hoax 'broke law'. 2Day FM acted illegally by airing the phone call without consent.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-24172564 |title=Radio Royal hoax 'broke law' according to watchdog |date=20 September 2013|work=]|publisher= |accessdate=20 September 2013}}</ref> At a Federal Court hearing, it became known that Australian media watchdog ] (ACMA) had prepared a confidential, preliminary report saying that the Radio Royal hoax 'broke law'. 2Day FM acted illegally by airing the phone call without consent.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-24172564 |title=Radio Royal hoax 'broke law' according to watchdog |date=20 September 2013 |work=] |publisher=BBC |access-date=20 September 2013}}</ref>


==See also== ==See also==

Latest revision as of 08:28, 18 December 2024

Australian media company "Macquarie Regional RadioWorks" redirects here. Not to be confused with Macquarie Radio Network.

Southern Cross Austereo
Company typeSubsidiary
Traded as
IndustryBroadcast radio and television network
FoundedJuly 2011
HeadquartersMelbourne, Victoria, Australia
ParentSouthern Cross Media Group
Websitesoutherncrossaustereo.com.au

Southern Cross Media Group Limited, doing business as Southern Cross Austereo, is an Australian media company which operates broadcast radio and television stations. It is the largest radio broadcaster in Australia, operating 86 radio stations, and has a reach into every state and territory.

The company is headquartered in South Melbourne. It was founded in 2004 as a subsidiary of Macquarie Bank for the purpose of acquiring regional radio stations, before expanding into television broadcasting in 2007 with the acquisition of Southern Cross Broadcasting. It also operates the LISTNR platform in Australia.

History

2004–05: RG Capital & DMG Regional Radio acquisitions

On 3 June 2004, Macquarie Bank announced it would acquire RG Capital Radio for $173 million, gaining control of 36 radio stations in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and Tasmania. The Federal Court of Australia approved the acquisition in August 2004, with the stations to be operated through the company's Regional Media Limited subsidiary, trading as Macquarie Regional RadioWorks. The acquisition was finalised on 1 September 2004.

On 3 September 2004, Macquarie Bank announced its acquisition of DMG Radio Australia's regional radio assets. The $193.5 million deal included 57 regional stations, with DMG retaining Hot 91.1 Sunshine Coast and Star 104.5 Gosford alongside its metropolitan assets. This increased Regional Media's reach into South Australia and Western Australia, initially controlling 93 radio stations and becoming the largest commercial radio network in Australia. However, as the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 prevents companies from controlling more than two commercial radio stations in a regional market, Regional Media was required to divest radio stations in Albury, Cairns, Mackay, Rockhampton/Gladstone and Townsville. On 1 September 2005, 2AY Albury was acquired by Ace Radio, while six stations in the remaining five markets were sold to Prime Television.

On 17 November 2005 the company was restructured into a triple-stapled structure consisting of an Australian-based private company and trust, and an additional private company based in Bermuda. Macquarie Media Group was in turn publicly listed on the Australian Securities Exchange, but with majority control retained by Macquarie Bank. In December, Macquarie Bank announced an AU$1.19 billion deal to acquire a 40% stake in Taiwanese cable television provider Taiwan Broadband Communications from equity firm The Carlyle Group, 60% of which would be financed by Macquarie Media Group. In March 2008, the company divested its stake to the Macquarie Korea Opportunities Fund in a $400 million deal.

2006–08: American Consolidated Media & Southern Cross acquisitions

By 2006, Macquarie Regional RadioWorks was increasingly networking news and programming on its 86 radio stations from a series of hubs in Bendigo, Bunbury, the Gold Coast and Townsville. This was criticised by a number of politicians, including Nationals MPs Paul Neville and Barnaby Joyce. In response, the Minister for Communications Helen Coonan introduced the Broadcasting Services Amendment (Media Ownership) Act 2006, including requiring each commercial radio licence to produce 4.5 hours of 'locally significant' content each business day commencing from 1 January 2008. This was later relaxed to 3 hours for most stations, with exemptions for smaller stations.

In November 2006, Macquarie Media Group purchased a 13.8% stake in Southern Cross Broadcasting, acquiring 10 million shares for AU$195 million. On 25 January 2007, the company's interests expanded into the United States, with the acquisition of newspaper publisher American Consolidated Media for US$80 million (AU$102 million).

On 3 July 2007, Macquarie Media Group announced a takeover bid of Southern Cross Broadcasting, offering AU$17.41 per share for a total value of $1.35 billion. Under the deal, Macquarie would assume Southern Cross Broadcasting's regional television assets – Southern Cross Television, affiliated with the Seven Network; Southern Cross Ten, affiliated with Network Ten; and Tasmanian Digital Television, a joint-venture with WIN Corporation. Its remaining assets, including metropolitan radio stations, Satellite Music Australia and Southern Star Group, were to be onsold to Fairfax Media for AU$520 million. In return, Macquarie would acquire nine regional radio stations from Fairfax – three in Queensland: 4BU and Hitz FM Bundaberg and River 94.9 Ipswich; and six in South Australia: 5AU and Magic 105.9 Port Augusta, 5CC and Magic 89.9 Port Lincoln, and 5RM and Magic 93.1 Renmark. The Australian Communications & Media Authority gave prior approval to the deal, with the caveat that 12 radio stations currently controlled by Macquarie would be sold pursuant to the Broadcasting Services Act 1992. On 17 October, the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission approved the deal, but ruled that the deal for Fairfax to sell nine radio stations to Macquarie would result in a "substantial lessening of competition".

On 5 November, Macquarie Media Group acquired Southern Cross Broadcasting, selling its non-television assets to Fairfax Media the following day. On 12 December, both parties abandoned negotiations for the South Australian and Queensland radio stations. On 14 March 2008, Macquarie divested 18 radio stations for AU$34.5 million. Nine Tasmanian stations were sold to Grant Broadcasters, with four Queensland stations sold to Smart Radio. 4AM Atherton was bought by Coastal Broadcasters Pty Ltd, owners of 4KZ and Kool FM Innisfail, while 3GG Gippsland and 4GC and Hot FM Charters Towers were sold to Resonate Broadcasting, a new entity formed by Austereo executives Guy Dobson and Rex Morris. While only one of Macquarie's two stations in Young, New South Wales were required to be sold, both 2LF and Star FM were sold to Broadcast Operations Group.

Following the Southern Cross Broadcasting acquisition, Macquarie's regional radio and television business commenced trading as Macquarie Southern Cross Media.

2009–10: Restructure

In August 2009, Macquarie Media Group posted a loss of $84.6 million in 2008-09, compared with a $273 million profit in the previous financial year. Despite lower revenue, the Group's Australian assets delivered a profit of $123.4 million, but ACM significant losses

In December 2009, MMG security holders voted in favour of a conversion from a triple-stapled structure to a single ASX-listed company. MMG was renamed Southern Cross Media Group with former RG Capital Radio CEO Rhys Holleran as the Chief Executive Officer.

Austereo

Austereo Group logo used until July 2011

The company was founded by Paul Thompson, and when commercial FM broadcasting was introduced into Australia it acquired the licence for metropolitan Adelaide, South Australia; SAFM commenced transmission in September 1980. The next station to join the network was Fox FM in Melbourne, Victoria in 1986, eventually to be followed by 2Day FM in Sydney, New South Wales and 4BK in Brisbane, Queensland for which the company was successful in converting to the FM band in 1990. Austereo also purchased AM radio station 6IX in Perth, Western Australia with the intention of converting the station to FM. 6IX, which had been re-launched by Austereo as The Eagle 1080 AM, was consequently sold off after being outbid for either of the two new FM licences by rivals 6KY and 6PM, which Austereo now own.

1995 saw a monopolistic arrangement take place whereby Village Roadshow purchased the Hoyts owned Triple M network, and Triple M in turn merged with Austereo to form a single umbrella company. The merger was part of a single deal that was unpopular due to the fierce rivalry between the two radio networks, and the fact that Village Roadshow and Hoyts were also direct competitors in the film industry.

Merger

In March 2011, Southern Cross Media launched an A$714 million takeover bid of national radio broadcaster, the Austereo Group. On 6 April 2011 shareholders of the Austereo Group accepted the takeover bid, giving SCM a more than 90% share in the company. Southern Cross Media and Austereo merged in July 2011 to form Southern Cross Austereo.

Post-merger

2010s

Starting from 7 November 2011, Southern Cross Austereo slowly rolled out 9Gem, 9Go!, 7two, 7mate and One as digital channels across the GTS/BKN areas.

On 23 August 2012, Guy Dobson (director of metro radio) was announced as Chief Officer of Content for the Southern Cross Austereo network, working across radio and television.

Southern Cross began broadcasting the shopping channel TVSN, already carried by Network 10, in December 2012 on LCN 54 in Southern Cross Ten markets, on LCN 64 in Tasmania and on LCN 74 in Darwin.

Southern Cross began broadcasting its own datacast channel, Aspire TV on 21 May 2013 on LCN 56 in Southern Cross Ten markets, on LCN 66 in Tasmania and on LCN 76 in Darwin.

On 7 December 2013, the company switched GDS/BDN to a feed of NWS Adelaide.

In October 2014, the company announced it would relaunch SAFM in Adelaide as Hit 107, with a staggered Hit Network-wide relaunch announced in December. On 14 January 2015, the network was relaunched as Today's Hit Network, with the relaunch extending to Canberra in January 2016. Sea FM Hobart was relaunched as Hit100.9 in February, with the remaining network stations adopting the Hit Network branding as part of a national brand consolidation in December.

Southern Cross began broadcasting Racing.com on 29 August 2015, the same day the channel was officially launched, in Seven-affiliated markets on LCN 68 in Tasmania, Broken Hill and the Spencer Gulf and on LCN 78 in Darwin.

In March 2016, gaming news publisher Press Start was acquired by Southern Cross Austereo, which resulted in its founder and owner Shannon Grixti being appointed as managing director of Press Start starting on 27 March 2016. Grixti launched Press Start in early 2014 and the acquisition was completed on 8 June 2016.

On 29 April 2016, Southern Cross Austereo announced that it had signed a five-year affiliation deal with Nine Entertainment Co., owner of the Nine Network, for almost $500 million, taking the place of WIN Television as the primary regional Nine affiliate. On 1 July 2016, Southern Cross switched its primary affiliation from Network Ten to the Nine Network and Nine's metropolitan branding was introduced across Southern Cross' television assets in Queensland, Southern NSW and Victoria, joining its existing Nine affiliate station in Spencer Gulf, SA and Broken Hill, NSW. Southern Cross' Northern NSW station, NRN, was not part of the deal as the Nine-owned NBN Television already operated in the region.

Upon the affiliation change, the channel listing for Southern Cross' Nine-affiliated stations was reshuffled with Nine on channel 5 and 51, 9HD on channels 50, 9Gem on channel 52 in standard definition, 9Go! on channel 53, 9Life on channel 54 and Aspire TV on channel 56. GDS/BDN Spencer Gulf/Broken Hill remained unchanged with Nine on channel 8, 9Gem on channel 80 and 9Go! on channel 88. As a result TVSN stopped broadcasting in the Nine-affiliated markets and was replaced with a To Be Advised slide until being replaced with Yesshop on 1 August 2016.

Due to the need to import and install the required equipment, Southern Cross originally stated that it would not immediately offer Nine's digital services 9HD and 9Life upon the transition; the broadcaster stated that they planned to begin transmitting them by mid-August—a delay which would have caused the third match of the 2016 State of Origin series on 13 July to not be transmitted in high definition in the affected regions—which includes parts of the New South Wales and Queensland regions who play the series. However, on 24 June 2016, Southern Cross Austereo announced that it had been "working tirelessly to get HD to air as quickly as possible", and 9HD became available from launch day on channel 50. The same approach also prompted 9Life to return early on 17 July 2016.

Southern Cross announced on 25 July 2016 that it would broadcast the New Zealand-based home shopping channel Yesshop as a datacast service, on the company's stations. The channel became available on 1 August 2016 in Queensland, Southern NSW, ACT and Victoria on LCN 55; Northern NSW, Spencer Gulf and Broken Hill on LCN 54; Tasmania on LCN 64 and Darwin on LCN 74. However, Yesshop's owner (Yes Retail) made the decision to cease trading on 29 September 2016 citing lack of funds to pay wages and the company's current losses of approximately 20 million dollars. Employees were terminated the same day, and the channels were removed on Freeview later that day.

In November 2016, Southern Cross Austereo signed a long-term contract with PodcastOne to launch a localised version of the online podcast service, rebranded as PodcastOne Australia. The service launched sometime in early 2017.

In December 2016, the company lodged a planning application with the ACT Government to demolish the CTC studios, administration and playout facility at Watson to make way for a residential development. The proposed studio campus demolition comes just over a year after WIN Television closed its Canberra studios at Kingston, moving its offices to the industrial suburb of Fyshwick. The trend of vast television estates making way for residential developments has been seen in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. In 2009 however, a planned redevelopment of the original ATV studios at Nunawading in Melbourne was cancelled due to a slump in property prices.

In March 2017, Southern Cross Austereo announced that it would be launching a high definition simulcast of its main Seven-affiliated channel, Southern Cross HD in Tasmania on digital channel 60, in time for the first match of the 2017 AFL season later that month. Although SCHD launched in Tasmania on 22 March 2017 (whilst downgrading 7mate to standard definition on digital channel 63), it only began broadcasting Channel 7 programming in native high definition from 19 June 2018.

Following months of negotiations, Southern Cross Austereo finalised an agreement on 28 March 2017 to sell their Ten-affiliated Northern NSW station, NRN, to WIN Television for a total of $55 million, with the sale taking effect on 31 May 2017. Due to operational logistics, WIN did not commence broadcasting their identity to the NRN market until 1 September 2017. This sale relieved Southern Cross of their only sole Ten-affiliated station, with their remaining Ten affiliate, SGS/SCN operating in the Spencer Gulf/Broken Hill region where Southern Cross holds monopoly ownership of all three network affiliates.

On 17 July 2017, Southern Cross Austereo launched American religious channel SonLife Broadcasting Network (SBN), owned by evangelist Jimmy Swaggart, as a datacast service. The channel is broadcast in regional Queensland, Southern NSW & ACT, and regional Victoria on channel 55 as well as Spencer Gulf in South Australia, and Broken Hill in New South Wales on channel 54. Despite this, SBN never launched in Northern NSW, because NRN was already owned by WIN at the time. The above list is via Southern Cross' 10-affiliated and then Nine-affiliated stations, and in Tasmania on channel 64 and Darwin on channel 74 via Southern Cross' Seven affiliate stations.

From 1 July 2018, all local branding was phased out on all of Southern Cross Austereo's Seven-affiliated stations in favour of a generic Seven Network branding. Though news services offered by Southern Cross were also scheduled to be rebranded as Seven News on this date, the rebrand was delayed until further notice, citing concerns from Seven about using their news brand but not under their editorial control.

In September 2018, Southern Cross Austereo announced it would transfer its Canberra-based broadcast playout to NPC Media, a joint venture between the Nine and Seven Networks. CTC, via Southern Cross Austereo, would move remaining employees to a leased office facility in Canberra. The changes were expected to be completed by 30 June 2020.

On 30 September 2018, Southern Cross Austereo launched 9Life, in Tasmania, via TDT, and in the Spencer Gulf and Broken Hill regions, via GDS/BDN.

Southern Cross Austereo launched 7HD in Darwin on 26 November 2018.

On 3 December 2018, the Tasmanian station's news bulletin changed its title to Nightly News, followed on 14 January 2019 by GTS/BKN's bulletin. Around the same time, studio production for the Spencer Gulf edition of Nightly News was relocated from Southern Cross' Canberra headquarters to TNT's Hobart studio.

Southern Cross Austereo launched a refreshed logo on 1 July 2019.

2020s

In March 2020, Southern Cross Austereo launched 7HD, 9HD and 10 HD, in the Spencer Gulf/Broken Hill areas, via the stations GTS/BKN, GDS/BDN, and SGS/SCN, as well as making 7mate, 9Gem, and 10 Bold all SD channels, to accommodate the aforementioned HD channels. This is the list of the changes that happened on 19 March 2020: 7HD launched on LCN 60, 7mate moved to LCN 63 from LCN 60 and became a SD channel, the main Seven channel became available on both LCN 6 and 61, 10 HD became available on LCN 50, 10 Peach moved to LCN 53 from LCN 55, 10 Bold moved to LCN 52 from LCN 50 and became a SD channel, and the main 10 channel became available on both LCN 5 and 51. Southern Cross Austereo's Nine channel changes occurred sometime in late March 2020, here is the list of changes that happened to GDS/BDN in March 2020: 9HD became available on LCN 80, the main Nine channel became available on both LCNs 8 and 81, 9Go! moved to LCN 83 from LCN 88, and 9Gem moved to LCN 82 from LCN 80 and it became a SD channel.

In March and April 2020, Southern Cross Austereo outsourced their television play out to NPC Media.

On 27 July 2020, Southern Cross Austereo relaunched the Hit Network, adopting a new logo and "pop-based" music format in an attempt to target a 30–54 year old audience. In addition, Hit 105 Brisbane and Hit 107 Adelaide reverted to their heritage brands B105 and SAFM respectively. On 20 August 2020, Southern Cross Austereo announced the network would introduce statewide networked breakfast programs in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria, replacing 19 local shows.

In August 2020, demolition of the entire CTC and Southern Cross Austereo studio site at Watson was completed to make way for a housing development. The demolition marked the end of 46 years as Canberra's home of television and Australia's first colour television station.

On 1 December 2020, Southern Cross Austereo switched the affiliation of Mix 94.5 in Perth from the Triple M network to the Hit Network, with Hit92.9 relaunching as 92.9 Triple M.

On 18 February 2021, SCA launched LiSTNR, which would incorporate the rebranded PodcastOne Australia, as well as their existing digital audio content in live streaming radio. SCA continued its partnership with the American PodcastOne with both companies sharing their content.

On 12 March 2021, Nine announced that it would return to WIN Television as its regional affiliate in most markets beginning on 1 July 2021, in a deal that would last at least seven years. This has ended SCA's five-year agreement with the Nine Network. On 25 June 2021, SCA and Network 10 announced a two-year affiliation deal in regional Queensland, Southern NSW and regional Victoria, which introduced 10 Shake into regional areas for the very first time and it broadcasts on Channel 54, as well as Sky News Regional which launched on 1 August 2021 and it broadcasts on Channel 56. On SCA's 10 stations, Aspire TV ceased to broadcast on 31 July 2021, to accommodate Sky News Regional.

On 16 August 2022, SCA converted 7two, 7mate, 10 Bold, and 10 Peach, from the MPEG-2 format to the MPEG-4 format in the Tasmania market.

SCA extended the affiliation deal with 10 to 31 December 2023, on 27 June 2023.

SCA began broadcasting 10's datacast channel, Gecko, on 1 July 2023, on LCN 57, in Southern NSW, the ACT, Regional Victoria, Regional Queensland, Broken Hill, and Spencer Gulf, and on LCN 67 in Tasmania.

In December 2024, SCA agreed terms with Network 10 to sell its television licences. The deal is scheduled to be completed in February 2025.

Proposed acquisition by ARN Media

In October 2023, ARN Media alongside private equity firm Anchorage Capital Partners made a non-binding indicative offer to acquire 100% of the fully diluted share capital of the company. This comes after ARN acquired a 14.8% stake in SCA in June. Under the proposed sale, the KIIS Network would have remained with ARN, while the Triple M network would have joined ARN. The Hit and Pure Gold networks, SCA's TV stations and LiSTNR would have been purchased by Anchorage. The deal collapsed after Anchorage withdrew.

Brands

Television

  • Southern Cross Seven, sole affiliates of the Seven Network. These stations primarily brand themselves as "Channel Seven", following the Seven Network's generic branding.
  • Southern Cross Nine, sole affiliates of the Nine Network. These stations primarily brand themselves as "Channel Nine" in the Spencer Gulf and Broken Hill, following the Nine Network's generic branding.
  • Southern Cross 10, sole affiliates of Network 10. These stations brand themselves only as "Channel 10", following the Network 10's generic branding.

Radio

The format of each station is defined by one of two common formats:

  • Hit Network – plays adult hit music from the 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, 2010s and today targeted at those aged between 25 and 54 years old using various brands in metropolitan and regional areas
  • Triple M Network – talkback and rock music format targeted at adults over 39, mainly on the AM and heritage FM stations

Agreements were reached between Southern Cross Austereo, DMG and Prime Television to ensure that existing brand names owned by DMG Radio in regional markets could continue to be used by both Southern Cross Austereo and Prime.

Programming

Radio

Southern Cross Austereo produces its own networked programming across both brands, which include:

Network Show name Announcer/s Description
Hit Carrie & Tommy Carrie Bickmore and Tommy Little Afternoon program
Hit Mike E & Emma Mike Etheridge and Emma Chow Night program
Hit The Pulse with Seany B Sean Brown Late night program
Triple M The Marty Sheargold Show Marty Sheargold Afternoon program
Triple M Night Shift with Luke Bona Luke Bona Late night talkback program

Some of its stations picked up the Continuous Call Team when Broadcast Operations Group could not resolve broadcast rights issues with 2GB and the National Rugby League. The most notable was Triple M Newcastle, who also picked up rights to cover games of the Newcastle Knights.

Television news

SCA produces regional television news services for its stations affiliated with the Seven Network and Network 10. Full evening news programs air in Tasmania and previously the Spencer Gulf and Broken Hill region with short updates airing in remote Central and Eastern Australia, Darwin, Southern NSW & ACT, Victoria, Queensland and Tasmania.

On 3 December 2018, the Tasmanian station's news bulletin changed its title to Nightly News, followed on 14 January 2019 by GTS/BKN's bulletin. Around the same time, studio production for the Spencer Gulf edition of Nightly News was relocated from Southern Cross' Canberra headquarters to TNT's Hobart studio.

In 2019, Southern Cross Austereo shifted the Spencer Gulf and Broken Hill bulletin to 7two at 7:00 pm rather than airing on the main channel.

In May 2021, SCA reached a content agreement with Sky News Australia, under which it would distribute the new free-to-air Sky News Regional beginning 1 August 2021. The service is a de facto replacement for the Sky News on WIN service that it previously distributed.

Following the switch back to Network 10 affiliation on 1 July 2021, Southern Cross returned to producing local news updates on their 10 stations after a five-year absence. The updates carry the 10 News First branding and are produced out of the networks Launceston (QLD updates) and Hobart (Southern NSW and VIC updates) studios. The Southern NSW and Canberra updates are presented by Ruby Cairns, the Regional Queensland updates are presented by Daniel Pizarro, and the Regional Victoria updates are presented by Kasey Wilkins. The updates, which typically don't include any corresponding news footage or soundbites, are researched, produced and presented by a single journalist. Fill-in presenters include Will Boddy, Rebecca Gaitaneris, Philippa Christian and Madeline Kerr.

On 13 April 2023, Southern Cross Austereo cancelled the GTS/BKN bulletin, effective immediately. It is believed that some staff were not informed that the program would be aired for the last time that night until after it went to air. It ends over 50 years of news operations for the Spencer Gulf and Broken Hill regions, and leaves viewers with no local television news service.

Longtime Tasmania updates presenter Alex Sykes left Southern Cross Austereo on 2 May 2023. Madeline Kerr currently presents the updates for Tasmania.

Assets

Radio

Queensland

Licence area Stations that are part of
the Hit Network
Stations that are part of
the Triple M Network
Atherton 4AMM "Hit 97.9 Tablelands" (97.9 MHz FM)
Brisbane 4BBB "B105 Brisbane" (105.3 MHz FM) 4MMM "Triple M Brisbane" (104.5  MHz FM)
Bundaberg 4RGB "Triple M Bundy" (93.1 MHz FM)
Cairns 4HOT "Hit103.5 Cairns" (103.5 MHz FM) 4RGC "Triple M Cairns" (99.5 MHz FM)
Emerald 4HIT "Hit94.7 Emerald" (94.7 MHz FM)
Gold Coast 4SEA "Hit 90.9 Gold Coast" (90.9 MHz FM) 4GLD "Triple M Gold Coast" (92.5 MHz FM)
Kingaroy 4KRY "Hit89.1 South Burnett" (89.1 MHz FM)
Mackay 4MKY "Hit100.3 Mackay and the Whitsundays" (100.3 MHz FM) 4RGM "Triple M Mackay and the Whitsundays" (98.7 MHz FM)
Maryborough 4CEE "Hit101.9 Fraser Coast" (101.9 MHz FM) 4MBB "Triple M Fraser Coast" (103.5 MHz FM)
Mount Isa 4MIC "Hit102.5 Mount Isa" (102.5 MHz FM)
Rockhampton 4ROK "Hit Central Queensland" (107.9 MHz FM) 4RGK "Triple M Central Queensland" (101.5 MHz FM)
Roma 4ROM "Hit95.1 Maranoa" (95.1 MHz FM)
Toowoomba/Warwick (Darling Downs) 4RGD "Hit100.7 Darling Downs" (100.7 MHz FM) 4GR "Triple M Darling Downs" (864 kHz AM)
Townsville 4TSV "Hit103.1 Townsville" (103.1 MHz FM) 4TOO "Triple M Townsville" (102.3 MHz FM)

New South Wales

Licence area Stations that are part of
the Hit Network
Stations that are part of
the Triple M Network
Albury 2AAY "Hit104.9 The Border" (104.9 MHz FM) 2BDR "Triple M The Border" (105.7 MHz FM)
Coffs Harbour 2CSF "Hit105.5 Coffs Coast" (105.5 MHz FM) 2CFS "Triple M Coffs Coast" (106.3 MHz FM)
Dubbo 2DBO "Hit91.1 Dubbo" (91.1 MHz FM) 2DUB "Triple M 93.5 Dubbo" (93.5 MHz FM)
Gosford (Central Coast) 2CFM "Hit 101.3 Central Coast" (101.3 MHz FM) 2GGO "Triple M Central Coast" (107.7 MHz FM)
Griffith 2RGF "Hit99.7 Riverina MIA" (99.7 MHz FM) 2RG ""Triple M Riverina MIA" (963 kHz AM)
Kempsey (Mid-North Coast) 2ROX "Hit105.1 Mid North Coast" (105.1 MHz FM) 2PQQ "Triple M Mid North Coast" (106.7 MHz FM)
Newcastle 2XXX "Hit106.9 Newcastle" (106.9 MHz FM) 2KKO "Triple M Newcastle" (102.9 MHz FM)
Orange 2GZF "Hit105.9 Central West" (105.9 MHz FM) 2OAG "Triple M Central West" (105.1 MHz FM)
Sydney 2DAY "2Day FM Sydney" (104.1 MHz FM) 2MMM "Triple M Sydney" (104.9 MHz FM)
Wagga Wagga 2WZD "Hit93.1 Riverina" (93.1 MHz FM) 2WG "Triple M Riverina" (1152 kHz AM)

1. Translators for 2BDR on 90.1 MHz in Omeo and 96.5 MHz in Corryong. There is also a translator for 2AAY in Corryong on 95.7 MHz.
2. Translators on 100.7 MHz (2PQQ) and 102.3 MHz (2ROX) in Port Macquarie.

Australian Capital Territory

Licence area Stations that are part of
the Hit Network
Stations that are part of
ARN's KIIS Network
Canberra 1ROC "Hit104.7 Canberra" (104.7 MHz FM)

1CBR "Mix 106.3 Canberra" (106.3 MHz FM)

Victoria

Licence area Stations that are part of
the Hit Network
Stations that are part of
the Triple M Network
Bendigo 3BDG "Hit91.9 Bendigo" (91.9 MHz FM) 3BBO "Triple M Bendigo" (93.5 MHz FM)
Melbourne 3Fox "Fox FM Melbourne" (101.9 MHz FM) 3MMM "Triple M Melbourne" (105.1 MHz FM)
Mildura 3MDA "Hit99.5 Sunraysia" (99.5 MHz FM) 3RMR "Triple M Sunraysia" (97.9 MHz FM)
Shepparton 3SUN "Hit96.9 Goulburn Valley" (96.9 MHz FM) 3SRR "Triple M Goulburn Valley" (95.3 MHz FM)
Warragul (Gippsland) 3SEA "Triple M Gippsland " (94.3 MHz FM)

1. Re-transmitter at 97.9 MHz FM in Traralgon.

Tasmania

Licence area Stations that are part of
the Hit Network
Stations that are part of
the Triple M Network
Hobart 7TTT "Hit 100.9 Hobart" (100.9 MHz FM) 7XXX "Triple M Hobart" (107.3 MHz FM)

South Australia

Licence area Stations that are part of
the Hit Network
Stations that are part of
the Triple M Network
Adelaide 5SSA "SAFM Adelaide" (107.1 MHz FM) 5MMM "Triple M Adelaide" (104.7 MHz FM)
Mount Gambier 5SEF "SAFM Limestone Coast" (96.1 MHz FM) 5SE "Triple M Limestone Coast"(90.5 mhz fm

Western Australia

Licence area Stations that are part of
the Hit Network
Stations that are part of
the Triple M Network
Albany 6AAY "Hit106.5 Karratha" (106.5 MHz FM) 6VA "Triple M Karratha" (783 kHz AM)
Bridgetown 6BET "Hit Southwest" (100.5 MHz FM) 6BY "Triple M Southwest" (900 kHz AM)
Broome 6HED "Hit101.3 Broome" (106.5 MHz FM) 6NWR "Triple M Broome" (102.9 MHz FM)
Bunbury 6BUN "Hit" (101.3 MHz FM) 6TZ "Triple M Southwest" (963 kHz AM)
Carnarvon 6CAR "Hit99.7 Carnarvon" (99.7 MHz FM) 6LN "Triple M Carnarvon" (666 kHz AM)
Esperance 6SEA "Hit102.3 Esperance" (102.3 MHz FM) 6SE "Triple M Esperance" (747 kHz AM)
Geraldton 6GGG "Hit96.5 Geraldton" (96.5 MHz FM) 6BAY "Triple M Geraldton" (98.1 MHz FM)
Kalgoorlie 6KAR "Hit97.9 Goldfields" (97.9 MHz FM) 6 kg "Triple M Goldfields" (981 kHz AM)
Karratha 6RED "Hit106.5 Karratha" (106.5 MHz FM) 6KA "Triple M Karratha" (102.5 MHz FM)
Katanning 6KAN "Hit94.9 Great Southern" (94.9 MHz FM) 6WB "Triple M Great Southern" (1071 kHz AM)
Merredin 6MER "Hit105.1 Central Wheatbelt" (105.1 MHz FM) 6MD "Triple M Central Wheatbelt" (1098 kHz AM)
Narrogin 6NAN "Hit100.5 Great Southern" (100.5 MHz FM) 6NA "Triple M Great Southern" (918 kHz AM)
Northam 6NAM "Hit96.5 Avon Valley" (96.5 MHz FM) 6AM "Triple M Avon Valley" (864 kHz AM)
Perth 6MIX "Mix 94.5" (94.5 MHz FM) 6PPM "Triple M Perth' (92.9 MHz FM)
Port Hedland 6HED "Hit91.7 Port Hedland" (91.7 MHz FM) 6NW "Triple M Port Hedland" (94.1 MHz FM)
Remote Western Australia 6FMS "Hit WA" 6SAT "Triple M WA"

1. 6TZ also re-transmitted via 1134 kHz AM in Collie (6CI, now listed by the Australian Communications & Media Authority under 6TZ), and 756 kHz AM in Busselton and the Margaret River region.

Television

New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory

Northern Territory and Remote Areas of Eastern Australia

Queensland

South Australia

Victoria

Tasmania

1. Southern Cross has a monopoly on commercial television in this market. The services other than GTS and BKN are retransmissions from Adelaide with local advertising.
2. This station was launched as a digital-only service, co-owned by the two existing commercial broadcasters in the market.

Digital radio

See also: Hit Network § Digital radio, and Triple M § Digital radio

Southern Cross Austereo broadcasts a number of digital only radio stations, including:

  • Santa Radio (seasonal), first launched for Christmas 2020, billed as a partnership between SCA and North Pole communications playing festive songs picked by Santa and his elves
  • Buddha Hits, "pop, electronica and acoustic vibes with a café music feel"
  • Oldskool 80s Hits, up-tempo, sing-along format of mainstream 1980 hits
  • RnB Fridays, hip-hop and RnB
  • Dance Hits, dance tunes
  • Oldskool 90s Hits, pop nostalgia, focused around the 1990s
  • Kids Hits, kids' music and overnight lullabies
  • SoundCloud Radio, up and coming and independent artists, in partnership with SoundCloud
  • Triple M 90s, 1990s rock music
  • Triple M Classic Rock, late 1960s and 1970s
  • Triple M Hard 'N' Heavy, metal and hard rock
  • Triple M Country, country music from the 1990s to now
  • Triple M Soft Rock, soft rock

In 2021 Southern Cross Austereo announced it has invested in content discovery company Sonnant, to add metadata to their digital content

Internet radio

Southern Cross Austereo broadcasts a number of internet radio stations on the LiSTNR platform. The launch of LiSTNR in February 2021 consisted of 15 music stations initially, with plans to add more stations and shows in the future.

Station Name Launch date Genre
Almost Acoustic February 2021; 3 years ago (2021-02) Easy chillout, pop, rock, country
Blender Beats February 2021; 3 years ago (2021-02) Pop, Hip-hop, R&B, 2000s, Dance, Electronica
Cover Up February 2021; 3 years ago (2021-02) Pop, 2000s, 90s, 80s
Fit Hits February 2021; 3 years ago (2021-02) Pop, Dance, Electronica
Good Vibes February 2021; 3 years ago (2021-02) Easy chillout, 2000s, 90s
Heart Breakers February 2021; 3 years ago (2021-02) Easy chillout, 80s, 90s, Love songs
Homegrown February 2021; 3 years ago (2021-02) New music, Rock, Pop, Australian music
Karaoke Stage February 2021; 3 years ago (2021-02) Pop, 70s, 80s, 90s, 2000s
Latino February 2021; 3 years ago (2021-02) Pop
Noughties February 2021; 3 years ago (2021-02) 2000s
Rock 'n' Road Trip February 2021; 3 years ago (2021-02) Rock
Stress Free February 2021; 3 years ago (2021-02) Easy chillout
Top 30 February 2021; 3 years ago (2021-02) Chart hits, New music
Trending Now February 2021; 3 years ago (2021-02) New music, Chart hits
Yacht Rock February 2021; 3 years ago (2021-02) Rock, 70s
Jazz July 2021; 3 years ago (2021-07) Jazz
Girl Power July 2021; 3 years ago (2021-07) Pop, 2000s, 90s, Chart hits
Crooners & Swooners July 2021; 3 years ago (2021-07) Jazz
70s Hits July 2021; 3 years ago (2021-07) 70s, Rock, Pop, Chart hits
Kids Hits July 2021; 3 years ago (2021-07) Kids
80s New Wave July 2021; 3 years ago (2021-07) 80s, Chart hits
Indigenous July 2021; 3 years ago (2021-07) Indigenous, Hip-hop, R&B, Pop
90s Soft Pop July 2021; 3 years ago (2021-07) 90s, Pop, Chart hits
Guilty Pleasures July 2021; 3 years ago (2021-07) Chart hits, 90s
Indie & Alt July 2021; 3 years ago (2021-07) Rock, New music, Pop
Sound States - Sleep May 2022; 2 years ago (2022-05) Ambient
Sound States - Focus May 2022; 2 years ago (2022-05) Ambient
Sound States - Focus (Brown Noise Only) May 2022; 2 years ago (2022-05) Ambient
60s Hits June 2022; 2 years ago (2022-06) 60s, Rock, Pop
2010s July 2022; 2 years ago (2022-07) Chart hits, 2010s
Hard N Heavy
(previously Triple M Hard N Heavy on DAB+ digital radio from 2019 to 2022)
November 2022; 2 years ago (2022-11) Hard rock
Buddha
(previously Buddha Hits on DAB+ digital radio from 2012 to 2022)
December 2022; 2 years ago (2022-12) Easy listening, Chillout
Chill Pop Hits March 2023; 1 year ago (2023-03) Soft pop, Easy listening
Mushroom 50 (in collaboration with Mushroom Records) 2023; 1 year ago (2023) Indigenous, 80s, 90s, Rock, Australian music
Easy Hits
(previously Easy Hits on DAB+ digital radio from 2016 to 2023)
2023; 1 year ago (2023) Easy listening, 2000s, 90s, 80s

Podcasts

SCA's LiSTNR app hosts selected PodcastOne podcasts from the US as well as many locally-produced podcasts, including content from Hamish Blake, Dylan Alcott, Christopher Pyne, Rosie Waterland, and others.

The Briefing is a news podcast featuring presenters and journalists such as Tom Tilley, Jan Fran, Katrina Blowers, Antoinette Lattouf, Jamila Rizvi, Sacha Barbour-Gatt, and Bension Siebert.

Advertising sales

As well as advertising sales for all their own assets, SCA were also in charge of advertising for the Nine owned and operated station NBN from 1 July 2018, until the advertising sales were sold to WIN on 1 July 2021 and then Nine Entertainment on 1 July 2022.

Former owned and operated stations

Due to conditions placed upon the takeover of DMG Radio's regional stations in 2005, Macquarie Southern Cross Media had to sell these stations to other parties:

Further, due to conditions triggered by the purchase of the assets of Southern Cross Broadcasting, Macquarie Media Group was required to sell further stations to meet further diversity requirements at the time; the transactions to satisfy this being completed on 14 March 2008:

Southern Cross Austereo was made to sell 91.9 Sea FM and 92.7 Mix FM on the Sunshine Coast, due to the larger than allowed overlap between the stations' licence area and that of Brisbane. In 2013, the two stations were sold to Eon Broadcasting.

Controversies

Ownership and control

On 16 February 2006, the Australian Communications & Media Authority commenced an investigation into the ownership of radio stations by Elmie Investments, owned by Stuart Simpson. The investigation revealed that Macquarie Regional RadioWorks had funded $9 million of Simpson's $10 million acquisition of five radio stations from AMI Radio. The radio stations in question – EasyMix Ten-71 Bendigo and EasyMix 1467 Mildura in Victoria, 4EL Cairns and 4AA Mackay in Queensland and, in Western Australia, Easy Mix 621 Bunbury – were located in markets where RadioWorks already controlled two commercial radio licences, and in November 2007 the company was found to be in breach of sections 54 and 56 of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992. The stations had been divested from Elmie Investments before the conclusion of the investigation.

Kyle & Jackie O child rape victim incident

In 2009, 2Day FM were ordered to provide increased protection for children after a 14-year-old girl was attached to a lie detector on the Kyle and Jackie O Show and pressured into discussing her sex life live on air. The radio show host, Kyle Sandilands, encouraged both the girl and her mother to discuss whether she was sexually active, to which the girl responded: "I've already told you the story of this and don't look at me and smile because it's not funny. Oh, okay. I got raped when I was 12 years old." To which Kyle replied: "Right. And is that, is that the only experience you've had?"

Summer 30 royal hoax call incident

Main article: Suicide of Jacintha Saldanha

As part of a hoax call to the King Edward VII's Hospital Sister Agnes treating the wife of Prince William for acute morning sickness in the critical first trimester of pregnancy, 2Day DJs – Mike Christian and Mel Greig – purported to be the Queen and the Prince of Wales. An experienced 46-year-old nurse, Jacintha Saldanha, took the call. During the call, she and colleagues were conned into revealing sensitive details regarding the patient's condition.

The nurse was found dead the following morning in a suspected suicide at the hospital where she worked.

There is some disagreement over the legality of the incident, with the hospital expressing concern that the incident may have broken the law and Rhys Holleran, the chief executive of 2Day FM's parent company Southern Cross Austereo, stating he was confident that was not the case.

At a Federal Court hearing, it became known that Australian media watchdog Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) had prepared a confidential, preliminary report saying that the Radio Royal hoax 'broke law'. 2Day FM acted illegally by airing the phone call without consent.

See also

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