On November 6, Seven West Media held its AGM and trading update, marking Kerry Stokes' final meeting as Chairman before the anticipated merger with Southern Cross Austereo (SCA).
The company reported its first EBITDA increase since FY22, although total television advertising revenue declined. Stokes emphasized the significance of Australians maintaining free access to sports content.
Stokes commented on the AFL's scheduling, describing it as "poor" and noting its negative impact on audience numbers.
Regarding the upcoming merger, Stokes highlighted the strong fit between the companies:
“We fit together exceptionally well, a seamless combination of high-value brands across free-to-air television, streaming, audio, digital and publishing assets.”
SWM CEO Jeff Howard, slated to lead the combined entity, added:
“Bringing together the complementary assets and brands of Seven West Media and Southern Cross will create a truly national, diversified media organisation, one with extensive scale and reach across free-to-air television, streaming, audio, digital and publishing assets. The possibilities will bring a new energy to Seven West Media.”
The merger aims to create a comprehensive media group spanning multiple platforms, driven by complementary brands and broad national reach.
The merger of Seven West Media and Southern Cross Austereo promises a powerful, diversified media presence across Australia’s free-to-air and digital landscape.