Crdit: krakenimages via Unsplash
The ACCC will not oppose SCA’s acquisition of Seven West Media.
Seven operates the Seven Network and publishes The West Australian, The Sunday Times and 30 local papers across Western Australia. It has no radio interests.
Southern Cross runs 104 FM, AM and digital radio stations under the Triple M and Hit brands, holds 88 radio licences, and produces podcasts, music stations and live sport.
It has no television or print operations.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission reviewed how closely the two companies compete in advertising, content supply and content acquisition.
The focus was on regional Western Australia, where both are major traditional media outlets.
“We found that Southern Cross and Seven attract different advertisers and are not close competitors for the supply of advertising opportunities in these regions,” ACCC deputy chair Mick Keogh said.
“Local businesses and media agencies seeking to advertise in regional areas will continue to have a range of options in these local markets, including online and social media advertising with geo-targeting capabilities.”
Keogh said the merger was unlikely to lessen competition in media content markets.
“The ACCC’s investigation found that Southern Cross and Seven are not close competitors for content. Southern Cross is primarily focused on radio and audio entertainment, while Seven is focused on print news and general TV,” he said.
He added that digital disruption continues to reshape Australian media.
“Australian media markets are being transformed by consumers’ growing preference for digital media,” Keogh said. “This shift is leading advertisers to invest more heavily in online and digital channels.”
“Owners of traditional media platforms such as radio, free-to-air television and newspapers will continue to face strong competition from digital media. Southern Cross will be no exception, even after the acquisition,” he said.
The ACCC concluded the deal is unlikely to substantially lessen competition in any market.
The merged group, expected to be made final early in 2026, would have combined revenue of $1.777 billion and a market capitalisation of $417 million.
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