Something's happening here...

(what it is ain't exactly clear...)

Jan 11 2007

If you have been following Financial news you will have noted that O'RIELLY is trying to take over the INM with a deal similar to what has happened to Qantas etc. He missed first time round but yesterday surfaced with another proposal. Fascinating watching the manouvering in the media industry. My opinion, for what it is worth, is that O'Rielly is trying to build a defense against a takeover by one of the other majors. Marinya Media, the private company of John B. Fairfax, is the likely candidate, especially as it has gained access to partial control of John Fairfax and Sons.
But what is really interesting is that APN/ Sunshine Coast Newspaper Company has taken over not only the Range News but also the Buderim Chronicle, The Caloundra City News and the free paper on Bribie Island. I do not know if they have bought out The Glasshouse Country News but if they have it will be the only paper on the coast they do not own.They will have monopoly for coastal print news.(Aldous must think that there really is a Santa Claus). I am reliably informed that the splurge has stopped so maybe they have got the GLASSHOUSE LOT.
Some observers within the industry say they moved to these takeovers to bolster up the very expensive new press they have installed at Yandina. I have been told by a recently resigned editor of one of their paid dailys that APN are establishing a production centre in Brisbane and that there will be a heavy pruning of staff within the year. 

Frankly I still believe that the flurry of activity is to prevent a takeover in Australia and NZ. There is strong industry speculation that FAIRFAX are planning a daily out of Brisbane within 12 months .Given the linkage now with Rural/Marinya it would be logical to move against APN at some time.
It will be hard to start an opposition paper locally given the lack of independant presses except Rural at Ormiston would probably consider any viable option thrown up to them. Perhaps a good magazine like the old TRN before Cameron could have some impact!!!!!!!
It certainly will be an interesting year locally.

Ian B.

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