ARN Media Ltd., formerly Here, There & Everywhere and APN News & Media, is an Australian media company. Divisions include broadcast radio and Out-of-home advertising.[1] The company previously had assets in New Zealand,[2] and previously owned Adshel, APN Outdoor and Gfinity eSports in Australia.[3][4] Its commercial radio stations include the Pure Gold, KIIS Network, CADA, ARN Regional and iHeartRadio brands.

ARN Media Ltd.
FormerlyAustralian Radio Network
Here, There & Everywhere
APN News & Media
Company typePublic
ASXA1N
IndustryOutdoor advertising
Radio
Broadcasting
Headquarters,
Number of locations
33 markets
Area served
Australia, Hong Kong
ServicesRadio:
KIIS Network
Pure Gold Network
ARN Regional
CADA
Digital media:
iHeartRadio
RevenueA$252.7m
A$54.6m
Websitewww.arn.com.au

The company operates the ARN News service in Australia, which uses international correspondents and source news stories from AAP in Australia, CNN from the United States and Sky News and Independent Radio News from the United Kingdom. ARN has newsrooms in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane and Adelaide.

Originally ARN was a joint venture of APN News & Media and iHeartMedia (formerly Clear Channel). On 19 February 2014, it was reported that APN News & Media had agreed to purchase Clear Channel's 50% stake in the ARN.[5] As a result, ARN is now fully owned by ARN Media. The company continues to operate the Australian version of iHeartRadio.[6]

Until 2014, ARN also included New Zealand radio networks Newstalk ZB, Classic Hits FM, ZM, Radio Sport, Radio Hauraki, Easy Mix, Flava and Coast under umbrella company The Radio Network. These are now part of the New Zealand Media and Entertainment.

In August 2021, the company removed the words 'Australian Radio Network' from its name, now being known as simply ARN.[7] Three months later, in November 2021, Here, There & Everywhere, ARN's parent company, purchased Grant Broadcasters, who intend to integrate it with its own business by January 2022.[8][9][10] The deal was finalised on 4 January 2022.[11]

Having already acquired a 15% stake in Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) earlier in the year, in October 2023 ARN launched a takeover offer for SCA in partnership with Anchorage Capital Partners. To satisfy Australian Communications & Media Authority regulations that allow one party to only own two radio stations in one market, in capital cities ARN would add the Triple M network to the KIIS Network, while Anchorage Capital Partners would control the Hit and Pure Gold networks.[12][13]

In 2015, HT&E's two largest shareholders were the Australian fund manager Allan Gray Australia and News Corp Australia.[14] Irish company Independent News & Media and Denis O'Brien's Baycliffe held an approximately 30% stake in the company before selling it in March 2015.[15]

History

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Former Here, There & Everywhere logo
 
APN News & Media logo 1998–2017
 
ARN radio logo

Here, There & Everywhere had its origins in Provincial Newspapers (PN), a listed company that published regional newspapers in New South Wales and Queensland. The Herald & Weekly Times, which owned a significant proportion of PNQ, was taken over by News Limited in 1987. To comply with an order of the Trade Practices Commission, News Limited was required to sell its PN shares. The 48% stake in PN was acquired in 1988 by interests associated with the family of Tony O'Reilly, the principal shareholder of Independent Newspapers of Ireland.[16]

The company was renamed Australian Provincial Newspapers Holdings and listed again on the Australian Securities Exchange in 1992 following a public share issue, and in 1998 the name was changed to APN News & Media.[17]

In 2001, HT&E acquired 25% of Soprano Design. Later going on to acquire steaks in Conversant Media and Unbnd Group. These acquisitions have been listed every year in their financial reports. Soprano Design was valued at over A$500 million in November 2019, giving HT&E over A$125m in equity.[3] Following Soprano's acquisition of SilverStreet Intl in December 2020, Analysts have stated that Soprano Design could be worth upward of $1 billion.

In June 2016, the company completed the demerger of its New Zealand radio and publishing business, New Zealand Media and Entertainment.[18] However, the company maintained a presence in New Zealand via its outdoor advertising business, Adshel NZ.[19] Also in 2016, the company announced it would sell its regional newspaper division, Australian Regional Media, to News Corp Australia for $36.6 million.[20] The deal was reviewed but not opposed by the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission.[21] The sale of ARM, encompassing APN's remaining newspaper assets, was completed in December 2016.[22]

APN News & Media Limited changed its name to HT&E Limited in May 2017, changing its ASX Listing Code to HT1.[23]

In June 2018, oOh!media purchased street furniture business Adshel for A$570 million from HT&E, in a competitive bidding war against rival (and former HT&E subsidiary) APN Outdoor.[24][25]

In January 2023, the company sold its 25% stake in communications firm Soprano.[26] In May 2023, Here, There & Everywhere was renamed ARN Media.[27][28] In June 2023, ARN acquired a 15% shareholding in major competitor Southern Cross Austereo.[29] In October 2023, ARN launched a takeover offer for SCA in partnership with Anchorage Capital Partners. To satisfy Australian Communications & Media Authority regulations that allow one party to only own two radio stations in one market, in capital cities ARN would own the KIIS and Triple M networks, while Anchorage Capital Partners would control the Hit and Pure Gold networks.[29][30] The deal collapsed after Anchorage withdrew.[31]

Assets

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KIIS 106.5, CADA and 101.7 WSFM studios in North Ryde

ARN operates 58 radio stations, targeting the 25-to-54-year-old demographic. These stations include

KIIS Network

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A vibrant network alive with influential personalities who energise, engage and excite, immersing audiences in the best music their city has to offer.

Callsign Frequency Branding Location Format Notes
1CBR 106.3 MHz FM
107.1 MHz FM (repeater)0
Mix 106.3 Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Adult contemporary Joint venture with Southern Cross Austereo
Formerly Kix 106
2WFM 106.5 MHz FM KIIS 106.5 Sydney, New South Wales Top 40 (CHR) Formerly 2UW and Mix 106.5
3TTT 101.1 MHz FM KIIS 101.1 Melbourne, Victoria Top 40 (CHR) Formerly 3DB, 3TT, TTFM and Mix 101.1
4BFM 097.3 MHz FM KIIS 97.3 Brisbane, Queensland Adult contemporary Joint venture with Nova Entertainment
Formerly 97.3FM
5ADD 102.3 MHz FM
096.7 MHz FM (repeater)
Mix 102.3 Adelaide, South Australia Adult contemporary Formerly 5DN, Radio 102FM and 5AD FM
6NOW 096.1 MHz FM 96FM Perth, Western Australia Adult contemporary Formerly Triple M

Pure Gold Network

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An iconic network making audiences feel young, positive and full of life, immersing listeners with the Pure Gold hits they know and love.

Callsign Frequency Branding Location Format Notes
2UUS 101.7 MHz FM
088.3 MHz FM
099.1 MHz FM
101.7 WSFM Sydney, New South Wales Oldies Formerly 2WS
3KKZ 104.3 MHz FM Gold 104.3 Melbourne, Victoria Oldies Formerly 3KZ and KZFM
5DN 1323 kHz AM Cruise 1323 Adelaide, South Australia Oldies Formerly 5AD, Radio 1323 and SEN 1323

Other stations

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Callsign Frequency Branding Location Format Notes
2ONE 096.1 MHz FM CADA Katoomba, New South Wales Rhythmic top 40
Urban contemporary
Formerly 2KA, OneFM and The Edge 96.ONE
2ROC 104.7 MHz FM
100.7 MHz FM
Hit104.7 Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Top 40 (CHR) Joint venture with Southern Cross Austereo
6PER 93.7 MHz FM Nova 93.7 Perth, Western Australia Top 40 (CHR) Joint venture with Nova Entertainment

Digital radio

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ARN also broadcasts a number of digital only radio stations.[32]

Branding Frequency Location Format Notes
Chemist Warehouse Remix DAB+ block 9B (VHF, Sydney and Melbourne)

DAB+ block 9A (VHF, Brisbane and Adelaide)
Sydney, New South Wales
Melbourne, Victoria
Brisbane, Queensland
Adelaide, South Australia
Adult contemporary
The '80s DAB+ block 9B (VHF, Sydney and Melbourne)

DAB+ block 9A (VHF, Brisbane and Adelaide)
Sydney, New South Wales
Melbourne, Victoria
Brisbane, Queensland
Adelaide, South Australia
1980s music WSFM 80s Sydney
Gold 80s Melbourne
KIIS 80s Brisbane
Mix 80s Adelaide

96FM 80s Perth

The '90s DAB+ block 9B (VHF, Sydney and Melbourne)

DAB+ block 9A (VHF, Brisbane and Adelaide)
Sydney, New South Wales
Melbourne, Victoria
Brisbane, Queensland
Adelaide, South Australia
1990s music KIIS 90s Sydney
KIIS 90s Melbourne
KIIS 90s Brisbane
Mix 90s Adelaide
CADA DAB+ block 9B (VHF, Sydney and Melbourne)

DAB+ block 9A (VHF, Brisbane and Adelaide)
Sydney, New South Wales
Melbourne, Victoria
Brisbane, Queensland
Adelaide, South Australia
Rhythmic top 40
Urban contemporary

Former stations

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Branding Frequency Location Format Notes
4BH 1116kHz AM Brisbane, Queensland Easy listening Sold to Nova Entertainment in 2002[33]
4KQ 693kHz AM Brisbane, Queensland Classic Hits Sold to Sports Entertainment Network in 2022
PureCountry Online streaming Worldwide, based in Sydney Country music Closed in 2009
KseraRadio.com Online streaming Worldwide, based in Sydney Rhythmic top 40
Urban contemporary
Closed
Classic Hits Live DAB+ block 9B (VHF, Sydney and Melbourne)

DAB+ block 9A (VHF, Brisbane and Adelaide)
Sydney, New South Wales
Melbourne, Victoria
Brisbane, Queensland
Adelaide, South Australia
Classic hits Replaced by Pure Gold '80s in 2010
Classic Hits Plus DAB+ block 9B (VHF, Sydney and Melbourne)

DAB+ block 9A (VHF, Brisbane and Adelaide)
Sydney, New South Wales
Melbourne, Victoria
Brisbane, Queensland
Adelaide, South Australia
Classic hits Replaced by Pure Gold '90s in 2010

Outdoor/Advertising

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  • CODY Out-of-Home (Hong Kong)[34]
  • Emotive (creative agency)[35]

References

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  1. ^ "HT&E Launches new division HT&E events, Announces joint venture with Gfinity plc and IKON Media & Entertainment to launch Australia's first city-based esports franchise league" (PDF). HT&E Market Announcement to ASX. 7 August 2017. Archived from the original (PDF) on 11 March 2018.
  2. ^ Tarr, Sophie (22 March 2011). "Natural disasters hit APN News & Media". Pacific Area Newspaper Publishers’ Association. Archived from the original on 22 March 2012. Retrieved 7 November 2011.
  3. ^ a b "HT&E 2017 Annual Report" (PDF). ASX. 15 February 2018. Archived (PDF) from the original on 21 March 2018.
  4. ^ "Gfinity Esports Australia to cease operations in November". esportsinsider.com. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
  5. ^ "APN confirms ARN & TRN buyout". 18 February 2014. Retrieved 21 September 2014.
  6. ^ "iHeartRadio – ARN – Australian Radio Network". Retrieved 21 September 2014.
  7. ^ "The Australian Radio Network is no more, as company rebrands to just 'ARN'". Radio Today. 1 August 2021. Archived from the original on 1 August 2021. Retrieved 3 August 2021.
  8. ^ HTE buys Grand Broadcasters and will merge it with ARN network Mediaweek 12 November 2021
  9. ^ ARN's parent company acquires Grant Broadcasters Mumbrella 12 November 2021
  10. ^ HT&E to acquire Grant Broadcasters for $307.5m Archived 3 December 2021 at the Wayback Machine Lending Association 12 November 2021
  11. ^ Grant Broadcasters sale completed Radio Today Australia 5 January 2022
  12. ^ Notice of initial substantial holder ARN Media 21 June 2023
  13. ^ Non-binding Indicative Proposal to Acquire SCA ARN 18 October 2023
  14. ^ "Investor Relations - APN". investorcentre.apn.com.au. Retrieved 8 September 2015.
  15. ^ "UPDATED: News Corp buys APN stake in share sale". Archived from the original on 3 August 2015. Retrieved 8 September 2015.
  16. ^ Kirkpatrick 1994, p. 111.
  17. ^ "APN News & Media Limited". List of companies. Archived from the original on 17 August 2016. Retrieved 15 August 2016.
  18. ^ NZME Demerger Implemented Archived 21 March 2018 at the Wayback Machine APN Market Announcement to ASX, 29 June 2016
  19. ^ APN Retains Ownership of Adshel NZ Archived 21 March 2018 at the Wayback Machine APN Market Announcement to ASX, 28 November 2016
  20. ^ "APN chairman lauds 'milestone' $36.6m News deal". NewsMediaWorks. Archived from the original on 10 November 2016. Retrieved 10 November 2016.
  21. ^ ACCC will not oppose News Corporation's proposed acquisition of APN's Regional Media Division Archived 15 December 2017 at the Wayback Machine Australian Competition & Consumer Commission 8 December 2016
  22. ^ APN Completes Sale of ARM Archived 20 March 2018 at the Wayback Machine APN Market Announcement to ASX, 28 December 2017
  23. ^ Change of Company Name and ASX Listing Code Archived 20 March 2018 at the Wayback Machine APN Market Announcement to ASX, 5 May 2017
  24. ^ Kelly, Vivienne (23 June 2018). "Ooh Media to purchase HT&E's Adshel for $570 million". Mumbrella. Archived from the original on 23 June 2018. Retrieved 23 June 2018.
  25. ^ "Adshel NZ sale confirmed". M+AD! - NZ Media & Advertising News Daily. 3 October 2018. Retrieved 20 October 2018.
  26. ^ HTE sells its stake in communications technology company Soprano RadioToday 4 January 2023
  27. ^ Change of company name and ticker code ARN Media 18 May 2023
  28. ^ HT&E rebrands to ARN Media following shareholder vote Mumbrella 18 May 2023
  29. ^ a b "Notice of initial substantial holder". ARN Media. 21 June 2023. Retrieved 21 October 2023.
  30. ^ "Non-binding Indicative Proposal to Acquire SCA" (PDF). ARN Media. 18 October 2023. Archived (PDF) from the original on 20 October 2023. Retrieved 21 October 2023.
  31. ^ ARN throws a Hail Mary to revive collapsed radio merger Australian Financial Review 13 May 2024
  32. ^ ARN Digital-radio Archived 10 June 2012 at the Wayback Machine
  33. ^ Marriner, Cosima (25 January 2002). "FM partner buys 4BH from ARN". Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. Retrieved 2 December 2015.
  34. ^ "About Us". cody.com.hk. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
  35. ^ "Home - Emotive". emotive.com.au. Retrieved 25 May 2020.

Bibliography

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