Generations of regional Australians might recall being told to go to bed by cartoon figures such as Prime Possum,but with Seven set to drop the Prime name,his future might in doubt.
Prime Media Group’s chief executive leaves as the newly combined group looks forward to a brighter new future.
Three billionaires,a high-profile real estate mogul and one of media’s most ambitious executives have spent two years fighting over a regional broadcaster.
The real estate entrepreneur has bought more shares in Prime Media with his business partner,signalling the pair hasn’t given up on a potential takeover.
In a letter to Communications Minister Paul Fletcher in March last year,the three regional TV bosses warned that some services,including news and current affairs,could soon be turned off. After that,they said they could experience complete market failure.
Private correspondence between regional TV executives and the federal government reveal the financial struggles of an industry,which are yet far from over.
How three struggling regional TV networks pitched a proposal to government to join forces and drastically reduce their costs.
Former Domain boss Antony Catalano has struck a deal with WIN Corp billionaire Bruce Gordon to boost his stake in Prime Media,in a move that may resolve a stand-off over the regional television group.
Former Fairfax Media boss Greg Hywood has returned to the industry - this time in television.
Regional media companies have come together for a second time to push for changes to media law.
Some regional broadcasters asked their metropolitan partners for a waiver on their affiliate fees during the pandemic.