ACCC concerned by industry impact of News Corp’s proposed acquisition of Australian Regional Media

The consumer watchdog is concerned News Corp’s proposed acquisition of APN News & Media’s regional publishing arm Australian Regional Media may substantially lessen competition in the supply of news in areas where the two companies have overlapping newspapers.

The Australian Competition Consumer Commission (ACCC) has published its issues statement on the proposed acquisition, which has already gained APN News & Media shareholder approval.

ACCC chairman, Rod Sims, said: “One area of focus is the loss of competition between ARM’s paid regional newspapers and News’ The Courier Mail. If the proposed acquisition proceeds, News will own both The Courier Mail and the local paid newspaper in nearly every city or town in Queensland.