ARN acquires Fairfax Perth channel 96FM to complete five capital city offering
Australian Radio Network has acquired Fairfax’s 96FM in Perth which will be integrated into ARN’s Kiis network completing the network’s five capital city offering.
The final radio ratings survey of the year saw the station positioned as the third top FM station with a share of 10.7 per cent, with its breakfast show grabbing an audience share of 9.9 per cent .
ARN chief executive Ciaran Davis said: “We’re excited about the acquisition of 96FM as we know the business well and look forward to working even closer with the team, having represented its national sales for six years.
“96FM is a successful radio operator that targets 25-54 year olds. It has a strong, local heritage in Perth and its integration into the Kiis network provides the perfect foundation for ARN to offer a truly unique national offering across all five metro markets, sitting alongside our successful Pure Gold network.
“As agencies and advertisers attempt to cope with the ever increasing diversification, fragmentation and sophistication of media campaigns, the KIIS network proposition will provide the largest listener reach and easy to implement integrated solutions.”
The news comes as Fairfax Media and Macquarie Radio Network have announced a merger that will see Fairfax take a majority shareholding of 54.5 per cent in a new enlarged listed entity.
It is being expanded nationally next year with Matt Tilley and Jane Hall in breakfast in Melbourne and Dave ‘Hughesy’ Hughs and Kate Langbroek in national drive.
The Kiis network incorporates the Sydney and Melbourne stations as well as Adelaide’s Mix102.3, Brisbane’s 97.3FM and now Perth’s 96FM.
Miranda Ward
Linkedin