Journalists and media figures have had a mixed reaction to the Nine and Fairfax merger with former reporters who’ve worked with both companies warning there is a big culture difference between the two organisations.
Former Fairfax journalist Katherine Murphy reflected much of the print company’s mood around the announcement, tweeting she wanted to cry on hearing the news the merged company will be called Nine.
Fairfax columnist John Birmingham and Guardian Australia senior writer Brigid Delaney, both of whom have worked at both organisations, flagged the cultural differences between the companies with Delaney warning Fairfax staffers should “hold onto their hats”.
Media academic and Fairfax columnist Jenna Price had a fiery response to critics pointing out the company’s failing, saying “the next person who tweets or Facebooks me to say Fairfax brought it on itself will be consigned to a fiery hell.”
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Guardian economics correspondent Greg Jericho was sceptical about Greg Hywood’s claim that Fairfax’s DNA would live on in the merged organisation.
Finally, Crikey founder and media commentator Stephen Mayne pointed out the potential conflict for such a powerful media organisation to be chaired by former Liberal Party Treasurer, Peter Costello.