Why the Nine Fairfax merger could be bad for business
Ex-Fairfax business publisher and journalist Amanda Gome considers what effect the company’s recent merger with Nine will have on Australia’s business journalism landscape.
You might think business is rubbing its hands with glee over the Fairfax/Nine proposed merger. However if it plays out the way many Fairfax journalists fear it will, there will be fewer journalists engaged in high-quality journalism.
But hey, that’s good new for business, right? Less scrutiny, fewer pesky journalists digging around their company, exposing the dirty linen.
It’s not so. For many businesses, a high quality business press is very important. Yes, they get uncomfortable, annoyed and even enraged at times over a particular story or coverage of an issue.
An often overlooked angle about the importance of the business press to business and the wider society!
Totally agree but this is business! Nine, like all other listed entities has to deliver profits to shareholders. the board clearly believes that buying Fairfax gives it a better chance now and into the future. Quality journalism isn’t being questioned but profitable quality journalism is an ongoing challenge.