Southern Cross Austereo
Australian media company and radio broadcasting group.
Last updated August 31, 2026
AI crawler reads
No AI crawler has read this profile since Oct 28, 2026.
Overview
Southern Cross Austereo, commonly known as SCA, is an Australian media company best known for operating a large network of commercial radio stations and digital audio services. The business is headquartered in South Melbourne and has historically combined regional broadcasting assets inherited from Macquarie Media Group with the metropolitan radio networks of Austereo. Its radio operations have given it a presence across every Australian state and territory and made it one of the country’s largest commercial radio broadcasters. The company’s modern history began in 2004, when Macquarie Bank established a vehicle to consolidate regional radio assets. It acquired RG Capital’s stations and then the regional assets of DMG Radio Australia, creating a network that initially covered more than 90 stations before regulatory divestments were required. The business subsequently expanded into television through the acquisition of Southern Cross Broadcasting in 2007. This brought regional television services affiliated with the Seven Network and Network Ten, together with Tasmanian Digital Television and related broadcasting infrastructure, into the group. The combined operation traded for a period as Macquarie Southern Cross Media. A corporate restructuring in 2009 and 2010 converted the former triple-stapled Macquarie Media Group structure into a single ASX-listed company. The group was renamed Southern Cross Media Group, and in 2011 it acquired national radio broadcaster Austereo. That transaction joined Southern Cross’s regional broadcasting footprint with Austereo’s metropolitan networks, including the Hit and Triple M brands, and led to the Southern Cross Austereo name. During the 2010s, SCA managed both radio and regional television assets. Its television activities included the carriage of major-network programming and a range of digital multicast, shopping, racing and datacasting services. In 2016, it replaced Network Ten as the principal regional affiliate of the Nine Network in several markets under a five-year affiliation arrangement. The company also developed digital audio and publishing interests, including PodcastOne Australia and the acquisition of gaming-news publisher Press Start. SCA’s business has increasingly centred on radio, podcasts and online audio. The LISTNR platform provides a digital destination for live radio, podcasts and other audio programming in Australia, complementing terrestrial stations and network brands. Radio remains the company’s core activity, while television operations have been reduced or reshaped over time. In September 2025, SCA and Seven West Media announced an intended merger, which was reported as completed on 7 January 2026. The resulting corporate structure and any subsequent brand architecture should be checked against current company disclosures.
History
Southern Cross Austereo developed from the consolidation of Australian regional radio assets by Macquarie Bank. In 2004, Macquarie acquired RG Capital, a regional radio group associated with Reg Grundy, and the regional radio assets of DMG Radio Australia. The acquisitions created a very large regional network, although competition and media-ownership rules required stations in overlapping markets to be sold. The resulting operation traded as Macquarie Regional RadioWorks. In 2006 and 2007, the group moved beyond radio. It acquired a substantial interest in Southern Cross Broadcasting and then completed a takeover of that company in November 2007. Southern Cross brought regional television services, including stations affiliated with Seven and Network Ten, as well as Tasmanian digital television interests. The radio and television assets subsequently operated as Macquarie Southern Cross Media. The group also briefly held interests outside Australian broadcasting, including American Consolidated Media and a stake in Taiwan Broadband Communications, but these assets were later divested. The regional network’s extensive use of centralised programming and news production attracted criticism from politicians concerned about local content. Regulatory changes introduced requirements for locally significant programming on regional commercial radio stations, with the precise obligations later adjusted for smaller services. The group also sold a number of stations to comply with ownership limits and to rationalise its portfolio. Macquarie Media Group experienced a major restructuring after the 2008–09 financial year. In December 2009, security holders approved the conversion of the triple-stapled structure into a single listed company. The business was renamed Southern Cross Media Group, with Rhys Holleran becoming chief executive. In 2011, Southern Cross Media acquired Austereo in a transaction valued at approximately A$714 million. The merger combined regional radio and television assets with Austereo’s metropolitan radio networks and produced the Southern Cross Austereo identity. After the merger, the company continued to operate radio brands while managing regional television affiliations and digital channels. Between 2011 and 2016 it carried or introduced services including 9Gem, 9Go!, 7two, 7mate, One, TVSN, Aspire TV and Racing.com in selected markets. In 2014 and 2015, the former SAFM and other stations were consolidated under the Hit Network identity, supporting a more nationally consistent radio brand structure. A major television strategy change occurred in 2016, when SCA signed a five-year arrangement with Nine Entertainment and switched several regional television markets from Network Ten affiliation to Nine affiliation. The transition included the introduction of Nine’s high-definition and digital services, although some services required additional transmission equipment and staged deployment. SCA also pursued digital audio and content ventures. It acquired Press Start in 2016 and launched PodcastOne Australia in the following period. The company’s later direction has focused increasingly on radio, podcasts and digital audio, including the LISTNR platform. In 2025, SCA and Seven West Media announced an intended merger, reported as completed on 7 January 2026. Because the transaction is recent, the continuing status of the SCA name, its assets and its executive structure requires verification from post-completion corporate sources.
- 2026
Merger reported as completed
[1]The merger was reported as completed on 7 January 2026.
- 2025
Intended merger with Seven West Media announced
[1]SCA and Seven West Media announced plans to merge.
- 2016
Nine regional affiliation begins
[1]SCA replaced Network Ten with Nine as the principal regional affiliate in several markets.
- 2015
Hit Network national relaunch
[1]Formerly separate stations were progressively brought under the Hit Network identity.
- 2011
Austereo acquisition completed
[1]Southern Cross Media acquired Austereo, combining regional and metropolitan radio operations.
- 2009
Group restructures and adopts Southern Cross Media Group name
[1]Security holders approved conversion from a triple-stapled structure to a single ASX-listed company.
- 2007
Southern Cross Broadcasting acquired
[1]Macquarie acquired Southern Cross Broadcasting, bringing regional television assets into the group.
- 2005
Ownership-rule divestments begin
[1]Stations were sold in several overlapping regional markets to comply with Australian media-ownership rules.
- 2004
Macquarie establishes a regional media platform
[1]Macquarie Bank acquired RG Capital and then DMG Radio Australia’s regional assets, forming the basis of Macquarie Regional RadioWorks.
Products and positioning
A national Australian audio and broadcasting group combining metropolitan radio brands, regional radio stations and digital audio distribution.
Commercial radio network · 2015
Hit Network
A contemporary hit radio network created through the consolidation and rebranding of several SCA stations. The network provides nationally coordinated music, entertainment and personality programming while retaining local station operations in relevant markets.
Commercial radio network · 2011
Triple M
A major Australian commercial radio brand associated with music, comedy, sport and talk programming. It entered the SCA portfolio through the Austereo acquisition and operates alongside the Hit Network.
Digital audio platform
LISTNR
SCA’s Australian digital audio platform, offering access to live radio, podcasts and other on-demand audio content. It extends the company’s broadcasting brands beyond terrestrial transmission.
Podcast service · 2017
PodcastOne Australia
An Australian version of the PodcastOne online podcast service developed through a long-term agreement announced in 2016. It formed part of SCA’s expansion into digitally distributed spoken-word audio.
Television broadcasting · 2007
Regional television services
SCA historically operated regional television stations affiliated with major commercial networks, including Southern Cross Television and Southern Cross Ten. Its television portfolio also carried digital multicast and datacast services in selected regional and remote markets.
Controversies
2022
Lawrence Mooney sues Southern Cross Austereo over unpaid wages
Lawrence Mooney is suing Southern Cross Austereo, the parent company of Triple M, for unpaid wages following his departure from the station. Court documents claim his contract ran through December 31, 2022, and that the company would pay his base salary only through November 12, 2021.
Brand decisions
2016
Switch regional television affiliation from Network Ten to NineStrategyBackground
SCA negotiated a new regional affiliation arrangement with Nine Entertainment to replace its primary Network Ten affiliation in several markets.
Action taken
The company signed a five-year agreement and changed the primary affiliation of relevant stations on 1 July 2016, adding Nine’s metropolitan branding and digital services.
Aftermath
Nine became the principal regional affiliate in the covered markets, while some services were introduced in stages as transmission equipment became available.
2016
Acquire Press StartM&ABackground
SCA expanded into digital publishing and gaming content.
Action taken
It acquired gaming-news publisher Press Start; founder Shannon Grixti became managing director of the publication.
Aftermath
The acquisition added a digital editorial property to SCA’s media portfolio.
2014
Consolidate radio stations under the Hit NetworkStrategyBackground
SCA sought greater consistency across its contemporary-hit radio operations.
Action taken
It announced the relaunch of SAFM as Hit 107 and subsequently extended Hit branding across the network.
Aftermath
The rebranding produced a more unified national Hit Network identity, with further station changes continuing through 2016.
2011
Acquire AustereoM&ABackground
Southern Cross Media sought to combine its regional broadcasting footprint with Austereo’s metropolitan radio networks.
Action taken
It launched a takeover bid valued at approximately A$714 million and obtained control before completing the merger in July 2011.
Aftermath
The combined company adopted the Southern Cross Austereo identity and operated both the Hit and Triple M radio brands.
Transaction value. Approximately A$714 million (2011)
Recent events
Lawrence Mooney sues Southern Cross Austereo over unpaid wages[2]
Reported:
Lawrence Mooney is suing Southern Cross Austereo, the parent company of Triple M, for unpaid wages following his departure from the station. Court documents claim his contract ran through December 31, 2022, and that the company would pay his base salary only through November 12, 2021.
SCA partners with Make-A-Wish Australia and Foodbank Australia[3]
Reported:
Southern Cross Austereo partnered with Make-A-Wish Australia and Foodbank Australia as part of its SCA Embrace charity program.
SCA acquires Kinderling[4]
Reported:
Southern Cross Austereo acquired Kinderling, an Australian children’s radio and podcast company.
SCA selects MediaHub to deliver Sky News Regional[5]
Reported:
Southern Cross Austereo chose MediaHub Australia to manage and deliver Sky News Regional channels across Australia.
SCA launches The Locals’ Guide[6]
Reported:
Southern Cross Austereo launched The Locals’ Guide, a community events guide available on smart speakers.
SCA launches Shop Local campaign[7]
Reported:
Southern Cross Austereo rolled out its ‘Shop Local’ campaign, voiced by talent from Triple M and Hit Network, urging people to support local businesses during COVID-19 lockdowns.
Southern Cross Austereo acquires Carnarvon Communications radio stations[8]
Reported:
Southern Cross Austereo acquired Carnarvon Communications, including its two Western Australian radio stations, Classic Hits 666 and Hot Hits 997.
SCA announces rebranding of acquired Western Australian stations[8]
Reported:
Southern Cross Austereo said the acquired Classic Hits 666 and Hot Hits 997 stations would be rebranded to Triple M and Hit 997, respectively.
Sources8 sources
- 1Southern Cross Austereoen.wikipedia.org
- 2Lawrence Mooney sues Southern Cross Austereo over unpaid wagesdailymail.com
- 3SCA与澳大利亚许愿基金会和Foodbank Australia建立合作mumbrella.com.au
- 4SCA收购Kinderlingmumbrella.com.au
- 5SCA 选定 MediaHub 负责传送 Sky News Regionalmumbrella.com.au
- 6SCA推出The Locals’ Guidemumbrella.com.au
- 7SCA推出“Shop Local”宣传活动mumbrella.com.au
- 8Southern Cross Austereo收购Carnarvon Communications旗下电台mumbrella.com.au
Cite this profile: Cite the canonical profile. /brand-wiki/southern-cross-austereo · Editorial policy · How profiles are compiled