Seven West Media: A History of Australian Broadcasting and Publishing
The landscape of Australian media has been shaped by decades of mergers, acquisitions, and strategic pivots. At the center of this evolution is Seven West Media, a powerhouse that integrates one of the nation's oldest newspapers with one of its most successful free-to-air television networks. From the early days of VHF broadcasting to the digital age of news agreements with tech giants, the company's journey reflects the broader shifts in how Australians consume information.
The Legacy of The West Australian
The West Australian newspaper has a long history of shifting ownership. From the 1920s, it was owned by West Australian Newspapers Limited (WAN). In 1969, the Melbourne-based Herald & Weekly Times (HWT) acquired WAN, holding it until 1987 when News Limited took over HWT. The paper then passed through the Bell Group and Bond Corporation before the latter's collapse led to the formation of West Australian Newspapers Holdings, which was eventually floated in a $185 million public offering.
In the mid-2000s, WAN expanded its portfolio through a 50/50 joint venture with Publishing & Broadcasting Limited to purchase Hoyts, though this stake was sold to Pacific Equity Partners in 2007. A pivotal shift occurred in 2009 when Kerry Stokes, via the Seven Network, acquired a 14.9% stake and became chairman, appointing Chris Wharton as CEO and Brett McCarthy as editor.
The Rise of the Seven Network
The Seven Network, often referred to as Channel 7, began on November 4, 1956, with the launch of stations in Melbourne (HSV-7) and Sydney (ATN-7). It grew as a collection of independent stations across Australia's capital cities. TVW-7 Perth launched on October 16, 1959, as the city's first commercial station, licensed to a subsidiary of West Australian Newspapers.
Due to media laws in 1969, the Herald and Weekly Times group—which owned HSV-7 and ADS-7—was forced to sell TVW-7, leading to the creation of TVW Enterprises Pty Ltd on the Perth Stock Exchange.
Ownership Turmoil and the 1980s
The 1980s were marked by rapid ownership changes. The Bell Group took over TVW Enterprises in 1982. By December 1986, News Limited acquired the Herald & Weekly Times, subsequently selling HSV-7 to John Fairfax & Sons for $320 million and ADS-7 to Frank Lowy's Northern Star.
By 1987, Qintex took control of the network. This era saw the launch of the iconic soap opera Home & Away and the relaunch of Seven National News (now Seven News). In 1988, Christopher Skase bought Bell Group's stations for $130 million, creating the first fully owned and operated national network across the five mainland cities.
However, a failed $1.5 billion bid for MGM Studios led Qintex into receivership. Following Skase's flight from Australia in 1990, the assets were reorganized into Seven Network Limited in 1991.
The Kerry Stokes Era and Market Dominance
After the network re-listed on the Australian Securities Exchange in 1993, Kerry Stokes acquired 19.9% of the company in 1995 and became chairman. Under his leadership, the network expanded into regional Queensland via Sunshine Television and served as the host broadcaster for the Sydney Olympics in 2000.
The 2000s saw aggressive diversification. In 2006, Seven formed Yahoo!7, a joint venture with Pacific Magazine and Yahoo Australia and New Zealand. The network also invested in broadband businesses like Unwired and Engin, and became the Australian licensee for TiVo.
By 2007, Seven became the highest-rating television network in Australia. A historic milestone was reached in 2011 when Seven won all 40 weeks of the ratings season for total viewers—the first network to do so since the OZtam ratings system began in 2001.
The Formation of Seven West Media
In February 2011, Seven Media Group (a joint venture between Seven Network and KKR) announced a merger with West Australian Newspapers Holdings Limited. The resulting entity, Seven West Media, was approved by shareholders in April 2011. By May 2013, KKR had sold its remaining 12% stake in the company.
The company continued to evolve its portfolio, though it sold Pacific Magazines (including brands like Marie Claire and New Idea) to Bauer Media Group in May 2020.
Modern Transitions and Digital Strategy
In February 2021, Seven West Media entered into news coverage deals with Google and Facebook following government plans to require tech companies to pay news outlets for content. The company also expanded its investment arm, Seven West Ventures, taking equity in View Media Group in 2022.
Recent years have seen significant restructuring. In June 2024, the company announced 150 job cuts and a reorganization into three divisions: Television, Digital, and Western Australia. In 2025, Seven West Media acquired Southern Cross Austereo's regional Seven affiliate stations for $3.75 million.
The final chapter of its independent listing occurred in late 2025. Following a merger announcement with Southern Cross Media Group in September 2025, Seven West Media was suspended from the ASX on December 24, 2025, and officially delisted on January 7, 2026.
Key Facts
- Founded: Seven Network began broadcasting on November 4, 1956.
- Ratings Milestone: First network to win all 40 weeks of the ratings season (2011).
- Major Merger: Seven Media Group and West Australian Newspapers merged in 2011 to form Seven West Media.
- Digital Pivot: Secured payment deals with Google and Facebook in 2021 for news content.
- Final Status: Delisted from the ASX on January 7, 2026, following a merger with Southern Cross Media Group.
| Period/Year | Key Event | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 1956 | Launch of VHF7 stations | Establishment of Seven Network in Melbourne and Sydney |
| 1988 | Christopher Skase acquisition | First owned and operated national network |
| 1995 | Kerry Stokes acquisition | Stokes becomes chairman; begins era of growth |
| 2011 | WAN and Seven Media Group merger | Formation of Seven West Media |
| 2026 | Merger with Southern Cross Media Group | Delisting from the ASX |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Seven Network first start broadcasting?
The Seven Network began on November 4, 1956, with the establishment of the first stations on the VHF7 frequency in Melbourne and Sydney.
How did Seven West Media form?
Seven West Media was created in 2011 when West Australian Newspapers Holdings Limited (WAN) purchased Seven Media Group from Seven Group Holdings and KKR.
What was the significance of the 2011 ratings season?
Seven became the first network since the introduction of the OZtam ratings system in 2001 to win all 40 out of 40 weeks of the ratings season for total viewers.
Why did Seven West Media make deals with Google and Facebook in 2021?
These deals were made in response to proposed government laws that would force tech companies to pay news outlets for content to ensure the sustainability of the Australian news industry.
What happened to Seven West Media in 2026?
Following a merger with Southern Cross Media Group, Seven West Media was suspended from the Australian Securities Exchange on December 24, 2025, and officially delisted on January 7, 2026.