"We fit together exceptionally well": Kerry Stokes on the SCA Merger at His Final Seven West Media AGM
On November 6, Seven West Media held its Annual General Meeting and trading update—Kerry Stokes’ final AGM as Chairman before the anticipated merger with Southern Cross Austereo (SCA). The session marked the first rise in EBITDA since FY22, though overall television advertising remained lower.
Stokes emphasized the continued importance of Australians having free access to live sports and lightly criticized the AFL for what he called "poor scheduling" that negatively impacted audiences.
“We fit together exceptionally well, a seamless combination of high-value brands across free-to-air television, streaming, audio, digital and publishing assets.”
Discussing the upcoming merger, SWM CEO Jeff Howard, who is set to lead the combined organization, shared his optimism.
“Bringing together the complementary assets and brands of Seven West Media and Southern Cross will create a truly national, diversified media organisation, one with extensive scale and reach across free-to-air television, streaming, audio, digital and publishing assets. The possibilities will bring a new energy to Seven West Media.”
Author’s Summary
The final AGM under Kerry Stokes highlighted growth, upcoming integration with SCA, and a strong belief in the merger's potential to reshape Australian media reach and diversity.