06-05-2025
Company behind 'Newsmax Australia' falls at first hurdle after regional TV deal falls through, Seven West Media swoops in
The company attempting to launch an Australian arm of US TV network Newsmax has fallen at the first hurdle after Channel Seven swooped in on its deal to acquire an array of regional television assets.
Australian Digital Holdings, a conservative online broadcaster launched in 2021, revealed plans in February to acquire about a dozen regional TV licenses from Southern Cross Austereo.
The deal was for the last of SCA's stations, which included assets in Tasmania, Spencer Gulf, Broken Hill, Mt Isa, Darwin and remote parts of Central and Eastern Australia.
However, SCA on Tuesday revealed Seven West Media will instead be purchasing the channels after 'the final conditions to complete this transaction were not satisfied'.
However, it remains unclear specifically what conditions went unsatisfied.
ADH originally agreed to buy the licenses for $6.35m, with $3.75m of this cash, while SWM will pay $3.75m in cash up front for the deal which is expected to close on June 30.
After reports first arose of ADH's interest in SCA's TV stations, Mr Bulfin said a 'robust and compelling offer' was made.
'Revenue is still strong for free-to-air regional television, despite the pressures of the times, and with improved cost-controls and investment in key markets, the group sees a good future for the licences and improved TV services for the regions,' Mr Bulfin said.
The unexplained blow to ADH comes as it looks to launch Newsmax Australia.
Reports arose in December of ADH's plans to bring Newsmax to Australia, with the Australian company noting the new move would allow it to 'expand (its) offerings, explore new genres, and engage with (its) audience in meaningful ways that go beyond the screen'.
'Newsmax Australia represents the pinnacle of cross-border collaboration, with a focus on creating content local content, while appealing to global viewers,' ADH said.
'This is not just a name change; it's a reinvention of how we engage, entertain, and inspire.'
ADH has not published its usual suite of original programming in several months and most of its social media platforms are now under a 'Newsmax Australia' page, which frequently publishes content.
Its website also redirects users to a page that says 'Newsmax Australia Coming 2025', where ADH is acknowledged as the parent company.
The company was founded by CEO Jack Bulfin, is chaired by former ABC chairman Maurice Newman and once prominently featured Alan Jones.
did not receive a response to questions from ADH or Mr Bulfin at time of publication.
