Rural Press has announced the acquisition of the 49,9% of Star Broadcasting Network previously owned by Unitel Media Group. The acquisition signals Rural Press’ intention to expand its radio interests again.

The deal means that Rural Press is now the sole owner and operator of stations where it previously only held a part interest. Rural Press now owns:

River94.9 FM Ipswich (Qld)

5RM Berri (SA)

5RIV FM Berri (SA)

1557 Wild Country (Riverland) (SA)

5AU Port Augusta/Whyalla (SA)

Magic FM Port Lincoln (SA)

5CC Port Lincoln (SA)

87.6 Wild Country (Port Lincoln) (SA)

5CS Port Pirie (SA)

An FM licence for the Whyalla, Port Augusta, Port Pirie and Clare markets has also been granted to the group and is expected to be operational later this year.

Rural Press Managing Director Brian McCarthy, says he is “pleased the ownership of the stations is now under the one roof”, and this would enhance the company’s “long-term strategy of once again developing a radio broadcasting network in Australia.”

Rural Press is constrained against owning radio stations in the same markets where it owns newspapers, unless the Broadcasting Services Act is amended. Recent discussions between the Federal Government and opposition parties and independents has led to speculation that the Government’s proposed media changes may have a chance of passing the Senate, which may result in Broadcasting Services Act changes favourable to Rural Press’ expansion strategy.