Sydney pub baron Arthur Laundy has bought Nine Radio for $56 million, securing a network that includes 2GB, 3AW, 4BC, 6PR, 2UE and 4BH.

The sale is expected to be completed prior to 30 June 2026, after customary conditions including the ACCC approval.

A statement to the ASX said: “Laundy is expected to remain a long-term partner of Nine, with plans to utilise Nine News journalists on radio, showcase Stan Sport through Laundy venues, provide promotion and advertising sales collaboration, as well as increased advertising spend by Laundy on Nine properties.”

The Laundy family owns more than 40 pubs, including Sydney’s Watson’s Bay Hotel and Woolwich Pier Hotel. Earlier this month, the family snapped up the Ashmont Inn Hotel in the Riverina for about $13 million.

In a message to Nine Radio staff on behalf of the Laundy Family Office, Arthur and his son Craig said: “We see strong similarities between hotels and talkback radio.

“In public bars, we chat with our customers about the issues of the day. A lot of the time, the thoughts in the minds of our customers are shaped by the work you do in radio … and vice versa.

“Many of our patrons call the open line using the talkback catch-cry ‘long time listener, first time caller. They’re also the best arbiters of what passes ‘The Pub Test’.

“We see our customers as your listeners.”

Speaking on his 2GB breakfast show, Ben Fordham welcomed the sale.

“Congratulations to the Laundy family, and congratulations too to the team at Channel Nine,” Fordham said.

“The Laundys are investing in radio for the long term — and that’s great news for radio. They’ve been in business for a long time. They treat people well. They’re really good people — and that’s a great start.”

Former 2GB star Ray Hadley said: “It couldn’t go to better people, I have known them for decades and they know how to run hotels and hospitality and now they are going to be running radio. It is a big challenge and obviously I wish them all the best and hopefully it will be a very successful acquisition for them.”

Nine acquired the network in 2019, which was then known as Macquarie Media, after taking over Fairfax Media. At the time the network was valued at $275 million.

Pictured main: Arthur Laundy (left) appeared on Clinton Maynard’s 2GB show in August 2025.  (Supplied: 2GB)