On August 2, the ACCC wrote to interested parties seeking views on the proposed acquisition of APN News & Media Limited Australian Regional Media division by News Corp. You can see the ACCC letter here. The closing date fore submissions was August 15. The ALNA (formerly ANF) emailed QLD newsagents on August 16 at 4:26pm seeking feedback for their submission.
Note the ACCC’s areas of interest:
The ACCC’s investigation is focused on the impact on competition. In particular, we are seeking your views on:
- how closely News’ publications (including websites, where relevant) compete with ARM’s publications for the supply of content to consumers and the supply of advertising space to advertisers
- the impact of the proposed acquisition on competition, and whether it will:
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lower the quality of content, especially local news content
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reduce the choices available to readers for local news content
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increase newspaper prices
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increase the price of advertising, especially in newspapers in Queensland and northern New South Wales
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whether, following the proposed acquisition, there would be sufficient competitive constraints on News to ensure the relevant content and advertising markets remain competitive.
Attachment B of the ACCC letter outlines further topics for which they are seeking feedback. These could be of particular interest to newsagents:
4. If the proposed acquisition went ahead, would competition from other media suppliers in Queensland and/or northern NSW provide a sufficient competitive constraint on News to ensure it offers content/advertising on competitive terms? Specifically, which media suppliers might provide a competitive constraint?
5. Do you consider News, ARM or any other market participant, to be a particularly vigorous competitor in the supply of local or regional news and information in Queensland and/or northern NSW on aspects such as quality, range or diversity of content (e.g. local news/information), price, promotional activity or any other factor?
6. What impact do you consider the proposed acquisition will have on competition in the supply of local or regional news and information in Queensland and northern NSW generally or in particular regional areas? Please specify any particular geographic regions you are concerned about.