If you’ve ever wondered who stands behind the headlines of the Australian Financial Review (AFR), you’re not alone. The AFR is one of Australia’s most respected sources for business, finance, and political news, but its ownership story reflects the changing landscape of Australian media.
The Current Owner: Nine Entertainment
Today, the Australian Financial Review is owned by Nine Entertainment, a major Australian media company with interests across television, digital, and publishing platforms. Nine Entertainment acquired the AFR as part of a landmark merger with Fairfax Media in 2018, creating one of the country’s largest integrated media groups.
A Brief History of Ownership
- Founded in 1951 by John Fairfax & Sons, the AFR started as a weekly print publication and later evolved into a daily newspaper.
- For decades, it was part of Fairfax Media, a dominant force in Australian publishing that also owned The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age
- In 2018, Nine Entertainment and Fairfax Media merged, with Nine shareholders taking a majority stake in the combined entity. The merger was reviewed and cleared by the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC).
What Does This Mean for the AFR?
Since the merger, the AFR has been published by Nine Publishing, a division of Nine Entertainment. The paper continues to operate from its Sydney headquarters and maintains a strong editorial identity, focusing on business, politics, and economic affairs.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Owner | Nine Entertainment |
| Publisher | Nine Publishing |
| Founded By | John Fairfax & Sons |
| Year Founded | 1951 |
| Previous Owner | Fairfax Media (until 2018) |
| Headquarters | Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
The Australian Financial Review is owned by Nine Entertainment, following its historic merger with Fairfax Media in 2018. While its roots trace back to the Fairfax family, today the AFR operates as a flagship business publication within one of Australia’s most influential media groups-delivering trusted journalism to readers nationwide.