Great Southern Land Media Group (GSL Media) has announced the acquisition of EON Broadcasting Pty Ltd (EON). EON owns and operates 91.9 SEA FM and 92.7 MIX FM through its subsidiary Sunshine Coast Broadcasters Pty Ltd.
It marks an exit from radio for the owners of EON Broadcasting after it sold Sydney station 2CH to SEN in 2020. Glenn Wheatley was a shareholder in EON Broadcasting which was majority controlled by private equity investor Oceania Capital.
Rhys Holleran
GSL Media is led by its board of radio veterans, Rhys Holleran, Guy Dobson and Nick Scott, who have a depth of media experience including a long association on the Sunshine Coast. The three were all key players at SCA for many years, Holleran as CEO, Dobson as head of content and Scott running the SCA Gold Coast stations.
Rhys Holleran, speaking on behalf of GSL Media said, “We are thrilled to be given the opportunity to purchase these assets. The Sunshine Coast team is one of the best in the business. John Williams will continue to lead this talented group and we look forward to adding value to that leadership when and where we can.
“GSL’s media focus will continue to be strong, local content that is relevant to its audience and working with local business to achieve their business goals.”
Guy Dobson
Guy Dobson told Mediaweek he and Holleran had been looking for a possible investment in media for several years. “The Sunshine Coast stations have been extraordinarily well run and it is a great place to start.”
Dobson also explained it is a separate business to his other radio interests held in Resonate Broadcasting which holds licences across Queensland and in Hawaii.
GSL Media is looking to grow further. “The idea is not to just stop at two [stations],” said Dobson. He added: “We are called a media company, not just radio. We are looking at all opportunities.”
EON CEO, John Williams said, “It’s a touch of deja vu in that eight years ago the current owners purchased the stations from Southern Cross Austereo and here we are now with former executives buying back the farm. Rhys and his group are well known to the majority of staff so the transition should be very smooth.”
GSL Media said the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to be complete in the coming weeks.