Analysts are expecting a frenzy of merger and acquisitions activity in the media sector this year if the media ownership rules are relaxed or rescinded. The Abbott government has made it clear that it wants to scrap the cross-media ownership restrictions, arguing that the restrictions are archaic in the internet age.

The share prices of traditional media companies have been hit hard as they battle falling print and television advertising. If the rules are scrapped, it is likely that the regional television operators and perhaps APN News & Media, the Australasian newspaper publisher and radio licences holder, would be the first to go. Read more »