More than 100 regional newspapers and websites in Queensland and NSW are up for sale as their owner says it no longer wants to pour money into the challenging market.
APN News & Media says it is in talks with several interested parties about the divestment of its Australian Regional Media (ARM) business, which reaches an audience of more than 1.5 million between Mackay and Coffs Harbour.
ARM's earnings dropped 27 per cent in calendar 2015, despite millions in cost cuts and growth in digital subscriptions beginning to replace the declining newspaper audience.
"Further investment in this business is now inconsistent with APN's long term ambitions and we have commenced the process to divest the business," APN chief executive Ciaran Davis said.
Talks are underway, but it is too early to speculate on a possible sale price, he said.
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A $51 million cut to the value of APN's regional newspaper mastheads dragged the company to a loss of $10 million for 2015.
APN may also end up selling its New Zealand newspaper, radio and magazine business, which is its second biggest earner.
Plans to list NZME on the share market have been scrapped because of falling advertising spending, and APN said it is now considering its options for the business.
The company wants to focus on growth in its more successful businesses, the Australian Radio Network and outdoor advertising group Adshel.
Radio earnings rose 25 per cent in 2015, as Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O drove ratings success at KIIS, while its Pure Gold network also rated well in Sydney and Melbourne.
Mr Davis said the Australian radio market was up five per cent in January, with ARN continuing to take market share.
The network wants to grow its younger audience, with investment in mobile, video and social platforms, such as the iHeartRadio app.
Adshel's earnings rose four per cent in 2015 as it launched digital billboards at bus stops.
APN shares were up 2.5 cents at 52.5 cents.
APN PLUNGES INTO THE RED
* Net loss of $10.2m vs $11.5m net profit
* Revenue flat at $850m
* No dividend, unchanged
