Media barons get nod

THE nation's four largest media companies are a step closer to increasing their grip in metropolitan Australia, after the industry regulator yesterday cleared them to make new acquisitions.

THE nation's four largest media companies are a step closer to increasing their grip in metropolitan Australia, after the industry regulator yesterday cleared them to make new acquisitions.

The release of the Australian Communications and Media Authority's Register of Controlled Media Groups was vital ahead of the proclamation of new media laws. Companies will be able to control media across two out of the three major categories - radio, television and print.

The register named the companies already controlling two or more media licences in individual regions. In each of the five major capitals, none of the four major media groups or related entities - including the Seven Network, PBL, Fairfax Media and News Limited, publisher of The Australian - is deemed to control two media entities. Analysts said media groups were free to expand holdings.