DMG Radio has ruled out the sale of its regional network to West Australian Newspapers.

The Australian Financial Review quotes DMG chief, Paul Thompson, as saying he is not discussing the sale of the 59 regional stations.

“Our preference is not to sell.”

The denial follows a report two weeks ago that WA News was reportedly looking seriously at a major expansion of its radio interests.

The report in The Australian said WA News’ chief, Ian Law, was already running the numbers on DMG’s regional radio assets.

It said DMG, itself, was eyeing off Hollinger’s media properties in the UK and would not be averse to an offer from WA News or Rural Press.

West Australian Newspapers Limited publishes The West Australian and 19 regional newspapers, and already owns Redwave Media, Broadcasting as WAFM, RedFM and The Spirit Network throughout regional WA.