WA News has achieved virtual blanket radio coverage of Western Australia, north of Perth, after a $12 million takeover of regional publishing group, Geraldton Newspapers.

The deal is viewed more about securing strategic radio licences for WA’s mid west than acquiring a regional ‘bolt on’ newspaper, strengthening WA News’ position as the state’s dominant multi-media operator.

The company takes over the Geraldton Guardian, which comes out three times a week, the free weekly paper, the Mid West Mail and, significantly, Mid West radio stations, 98FM and 96.5FM.

WA News became a radio player in 2003 when it paid almost $12 million for regional WA radio broadcaster, RedWave Media, incorporating the Spirit AM licence and WAFM licence in Broome, Karratha and Port Hedland. Satellite station, RedFM, covers most WA mine sites, smaller towns, islands and offshore oil and gas rigs.

Managing Director, Ian Law, has told Michael Weir in The West Australian that the deal is a logical addition to core competencies.

“For us, there are dual synergies between the newspapers and our existing operations and also, importantly, between the radio stations and our existing network of RedWave Media.

“I think for us as a company to have statewide coverage of the major regional centres of the state is important.

“There is no doubt it rounds off the RedWave radio group, in terms of its coverage of the major centres north of Perth.”

Law says massive growth in the Mid West has been underestimated.

“When you look at a map of this mid west region, it is becoming increasingly important as a mining region.

“The area, I think, is poised for another very strong agricultural season, but also there is huge growth across the spectrum in the resources sector.”