Arthur Laundy pledges hands-off approach after $56m radio network acquisition
Billionaire hotelier Arthur Laundy has wasted little time introducing himself to staff at Australia’s largest talkback radio network following his surprise entry into the media sector, but insists major changes are not on the agenda anytime soon.
The 84-year-old Rich Lister, who controls more than 90 pubs and hotels and is estimated to be worth $1.6 billion, completed the $56 million acquisition of Nine Radio on Friday, securing flagship stations 2GB in Sydney and 3AW in Melbourne, along with 4BC in Brisbane and 6PR in Perth.
Despite becoming one of the most influential figures in Australian media overnight, Laundy said it would be foolish to intervene too early as he familiarises himself with an entirely new industry.
“I’ve owned the place now 24 hours and I’d be a bloody fool to change things,” Laundy told The Australian.
“I go into hotels and I don’t do anything to them for six months and I see how they run, and then I’ll start making a little amendments. I have no intention of doing anything different at this radio station. I’m there to learn, mate. I’m only 84 and I’ve got plenty of time to learn.”
Laundy marked the deal by visiting the network’s Pyrmont headquarters on Friday, where he met staff during a walk-through shortly after the transaction was completed.
“I went in and I met with all the staff and they were jumping, and they were saying it will be great to have someone in there they could talk to,” Laundy said.
The visit included a moment that underscored the hotelier’s low-key approach to ownership.
“I asked if there was any chance I could have a set of keys to the garage and somewhere to park my car ... and they said,
‘Some keys? You own the garage!’” he said. “Of course, it’s not going to be like that. I’ll just be happy to swing by and pop in and have a cup of tea with everyone from time to time.
“There’s no airs or grace in my family. We’re just a lot of westies who believe in hardworking everyday people and that’s why I already love the place: it’s full to the brim with them.”
Staying true to his hospitality roots, Laundy later shared a beer with 2GB staff at his Woolloomooloo Hotel before spending Saturday morning fielding calls from journalists keen to hear from Australia’s newest media powerbroker.
Laundy played down any immediate plans to divest.
“Any decision would be made over time but I have no plans to do that at the present time,” he said.
Jonathan Jackson, 2nd February 2026
