After a vote was held during Wednesday’s annual general meeting, HT&E has officially rebranded to ARN Media. The move reflects the company’s growth prospects in radio.
The move comes almost six years to the day since APN News & Media rebranded to HT&E.
“In 2020, ARN was a metropolitan-based radio business. Today thanks to our regional acquisition and our investments in digital audio, we are connecting audiences and brands in a market that is worth $1.4bn,” Ciaran Davis said to shareholders in his CEO’s address.
See Also: Ciaran Davis: Why ARN Regional was the driving force behind HT&E financial results
“The future of digital audio holds immense potential for growth, innovation, and cultural impact. Our company is very well placed to shape the audio landscape in Australia and that is why you are voting today to change our name from HT&E to ARN Media.
“Since selling Adshel for $570m in 2018, we have set about delivering a market leading radio business and building a digitally-centred audio and entertainment business.
“In that time, we extended key talent contracts and our partnership with iHeartMedia. We launched the leading podcast network. In 2021, we settled a long running tax dispute and acquired 46 stations from Grant Broadcasters.
“Today, I outlined for you our vision to embrace the world of audio and audio entertainment and leverage advancements in technology to drive shareholder value.
“I believe this name change reflects the ambitions we have building the most successful audio entertainment business in Australia.”
The Company’s ticker code will also change from HT1 to A1N, a change that is expected to come into effect on ASX from the commencement of trading on Monday May 22nd.
The investor website will also change to investors.arn.com.au being a tab under arn.com.au.
As a broadcast and on-demand audio company, ARN has 115 stations across 65 markets plus 46 DAB+ stations nationwide. Brands include the KIIS Network, the Pure Gold Network, CADA and digital entertainment platform iHeart.
See Also: ARN confirms changes to the CADA team after strategy “reshape”
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Top Image: Ciaran Davis