NZME grows Bay of Plenty presence by acquiring SunMedia’s print and digital assets

AUCKLAND, Today: New Zealand Media and Entertainment (NZME) boosts its Bay of Plenty presence, buying SunMedia’s print and digital assets. The acquisition supports local journalism, enhancing NZME’s regional footprint.

Owned by Claire Rogers and the late Brian Rogers, SunMedia has been a staple in Tauranga for 23 years. NZME adds three print titles and the Sun Live website to its portfolio.

Michael Boggs, NZME’s CEO, says, “NZME is delighted to be adding to its strong stable of local mastheads and digital platforms with the acquisition of Sun Media’s highly-regarded local news and sales operation.”

He adds, “This purchase demonstrates NZME’s commitment to supporting local journalism, and contributes to NZME’s Publishing strategy, ensuring we operate a high quality, efficient print business that services local communities and advertisers, as well as having a high-performing digital news offering.”

“This purchase demonstrates NZME’s commitment to supporting local journalism, and contributes to NZME’s Publishing strategy, ensuring we operate a high quality.” – Michael Boggs

“SunMedia has a proud local history… We are pleased to be able to continue to invest in its future, supporting local journalism, as well as its sales and delivery capabilities in the region,” Boggs continues.

“NZME is proud to reach around 258,000 people* across Bay of Plenty… SunMedia’s platforms will further complement our extensive offering of local news content and entertainment across the region,” concludes Boggs.

Claire Rogers reflects, “While this decision is not an easy one, it is the right move to ensure Tauranga continues to have the best local news platforms heading into the future.”

The transaction between NZME and SunMedia is set to close by 31 March 2024.