James Packer returns to media, backing Alan Jones
James Packer has returned to the world of media, emerging as a key, multimillion-dollar investor in Alan Jones’ Australian Digital Holdings.
Jones, one of the highest-profile figures in Australian radio, established ADH TV after exiting Sky News Australia and Nine Entertainment’s 2GB Sydney in 2021. Modelled off Newsmax, a right-wing television network in the United States, ADH broadcasts five hours of shows each day hosted by Jones, Family First party director Lyle Shelton and The Australian columnist Nick Cater.
James Packer: “Alan is a dear, dear friend who I love, and it’s a pleasure to support him.”
Mr Packer has been close to Jones for years, calling him to wish him well on his retirement in 2020. Mr Packer also used a private lunch with Jones and Barry O’Farrell to pitch the then NSW premier the idea for Crown Sydney.
The billionaire, whose Publishing and Broadcasting Limited vehicle spun off Nine and other media assets in 2006, has been part of a quiet capital raising for Jones’ ADH, The Australian Financial Review understands. Sources close to the investments, who were not permitted to speak publicly, said the network was valued at more than $20 million.
While Mr Packer’s multimillion-dollar injection into the company is small compared to his wealth – $4.95 billion, according to the Financial Review Rich List – it adds weight to a fledgling network that aims to challenge News Corp’s Sky News for the conservative Australian audience.
ADH’s board includes Cater, former ABC chairman Maurice Newman and barrister Margaret Cunneen.
Last week, Jones hosted a special show devoted to the NSW anti-corruption body’s investigation into Gladys Berejiklian, labelling the organisation a “disgrace”. The network draws 130,000
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