Seven West takes 100% of Community News

The publisher of The West Australian has increased its dominance of the state’s media sector by purchasing News Corp’s 50.1 per cent stake in Community Newspaper Group.

Seven West Media already held a 49.9 per cent stake in Community News.

The business will relocate to Seven West Media’s Western Australian headquarters in Osborne Park in late June.

This follows the 2016 purchase of The Sunday Times, which has moved from its old office in Stirling Street to Osborne Park.

Seven West also owns TV network Seven Group and the PerthNow news web site.

Community Newspaper Group was incorporated in 1985 and produces 12 free weekly metropolitan print mastheads plus 17 digital mastheads.

Its main competitor is Post Newspapers in the western suburbs.

“We are proud to have complete ownership of this business which complements our existing audiences and media portfolio in WA,” Seven West Media WA chief executive Maryna Fewster said.

News Corp Australasia executive chairman Michael Miller said the business had enjoyed a strong association with Community News.

"We want the best for its future, which is why we believe the time is right for it to be consolidated within the broader portfolio of Seven West Media,” he said.

Seven West WA chief operating officer Adam Everett will have full oversight of Community News content.

"Our thanks and congratulations to Michelle D’Almeida for her contribution as chair of CNG and best wishes for her future,” Mr Everett said.

WA Opposition leader Mike Nahan told the ABC the purchase was concerning.

"People value their local papers and I am concerned that the local papers might get amalgamated into some large entity."

"I'll have to wait and see how it operates, of course, but I am, as many people are, worried about variety and competition; it's getting to be very concentrated.

"Particularly in print media there's a high level of concentration, this will augment that."