Sydney pub magnate Arthur Laundy has emerged as the unexpected buyer of Nine Entertainment’s national talkback radio network, acquiring stations including 2GB Sydney, 3AW Melbourne, 4BC Brisbane and 6PR Perth, for $56 million. Laundy, 85, built his fortune through the Laundy Hotel Group, which now operates more than 90 pubs, hotels, and bottle shops across New South Wales. Despite being a first-time media owner, he has signalled a long-term commitment to radio, saying the business shares parallels with hospitality. Ben Fordham, 2GB breakfast host, welcomed the deal live on air, highlighting the Laundy family’s reputation for valuing staff and investing for the long term. The acquisition pits Laundy against other high-profile bidders, including adman John Singleton and Sports Entertainment Group chief Craig Hutchison, who were previously tipped as favourites.