Reports of our death have been exaggerated
And what a ground zero of media bigwigs the venue was for author Pamela Williams. James Packer, with sister Gretel and mother Ros in tow, and Lachlan Murdoch with wife Sarah, were joined by Seven scion Ryan Stokes and flag bearers from across the Australian print - and digital - mediascape.
Might Fairfax have been an "Aussie Apple", opined former Financial Review and Age editor Alan Kohler (and now operator of a rival business website owned by News Ltd), who officially launched the book to the packed room. James Packer, heads above most of the crowd, smiled throughout, flushing a shade of puce, biting his lip and laughing when Mr Kohler plunged - with obvious glee - into the now-infamous anecdote about Mr Packer telling former Fairfax chief executive Fred Hilmer to "f--- off". Rictus or not, he maintained a grin until the final applause, when he swiftly reached for a swig of champagne.
Mr Packer was unguarded about his emotions towards Fairfax, saying it was nothing but "hatred" that drove him to acquire stakes in seek.com, realestate.com.au and carsales .com.au, now worth billions of dollars.
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
'Killing Fairfax: Packer, Murdoch & The Ultimate Revenge' is a book by investigative journalist Pamela Williams that examines the clashes and power plays in the Australian media sector involving figures like James Packer and Lachlan Murdoch. The book was launched at HarperCollins in Sydney.
The launch attracted major Australian media figures, including James Packer (with sister Gretel and mother Ros), Lachlan Murdoch (with wife Sarah), Seven scion Ryan Stokes, and former Financial Review/Age editor Alan Kohler. For everyday investors, the high-profile turnout signals how closely media ownership, family dynasties and corporate influence are tied to Australia’s business and investment narratives.
Yes. The article notes that HarperCollins, which hosted the book launch, is owned by News Corporation, highlighting the interconnected nature of major media businesses in Australia.
Alan Kohler opined that Fairfax might have been an 'Aussie Apple,' suggesting it had unrealised potential. Kohler — a former editor of the Financial Review and The Age and now operator of a rival business website — introduced the book at the event. Investors may find the comment notable as it touches on missed strategic opportunities in legacy media transitioning to digital.
According to the article, James Packer said it was driven by 'hatred' toward Fairfax that led him to acquire stakes in seek.com, realestate.com.au and carsales.com.au — investments that have since become extremely valuable.
The article states that Packer’s stakes in seek.com, realestate.com.au and carsales.com.au are now worth billions of dollars, underlining the significant value created by these digital classified businesses.
The article recounts a now-infamous anecdote where James Packer told former Fairfax chief executive Fred Hilmer to 'f--- off.' The story was told with glee by Alan Kohler during the launch and visibly elicited a reaction from Packer at the event.
The launch — held at a venue overlooking James Packer’s Sydney offices and attended by prominent media families and executives — illustrates how intertwined Australia’s media ownership, corporate influence and digital transformation are. For investors, it highlights the significance of media consolidation, strategic stakes in digital platforms, and the role of prominent individuals in shaping market outcomes.
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