‘The public deserve free TV’: Stokes goes out swinging after almost 50 years
Australia’s last major media figure, Kerry Stokes, has chaired his final annual meeting at Seven West Media before stepping down early next year. Now 85, he says his passion for protecting free television remains unchanged.
“They’ve taken out last year some $6 billion in revenue. They take the advertising and there’s no tax on it. And these people will go on until there’s nothing left,” Stokes said.
During his final address, Stokes openly criticized major streaming platforms like Netflix for their tax arrangements, arguing they harm local broadcasters.
The veteran businessman emphasized that he intends to step back, not retire, as Seven prepares to merge with the company behind Triple M and Hit Networks in February. He called for stronger safeguards to protect the traditional media industry.
“The whole industry needs some protection,” he said.
Often described as the last of Australia’s original media moguls—following Kerry Packer’s death and Rupert Murdoch’s retirement—Stokes built his career from humble beginnings as a TV aerial installer. Nearly five decades later, he remains a symbol of persistence in an evolving media landscape.
“Oh, um, I got lucky,” Stokes said when asked about his success.
Despite challenges and technological disruption, Stokes remains motivated by the work his network delivers.
“I love the fact that regardless of the headaches, we produce for the Australian public quality news, quality sports coverage and good entertainment.”
Author’s summary
After nearly fifty years in television, Kerry Stokes closes his tenure still defending free-to-air TV and calling for fair competition against untaxed streaming giants.