Star the only independent voice

THE NEWS is Cranbourne’s only independent voice after Fairfax bought out the Independent News Group this week.
Fairfax, which publishes The Journal, bought the Independent News Group and Melbourne Community Newspapers stables for $15.1 million this week.
The Independent News Group publishes the Cranbourne Independent newspaper among a stable of other mastheads including the Dandenong Independent and Frankston-Hastings Independent.
Star News Group managing director Paul Thomas said the takeover ushered in News’ reign Cranbourne community’s only independent voice not driven by the whim of shareholders.
“The sale of the Independent News Group to Fairfax means that residents of Cranbourne only have the News as their local independent voice,” he said. “The other newspapers are now owned by the large Sydney-based operations.”
Mr Thomas said News was also the only locally owned newspaper in the area.
“Star News Group has 97 years of history within the region,” he said. “We are proud that we remain as the only independent family-owned community newspaper group in Melbourne.
“Cranbourne residents can be assured that Star News Group will continue to offer residents an independent voice.
“We have no links to the major dailies and are not driven purely based on share price or profits.”
Fairfax’s purchase also increases its share of Border Mail Printing after it acquired Independent and Melbourne Community’s shares in the service.
Fairfax chief executive David Kirk said the further acquisition of Border Mail Printing and the news groups would help expand the company’s regional operations.