Seven West Media Faces Shareholder Remuneration Revolt
At Seven West Media’s annual general meeting in Sydney, the company, led by Kerry Stokes, encountered a significant shareholder backlash. Over 35 percent of investors opposed the 2025 remuneration report, despite no executive bonuses being awarded because financial goals were not met in the previous fiscal year.
Seven West Media remains one of Australia’s major media groups, with holdings across television, publishing, and digital platforms. Chairman Kerry Stokes, possibly presiding over his final AGM ahead of a proposed merger with Southern Cross Media, directly addressed shareholder discontent.
“Very large international companies stealing all our revenue,”
Stokes said, pointing to intense foreign competition as a major factor behind the company’s weakened results. He acknowledged ongoing financial difficulties and market pressures affecting overall performance.
During the meeting, one frustrated shareholder expressed disappointment at the collapse in the value of their holdings—from one million dollars down to just twenty-seven thousand—and called for the board to reinstate dividend payments.
Author’s Summary
The revolt at Seven West Media’s AGM highlights investor frustration with declining financial performance and executive pay amid fierce international competition and stalled rewards.