In an announcement on the New York Stock Exchange March 31, News Corporation confirmed it had bought interest.co.nz in New Zealand.
Rupert Murdoch said he was delighted with the transaction because it gave News a broader voice in a 'rock star' economy.
He said the the timing was especially good because this was an election year in New Zealand and the New Zealand voters would greatly benefit from the independent analysis of the Fox News team. "It will be fun to help my good friend Winston Peters get over the 5% threshhold," he said.
He confirmed there would be a complete clear out of the present interest.co.nz journalists - "especially that communist, Bernard Hickey".
John Key reportedly groaned when told the news - "Who needs friends like that?," he said.
Greens leader Russel Norman said his party was unfazed by the move, saying his supporters never read interest.co.nz anyway. His non-negotiable was being deputy Prime Minister in a new government, and the Greens were a party of principle. But in the election negotiations, if other parties didn't like their principles, they had others. He just didn't want Peters becoming deputy Prime Minister.
Murdoch also confirmed that interest.co.nz would institute a 'hard' paywall soon. Fox News was extremely valuable, he said, and no-one should be able to read it for free. He has shareholder expectations to meet and he won't be diverted from that.
The price of the transaction was not revealed; however Publisher David Chaston said 'squillions' were involved.
New Corporation takes over interest.co.nz immediately.
[Comments will be heavily censored moderated on this story.]
15 Comments
Oh maaaan hahahaha!!! Almost got me guys!! I thought WTF are they selling to those right wing tossers for....has Bernard gone bonkers?!
And Whaleoil has been sold to APN also.
The International Court of Justice has ruled ( overnight ) that it is illegal to sell Whaleoil ... and that the website must be shut down , unless further scientific research proves it to be of benefit to the species .
It's a true story. Cunningly announced on April the 1st so that people will think it a joke. Murdoch and Chaston go way back. Be worried folks
I hear that a Dot.com version has been set-up by the owners.
That way they can go mega, worldwide.
It will be a figure-head for dick-heads worldwide.
It will take Politics to the next level, lower than it has ever been, but can be received on an app.
Aptly named, MMP. which stands for Millionaire Manipulation Party, it will benefit those chosen few. A hash tag will be derived soon to enable all to make a hash of the system, just like all previous devotees.
There will be minimal taxes, just raising GST for those actually productive.
A new Reserve Bank will be set up. It will be called the STOPYELLENICANHEARYOU.
Spontaneous donations can be sent direct to.
or if laundering,
Bernanke c/o Cayman Worldwide Properties INC.
Or just buy any Corporate Product, marked Trillion Dollar Baby, made in China.
Updating that story , Murdoch has announced that there'll be a Pay-Wall placed around interest.co.nz ....
... and the only way over that wall will be payment in Bit-Coins ...
In honour of our soon to be sacked arch gloomsteriser , Bernard " Chicken-Little " Hickey , News Corporation has agreed to change it's name to " Blues Corporation " effective immediately ....
... not to be confused with the " Blues Brothers " .... of course ....
Congratulations Bernard. Your dream has finally come true. I am sure your Swiss Bank account is now full of zeros and you get to jetset with the likes of Peter Jackson et el in the real world.....
BTW I heard that Dotcom has just released a news website with the sole purpose of countering all news from interest.co.nz.....it's free with huge download speed and content and great stuff that you can download for free esp the FBI database....
Meantime I am going back to sleep and keep on dreaming....
wishful thinking
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About UsBusiness Spectator is Australia’s number 1 digital-only premium business product. Founded in 2007 by Alan Kohler, Stephen Bartholomuesz and Robert Gottliebsen, it is now read by around 500,000 Australian professionals, business owners, executives and investors every month, viewing more than 2 million pages.
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Al and the boys are laughing...
Rumour has it they were paid in "News of the World" shares....
Pretty sure this actually happened a few years ago.....
This article is a ploy to distract you all....... The real buyers of interest.co.nz is the GCSB.....it is in the interest of national security......it was fast tracked through Parliament under urgency.
Privacy Act of NZ. Intelligence agencies have free run of all records, without interference nor do they require recourse to warrants.
Pay to read interest.co.nz.. Next the commenters will be asking for a stipend!
I expect to see a continuation of the 'fair and ballanced' comments, regardless.
..... ha ha ha de haaaaaaaaaaa ! .... Now I know it's April 1'st for sure ..... good one ....
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