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Southern Cross Media Group Ltd

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FY2012 Annual Report · Southern Cross Media Group Ltd
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Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012

CONTENTS

Southern Cross Media Group Limited  
ABN 91 116 024 536

First in Entertainment  
Media Solutions 

Market Leading Brands 

One Company United Across 
Multiple Media Channels 

Entertaining Regional TV Audiences 

Leading Radio Australia Wide 

Progressive Client Opportunities  
and Innovation for the Future 

Giving Back to Local Communities 

2

4

5

6

7

8

9

Chairman and CEO’s Report 

10

Board of Directors & Leadership Team  11

Financials 

13

Southern CroSS AuStereo 
iS AuStrAliA’S leAding 
mediA And entertAinment 
CompAny. 

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

1

6m****

reaching oVer 6 Million  
fans on facebook

1m*****

oVer 1 Million unique  
browsers online

reaching More 
australians 
than any other 
Media coMpany
 4.62m*

2.59m**

10 Metro radio stations reaching 
4.62 Million australians

2.59 Million watching free to air 
tV across 30 regional Markets

95%

southern cross austereo has the 
capacity to reach 95% of australia

25.9%***

25.9% of all tV audiences  
watching our tV 

1m

1 Million Mobile and ipad  
content downloads

*  Nielsen Metro Radio Survey #5 2012. 

All Ppl 10+. Mon – Sun 5.30am – 12MN
**  Source: REG TAM 4-AGG & TASMANIA. 

S-S 0600 – 2400 FY12. AVG Daily Reach: 1MN

  ***  Source: REG TAM 4-AGG & TASMANIA. 

S-S 0600 – 2400 FY12. Commercial share

  ****  Facebook Insights, Reach
 *****  Nielsen Online, Market Intelligence

 
 
Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

2

first in 
entertainMent 
Media 
solutions
Southern Cross Austereo prides itself on delivering 
entertainment media solutions across a diversified and 
unrivalled portfolio of brands across multiple media channels 
that are constantly evolving to meet the changing media 
and entertainment consumption habits of our audiences.

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

3

Southern Cross Austereo’s assets include 
80 commercial radio stations, 74 television 
signals, a suite of digital radio stations, 
leading online and social media channels, 
unique program and content creation 
plus live events with world-renowned 
artists and celebrities. This broadcasting 
and content creation capacity enables 
SCA to reach more of the population than 
any other media company and offer leading 
marketing solutions for clients that turn 
businesses around. 

A merged entity since 2011, Southern Cross 
Austereo is a leader in metro and regional 
radio broadcasting with some of the 
biggest stars and shows to ever grace 
our national broadcasting airwaves in 
its portfolio. Household names such as 
Hamish and Andy, Kyle and Jackie O, 
Eddie mcGuire, merrick Watts, Fifi Box and 
Jules Lund, just to name a few, are featured 
in our line up. Add to that the multiplatform 
content with the regional TV portfolio, online 
leadership, social media reach, mobile, 
events and more, and you have a media 
company that is dedicated to delivering great 
entertainment to mass audiences and leading 
media solutions for its advertisers. 

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

4

Market 
leading 
brands

Southern Cross Austereo is proud to have an impressive 
portfolio of market leading brands that showcase a diversity 
of outstanding shows and talent. Multi-media brands 
that have the potential to deliver entertainment to 95% 
of Australians. 

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

5

one coMpany 
united across 
Multiple Media 
channels
More than just radio and TV, SCA is committed to being  
a truly united media company across a broad offer of relevant  
and diversified media channels. 

Southern Cross Austereo takes pride in 
delivering content across multiple media 
channels in a way that allows it to deliver 
effective and diverse marketing solutions 
to its clients and engaging entertainment 
to large audiences. 

Given the depth of SCA’s media portfolio,  
SCA is not only a company with many 
dimensions but also one that is set up 
to capitalise on the evolving way in which 
Australians source their entertainment content. 

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

6

entertaining 
regional  
tV 
audiences
Southern Cross Austereo’s TV reaches in excess of 2.6 million 
viewers every day and delivers exceptional share results in the  
key demographics. 

25.9% All People 10+ 
30% All People 25–39
27.5% All People 25–54*

These television services cover most of regional 
Australia, with markets receiving a unique 
mix of programs, local commercial news and 
community service information. 

We provide our clients with 70 windows to 
advertise – Southern Cross Ten is broadcast 
to 25 markets, Southern Cross Television to 
seven markets, ONE to nine markets, Eleven to 
16 markets, 7Two to five markets, 7Mate to four 
markets, Nine to two markets, Go to one market 
and Gem to one market. This is further extended 
with four Digital Joint Ventures Tasmania Digital 
Television, Central Digital Television North, 
Central Digital Television South and Darwin 
Digital Television.

In Tasmania we are proud to offer the state’s 
leading nightly half hour news services. We also 
produce half hourly bulletins across our Spencer 
Gulf region markets.

We have also developed some exciting new 
programs that complement our radio brands 
and enhance our television offerings such as 
Children’s TV show The Workers, Hot 30 TV 
and Radar Music.

*(Source: REG TAM 4-AGG & TASMANIA. 
S-S 0600 – 2400 FY12. Commercial share)

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

7

leading 
radio 
australia 
wide
Our radio networks deliver the country’s best entertainment, 
music, sport, comedy, big events and news to Australians.

the networks
Our stations are intrinsically linked to their 
local cities and towns, focusing on locally 
made content, news and events, giving back to 
communities through ongoing unique events, 
as well as fundraising and support of community 
activities and issues. Southern Cross Austereo 
has the largest radio footprint in Australia with 
stations in all states and territories.

today network
The Today Network is Australia’s number one 
FM radio network with just over 3.2 million 
metro listeners tuning in each week and over 
1.1 million users online. It also rates number 
one for women in the 18–39 age demographic. 
The Today Network is the home of Australia’s 
biggest radio shows, biggest hits and biggest 
stars!

digital radio
Digital radio is the new way to listen to radio. 
It means more choice, improved sound quality 
and on-screen display information.

Southern Cross Austereo has been contributing 
original and unique content to the digital radio 
landscape since its inception in 2008.

For SCA, digital radio is a fantastic opportunity 
to offer new formats that can work for audiences 
and clients. SCA has the most digital radio 
spectrum available out of all commercial radio 
broadcasters.

stardust
Timeless classics. Stardust celebrates the great 
classic singers that swing – from Frank Sinatra 
and Tony Bennett through to Michael Buble.

The Today Network is broadcasted in metro 
markets Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide 
and Perth. The 39 ‘TODAY’ regional stream 
stations target the under 40 markets and have 
a high involvement with their youth audience.

radar
All about the best new music. Radar is 
Australia’s new music station on digital radio. 
It gives strong support to new Australian music 
and has an active community of new music fans.

buddha
Tune in, chill out. Buddha is the place to relax. 
It’s the great background companion with music 
that makes you feel good and feeds your soul.

triple M local works
Triple M Local Works is broadcast via two 
different music offers – Triple M for rock and 
Local Works for variety.

Triple M has been rocking for over 30 years and 
is proudly Aussie, playing music that rocks with 
shows that feature iconic talent that get people 
talking, reaching over 2 million metro listeners. 
Local Works plays the best variety of music. 
The 31 ‘LOCAL WORKS’ stream stations are 
geared towards the 40+ demographic.

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

8

progressiVe client 
opportunities  
and innoVation  
for the future
With the exponential growth in digital media in recent years and 
as more and more people gain access, we have an opportunity to 
interact with a considerably larger audience. The many facets of 
digital media give Southern Cross Austereo the opportunity to create 
and provide engaging cross-platform media solutions for its clients.

Mobile
Smartphones and tablets have really changed 
the game in terms of online accessibility. 
Now our audiences are interacting with our 
brand wherever, whenever they desire with new 
and changing expectations for each platform. 
Southern Cross Austereo has developed mobile 
applications and m-sites for our leading radio 
station brands. We also have opportunities for 
clients to create mobile solutions and drive the 
uptake of existing mobile properties using other 
media platforms.

Southern Cross Austereo has had over 1 million 
downloads of its mobile and iPad applications 
to date.

online
Southern Cross Austereo has over 80 
websites across the country and many of 
these are the highest ranking radio sites in 
Australia. Our website reach is in excess of 
1 million unique browsers in any given month. 
We combine smart and engaging creative with 
a diverse range of ad formats. Our websites 
combine the use of great design, rich media, 
animation, games and competitions.

The Today Network websites are the 
number one radio sites in every market and 
Triple M continues to grow, doubling its UBs 
this year, giving advertisers more opportunity 
than ever to extend their campaigns online 
within a unique and entertaining space.

social Media
The rapidly growing phenomenon of social 
media is such a lively and personal way 
of interacting with our audiences. It gives 
Southern Cross Austereo the chance to engage 
and converse with our audience and provides 
a new and fluid space to spread our brands and 
content. Our stations have created fan pages 
on Facebook and many have and actively use 
Twitter profiles as well. There are some excellent 
opportunities to provide client integration 
and give our clients a presence in the direct 
conversation with our audience.

We currently have over 2.5 million likes across 
our show and station Facebook pages. 
The Today Network station pages alone reach 
up to 6 million people every week.

9

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

giVing back  
to local  
coMMunities 

Southern Cross Austereo is committed to using its 
substantial media coverage and entertainment credentials  
to benefit those in need, giving back to local communities  
in a variety of community-based and fundraising initiatives.

My coMMunity connect
My Community Connect is a web-based 
event listing for not-for-profit organisations 
around the country. This initiative is supported 
by substantial TV and radio air time with a 
marketing campaign that features locals at 
local events across Australia. This emotive 
marketing campaign features information about 
selected local community events on a daily and 
weekly basis. Through My Community Connect, 
SCA encourages locals to also support their 
communities by attending these events close to 
home. It helps to raise many millions of dollars 
every year for local not-for-profit organisations.

giVe Me fiVe for kids
Give Me Five for Kids started over 20 years ago 
as a fundraising campaign for a local children’s 
hospital. From there, this campaign has grown 
into one of SCA’s most successful community 
events. This fundraising initiative now runs in 
over 40 regional markets where collectively 
this year SCA raised $1.9 million dollars for 
local children’s hospitals. All funds raised go 
to buying new equipment, research, resources 
and more for these hospitals to ensure our sick 
children get better sooner. 

i belieVe in christMas
I Believe in Christmas is another community 
initiative that runs across 40 regional markets 
with the aim to gather as many news toys as 
possible to provide for less fortunate children 
during the festive season. This initiative is run in 
partnership with The Salvation Army, Centacare, 
Mayor’s Christmas Appeal and Coast Shelter. 
This year, over 200,000 toys were distributed. 

the house of light and loVe
There are many orphaned children in China and 
SCA supports The House of Light and Love 
which provides for over 100 children. For the 
past four years, SCA has raised over $100,000 
for the orphanage providing clothing, new 
furniture, computers and more.

deliVering free tV to reMote australia with 
Viewer access satellite teleVision (Vast)
As well as broadcasting a broad range 
of television content across the country, 
Southern Cross Austereo also plays a significant 
role in helping remote Australians receive 
equality in television services through the Viewer 
Access Satellite Television ( VAST) service.

A full range of digital commercial channels 
are broadcast off satellite in remote areas to 
an estimated 80,000 households who would 
otherwise not have access to free-to-air 
television. Access to the service is applied for 
and lodged through an SCA VAST call centre 
daily and given that SCA exclusively administers 
and plays out all regional TV onto the VAST 
platform, it positions SCA uniquely in Australian 
TV broadcasting.

Under agreement with the federal government, 
all regional free-to-air television networks send 
their completed daily content to SCA’s Canberra 
playout headquarters for VAST customers.

This service offers VAST customers access to 
over 20 free-to-air television channels that would 
otherwise not be available.

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

10

chairMan  
and  
ceo’s 
report
Dear Shareholders,
We have pleasure in providing you with Southern Cross Austereo’s 
Annual Report for the year ended 30 June 2012. This time last year we 
told you that the acquisition of Austereo would be transformational for 
the group and so it has been. The past 12 months have seen the group 
emerge as a national multi-media group.

This diversity of markets and media has helped 
to deliver solid results in what has otherwise 
been a very difficult environment.

Our metropolitan business operating in a 
challenging market environment produced 
revenue from operations of $273.6 million, 
which was down 3.2% from the prior year. 
EBITDA margin expanded and underlying 
EBITDA improved 3.2% to $98.8 million from 
the prior year.

Whilst commercial advertising markets have 
been subdued, from an audience delivery 
perspective, our metro radio stations continue 
to deliver solid ratings. The Today Network 
stations continued to be leaders in FM 
radio and the Triple M network had a year 
of significant improvement, particularly in 
Melbourne and Sydney.

The regional business produced revenue from 
operations of $416.9 million, which was down 
4.4% on the prior year. While radio revenue 
enjoyed a growth of 1.0%, our TV revenues 
fell 7.7% on the prior year. This resulted in an 
underlying EBITDA of $129.2 million for our 
regional operations, which was down 5.6% 
on the prior year.

Television ratings have been disappointing 
which, when coupled with a soft advertising 
market, have seen poor sales result. 

Regional radio once again showed its reliability 
and resilience. With a 35,000 plus strong 
customer base and dominant market position, 
we have been able to drive a positive result.

A strong feature of the past 12 months has 
been the delivery of the benefits of merging 
Austereo into the regional business. The fall 
in expenses, which reduced on a like-for-like 

basis to $462.5 million (down 4.8%) has largely 
been driven by the work undertaken in realising 
the synergies identified in the initial investment 
proposition.

In the year ahead, our focus will be building 
on the strength of the national network of 
multi-media multi-market offerings while 
exercising stringent cost control.

As in past years we have proudly contributed 
to our local communities. During the year, 
we launched My Community Connect, which 
allows thousands of community groups even 
better access to our many media assets 
to promote their not-for-profit causes and 
events. This donation of airtime equates to 
many millions of dollars of in-kind support, 
and we are proud of the effect this activity 
has on the success of these local events 
and charities. 

Some of the cornerstone community initiatives 
of last year include:

•	 Give Me 5 For Kids raised over $1.9 million 
for improved resources and equipment for 
children’s hospitals in the regional markets 
we serve; and

•	 I Believe in Christmas toy drive provided over 
200,000 toys to many of the less fortunate 
children around the markets we operate in. 

On behalf of the Board of Directors we 
would like to thank our group of talented and 
committed people who strive to produce 
excellence every day.

rhys holleran 
ceo

We would also like to thank our shareholders 
who continue to show support for our group.

MaX Moore-wilton 
chairMan

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

board of  
directors 
& leadership  
teaM

11

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

1. MaX Moore-wilton
Chairman
Max Moore-Wilton is the Chairman of the 
Board and also Chairman of the Remuneration 
and Nomination Committee. Prior to his 
appointment, Max has had a distinguished 
career in both the private and public Sectors 
and was Secretary to the Department of the 
Prime Minister and Cabinet from May 1996 to 
December 2002 where he oversaw fundamental 
reform of the Commonwealth Public Service.

3. chris de boer
Director
Chris de Boer has had various careers in 
investment banking, business consulting, 
stockbroking and direct investment and 
through them gained experience in initial public 
offerings, mergers and acquisitions, corporate 
reorganisations, joint ventures, bond issues and 
financial advice across London, Hong Kong, 
Australia and New Zealand, in both domestic 
and cross-border deals.

2. leon pasternak
Deputy Chairman
Leon Pasternak is the Deputy Chairman of 
the Board and is a committee member of the 
Remuneration and Nomination and Audit and 
Risk Committees. Until July 2010, Leon was a 
senior partner at law firm Freehills specialising 
in mergers and acquisitions, public offerings 
and corporate reorganisations. Leon has 
since assumed the role of Vice Chairman and 
Managing Director of mergers and acquisitions 
at investment bank Merrill Lynch.

4. tony bell
Director
Tony Bell is one of Australia’s most distinguished 
media operators with more than 30 years’ 
experience in the Australian radio and free-to-air 
television industry. As Managing Director of 
Southern Cross Broadcasting (Australia) Limited 
from 1993 to 2007, Tony gained extensive 
experience in regional and metropolitan media 
and was instrumental in its formation as one 
of Australia’s leading media companies.

5. Michael carapiet
Director 
Michael is the head of Macquarie Capital, 
which is Australia’s largest investment advisory 
services business. Macquarie Capital has 
developed a global leadership position in a 
number of businesses, including mergers and 
acquisitions, advisory, equity capital markets 
and specialised asset management.

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

board of  
directors 
& leadership  
teaM

12

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

9. steVe kelly
CFO
Steve has a Bachelor of Business (Banking and 
Finance) from the University of South Australia. 
He is a CPA and Fellow of the Australian Institute 
of Company Directors, and has completed the 
Ford Business Leadership Program conducted 
by the University of Michigan (USA).

Stephen Kelly commenced as Chief Financial 
Officer of Southern Cross Media on 21 April 
2012. Prior to this he spent his early career in the 
accounting profession before taking on finance 
and management roles. Steve has managed 
IT departments and large scale acquisitions and 
held senior positions in Australia, Asia Pacific 
and the USA.

10. guy dobson
Chief Content Officer
Guy oversees the content creation for SCA 
– and is committed to ensuring its content 
is industry leading. 

Guy’s radio experience extends from working 
overseas in UK radio and throughout Europe 
to Vancouver in Canada, both in On Air and 
Programming positions.

In 2002 Guy joined Entertainment Strategy 
Programming Pty Ltd, Australia’s leading radio 
consultancy run by the great Greg Smith. 
While at ESP, Guy continued to consult to 
Austereo and a number of other overseas 
clients, including stations in the UK, Germany, 
Thailand, China and Malaysia.

6. peter harVie
Director
Peter Harvie has more than 35 years’ experience 
in the Australian media industry. Prior to 
his appointment Peter was the Executive 
Chairman of Austereo Group Limited from 
2001 until May 2011, Executive Chairman of 
Austereo Pty Ltd, managing director of the 
Triple M Network and managing director of 
the Clemenger Harvie advertising agency from 
1974 to 1993.

7. Marina darling
Director
Marina Darling is an experienced company 
director and has worked in an executive 
capacity in the legal and corporate finance 
sectors and property development. Marina 
is currently a non-executive director of listed 
company Argo Investments Limited and has 
previously been a non-executive director of a 
broad range of listed companies, government 
bodies and other organisations. These have 
included Southern Cross Broadcasting Limited, 
Deacons (Lawyers), National Australia Trustees 
Limited and Southern Hydro Limited.

8. rhys holleran
CEO
Rhys has a distinguished career in media having 
worked in the industry for 24 years since 1987. 
He has undertaken a variety of management 
roles including General Manager of 101.1 TTFM 
and Gold 104 (1992 to 1997) and Managing 
Director of R.G Capital Radio (1997–2004).

Rhys was appointed Chief Executive Officer 
of Southern Cross Media Group in 2009 and 
went on to oversee the highly visible merger 
between Austereo and Southern Cross in 2011, 
and remains in the leadership position for the 
combined business.

FINANCIALS

Contents

Corporate Governance Statement 

Directors’ Report 

Auditor’s Independence Declaration 

Statement of Comprehensive Income 

Statement of Financial Position 

Statement of Changes in Equity 

Statement of Cash Flows 

Notes to the Financial Statements 

Directors’ Declaration 

Independent Auditor’s Report 

Additional Stock Exchange Information 

Corporate Directory 

Notes to the Financial Statements

1. 

 Summary of Significant  
Accounting Policies 

2.  Profit for the Year 
3.  Remuneration of Auditors 
4. 
Income Tax Expense 
5.  Dividends Paid and Proposed 
6. 

 Current Assets –  
Cash and Cash Equivalents 

7.  Current Assets – Receivables 
8.  Non-Current Assets – Receivables  

14

17

29

30 

31

32

33 

34

78

79

81

85

34
42
43
44
45

45
46
46

9. 

 Non-Current Assets –  
Investments Accounted for  
Using the Equity Method  

10.   Non-Current Assets –  
Other Financial Assets 
11.   Non-Current Assets –  

Property, Plant and Equipment 

12.   Non-Current Assets –  
Intangible Assets 

13.  Deferred Taxes 
14.  Subsidiaries 
15.  Current Liabilities – Payables 
16.  Current Liabilities – Provisions 
17.  Borrowings 
18.  Derivative Financial Instruments 
19.  Non-Current Liabilities – Provisions 
20.  Contributed Equity 
21.   Reserves and  

Other Equity Transactions 

22.  Accumulated Losses 
23.  Earnings per Share 
24.   Reconciliation of Profit after  

Income Tax to Net Cash Inflow from 
Operating Activities 

25.  Financial Risk Management 
26.  Business Combinations   
27.  Parent Entity Financial Information  
28.  Share-Based Payments   
29.  Related Party Disclosures 
30.  Segment Information 
31.  Commitments   
32.   Events Occurring after  
Balance Sheet Date 

47

49

49

51
55
56
56
56
57
59
60
60

62
63
63

64
65
68
71
72
74
76
77

77

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT
FOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2012

14

This statement outlines Southern Cross Media Group Limited’s 
corporate governance framework and practices in the form of a 
report against the Australian Stock Exchange (“ASX”) Corporate 
Governance Principles and Recommendations, 2nd edition 
(Principles). Unless specified otherwise, all of the information 
contained in this statement is current as at 4 September 2012.

The Board of Southern Cross Media Group Limited is responsible 
for the corporate governance of Southern Cross Austereo, formerly 
known as Southern Cross Media Group (“the Group”), comprising 
Southern Cross Media Group Limited (“the Company”) and its 
respective subsidiaries. The Board guides and monitors the 
business and affairs of the Company and the Group on behalf of 
shareholders, with management too recognising its responsibility 
in the implementation and maintenance of an effective system 
of corporate governance.

Principle 1: Lay Solid Foundations for Management 
and Oversight
The Board is responsible for the corporate governance and 
internal working of the Company and the Group. The Board’s 
roles and responsibilities are formalised in a Board Charter 
which is available on the Southern Cross Austereo website 
www.scmediagroup.com.au.

Full Board meetings are held approximately ten times per year, 
with other meetings called as required. Directors are provided 
with Board reports in advance of Board meetings, which contain 
sufficient information to enable informed discussion of all 
agenda items.

All non-executive directors have received a letter of appointment 
addressing the matters recommended by the Principles.

Senior Executive Performance Evaluation
Rhys Holleran was appointed Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) 
in December 2009 and Stephen Kelly, the Chief Financial Officer 
(“CFO”) was appointed in April 2010. The Nomination and 
Remuneration Committee reviews the performance of the CEO 
and CFO annually and reports its findings to the Board.

The performance of all executives is reviewed at least annually 
by their immediate supervisors. Performance is evaluated against 
personal, financial and corporate goals.

The Board has adopted a Senior Executive Evaluation Policy 
which is available on the Southern Cross Austereo website.

Principle 2: Structure the Board to Add Value
Composition of Board
Name
Max Moore-Wilton Non-Executive Chairman  

Position

Leon Pasternak

Chris de Boer

Tony Bell

Michael Carapiet

Peter Harvie

Marina Darling

(appointed 27 February 2007)
Deputy Chairman and Lead Independent 
Director (appointed 26 September 2005)
Independent Director  
(appointed 20 September 2005)
Independent Director  
(appointed 2 April 2008)
Non-Executive Director  
(appointed 10 March 2010)
Non-Executive Director  
(appointed 1 August 2011)
Independent Director  
(appointed 12 September 2011)

Profiles of these directors, including details of their skills, 
experience and expertise, are set out in the Directors’ Report.

Board Independence
Company policy reflects Recommendation 2.1 of the Principles in 
that it requires that the majority of directors must be independent. 
As at the date of this report, the Board comprises a majority of 
independent directors ensuring compliance with Recommendation 
2.1 of the Principles.

The Board regularly determines whether directors are independent 
in view of their interests as disclosed to the Board. In making this 
determination, the Board has reference to the test for independence 
contained in the Principles, essentially whether a director has 
an interest that affects their ability to exercise unfettered and 
independent judgment. Directors with a range of qualifications, 
expertise and experience are appointed to the Board to enable 
it to effectively discharge its duties and to add value to the 
Board’s deliberations.

The Company has established an Independent Board Committee, 
comprising the independent board members, who meet as required 
to discuss relevant matters, particularly where there might be 
a conflict of interest with non-independent directors.

The Chairman of the Board is Max Moore-Wilton. Mr Moore-
Wilton is not independent as defined by the Principles given that 
in the last four years he has been either a consultant or senior 
employee of Macquarie (comprising Macquarie Group Limited and 
its subsidiaries), which is the Company’s largest investor. As such, 
the Company has not complied with Recommendation 2.2 of the 
Principles. Notwithstanding this, the Board considers that Mr 
Moore-Wilton is the most appropriate person to lead the Board 
and that he is able to and does bring to the Board quality and 
independent judgment to all relevant issues falling within the scope 
of the role of chairman and that the Company as a whole benefits 
from his knowledge, experience and leadership.

The Board Charter requires that all future chairs must be 
independent.

As suggested in the commentary to the Principles, a lead 
independent director – Leon Pasternak who is also Deputy 
Chairman – has been appointed.

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

15

Nomination and Remuneration Committee
The Company’s Nomination and Remuneration Committee has a 
Board approved Charter setting out its roles and responsibilities, 
composition, membership requirements and operation. Committee 
meeting minutes are tabled at the following Board meeting.

Until 25 October 2011 the Committee, whilst consisting of a majority 
of independent directors, was chaired by Max Moore-Wilton who 
did not satisfy the Principles’ definition of independence. Mr Moore-
Wilton’s appointment was made for the same reasons set out above 
under Principle 2, “Board Independence”. Tony Bell, an independent 
director, now chairs the Committee.

Members of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee and their 
attendance at committee meetings for the 2012 financial year are 
set out in the Directors’ Report.

The Nomination and Remuneration Committee Charter is available 
on the Southern Cross Austereo website.

Performance Evaluation
The performance of individual directors and the Board and the 
committees as a whole is to be reviewed in accordance with the 
procedures set out in the Board Charter. Such evaluations took 
place in June 2012.

Independent Professional Advice
There is an agreed procedure for directors on the Board and 
committees to obtain independent professional advice at the 
Company’s expense. These procedures are set out in the Board, 
Audit and Risk Committee and Nomination and Remuneration 
Committee Charters.

Mix of Skills and Diversity
The Nomination and Remuneration Committee is responsible for 
making recommendations to the Board on the most appropriate 
Board size and composition. This responsibility includes making 
recommendations on the desirable competencies, experience and 
attributes of Board members and strategies to address Board diversity.

Principle 3: Promote Ethical and Responsible 
Decision Making
Code of Conduct
The Group’s Code of Conduct sets out principles and standards 
which apply to all directors, employees and certain contractors 
and consultants. The code includes whistleblower, anti-corruption and 
dealing with government policies.

The Code of Conduct is underpinned by a range of additional policies 
including securities trading policy, OHS policy, continuous disclosure 
and communications policy, and privacy policy.

Diversity
The Group’s Diversity Policy covers women in the workplace, 
employees with an ethnic or indigenous background and disability. 
It is approved by the Board and overseen by the Nomination and 
Remuneration Committee.

The measurable objectives set by the Board for achieving gender 
diversity are:

 – Percentage of women in senior management positions to be 35% 

by 2015;

 – Percentage of women in middle management positions to be 40% 

by 2015; and

 – At least one female non-executive/independent director at all times.

With 28% of women presently in senior management positions the 
objective of achieving 35% of women in such positions by 2015 will 
be challenging. The gap between the objective of achieving 40% of 
women in middle management positions by 2015 and the current 31% 
of women employed in these positions is similarly challenging. Both 
objectives are being worked towards through succession planning, 
leadership and management development programs and strengthening 
the Group’s internal capabilities. The Group currently meets its 
objective of at least one female non-executive/independent director.

The following table discloses the gender diversity of the Group:

Category

Board
Senior management roles

Middle management roles

Employees

% Female

% Male

14%
28%

31%

54%

86%
72%

69%

46%

Both the Code of Conduct and the Diversity Policy are available on the 
Southern Cross Austereo website.

Principle 4: Safeguard Integrity in Financial Reporting
Audit and Risk Committee
The Company’s Audit and Risk Committee comprises of four 
independent directors and complies with the requirements of the 
Principles. The chairman of the Board cannot chair the Audit and Risk 
Committee. Details of the members of the Audit and Risk Committee 
and their attendance at Committee meetings are set out in the 
Directors’ Report.

The Audit and Risk Committee Charter is available on the Southern 
Cross Austereo website. The Charter sets out the Committee’s role, 
responsibilities and composition. The Committee is responsible for 
overseeing the structure and management systems that ensure the 
integrity of the Group’s financial reporting. Amongst other things, 
the Committee:

 – reviews and reports to the Board on the Company’s and the 

Group’s financial reports and on the external auditor’s audit of 
the financial statements;

 – recommends to the Board the appointment and removal of the 
external auditor, reviews the auditor’s terms of engagement and 
the scope and quality of the audit; and

 – monitors auditor independence including the level of non-audit 

services provided, and reports its findings to the Board.

The Audit and Risk Committee meets with the external auditors without 
management or executive directors present at least once a year and 
more frequently if required.

The auditor attends the Group’s Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) and 
is available to answer security holder questions on the conduct of the 
audit, and the preparation and content of the auditor’s report.

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT
FOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2012

16

The Group has not implemented an internal audit function. The 
Board believes that the nature of the Group’s operations currently 
does not require this to be instigated as a separate function to 
those functions undertaken by the external auditors or the Audit 
and Risk Committee.

Assurance
In accordance with section 295A of the Corporations Act 2001, 
the CEO and CFO have declared in writing to the Board that in their 
view the Group’s financial reports are founded on a sound system 
of risk management and internal compliance and control which 
implements the policies adopted by the Board and that the Group’s 
risk management and internal compliance and control system is 
operating effectively in all material respects.

Principle 8: Remunerate Fairly and Responsibly
Nomination and Remuneration Committee
The Company has established a Nomination and Remuneration 
Committee. The Committee is governed by a Board approved 
Charter which is available on the Southern Cross Austereo website.

Members of the Committee along with details of the number of 
meetings attended by those members during the year are set out 
in the Directors’ Report.

The Committee reviews the remuneration packages and 
employment conditions applicable to senior executives and any 
executive directors. In making these determinations, regard is 
had to comparable industry or professional salary levels and to the 
specific performance of the individuals concerned. The Company 
clearly distinguishes the structure of non-executive directors’ 
remuneration (paid in the form of a fixed fee) and that of any 
executive directors and senior executives.

The remuneration of managers and staff other than senior 
executives is within the authority of the CEO. The CEO has 
discretion in regard to the remuneration of individual managers 
subject to the requirement that the overall level of remuneration 
is within budget guidelines as approved by the Board prior to 
preparation of the annual budget.

Further detail on the Group’s remuneration practices and 
remuneration received by directors and senior executives and 
management during the year is set out in the Remuneration Report, 
which comprises part of the Directors’ Report.

Principle 5: Make Timely and Balanced Disclosure
It is the Company’s policy to provide timely, open and accurate 
information to its investors, regulators and the wider investment 
community.

The Company has a Communications and Disclosure Policy 
which is available on the Southern Cross Austereo website. 
The policy sets out the policies, accountabilities and procedures 
that govern the Company’s handling of information, continuous 
disclosure and communications to its investors and regulators. 
The procedures address how to identify price-sensitive information, 
which includes referral to the CEO and company secretary/general 
counsel for a determination as to whether disclosure is required 
and a management sign-off process to ensure that ASX releases 
are accurate and complete.

The ASX liaison person is the Southern Cross Austereo 
company secretary.

Principle 6: Respect the Rights of Shareholders
The Company’s Communications and Disclosure Policy promotes 
a high standard of effective and accessible communication 
with investors.

Communication with investors occurs via ASX announcements, 
the annual report and half-yearly update, investor roadshows 
and briefings.

All information disclosed to the ASX is posted on the Southern 
Cross Austereo website.

Investors are encouraged to attend the AGM which will be held 
in October 2012. Presentations by the Chairman and CEO at the 
AGM are webcast.

For formal meetings an explanatory memorandum on the 
resolutions is included with the notice of meeting. In the event 
that investors cannot attend formal meetings they are able to 
lodge proxy forms by post or fax.

Principle 7: Recognise and Manage Risk
The Board is responsible for overseeing the Group’s systems 
of internal control and risk management. The Board has adopted 
a Risk Management Policy which is available from the Southern 
Cross Austereo website. The policy addresses the overseeing 
by the Board of the management of key business risks relevant 
to the Group.

The Audit and Risk Committee assists the Board in overseeing 
the risk management framework and any matters of significance 
affecting the Group’s financial reporting and internal controls.

Key business risk categories that are addressed by the policy 
include financial (including investment, compliance, liquidity, 
credit, interest rate risk), reputation, technology, regulatory, legal, 
operational, people (including occupational health and safety, 
environmental and social responsibilities), and strategic risks.

The Group’s senior management team has responsibility for the 
day-to-day implementation of the risk management framework 
and internal controls within the Group. Management also reports 
regularly to the Board through the CEO on the Group’s key 
risks and the extent to which it believes these risks are being 
adequately managed.

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

DIRECTORS’ REPORT
FOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2012

17

The directors of Southern Cross Media Group Limited (“the 
Company”) submit the following report for Southern Cross 
Austereo, being Southern Cross Media Group Limited and its 
subsidiaries for the year ended 30 June 2012. In order to comply 
with the provisions of the Corporations Act 2001, the directors 
report as follows:

Regional Free to Air Broadcasting
For the 12 months ended 30 June 2012 the regional business 
produced revenue from operations (including revenue from 
associates) of $416.9 million, down 4.4% from the prior year. 
Underlying EBITDA finished at $129.2 million and EBIT of 
$110 million.

Directors
The following persons were directors of the Company during 
the whole of the year, unless otherwise stated, and up to the 
date of this report:

Max Moore-Wilton
Leon Pasternak
Chris de Boer
Tony Bell
Michael Carapiet
Peter Harvie
Marina Darling

(Chairman)

(appointed 1 August 2011)
(appointed 12 September 2011)

Principal Activities
The principal activities of the Group during the course of the 
financial year were the creation and broadcasting of content on 
free to air commercial radio (FM and digital), TV and online media 
platforms across Australia. These media assets are monetised via 
revenue generated from the development and sale of advertising 
solutions for clients.

There were no changes in the nature of the Group during the year.

Review and Results of Operations
The Southern Cross Austereo Group delivered an increase in 
revenue of 39% to $687.3 million, up from $492.8 million in the prior 
year. This is the first full year result with a full year of results from the 
Austereo acquisition consolidated into the Group result (prior year 
3 months). The Group focused on achieving operational efficiencies 
resulting in an increase in EBITDA of 40% to $225.8 million, up from 
$161.0 million in the prior year. Net profit after tax was up by 48% 
to $95.0 million, up from $64.1 million in the prior year. A further 
discussion of the results is outlined below.

EBITDA is a measure that, in the opinion of the directors, is a useful 
supplement to net profit in understanding the cash flow generated 
from operations and available for payment of income taxes, debt 
servicing and capital expenditure. EBITDA is useful to investors 
because analysts and other members of the investment community 
largely view EBITDA as a widely recognised measure of operating 
performance. EBITDA disclosed within the Directors’ Report is 
equivalent to “Profit before depreciation, amortisation, interest, fair 
value movements on financial derivatives and income tax expense 
for the half year” included within the Statement of Comprehensive 
Income and has been subject to review by our auditors.

The uncertain and patchy market conditions prevalent in the last 
half of FY11 did not abate during FY12 and became steadily worse. 
As a result of falling audience ratings, the Regional television 
business has had a very difficult year. In the first half there was no 
comparative event to replace the Commonwealth Games with the 
ratings slide continuing through traditionally weak summer months.

The loss of AFL and new programs failing to increase audiences 
in the second half has manifested itself in a year on year revenue 
reduction of $20.7 million.

Regional radio was once again very resilient and despite the 
most difficult trading conditions since the Global Financial Crisis, 
advertising revenues grew 3.4% and total revenue from regional 
radio grew by 1.0%. Regional radio revenue generated at a National 
level was the standout performer, growing 13%. The ability for 
advertisers to have “All Australia” buys and the introduction of 
Regional options to Metro clients arising from the acquisition have 
contributed to a great result in this area. Locally, revenue remained 
flat and reflected local economic conditions, however the decline in 
the Channel Ten audience share has been the prevailing weak spot 
during the year.

Once again cost control has remained a strength of the 
business operationally.

Metropolitan Free to Air Broadcasting
For the 12 months ended 30 June 2012 the metropolitan business 
produced revenue from operations of $273.6 million, down 3.2% 
from the prior year. Underlying EBITDA finished at $98.8 million 
and EBIT of $91.1 million.

The Metro radio business has performed well off the back of a 
record year in 2010. Revenue loss was expected with the transition 
of Hamish & Andy from five afternoons per week to one, and the 
establishment of Fifi & Jules in the other four afternoons. 2dayFM 
in Sydney has underperformed since the Kyle Sandilands incident 
in November 2011. Revenue loss plus increased compliance costs 
have been issues that have impacted the results of the second 
half of the year.

Despite these changes, the Today network has maintained 
its number 1 ranking as the leading commercial metropolitan 
radio network and Triple M has continued to improve ratings 
performance in the two leading markets of Sydney and Melbourne. 
Triple M Melbourne in particular has had a breakout year and 
continues to rate well with audiences and attract strong support 
from advertisers.

A key focus during the year was to ensure the business remained 
diligently committed to delivering the revenue and cost benefits 
arising from the merging of the metropolitan and regional 
businesses. In this regard, we are pleased with the progress 
which is ahead of schedule, resulting in EBIT improvement 
of 4.6% ($4 million).

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

DIRECTORS’ REPORT
FOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2012

18

Review and Results of Operations (continued)
Income Tax
Net profit before tax has been negatively impacted by $10.9 million 
due to interest accrued on amended tax assessments, with an 
income tax benefit recognised for the tax deduction allowed for 
interest. Income tax expense has been positively impacted by 
a $39.5 million income tax benefit recognised as a result of the 
companies acquired in the Austereo business combination entering 
into the tax consolidated group of Southern Cross Media Group 
Limited, and negatively impacted by a $32.9 million provision for tax 
being raised in respect of amended assessments in relation to the 
Australian Taxation Office (“ATO”) audit of treatment of deductions 
on redeemable preference shares claimed between 2006 and 2009. 
Southern Cross Austereo has lodged objections with the ATO for 
the amended assessments. Refer to note 4 for further information 
on these tax matters.

Distributions and Dividends

Type

Final 2010 
Ordinary
Interim 2011 
Ordinary
Final 2011 
Ordinary
Interim 2012 
Ordinary

Cents per
 share

Total 
Amount 
$’000

Date of
 Payment

6.2

7.0

3.0

5.0

23,487

8 October 2010

26,519

25 May 2011

21,173

20 October 2011

35,230

19 April 2012

Since the end of the financial year the directors have recommended 
the payment of a final ordinary dividend of $35.3 million (5 cents per 
fully paid share). This dividend will be paid on 19 October 2012 by 
the Company.

Significant Changes in State of Affairs
In the opinion of the directors, there were no significant changes 
in the state of affairs of the Group that occurred during the year 
under review.

Events Occurring After Balance Date
No other matters or circumstances have arisen since the end of 
the year that have significantly affected or may significantly affect 
the operations of the Group, the results of these operations in 
future financial years or the state of affairs of the Group in periods 
subsequent to the year ended 30 June 2012.

Likely Developments and Expected Results of Operations
Further information on likely developments relating to the 
operations of the Group in future years and the expected results 
of those operations have not been included in this report because 
the directors of the Company believe it would be likely to result in 
unreasonable prejudice to the commercial interests of the Group.

Indemnification and Insurance of Officers and Auditors
During the year the Company paid a premium of $172,245 to 
insure its officers. So long as the officers of the Company act in 
accordance with the Constitution and the law, the officers remain 
indemnified out of the assets of the Company and the Group 
against any losses incurred while acting on behalf of the Company 
and the Group. The auditors of the Group are in no way indemnified 
out of the assets of the Group.

Environmental Regulation
The operations of the Group are not subject to any significant 
environmental regulations under Australian Commonwealth, State 
or Territory law. The directors are not aware of any breaches of any 
environmental regulations.

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

19

Information on Directors 
Max Moore-Wilton 
Chairman 
Age 69, Appointed 27 February 2007
Max Moore-Wilton is the chairman of the Board and a committee 
member of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee. Prior to 
his appointment Max has had a distinguished career in both the 
private and public sectors and was secretary to the Department 
of Prime Minister and Cabinet from May 1996 to December 2002 
where he oversaw fundamental reform of the Commonwealth 
Public Service.

Other Current Directorships
Max currently serves as chairman of the boards of the following 
listed companies:

 – MAp Airports Limited
 – Southern Cross Airports Corporation Holdings Limited

Former Directorships in the last 3 years
Max has not ceased any listed company directorships in the 
last 3 years.

Leon Pasternak 
Independent Director
Age 57, Appointed 26 September 2005
Leon Pasternak is the deputy chairman of the Board and is a 
committee member of the Nomination and Remuneration and Audit 
and Risk Committees. Until July 2010 Leon was a senior partner at 
law firm Freehills specialising in mergers and acquisitions, public 
offerings and corporate reorganisations. Leon has since assumed 
the role of Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Merrill Lynch 
International (a subsidiary of Bank of America) with responsibility 
for mergers and acquisitions.

Other Current Directorships
Leon has no other current directorships in listed companies.

Former Directorships in the last 3 years
Leon has not ceased any listed company directorships in the 
last 3 years.

Chris de Boer
Independent Director
Age 67, Appointed 20 September 2005
Chris de Boer is chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee 
and a committee member of the Nomination and Remuneration 
Committee. Chris has had various careers in investment banking, 
business consulting, stockbroking and direct investment and 
through them gained experience in initial public offerings, mergers 
and acquisitions, corporate reorganisations, joint ventures, bond 
issues and financial advice across London, Hong Kong, Australia 
and New Zealand, in both domestic and cross-border deals.

Chris also has extensive experience in takeover regulation. Chris 
spent more than two years as an executive at the Takeover Panel 
in London, three years on the Takeovers Committee in Hong Kong 
and four years as chairman of the Takeovers Panel in Hong Kong.

Other Current Directorships
Chris has no other current directorships in listed companies.

Former Directorships in the last 3 years
Chris has not ceased any listed company directorships in the 
last 3 years.

Tony Bell
Independent Director
Age 58, Appointed 2 April 2008
Tony Bell is chairman of the company’s Nomination and 
Remuneration Committee and a committee member of the Audit 
and Risk Committee. Tony is one of Australia’s most distinguished 
media operators with over 30 years’ experience in the Australian 
radio and free-to-air television industry. As Managing Director of 
Southern Cross Broadcasting (Australia) Limited from 1993 to 2007 
Tony gained extensive experience in regional and metropolitan 
media and was instrumental in its formation as one of Australia’s 
leading media companies.

Other Current Directorships
Tony has no other current directorships in listed companies.

Former Directorships in the last 3 years
Tony has not ceased any listed company directorships in the 
last 3 years.

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

DIRECTORS’ REPORT
FOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2012

20

Information on Directors (continued)
Michael Carapiet 
Non-Executive Director
Age 53, Appointed 10 March 2010. Previously appointed Alternate 
Director on 11 April 2008 and resigned on 10 March 2010.
Until his retirement in July 2011 Michael Carapiet was the Executive 
Chairman of Macquarie Capital and Macquarie Securities Group – 
both operating businesses within the Macquarie Group with 
the former being the business out of which Australia’s largest 
investment advisory services business operates and the latter being 
the institutional equities arm of the Macquarie Group. Michael’s 22 
years with the Macquarie Group saw him take a leading role in the 
development of the Macquarie Capital business in Australia and 
internationally, particularly with respect to its infrastructure advisory 
and funds business.

Other Current Directorships
Michael has no other current directorships in listed companies.

Marina Darling
Independent Director
Age 53, Appointed 12 September 2011
Marina Darling is a committee member of the company’s Audit 
and Risk Committee. Marina is an experienced company director 
and has worked in an executive capacity in the legal and corporate 
finance sectors and property development. Marina is currently a 
non-executive director of The Mirvac Group and has previously 
been a non-executive director of a broad range of listed companies, 
government bodies and other organisations. These have included 
Southern Cross Broadcasting Limited, National Australia Trustees 
Limited, GIO Holdings Limited, Deacons (Lawyers) and Southern 
Hydro Limited.

Other Current Directorships
Marina was appointed a director of The Mirvac Group (through the 
stapling of securities of Mirvac Limited and Mirvac Property Trust) 
on 23 January 2012.

Former Directorships in the last 3 years
Michael has not ceased any listed company directorships in the 
last 3 years.

Former Directorships in the last 3 years
Marina ceased being a director of Argo Investments Limited 
on 29 February 2012.

Peter Harvie
Non-Executive Director
Age 73, Appointed 1 August 2011
Peter Harvie is a committee member of the company’s 
Nomination and Remuneration Committee. Peter has more than 
35 years’ experience in the Australian media industry. Prior to 
his appointment Peter was the executive chairman of Austereo 
Group Limited from 1997 until May 2011, managing director of the 
Triple M Network and managing director of the Clemenger Harvie 
advertising agency from 1974 to 1993.

Other Current Directorships
Peter has been a director of Village Roadshow Limited since 
20 June 2000.

Former Directorships in the last 3 years
Peter ceased being a director of Austereo Group Limited 
on 18 July 2011.

Information on Company Secretary 
Louise Bolger BA, LLB (Hons)
Appointed 14 April 2010
Louise Bolger is a qualified solicitor with more than 10 years’ 
experience, commencing her career in private practice before 
continuing on to in-house roles with Telstra, Logica, Bank of 
Queensland and most recently PIPE Networks Limited prior to its 
acquisition by TPG Telecom Limited where she was both general 
counsel and company secretary.

Meetings of Directors
The number of meetings of the board of directors and of other committee meetings held during the year ended 30 June 2012, and the 
numbers of meetings attended by each director, were:

Full meetings 
of directors

Audit and Risk

Meetings of committees

Nomination
 and
 Remuneration

Independent
Board

A

11
11
11
11
11
11
7

B

11
11
11
11
11
11
9

A

*
4
4
4
*
*
3

B

*
4
4
4
*
*
3

A

4
4
4
4
*
2
*

B

4
4
4
4
*
2
*

A

*
–
–
–
*
*
–

B

*
–
–
–
*
*
–

Director
Max Moore-Wilton (Chairman)
Leon Pasternak
Chris de Boer
Tony Bell
Michael Carapiet
Peter Harvie
Marina Darling

A = Number of meetings attended.
B = Number of meetings held during the time the director held office or was a member of the committee during the year.
* = Not a member of the relevant committee.

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

21

Remuneration Report
Contents
1.  Introduction
2.  Principles used to determine the nature and amount 

of remuneration

3. Details of remuneration
4. Service agreements
5. Other remuneration information

1. Introduction
The information provided in this remuneration report 
has been audited as required by section 308(3C) of the 
Corporations Act 2001.

2. Principles used to determine the nature and amount 
of remuneration
The objective of the Group’s executive reward framework is to 
ensure reward for performance is competitive and appropriate 
for the results delivered. The framework aligns executive reward 
with achievement of strategic objectives and the creation of value 
for shareholders and conforms with market practice for delivery 
of reward. The board ensures that executive reward satisfies 
the following key criteria for good reward governance practices:

 – competitiveness and reasonableness;
 – acceptability to shareholders;
 – performance linkage/alignment of executive compensation;
 – transparency; and
 – capital management.

In consultation with external remuneration consultants, the 
Group has structured an executive remuneration framework that 
is market competitive and complementary to the reward strategy 
of the organisation.

Alignment to shareholders’ interests:

 – has economic profit as a core component of plan design;
 – focuses on sustained growth in shareholder wealth, consisting 
of dividends and growth in share price and delivering constant 
return on assets as well as focusing the executive on key 
non-financial drivers of value; and

 – attracts and retains high calibre executives.

Alignment to program participants’ interests:

 – rewards capability and experience;
 – reflects competitive reward for contribution to growth 

in shareholder wealth;

 – provides a clear structure for earning rewards; and
 – provides recognition for contribution.

The framework provides a mix of fixed and variable pay and 
a blend of short- and long-term incentives.

As executives gain seniority with the Group, the balance of this 
mix shifts to a higher proportion of “at risk” rewards.

The board has established a Nomination and Remuneration 
Committee which makes recommendations to the board on 
remuneration and incentive policies and practices and specific 
recommendations on remuneration packages and other terms of 
employment for executive directors, other senior executives and 
non-executive directors.

2.1 Non-executive and independent directors’ fees
Fees and payments to non-executive and independent directors 
reflect the demands which are made on, and the responsibilities of, 
the directors. Non-executive and independent directors’ fees and 
payments are reviewed annually by the board. The board has also 
considered the advice of independent remuneration consultants to 
ensure non-executive directors’ fees and payments are appropriate 
and in line with the market. The Chair’s fees are determined 
independently from the fees of non-executive and independent 
directors based on comparative roles in the market. The Chair is 
not present at any discussions relating to determination of his own 
remuneration. Non-executive and independent directors do not 
receive performance-based pay and are not entitled to Company 
shares, performance rights or to retirement benefits as part of their 
remuneration package.

The directors’ fees were reviewed with effect from 1 July 2011. The 
Chair’s remuneration is inclusive of committee fees while other non-
executive and independent directors who chair, or are a member of, 
a committee receive additional yearly fees.

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

DIRECTORS’ REPORT
FOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2012

22

2.1 Non-executive and independent directors’ fees (continued)
The following non-executive directors’ fees have applied in the 
years ended 30 June 2012 and 30 June 2011 for the Company:

From 
1 July 2011
to 
30 June 2012
$

From 
1 July 2010
 to 
30 June 2011
$

Base fees – Annual
Chair**
Deputy Chair**
Other non-executive directors
Additional fees – Annual
Audit Committee – Chair
Audit Committee – member
Remuneration Committee – Chair
Remuneration Committee  
– member
IBC fees

250,000
161,500
125,000

21,000
14,000
15,000

10,000
–

220,000
–
110,000

21,000
14,000
–

10,000
51,325*

* 

 The Independent Board Committee (“IBC”) fees were paid in relation to the 
negotiation of the terms of the Company’s engagement of Macquarie Capital 
Advisers Limited as financial adviser and debt arranger to the Company in 
relation to the offer to acquire all of the shares in Austereo.

**    Chair and Deputy Chair fees are inclusive of all relevant committee fees 

and as such they do not receive any additional committee fees.

2.2 Executive pay
The executive pay and reward framework currently has the following 
components:

 – base pay and benefits, including superannuation; and
 – short-term and long-term performance incentives.

Base pay and benefits
Base pay is structured as a total employment package which may 
be delivered as a combination of cash and prescribed non-financial 
benefits at the executives’ discretion.

Base pay for executives is reviewed annually to ensure the 
executive’s pay is competitive with the market. As part of this review 
process, external remuneration consultants are engaged from time 
to time to provide analysis and advice to ensure base pay is set to 
reflect the market for a comparable role. An executive’s pay is also 
reviewed on promotion.

Superannuation
The Group operates a defined contribution retirement scheme. 
In prior years a defined benefit retirement scheme was operated, 
however this was closed during the prior financial year.

Performance linked remuneration currently comprises short-term 
and long-term incentives.

Short-term incentives
The short-term incentive (“STI”) is an “at risk” bonus provided 
in the form of cash and is designed to reward senior executives 
for meeting or exceeding mainly financial objectives.

Each year the Nomination and Remuneration Committee sets 
the Key Performance Indicators (“KPIs”) for executives, which 
are designed to directly align the individual’s reward to the KPIs 
of the Group and to its strategy and performance.

The financial KPIs are based on earnings before interest, tax, 
depreciation and amortisation (“EBITDA”) compared with budgeted 
amounts. At the end of the financial year the Nomination and 
Remuneration Committee assesses the actual performance of the 
Group and the individual against the KPIs and recommends the 
quantum of the short-term cash incentive bonus to be paid to the 
individuals for approval by the Board. These assessment methods 
have been chosen as they provide the Committee with an objective 
assessment of each individual’s performance.

Long-term incentives
The long-term incentive (“LTI”) is an “at risk” bonus provided in 
the form of shares and is designed to reward senior executives 
for meeting or exceeding Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”) 
performance over a three to four year period.

In June 2010 the Board approved the introduction of an executive 
long-term incentive plan, to commence on 1 July 2010, which 
provided for the CEO and senior executives to receive grants 
of performance rights over ordinary shares, for nil consideration. 
The grant of rights are exercisable subject to a three or four year 
performance period, and the satisfaction of set performance 
criteria during the period. The performance criteria take into 
account share price appreciation plus reinvested dividends, 
expressed as a percentage of investment and adjusted for 
changes in the Company’s capital structure. In order for 
performance rights to vest and convert to shares, the Company’s 
TSR over the performance period must be at or above the 51st 
percentile against a comparative group of selected media and 
related listed companies. Between the 51st and 75th percentile, 
performance rights will vest on a linear basis from 50% of award 
to 100% of award; consequently 100% of performance rights 
will vest at the 75th percentile or higher.

For the three year performance period, performance rights vest 
progressively over the three year performance period with 1/3rd 
vesting at year 1, 1/3rd at year 2 and 1/3rd at year 3, subject to 
performance criteria being met. For the four year performance 
period, performance rights vest progressively over the four year 
performance period with 1/3rd vesting at year 2, 1/3rd at year 3 
and 1/3rd at year 4 for the four year performance period, subject 
to performance criteria being met.

The Board has the discretion to either purchase shares on market 
or to issue new shares in respect of vesting performance rights. 
To date, the Board has elected to issue new shares for vesting 
performance rights.

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

23

Remuneration and Company Performance
A key objective of the executive remuneration policy is to link an increased proportion of executive remuneration to the performance 
of the Company, with an emphasis on the creation of sustainable value for shareholders. Financial performance from continuing 
operations for the past five years is indicated by the following table:

Revenue
Net profit before tax
Net profit after tax

Opening share price
Closing share price
Dividend/Distribution

30 June 2012
$’000

Restated
30 June 2011
$’000

30 June 2010
$’000

30 June 2009
$’000

30 June 2008
$’000

687,313
126,282
95,022

492,811
 87,232
64,060

406,909
24,185
19,903

393,483
(15,724)
18,640

427,301
23,245
19,732

30 June 2012

30 June 2011

30 June 2010 30 June 2009 30 June 2008

$1.55
$1.20
10.0c

$1.64
$1.55
10.0c

$1.32
$1.64
9.7c

$2.95
$1.32
7.7c

$4.85
$2.95
47.0c

3. Details of remuneration
Details of the remuneration of Key Management Personnel of the Group are set out in the following tables.

(Chairman)

Key Management Personnel
Directors
Max Moore-Wilton
Leon Pasternak
Chris de Boer
Tony Bell
Michael Carapiet
Peter Harvie 
Marina Darling

(appointed 1 August 2011)
(appointed 11 September 2011)

Executives
Rhys Holleran 
Stephen Kelly 
Jeremy Simpson 
Guy Dobson 
Craig Bruce 
Cathy Thomas 

CEO
CFO
National Sales Director (ceased 23 February 2012)
Director of Metropolitan Radio
Head of Content
National Sales Director (appointed 23 February 2012)

24

Proportion
 of 
performance
 related
 remuner-
ation

Total

STI

SBP

% of
 rem

% of
 rem

$

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

DIRECTORS’ REPORT
FOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2012

3. Details of remuneration (continued)
Key management personnel remuneration

2012

Name

Non-executive directors
Max Moore-Wilton (Chair)
Leon Pasternak
Chris de Boer
Tony Bell
Michael Carapiet
Peter Harvie1
Marina Darling
Sub-total  
non-executive directors

Executives
Rhys Holleran
Stephen Kelly
Jeremy Simpson2
Guy Dobson
Craig Bruce
Cathy Thomas3
Sub-total executives
Total

Short-term 
employee benefits

Post-
employ-
ment
 benefits

Share-
based
payments

Cash
 salary 
and fees

Cash
 bonus

Non-
monetary
 benefits

Super 
con-
tribution

Other
 long-
term
 benefits4

Termin-
ation

Per-
formance
 rights

$

232,544
146,965
141,960
149,000
125,000
68,862
109,458

973,789

$

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

$

$

–
–
–
–
–
634,914
–

17,456
14,535
14,040
–
–
3,944
–

634,914

49,975

$

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

$

$

–
–
–
–
–
776,538
–

250,000
–
161,500
–
156,000
–
149,000
–
–
125,000
– 1,484,258
109,458
–

0% 0%
0% 0%
0% 0%
0% 0%
0% 0%
0% 0%
0% 0%

776,538

– 2,435,216

700,000
500,003
194,698
984,225
521,724
141,408
3,042,058
4,015,847

229,650
153,100
55,000
–
45,000
–
482,750
482,750

55,786
3,906
8,455
31,779
2,849
2,570
105,345
740,259

25,000
50,002
14,360
15,775
15,775
3,944
124,856
174,831

38,817
351
7,338
49,317
41,531
20,259
157,613
157,613

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
776,538

252,752 1,302,005
885,122
177,760
327,994
48,143
– 1,081,096
703,260
168,181
555,036 4,467,658
555,036 6,902,874

76,381
–

18% 19%
17% 20%
17% 15%
0% 0%
6% 11%
0% 0%

1    Peter Harvie was appointed as a non-executive director on 1 August 2011, therefore remuneration disclosed relates to his position as executive chairman 

of Austereo prior to this date. No directors’ fees were paid to Mr Harvie during the period.

2    Remuneration disclosed is for the period 1 July 2011 to 23 February 2012 when Jeremy Simpson was National Sales Director. Mr Simpson took the position 

of General Manager – Sydney on 23 February 2012 and ceased being Key Management Personnel.

3    Remuneration disclosed is for the period 23 February 2012 to 30 June 2012 after Cathy Thomas was appointed National Sales Director.
4    Amounts represent movements in employee leave entitlements with a negative balance representing an overall reduction in the employee leave provision 

balance compared with the prior year.

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

25

2011

Name

Short-term 
employee benefits

Post-
employ-
ment
 benefits

Share-
based
payments

Cash
 salary 
and fees

Cash
 bonus

Non-
monetary
 benefits

Super 
con-
tribution

Other
 long-
term
 benefits4

Termin-
ation

Per-
formance
 rights

Proportion
 of 
performance
 related
 remuner-
ation

Total

STI

SBP

% of
 rem

% of
 rem

$

0% 0%
0% 0%
0% 0%
0% 0%
0% 0%

221,531
160,906
154,082
148,625
55,000
 –

740,144

$

 –
 –
 –
 –
 –
 –

 –

$

 –
 –
 –
 –
 –
 –

–

$

 –
 –
 –
 –
 –
 –

 –

278,571
13,712
6,285
(68,388)
12,216
16,474
–
(1,445)
257,425
257,425

 –
 –
 –
 –
 –
–
629,293
–
629,293
629,293

1,471,981
126,376
935,922
122,210
539,612
21,665
103,567
 –
469,829
28,886
–
357,088
– 1,059,654
211,196
–
299,137 5,148,849
299,137 5,888,993

20% 9%
43% 13%
4%
13%
0% 0%
32% 6%
25% 0%
32% 0%
0% 0%

Non-executive directors
Max Moore-Wilton (Chair)
Leon Pasternak
Chris de Boer
Tony Bell
Michael Carapiet
Peter Harvie2
Sub-total  
non-executive directors1

$

205,540
147,620
141,360
148,625
55,000
 –

698,145

$

 –
 –
 –
 –
 –
 –

 –

$

 –
 –
 –
 –
 –
 –

 –

Executives
Rhys Holleran
Stephen Kelly
Kym Gallagher
Greg Dodgson5
Jeremy Simpson
Guy Dobson3
Kathy Gramp3,6
Peter Harvie2,3
Sub-total executives
Total

700,000
375,000
360,238
147,052
242,377
246,200
83,406
204,064

300,000
400,000
72,551
 –
150,000
87,500
340,000
–
2,358,337 1,350,051
3,056,482 1,350,051

42,034
 –
53,873
14,487
 –
3,114
255
2,111
115,874
115,874

$

15,991
13,286
12,722
 –
 –
 –

41,999

25,000
25,000
25,000
10,416
36,350
3,800
6,700
6,466
138,732
180,731

1 
2 

3 
4 

Included in non-executive directors’ fees are $51,325 of Independent Board Committee fees.
 Peter Harvie was appointed as a non-executive director on 1 August 2011, therefore remuneration disclosed relates to his position as executive chairman 
of Austereo.
 Remuneration disclosed is for the period 29 March 2011 to 30 June 2011. Prior to that date, the executive was employed and remunerated by Austereo.
 Amounts represent movements in employee leave entitlements with a negative balance representing an overall reduction in the employee leave provision 
balance compared with the prior year.

5  Greg Dodgson resigned effective 14 January 2011, therefore remuneration disclosed is up to this date.
6  $300,000 of cash bonus relates to pre-acquisition bonus payment paid on 31 March 2011.

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

DIRECTORS’ REPORT
FOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2012

26

4. Service agreements
On appointment to the board, all non-executive directors enter into a service agreement with the Group in the form of a letter of 
appointment. The letter summarises the board policies and terms, including compensation, relevant to the office of director.

Remuneration and other terms of employment for the chief executive officer and the other executives are also formalised in service 
agreements. Each of these agreements provide for the provision of base remuneration, performance-related cash bonuses and other 
non-monetary benefits with the key terms outlined below.

Name1

Type of agreement

Rhys Holleran

Permanent

Stephen Kelly
Guy Dobson
Craig Bruce
Cathy Thomas

Permanent
Fixed term until 5 January 2013
Permanent
Permanent

Base salary 
including 
superannuation
$’000

STI
(on target)

725

550
1,000
540
440

300

200
250
60
80

LTI
Value

350

200
–
125
–

Termination 
notice period

12 mths Group/
6 mths employee
6 mths either party
12 mths either party
12 mths either party
3 mths either party

1 

 Service contracts for only those key management personnel who have remained key management personnel to the date of this report have been detailed 
in this table.

5. Other remuneration information
Loans to directors and executives
There were no loans to directors and executives.

Performance rights granted to directors and executives
During the year the following share-based payment arrangements were in existence:

2011 Performance rights series

Grant Date

Expiry Date

2011 – Tranche 1
2011 – Tranche 2
2011 – Tranche 3
2011 – Tranche 4

25/11/2011
25/11/2011
25/11/2011
25/11/2011

n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

Fair value at
 grant date $

0.51
0.62
0.67
0.68

Vesting date

01/07/2012
01/07/2013
01/07/2014
01/07/2015

Percentile
 ranking

% vested

n/a*
n/a
n/a
n/a

n/a*
n/a
n/a
n/a

*  On 1 July 2012, 2011 – Tranche 1 performance rights were assessed and determined to be at the 49th percentile, with 0% of shares vesting.

2010 Performance rights series

Grant Date

Expiry Date

Fair value at 
grant date $

Vesting date

Percentile
 ranking

% vested

2010 – Tranche 1
2010 – Tranche 2
2010 – Tranche 3
2010 – Tranche 4

26/07/2010
26/07/2010
26/07/2010
26/07/2010

n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

0.86
0.88
0.90
0.90

01/07/2011 60th percentile
01/07/2012
01/07/2013
01/07/2014

n/a**
n/a
n/a

70%

n/a**
n/a
n/a

**  On 1 July 2012, 2010 – Tranche 2 performance rights were assessed and determined to be at the 63.1st percentile, with 76.2% of shares vesting.

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

27

Share-based payment compensation granted to key management personnel for the current financial year were as follows:

Performance  
rights series

$ granted

No. granted

No. vested No. forfeited

Directors
Max Moore-Wilton
Leon Pasternak
Chris de Boer
Tony Bell
Michael Carapiet
Peter Harvie
Marina Darling

Executives
Rhys Holleran
Stephen Kelly
Stephen Kelly
Jeremy Simpson
Guy Dobson
Craig Bruce
Cathy Thomas

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

2011 – Tranche 2 to 4 (incl.)
2011 – Tranche 1 to 3 (incl.)
2010 – Tranche 1
2011 – Tranche 2 to 4 (incl.)
–
2011 – Tranche 1 to 3 (incl.)
–

350,000
200,000
–
120,000
–
125,000
–

533,817
337,715
–
183,023
–
211,072
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
54,258
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
23,253
–
–
–
–

Directors’ holdings of shares
The aggregate number of Company shares held directly, indirectly or beneficially by directors of the Company or their director-related 
entities at the date of this financial report are:

Max Moore-Wilton
Leon Pasternak
Chris de Boer
Tony Bell
Michael Carapiet
Peter Harvie
Marina Darling
Macquarie Group Limited and controlled entities

2012

2011

1,857,143
1,064,216
148,571
160,118
1,347,900
–
–
179,513,906
184,091,854

1,857,143
964,216
148,571
150,276
1,147,900
–
–
179,513,906
183,782,012

Non-Audit Services
The Group may decide to employ the auditor on assignments additional to their statutory audit duties where the auditor’s expertise 
and experience with the Company and/or the Group are important. Details of the amounts paid or payable to the auditors 
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PricewaterhouseCoopers and Ernst & Young in the prior year) for audit and non-audit services provided during 
the year are detailed in note 3 to the financial statements.

The board of directors has considered the position and, in accordance with the advice received from the Audit and Risk Committee, is 
satisfied that the provision of the non-audit services is compatible with the general standard of independence for auditors imposed by the 
Corporations Act 2001. The directors are satisfied that the provision of non-audit services by the auditor did not compromise the auditor 
independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 for the following reasons:

 – all non-audit services have been reviewed by the Audit and Risk Committee to ensure they do not impact the impartiality and objectivity 

of the auditor; and

 – none of the services undermine the general principles relating to auditor independence as set out in APES 110: Code of Ethics for 
Professional Accountants, including reviewing or auditing the auditor’s own work, acting in a management or a decision-making 
capacity for the Company, acting as advocate for the Company or jointly sharing economic risk and rewards.

Rounding of Amounts in the Directors’ Report and the Financial Report
The Group and the Company are of a kind referred to in Class Order 98/100, issued by the Australian Securities and Investments 
Commission relating to the “rounding off” of amounts in the directors’ report and financial report. Amounts in the directors’ report and the 
financial report have been rounded off in accordance with that Class Order to the nearest thousand dollars, unless otherwise indicated.

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

DIRECTORS’ REPORT
FOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2012

28

Auditor’s Independence Declaration
A copy of the Auditor’s Independence Declaration, as required under section 307C of the Corporations Act 2001, is set out on page 29.

This report is signed in accordance with resolutions of the directors of Southern Cross Media Group Limited.

Max Moore-Wilton 
Chairman 
Southern Cross Media Group Limited 

  Chris de Boer 
  Director 
  Southern Cross Media Group Limited

Sydney, Australia 
28 August 2012 

  Sydney, Australia 
  28 August 2012

 
Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

29

AUDITOR’S INDEPENDENCE DECLARATION

Auditor’s Independence Declaration 

As lead auditor for the audit of Southern Cross Media Group Limited for the year ended 30 June 2012, 
I declare that to the best of my knowledge and belief, there have been: 

a) 

no contraventions of the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 in 
relation to the audit; and 

b) 

no contraventions of any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the audit.

This declaration is in respect of Southern Cross Media Group Limited and the entities it controlled 
during the period.  

Chris Dodd 
Partner
PricewaterhouseCoopers 

Melbourne  
28 August 2012 

PricewaterhouseCoopers, ABN 52 780 433 757 
Darling Park Tower 2, 201 Sussex Street, GPO BOX 2650, SYDNEY  NSW  1171 
DX 77 Sydney, Australia 
T: +61 2 8266 0000, F: +61 2 8266 9999, www.pwc.com.au 

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. 

22

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

30

STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2012

Revenue from continuing operations
Broadcast and production costs
Employee expenses
Selling costs
Occupancy costs
Promotions and marketing
Administration costs
Fair value gains on business combinations
Transaction costs
Share of net (losses)/profits of investments accounted for using the equity method
Profit before depreciation, amortisation, interest, fair value movements on  
financial derivatives and income tax expenses for the year
Depreciation and amortisation expense
Interest expense and other borrowing costs
Interest revenue
Fair value losses on financial derivatives – interest rate swaps
Profit before income tax expense for the year
Income tax expense
Profit after income tax expense for the year
Other comprehensive (loss)/income
Other comprehensive (loss)/income for the year, net of tax
Total comprehensive profit for the year attributable to shareholders
Earnings per share attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the Company:
Basic earnings per share (cents)
Diluted earnings per share (cents)

Consolidated

2012
$’000

687,313
(115,361)
(175,458)
(70,699)
(31,827)
(12,529)
(54,994)
–
–
(665)
225,780

(30,523)
(71,699)
2,724
–
126,282
(31,260)
95,022

(13,529)
81,493

13.48
13.45

Restated
2011
$’000

492,811
(117,804)
(120,873)
(33,823)
(19,607)
(7,063)
(38,645)
10,938
(6,300)
1,396
161,030

(22,254)
(52,610)
2,393
(1,327)
87,232
(23,172)
64,060

165
64,225

13.88
 13.86

Note

2

2

2

26

9

2
2
2
2

4

23
23

The above Statement of Comprehensive Income should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
FOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2012

Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Receivables
Total current assets

Non-current assets
Receivables
Investments accounted for using the equity method
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Other financial assets
Deferred tax assets
Total non-current assets
Total assets

Current liabilities
Payables
Provisions
Borrowings
Current tax liabilities
Derivative financial instruments
Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities
Provisions
Borrowings
Deferred tax liabilities
Derivative financial instruments
Total non-current liabilities
Total liabilities
Net assets

Equity
Contributed equity
Reserves
Other equity transaction
Accumulated losses
Equity attributable to equity holders
Non-controlling interest
Total equity

31

Consolidated

2012
$’000

97,175
132,623
229,798

5,796
10,581
172,517
2,036,890
141
19,143
2,245,068
2,474,866

118,244
21,657
16,228
56,942
–
213,071

12,388
690,788
–
24,249
727,425
940,496
1,534,370

1,686,878
(12,336)
(77,406)
(63,064)
1,534,072
298
1,534,370

Restated
2011
$’000

31,644
138,796
170,440

3,750
11,198
183,678
2,036,929
200
–
2,235,755
2,406,195

111,134
20,199
6,116
14,969
441
152,859

13,796
702,472
20,584
6,722
743,574
896,433
1,509,762

1,688,149
404
(77,406)
(101,683)
1,509,464
298
1,509,762

Note

6
7

8
9
11
12
10
13

15
16
17

18

19
17
13
18

20
21
21
22

The above Statement of Financial Position should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2012

32

Total 
equity
$’000

 1,509,762
 95,022
 (13,529)
81,493

789
 (1,271)
 (56,403)
 (56,885)
1,534,370

Total 
equity
$’000

 1,032,390
64,060
165
64,225

404

1,171
471,609
 (11,586)

1,555
 (50,006)
–
413,147

2012

Restated total equity
at 1 July 2011
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income

Transactions with equity  
holders in their capacity  
as equity holders:
Employee share entitlements
Buy back of company shares
Dividends provided for or paid

Total equity at 30 June 2012

Restated 2011

Total equity at 1 July 2010
Restated profit for the year
Other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income

Transactions with equity  
holders in their capacity  
as equity holders:
Employee share entitlements
Issuing shares as consideration 
for acquisition of businesses
Capital raising
Cost of issuing shares net of tax
Issuing shares for dividend 
reinvestment plan
Dividends provided for or paid
Transfer from/(to) reserve

Restated total equity
at 30 June 2011

Contributed
 equity
$’000

Reserves
$’000

Other equity 
transaction
$’000

Accumulated
 losses
$’000

Non-
controlling
 interest
$’000

Total
$’000

Consolidated

1,688,149
–
–
–

404
–
 (13,529)
 (13,529)

 (77,406)
–
–
–

 (101,683)
95,022
–
95,022

1,509,464
 95,022
 (13,529)
81,493

–
 (1,271)
–
 (1,271)
1,686,878

789
–
–
789
 (12,336)

–
–
–
–
 (77,406)

–
–
 (56,403)
 (56,403)
 (63,064)

789
 (1,271)
 (56,403)
 (56,885)
1,534,072

298
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
298

Consolidated

Contributed
 equity
$’000

Reserves
$’000

Other equity
 transaction
$‘000

Accumulated
 losses
$’000

1,225,400
 –
 –
 –

 (339)
–
165
165

 (77,406)
–
–
–

 (115,563)
64,060
–
64,060

Total
$’000

1,032,092
 64,060
 165
64,225

Non-
controlling
 interest
$’000

298
–
–
–

–

404

1,171
471,609
 (11,586)

1,555
–
–
462,749

1,688,149

–
–
–

–
–
174
578

404

–

–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–

–
 (50,006)
 (174)
 (50,180)

404

1,171
471,609
 (11,586)

1,555
 (50,006)
–
413,147

–

–
–
–

–
–
–
–

The above Statement of Changes in Equity should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

 (77,406)

 (101,683)

1,509,464

298

1,509,762

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2012

33

Cash flows from operating activities
Receipts from customers
Payments to suppliers/employees
Government grants received
Acquiree transaction costs
Interest received from external parties
Dividends received from associates
Tax paid
Net cash inflows from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities
Payments for purchase of property, plant and equipment
Payments for purchase of intangibles
Dividends received from investments
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
Payments for purchase of businesses
Transaction costs associated with purchase of businesses
Payments for purchase of investments
Net cash flows used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities
Dividends paid to security holders
Borrowings from external parties
Repayment of borrowings from external parties
Payments for buy back of company shares
Proceeds from capital raising
Capital raising costs
Borrowing costs paid for purchase of business
Interest paid to external parties
Movement in finance lease liabilities
Net cash flows (used in)/from financing activities
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash assets at the beginning of the year
Cash assets at the end of the year

Consolidated

2012
$’000

Restated
2011
$’000

767,671
(538,151)
311
–
2,724
–
(23,216)
209,339

(21,243)
(405)
92
–
–
–
–
(21,556)

(56,403)
–
(6,000)
(1,271)
–
–
–
(58,492)
(86)
(122,252)
65,531
31,644
97,175

543,670
(376,694)
1,517
(2,270)
2,393
900
(4,914)
164,602

(21,000)
(21)
–
7,338
(721,039)
(6,300)
(195)
(741,217)

(48,451)
1,183,522
(963,122)
–
471,609
(16,551)
(18,056)
(38,631)
(177)
570,143
(6,472)
38,116
31,644

Note

24

6

The above Statement of Cash Flows should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

34

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of 
these consolidated financial statements are set out below. These 
policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, 
unless otherwise stated. The financial statements are for the 
consolidated entity consisting of Southern Cross Media Group 
Limited (“the Company”) and its subsidiaries (“the Group”).

(a) Basis of preparation
This general purpose financial report has been prepared in 
accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and the 
Corporations Act 2001 (where applicable).

Information in respect of the parent entity in this financial report 
relates to Southern Cross Media Group Limited.

Compliance with IFRS
Compliance with Australian Accounting Standards ensures that 
the financial statements and notes of the Group comply with 
International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued 
by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”). 
Consequently this financial report has also been prepared in 
accordance with and complies with IFRS as issued by the IASB.

Historical cost convention
These financial statements have been prepared under the historical 
cost convention, as modified by the revaluation of certain financial 
assets and liabilities (including derivative instruments) at fair value 
through profit or loss. All amounts are presented in Australian 
dollars, unless otherwise noted.

Comparative figures
Where necessary, comparative figures have been adjusted to 
conform to changes in presentation in the current year.

(b) Principles of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the assets and 
liabilities of all subsidiaries of the Company as at 30 June 2012 and 
the results of all subsidiaries for the year then ended. The effects of 
all transactions between entities in the Group are eliminated in full.

The purchase method of accounting is used to account for the 
acquisition of subsidiaries by the Group except as follows:

 – At the time of Initial Public Offering (“IPO”) Southern Cross Media 
Australia Holdings Pty Limited (“SCMAHL”) was deemed to be 
the accounting acquirer of both Southern Cross Media Group 
Limited (“SCMGL”) and Southern Cross Media Trust (“SCMT”), 
which was neither the legal parent nor legal acquirer; and

 – This reflects the requirements of AASB 3 that in situations where 
an existing entity (SCMAHL) arranges to be acquired by a smaller 
entity (SCMGL) for the purposes of a stock exchange listing, the 
existing entity SCMAHL should be deemed to be the acquirer, 
subject to consideration of other factors such as management 
of the entities involved in the transaction and relative fair values 
of the entities involved in the transaction. This is commonly 
referred to as a reverse acquisition.

At the time of IPO, in November 2005, the reverse acquisition 
guidance of AASB 3 was applied to the Group and the cost of 
the Business Combination was deemed to be paid by SCMAHL 
to acquire SCMGL and SCMT. The cost was determined by 
reference to the fair value of the net assets of SCMGL and SCMT 
immediately prior to the Business Combination. The investment 
made by the legal parent SCMGL in SCMAHL to legally acquire 
the existing radio assets is eliminated on consolidation. In applying 
the guidance of AASB 3, this elimination results in a debit of 
$77.4 million to other equity transactions. This does not affect 
the Group’s distributable profits.

(i) Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries are those entities over which the Group has the 
power to govern the financial and operating policies, generally 
accompanying a shareholding of more than one-half of voting 
rights. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which 
control is transferred to the Group. The existence and effect of 
potential voting rights that are currently exercisable or convertible 
are considered when assessing whether the Group controls 
another entity.

The purchase method of accounting is used to account for the 
acquisition of subsidiaries by the Group. Where control of an entity 
is obtained during a financial year, its results are included in the 
Statement of Comprehensive Income from the date on which 
control commences. Where control of an entity ceases during 
a financial year, its results are included for that part of the year 
during which control existed.

Intercompany transactions, balances and unrealised gains on 
transactions between Group companies are eliminated.

Non-controlling interests in the results and equity of subsidiaries 
are shown separately in the consolidated Statements of 
Comprehensive Income and Statements of Financial Position 
respectively.

(ii) Associates
Associates are entities over which the Group has significant 
influence, but not control or joint control, generally accompanying 
a shareholding of between 20% and 50% of the voting rights. 
Investments in associates are accounted for in the Company 
financial statements using the cost method and in the consolidated 
financial statements using the equity method of accounting, 
after initially being recognised at cost. The Group’s investment 
in associates includes the fair value of goodwill (net of any 
accumulated impairment loss) identified on acquisition.

The Group’s share of its associates’ post-acquisition profits 
or losses is recognised in profit or loss and its share of post-
acquisition movements in reserves is recognised in other 
comprehensive income. The cumulative post-acquisition 
movements are adjusted against the carrying amount of the 
investment. Dividends receivable from associates are recognised 
in the Company’s profit or loss, while in the consolidated financial 
statements they reduce the carrying amount of the investment.

When the Group’s share of losses in an associate equals or 
exceeds its interest in the associate, including any other unsecured 
receivables, the Group does not recognise further losses, unless 
it has incurred obligations or made payments on behalf of 
the associate.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2012Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

35

Unrealised gains on transactions between the Group and its 
associates are eliminated to the extent of the Group’s interest 
in the associates. Unrealised losses are also eliminated unless 
the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the asset 
transferred. Accounting policies of associates have been changed 
where necessary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted 
by the Group.

(e) Investments and other financial assets
The Group classifies its financial assets in the following category: 
loans and receivables. Investments in subsidiaries are classified 
separately and are held at cost in the Company. The classification 
depends on the purpose for which the investments were acquired. 
The classification of the Group’s investments is determined at 
initial recognition.

(iii) Joint Ventures
Interests in joint venture entities are accounted for in the 
consolidated financial statements using the equity method and 
are carried at cost by the Company.

(iv) Transactions with non-controlling parties
Equity transactions with non-controlling entities are recognised in 
the Group financial statements using the economic entity method, 
whereby transactions with non-controlling parties are treated as 
transactions with equity participants.

(c) Foreign currency
Functional and presentation currency
Items included in the financial statements of the Group are 
measured using the currency of the primary economic environment 
in which the entity operates. The consolidated financial statements 
are presented in Australian dollars, which is the Company’s 
functional and presentation currency.

Transactions and balances
Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional 
currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the 
transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from 
the settlement of such transactions and from the translation at year-
end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated 
in foreign currencies are recognised in profit or loss, except when 
deferred in equity from applying cash flow hedge accounting 
or net funding of a foreign operation.

Group companies
The results and financial position of all of the Group entities (none 
of which have the currency of a hyperinflationary economy) that 
have functional currency different from the presentation currency 
are translated into the presentation currency as follows:

 – assets and liabilities for each balance sheet presented are 

translated at the closing rate at the date of that balance sheet;
 – income and expenses for each Statement of Comprehensive 

Income are translated at average exchange rates; and

 – all resulting exchange differences are recognised as a separate 

component of equity.

Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of 
a foreign entity are treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign 
entity and translated at the closing rate.

(d) Cash and cash equivalents
For the purpose of the Statements of Cash Flows, cash and cash 
equivalents includes cash on hand, deposits held at call with 
financial institutions, and other short-term, highly liquid investments 
with original maturities of three months or less that are readily 
convertible to cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk 
of changes in value.

At balance date, the Group had the following financial assets:

Loans, receivables and trade receivables
Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with 
fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active 
market. They arise when any entity within the Group provides 
money, or defers payment on ordinary equity, to an external party 
with no intention of selling the receivable immediately or in the near 
future; or arise within the Group on a single entity basis when one 
entity provides money to another member of the Group. Loans 
and receivables with maturity less than 12 months are included in 
current assets and those with greater than 12 months maturity are 
included in non-current assets. Loans and receivables are initially 
recorded at fair value and then subsequently at amortised cost 
using the effective interest rate method.

Trade receivables are recognised at fair value, being the original 
invoice amount, and subsequently measured at amortised cost less 
provision for doubtful debts.

A provision for doubtful debts is established when there is objective 
evidence that the Group will not be able to collect all amounts due 
according to the original terms of the receivable. The amount of 
the provision is recognised in profit or loss. Where a debt is known 
to be uncollectible, it is considered a bad debt and written off.

Investments in associates
Associates are those entities over which the consolidated entity 
exercises significant influence but not control. Investments 
in associates are accounted for in the consolidated financial 
statements using the equity method. Under this method, the 
consolidated entity’s share of the post-acquisition profits and 
losses of associates are recognised in profit or loss and are 
adjusted against the cost of the investment.

(f) Property, plant and equipment
Cost
Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost less 
accumulated depreciation and cumulative impairment charges. 
Cost includes those costs directly attributable to bringing the 
assets into the location and working condition necessary for 
the asset to be capable of operating in the manner intended by 
management. The estimated cost of dismantling and removing 
infrastructure items and restoring the site on which the assets are 
located is only included in the cost of the asset to the extent that 
the Group has an obligation to restore the site and the cost of 
restoration is not recoverable from third parties. Additions, renewals 
and improvements are capitalised, while maintenance and repairs 
are expensed.

The carrying values of property, plant and equipment are reviewed 
for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances 
indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable (refer 
to note 1(i)). An asset’s carrying amount is written down immediately 
to its recoverable amount if the asset’s carrying amount is greater 
than its estimated recoverable amount.

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

36

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
(f) Property, plant and equipment (continued)
Depreciation
Land is not depreciated. Depreciation on other assets is calculated 
on a straight-line basis to write off the cost of property, plant and 
equipment over its estimated useful life. Estimates of remaining 
useful life are made on a regular basis for all assets, with annual 
reassessments for major items. The expected useful life of property, 
plant and equipment is as follows:

Buildings
Leasehold improvements
Network equipment
Communication equipment
Other plant and equipment
Leased plant and equipment

5 – 50 years
3 – 16 years
2 – 10 years
3 – 5 years
2 – 20 years
2 – 20 years

(g) Leases
Leases of property, plant and equipment where the Group, as 
lessee, has substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership 
are classified as finance leases. Finance leases are capitalised 
at the lease’s inception at the lower of the fair value of the leased 
property and the present value of the minimum lease payments. 
The corresponding rental obligations, net of finance charges, 
are included in other long-term payables. Each lease payment is 
allocated between the liability and finance charges so as to achieve 
a constant rate on the finance balance outstanding. The interest 
element of the finance cost is charged to the profit or loss over the 
lease period so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on 
the remaining balance of the liability for each period. The property, 
plant and equipment acquired under finance leases are depreciated 
over the shorter of the asset’s useful life and the lease term, if there 
is no reasonable certainty that the Group will obtain ownership 
at the end of the lease term.

Leases in which a significant portion of the risks and rewards of 
ownership are retained by the lessor are classified as operating 
leases. Payments made under operating leases (net of any 
incentives received from the lessor) are charged to profit or 
loss on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease.

The Group sub-leases buildings under an operating lease and rent 
revenue is recorded as income in the profit or loss on a straight-
line basis.

(h) Intangible assets
Free to air commercial television and radio broadcasting licences
Television and radio licences are initially recognised at cost. 
Analogue licences are renewable for a minimal cost every five years 
under provisions within the Broadcasting Services Act. Digital 
licences attach to the analogue licences and renew automatically. 
The directors understand that the revocation of a commercial 
television or radio licence has never occurred in Australia and 
have no reason to believe the licences have a finite life. As a 
result, the free to air commercial television and radio broadcasting 
licences have been assessed to have indefinite useful lives. 
Accordingly, they are not amortised and are tested for impairment 
annually, or whenever there is an indication that the carrying 
value may be impaired, and are carried at cost less accumulated 
impairment losses.

Tradenames
Tradenames are initially recognised at cost. The tradenames have 
been assessed to have indefinite useful lives. Accordingly, they are 
not amortised and are tested for impairment annually, or whenever 
there is an indication that the carrying value may be impaired, and 
are carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses.

The Group’s tradenames operate in established markets with 
limited restrictions and are expected to continue to complement 
the Group’s media initiatives. On this basis, the directors have 
determined that tradenames have indefinite lives as there is no 
foreseeable limit to the period over which the assets are expected 
to generate net cash inflows.

Brands
Brands are initially recognised at cost. The brands have been 
assessed to have indefinite useful lives. Accordingly, they are 
not amortised and are tested for impairment annually, or whenever 
there is an indication that the carrying value may be impaired, 
and are carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses.

The Group’s brands operate in established markets with limited 
restrictions and are expected to continue to complement the 
Group’s media initiatives. On this basis, the directors have 
determined that brands have indefinite lives as there is no 
foreseeable limit to the period over which the assets are 
expected to generate net cash inflows.

Other intangibles
Other intangibles including a programming services agreement 
are recognised at cost and are amortised over the useful life 
of the asset (2 years).

Goodwill
All business combinations are accounted for by applying the 
purchase method. Where an entity or operation is acquired, the 
identifiable net assets acquired are measured at fair value. The 
excess of the fair value of the cost of acquisition over the fair value 
of the identifiable net assets acquired is brought to account as 
goodwill. Transaction costs are expensed in the period incurred.

Goodwill is stated at cost less any impairment losses. Goodwill 
is allocated to cash-generating units and is not amortised but is 
tested at least annually for impairment. In respect of associates, 
the carrying amount of goodwill is included in the carrying amount 
of the investment in the associate.

Negative goodwill arising on an acquisition is recognised directly 
in profit or loss, after reassessment of the identification and 
measurement of the net assets acquired.

(i) Impairment of assets
Assets that have an indefinite useful life are not subject to 
amortisation and are tested annually for impairment. Assets that 
are subject to amortisation are reviewed for impairment whenever 
events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying 
amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognised 
for the amount by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds 
its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of 
an asset’s fair value less costs to sell and value in use. For the 
purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the 
lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash flows 
(cash generating units).

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2012Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

37

(j) Derivative financial instruments
The Group enters into interest rate swap agreements to manage 
its financial risks. Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value at 
the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently 
remeasured to their fair value. The method of recognising the 
resulting gain or loss depends on whether the derivative is 
designated as a hedging instrument and if so, the nature of the item 
being hedged. The Group may have derivative financial instruments 
which are economic hedges, but do not satisfy the requirements 
of hedge accounting. Gains or losses from changes in fair value 
of these economic hedges are taken through profit or loss.

If the derivative financial instrument meets the hedge accounting 
requirements, the Group designates the derivatives as either (1) 
hedges of the fair value of recognised assets or liabilities or a firm 
commitment (fair value hedge); or (2) hedges of highly probable 
forecast transactions (cash flow hedge). The Group documents at 
the inception of the transaction the relationship between hedging 
instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management 
objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. 
The Group also documents its assessments, both at hedge 
inception and on an ongoing basis, of whether the derivatives that 
are used in hedging transactions have been and will continue to 
be highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows 
of hedged items. The fair values of various derivative financial 
instruments held are disclosed in note 18.

(k) Trade and other Payables
These amounts represent liabilities for goods and services provided 
to the Group prior to the end of the financial year and which are 
unpaid. The amounts are unsecured and are usually paid within 
60 days of recognition.

(l) Goods and Services Tax (“GST”)
Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the 
amount of GST, except where the amount of GST incurred is not 
recoverable from the taxation authority. In these circumstances 
the GST is recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of the asset 
or as part of the expense.

Receivables and payables are stated with the amount of 
GST included.

The net amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to, the ATO 
is included with other receivables or payables in the balance sheet.

Cash flows are presented on a gross basis. The GST components 
of cash flows arising from investing and financing activities which 
are recoverable from, or payable to, the ATO are classified as 
operating cash flows.

(m) Employee benefits
(i) Wages and salaries, leave and other entitlements
Liabilities for unpaid salaries, salary related costs and provisions 
for annual leave are recorded in the Statement of Financial Position 
at the salary rates which are expected to be paid when the liability 
is settled. Provisions for long service leave and other long-term 
benefits are recognised at the present value of expected future 
payments to be made. In determining this amount, consideration 
is given to expected future salary levels and employee service 
histories. Expected future payments are discounted to their net 
present value using rates on Commonwealth Government securities 
with terms that match as closely as possible to the expected future 
cash flows.

(ii) Share-based payments
Share-based compensation benefits are provided to employees 
via certain Employee Agreements. Information relating to these 
Agreements is set out in the Remuneration Report.

The fair value of entitlements granted under certain Employee 
Agreements is recognised as an employee benefit expense with 
a corresponding increase in equity. The fair value is measured at 
grant date and recognised as an expense over the period during 
which the employees become unconditionally entitled to the shares.

The fair value at grant date is determined using a Monte Carlo 
pricing model that takes into account the share price at grant date 
and the expected dividend yield, share price volatility and the risk 
free interest rate for the term of the entitlement.

The fair value at grant date of the securities granted is adjusted to 
reflect market vesting conditions, but excludes the impact of any 
non-market vesting conditions (for example, profitability and sales 
growth targets). Non-market vesting conditions are included in 
assumptions about the number of shares that are expected to be 
issued. At each balance sheet date, the entity revises its estimate of 
the number of shares that are expected to be issued. The employee 
benefit expense recognised each period takes into account 
the most recent estimate. The impact of the revision to original 
estimates, if any, is recognised in profit or loss with a corresponding 
adjustment to equity. Where the terms of the share-based payment 
entitlement are modified in favour of the employee, the changes are 
reflected when determining the impact on profit or loss.

(n) Retirement benefit obligations
The Group operated a defined contribution scheme and in the 
prior year also operated a defined benefit scheme. Eligibility for 
participation in the plans is governed by employment and related 
law in the country of employment.

Defined benefit scheme (closed during the prior year)
The defined benefit scheme provided, for certain eligible employees 
in Australia, defined lump sum benefits based on years of service 
and final average salary.

A liability or asset in respect of the defined benefit scheme 
was recognised in the Statement of Financial Position and was 
measured as the present value of the defined benefit obligation 
at the reporting date plus unrecognised actuarial net gains/
losses less the fair value of the plan’s assets at that date and any 
unrecognised past service cost. The present value of the defined 
benefit obligation was based on expected future payments which 
arise from membership of the scheme to the reporting date, 
calculated at least annually by independent actuaries.

Expected future payments were discounted using market yields 
at the reporting date on high quality corporate bonds with terms 
to maturity and currency that match, as closely as possible, the 
estimated future outflows. Actuarial gains and losses arising from 
experience adjustments and changes in actuarial assumptions 
were recognised directly in equity.

Defined contribution scheme
The defined contribution schemes comprise fixed contributions 
made by the Group with the Group’s legal or constructive obligation 
being limited to these contributions. Contributions to the defined 
contribution scheme are recognised as an expense as they become 
payable. Prepaid contributions are recognised in the Statement 
of Financial Position as an asset to the extent that a cash refund 
or a reduction in the future payments is available.

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

38

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
(o) Borrowings
Borrowings are initially recognised at fair value, net of transaction 
costs incurred. Transaction costs that have been paid or accrued 
for prior to the drawdown of debt are classified as prepayments. 
Borrowings are subsequently measured at amortised cost. Any 
difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) and 
the redemption amount is recognised in profit or loss over the 
period of the borrowings using the effective interest method. 
Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the Group 
has an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability 
for at least 12 months after the balance sheet date.

(p) Borrowing costs
Borrowing costs incurred for the construction of any qualifying 
asset are capitalised during the period of time that is required 
to complete and prepare the asset for its intended use or sale. 
Other borrowing costs are expensed.

(q) Contributed equity
Shares in the Company are classified as equity. Incremental costs 
directly attributed to the issue of new shares are shown in equity 
as a deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds.

(r) Revenue recognition
Revenues are recognised at fair value of the consideration received 
or receivable net of the amount of GST payable to the relevant 
taxation authority.

Free to Air Commercial Radio and Television Broadcasting
Revenue represents revenue earned primarily from the sale of 
advertising airtime and related activities, including sponsorship 
and promotions. Revenue is recorded when the service is provided, 
being primarily when the advertisement is aired. Commissions 
payable to media agencies are recognised as selling costs. Other 
regular sources of operating revenue are derived from commercial 
production for advertisers, including facility sharing revenue and 
program sharing revenue. Revenue from commercial production is 
recognised on invoice, at the time of completion of the commercial.

Interest revenue
Interest revenue on loans and receivables is recognised using 
the effective interest rate method.

Other service revenue
Other service revenue is recognised when the service has 
been provided.

Rental revenue
Rental revenue is recognised on a straight-line basis.

(s) Government grants
Grants from the government for the introduction of regional 
digital television broadcasting are recognised at their fair value on 
entitlement and receipt. Government grants relating to costs are 
deferred and recognised in profit or loss over the period necessary 
to match them with the costs that they are intended to compensate.

Government grants relating to the purchase of property, plant 
and equipment are deferred and recognised in profit or loss 
on a straight-line basis over the expected useful lives of the 
related assets.

(t) Income tax
Income tax amounts recognised in the Group’s financial statements 
relate to tax paying entities within the Group and have been 
recognised in accordance with Group policy.

Income tax is not brought to account in respect of SCMT, as 
pursuant to the Income Tax Assessment Act, the Trust is not liable 
for income tax provided that its taxable income (including any 
assessable realised capital gains) is fully distributed to unit holders 
each year.

The income tax expense (or revenue) for the year is the tax payable 
on the current year’s taxable income based on the applicable tax 
rate for each jurisdiction adjusted by changes in deferred tax assets 
and liabilities attributable to temporary differences between the 
tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the 
financial statements and to unused tax losses. In determining the 
extent of temporary differences of assets, the carrying amount of 
assets is generally assumed to be recovered through use except 
for non-amortising identifiable intangible assets, such as free to 
air commercial television and radio broadcasting licences, brands 
and tradenames where the carrying amounts are assumed to 
be recovered through sale, unless there is evidence of recovery 
through use.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognised for temporary 
differences at the tax rates expected to apply when the assets 
are recovered or liabilities are settled, based on those tax rates 
which are enacted or substantively enacted for each jurisdiction. 
The relevant tax rates are applied to the cumulative amounts of 
deductible and taxable temporary differences to measure the 
deferred tax asset or liability.

Deferred tax assets are recognised for deductible temporary 
differences and unused tax losses only if it is probable that 
future taxable amounts will be available to utilise those temporary 
differences and losses.

(u) Fair value estimation
The fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities 
must be estimated for recognition and measurement or 
for disclosure purposes.

The fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in 
an active market (for example, unlisted convertible notes) is 
determined using valuation techniques. The Group uses a variety 
of methods and makes assumptions that are based on market 
conditions existing at each balance date. Other techniques, 
such as estimated discounted cash flows, are used to determine 
fair value for the remaining financial instruments. The fair value 
of interest rate swaps is calculated as the present value of the 
estimated future cash flows.

The nominal values less estimated credit adjustments of trade 
receivables and payables are assumed to approximate their fair 
values. The fair value of financial liabilities for disclosure purposes 
is estimated by discounting the future contractual cash flows at the 
current market interest rate that is available to the Group for similar 
financial instruments.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2012Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

39

(v) Dividends
Provision is made for the amount of any dividend declared, being 
appropriately authorised and no longer at the discretion of the 
Company, on or before the end of the financial year but not 
distributed at the end of the reporting period.

(aa) Impact of standards issued but not yet applied
Certain new accounting standards and interpretations have 
been published that are not mandatory for 30 June 2012 reporting 
periods. The Group’s assessment of the impact of relevant new 
standards and interpretations is set out below.

(w) Earnings per share
(i) Basic earnings per share
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit or loss 
attributable to equity holders of the Company, excluding any costs 
of servicing equity other than ordinary shares, by the weighted 
average number of shares outstanding during the financial year.

(ii) Diluted earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share adjusts the figures used in the 
determination of basic earnings per share to take into account 
the after income tax effect of interest and other financing costs 
associated with dilutive potential shares and the weighted 
average number of shares assumed to have been issued for 
no consideration in relation to dilutive potential shares.

(x) Provisions
A provision is recognised when there is a legal, equitable or 
constructive obligation as a result of a past event and it is probable 
that a future sacrifice of economic benefits will be required to settle 
the obligation, the timing or amount of which is uncertain.

Where there are a number of similar obligations, the likelihood 
that an outflow will be required in settlement is determined by 
considering the class of obligations as a whole. A provision is 
recognised even if the likelihood of an outflow with respect to any 
one item included in the same class of obligations may be small.

Provisions are measured at the present value of management’s 
best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the present 
obligation at the balance sheet date. The discount rate used to 
determine the present value reflects current market estimates of 
the time value of money and the risks specific to the liability. The 
increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recognised 
as interest expense.

(y) Rounding of amounts
The Group and the Company are of a kind referred to in Class 
Order 98/100, issued by the Australian Securities and Investments 
Commission, relating to the “rounding off” of amounts in the 
financial report. Amounts in the financial report have been rounded 
off in accordance with that Class Order to the nearest thousand 
dollars, unless otherwise indicated.

(z) Impact of new accounting policies
The Group has adopted all the new and revised Standards and 
Interpretations issued by the Australian Accounting Standards 
Board (the AASB) that are relevant to its operations and effective 
for the annual reporting period commencing on 1 July 2011, which 
include:

(i) Amendments to AASB 7, 101 and 134 as a consequence of 
AASB 2010-4 Further Amendments to Australian Accounting 
Standards arising from the Annual Improvements Project
The adoption of these amendments has not resulted in any 
changes to the Group’s accounting policies and has no effect 
on the amounts reported for the current or prior periods.

 – AASB 9 Financial Instruments and AASB 2009-11 Amendments 

to Australian Accounting Standards arising from AASB 9 
and AASB 2010-7 Amendments to Australian Accounting 
Standards arising from AASB 9 (December 2010) (effective from 
1 January 2013)

 – AASB 2010-8 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards 
– Deferred Tax: Recovery of Underlying Assets (effective from 
1 January 2012)

 – AASB 2011-4 Amendments to Australian Accounting 

Standards to Remove Key Management Personnel Disclosure 
Requirements (effective from 1 July 2013)

 – AASB 10 Consolidated Financial Statements, AASB 11 Joint 

Arrangements, AASB 12 Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities, 
revised AASB 127 Separate Financial Statements and AASB 128 
Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures and AASB 2011-7 
Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from 
the Consolidation and Joint Arrangements Standards (effective 
from 1 January 2013)

 – AASB 13 Fair Value Measurement and AASB 2011-8 

Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from 
AASB 13 (effective 1 January 2013)

 – AASB 2011-9 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards 

– Presentation of Items of Other Comprehensive Income 
(effective 1 July 2012)

 – Revised AASB 119 Employee Benefits, AABS 2011-10 

Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising 
from AASB 119 and AASB 2011-11 Amendments to AASB 
119 arising from Reduced Disclosure Requirements (effective 
1 January 2013)

 – Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (Amendments 
to IAS 32) (effective 1 July 2014) and Disclosures – Offsetting 
Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (Amendments to IFRS 7) 
(effective 1 July 2013)

The Company currently does not expect that any adjustments 
will be necessary as a result of applying these revised accounting 
standards. The impact on future transactions will need to be 
assessed as they occur.

(bb) Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgement
The preparation of the financial report in accordance with 
Australian Accounting Standards requires the use of certain critical 
accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise 
judgement in the process of applying the accounting policies. 
Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based 
on historical experience and other factors, including expectations 
of future events that may have a financial impact on the entity 
and that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. 
Management believes the estimates used in the preparation of the 
financial report are reasonable. Actual results in the future may 
differ from those reported.

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

40

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
(bb) Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgements (continued)
The estimates and assumptions that have a risk of causing a 
material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities 
within the next financial year are discussed below:

(i) Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite 
useful lives
In accordance with the accounting policy stated in notes 1(h) and 
1(i) the Group tests at least annually whether goodwill and intangible 
assets with indefinite useful lives have suffered any impairment and 
when there is an indication of impairment. The tests incorporate 
assumptions regarding future events which may or may not occur, 
resulting in the need for future revisions of estimates. There are 
also judgements involved in determination of cash generating units. 
Refer to note 12 for details of these assumptions.

(ii) Income taxes
The Group is subject to income taxes in Australia and in some of 
its foreign operations. Currently the Group has raised a current 
provision for income tax in respect of amended tax assessments 
raised by the ATO in respect of disallowed deductions on 
redeemable preference shares between 2006 and 2009. The 
Group has objected against the assessments. Should the Group 
be successful in its objection against the amended assessments, 
the tax liability will be reversed to the profit or loss. Refer to note 4 
for further details of tax risks.

(iii) Derivative financial instruments
The fair values of over-the-counter derivatives are determined using 
valuation techniques adopted by the directors with assumptions 
that are based on market conditions existing at each balance sheet 
date. The fair values of interest rate swaps are calculated as the 
present values of the estimated future cash flows.

(iv) Business combinations – revised fair values
As the acquisition of Austereo Group Limited (“Austereo”) took 
place close to the 30 June 2011 year end, the information required 
to value the acquisition was incomplete. The initial accounting 
for Austereo was therefore determined provisionally in the 30 
June 2011 annual report. In accordance with IFRS 3 Business 
Combinations, adjustments to the initial provisional accounting 
for the Austereo acquisition disclosed in the 2011 annual report 
have been recognised as if the final accounting for the business 
combination had been completed at the acquisition date. 
Comparative information for 30 June 2011 has therefore been 
adjusted, with the effect being an increase in reported net profit 
after tax of $10.8 million. Further information is given in note 26.

(v) Hedge Accounting
The Group designated interest rates swaps held as at 1 July 2011 
as cash flow hedges and has applied hedge accounting from 
this date.

The Group documents the relationship between hedging 
instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management 
objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge transactions. 
The Group also documents its assessment, both at hedge inception 
and on an ongoing basis, of whether the derivatives that are used 
in hedging transactions have been and will continue to be highly 
effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of hedged items.

The fair values of derivative financial instruments used for hedging 
purposes are presented within the balance sheet. Movements in 
the hedging reserve are shown within the Statement of Changes 
in Equity. The full fair value of a hedging derivative is classified as 
a non-current asset or liability when the remaining maturity of the 
hedged item is more than 12 months; it is classified as a current 
asset or liability when the remaining maturity of the hedged item 
is less than 12 months.

Cash flow hedge
The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives 
that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges is recognised 
in other comprehensive income and accumulated in reserves 
in equity. The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is 
recognised immediately in profit or loss.

Amounts accumulated in equity are reclassified to profit or loss in 
the periods when the hedged item affects profit or loss (for instance 
when the forecast sale that is hedged takes place). The gain or 
loss relating to the effective portion of interest rate swaps hedging 
variable rate borrowings is recognised in profit or loss within 
“interest expense and other borrowing costs”.

When a hedging instrument expires or is sold or terminated, or 
when a hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, 
any cumulative gain or loss existing in equity at that time remains in 
equity and is recognised when the forecast transaction is ultimately 
recognised in profit or loss. When a forecast transaction is no 
longer expected to occur, the cumulative gain or loss that was 
reported in equity is immediately reclassified to profit or loss.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2012Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

41

The head entity may also require payment of interim funding 
amounts to assist with its obligations to pay tax instalments.

Assets or liabilities arising under tax funding agreements with 
the tax consolidated entities are recognised as current amounts 
receivable from or payable to other entities in the Group.

Any difference between the amounts assumed and amounts 
receivable or payable under the tax funding agreement are 
recognised as a contribution to (or distribution from) wholly-owned 
tax consolidated entities.

(iii) Financial guarantees
Where the parent entity has provided financial guarantees in 
relation to loans and payables of subsidiaries for no compensation, 
the fair values of these guarantees are accounted for as 
contributions and recognised as part of the cost of the investment.

(dd) Discontinued operations
A discontinued operation is a component of an entity that has been 
disposed of or is classified as held for sale and that represents a 
separate major line of business or geographical area. The results 
of discontinued operations are presented separately on the face 
of the Statement of Comprehensive Income.

(cc) Parent entity financial information
The financial information for the parent entity, Southern Cross 
Media Group Limited (“the Company”), disclosed in note 27 has 
been prepared on the same basis as the consolidated financial 
statements, except as set out below.

(i) Investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint venture entities
Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for at cost in the financial 
statements of the Company.

(ii) Tax consolidation legislation
The Company and its wholly-owned Australian controlled 
entities have implemented the tax consolidation legislation 
as of 23 November 2005.

The head entity, being the Company, and the controlled entities 
in the tax consolidated group account for their own current and 
deferred tax amounts. These tax amounts are measured as if each 
entity in the tax consolidated group continues to be a stand-alone 
taxpayer in its own right. In addition to its own current and deferred 
tax amounts, the Company also recognises the current tax liabilities 
(or assets) and the deferred tax assets arising from unused tax 
losses and unused tax credits assumed from controlled entities 
in the tax consolidated group.

The entities have also entered into a tax funding agreement under 
which the wholly-owned entities fully compensate the Company 
for any current tax payable assumed and are compensated by 
the Company for any current tax receivable and deferred tax 
assets relating to unused tax losses or unused tax credits that are 
transferred to the Company under the tax consolidation legislation. 
The funding amounts are determined by reference to the amounts 
recognised in the wholly-owned entities’ financial statements.

The amounts receivable/payable under the tax funding agreement 
are due upon receipt of the funding advice from the head entity, 
which is issued as soon as practicable after the end of each 
financial year.

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

42

2. Profit for the Year
The profit before income tax from continuing operations included the following specific items of revenue, other income and expenses:

Revenue from continuing operations
Sales revenue
Dividend income
Government grant revenue
Rental revenue
Net profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Total revenue from continuing operations

Interest revenue
External banks

Depreciation expense
Land and buildings
Plant and equipment
Leasehold improvements
Plant and equipment under finance leases
Total depreciation expense

Amortisation expense
Programming services agreement
Customer relationships
Total amortisation expense
Total depreciation and amortisation expense

Interest expense and other borrowing costs
External banks
Interest accrued on amended tax assessments
Amortisation of borrowing costs
Finance charges on capitalised leases
Total interest expense and other borrowing costs

Net fair value losses on financial derivatives – interest rate swaps
Total net fair value losses on financial derivatives – interest rate swaps

Rental expense relating to operating leases – included in occupancy costs
Defined contribution plan expense – included in employee expenses

Consolidated

2012
$’000

681,718
92
311
5,192
–
687,313

Restated
2011
$’000

485,503
–
1,517
4,124
1,667
492,811

2,724

2,393

1,655
26,419
1,872
133
30,079

444
–
444
30,523

55,814
10,889
4,934
62
71,699

–

25,570
12,731

1,055
19,639
985
142
21,821

111
322
433
22,254

38,630
–
13,892
88
52,610

1,327

15,868
8,474

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2012Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

43

3. Remuneration of Auditors

(a) Audit services
PricewaterhouseCoopers Australian firm:
  Statutory audit and review of financial reports
Ernst & Young Australian firm:
  Audit and review of financial reports
Total remuneration for audit services

(b) Non-audit services
PricewaterhouseCoopers Australian firm:
  Tax compliance services
  Regulatory returns
  Other assurance services
  Other consulting services
Total remuneration for non-audit services
Total

Consolidated

2012
$

2011
$

475,000

610,000

–
475,000

50,000
660,000

5,500
50,000
21,000
84,600
161,100
636,100

–
50,000
–
30,000
80,000
740,000

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

44

4. Income Tax Expense
The income tax expense for the financial year differs from the amount calculated on the net result from continuing operations. 
The differences are reconciled as follows:

Income tax expense/(benefit)
Current tax
Deferred tax

Deferred income tax expense/(benefit) included in income tax expense comprises:
Increase in net deferred tax assets
Adjustment for prior years
Adjustment for reset tax cost base on tax consolidation

Reconciliation of income tax expense to prima facie tax payable
Profit before income tax expense
Tax at the Australian tax rate of 30%
Tax on amended assessments
Adjustments for reset tax cost base on tax consolidation
Tax effect of amounts which are not deductible/(taxable) in calculating taxable income
Share of net losses/(profits) of associates
Other non-deductible expenses/(deductible expenses)/(non-assessable income)
Adjustments recognised in the current year in relation to current tax of prior years
Income tax expense

Consolidated

2012
$’000

Restated
2011
$’000

70,970
(39,710)
31,260

1,812
(1,995)
(39,527)
(39,710)

126,282
37,885
32,874
(39,527)

199
1,824
(1,995)
31,260

13,809
9,363
23,172

10,675
(1,312)
–
9,363

87,232
26,170
–
–

(419)
(1,267)
(1,312)
23,172

For the year ended 30 June 2012, the Company had $5.8 million of income tax benefit recognised directly in equity in relation to cash flow 
hedges, with a corresponding deferred tax asset being recognised. For the year ended 30 June 2011, the Company had $4.96 million of 
tax benefit recognised directly in equity relating to transaction costs of the capital raising, with a corresponding deferred tax asset being 
recognised. There are no unused tax losses for which no deferred tax asset has been recognised.

Reset Tax Cost Base
On 29 March 2011, the Group acquired a controlling interest in the share capital of Austereo, a leading Australian commercial radio 
broadcaster with stations in all mainland Australian state capital cities. On 17 May 2011, the Group acquired 100% of the share capital of 
Austereo, including gaining 100% ownership of Radio Newcastle Pty Ltd (“Radio Newcastle”). As it was not known at 29 March 2011 that 
the Group would gain 100% ownership of Austereo and Radio Newcastle, deferred tax assets and liabilities at acquisition were calculated 
with reference to the existing tax cost bases of those assets and liabilities. When 100% ownership was achieved and the Austereo group 
and Radio Newcastle joined the Southern Cross Media Group Limited tax consolidated group, tax cost bases were reset, resulting in an 
income tax benefit of $39.5 million being recognised in profit for the year ended 30 June 2012.

Tax Audit
The Company was the subject of a specific issue tax audit by the Australian Taxation Office (“ATO”) in relation to the income years ended 
30 June 2006 to 30 June 2009.

As part of the audit, consistent with the ATO’s specific focus on the application of specific debt/equity rules to stapled groups under its 
Compliance Program for the 2010/2011 year, the tax deductibility of payments on certain redeemable preference shares (“RPS”) issued 
by the Company was considered. At the conclusion of the audit, the ATO raised amended assessments in relation to the income years 
ended 30 June 2006 to 30 June 2009 for an amount of primary tax of $32.8 million and Shortfall Interest Charge (“SIC”) of $10.9 million. 
The Company has lodged objections against each of the amended assessments and the SIC imposed and has recognised the primary 
tax assessment as a current tax liability, and the SIC as a current payable as at 30 June 2012.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2012Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

45

5. Dividends Paid and Proposed
The dividends were paid and payable as follows:

The dividends were paid/payable as follows:
Interim dividend paid for the half year ended 31 December – fully franked at the tax rate of 30%
Final dividend paid for the year ended 30 June – fully franked at the tax rate of 30%

Dividends paid in cash or satisfied by the issue of shares under  
the dividend reinvestment plan were as follows:
Paid in cash
Satisfied by issue of shares

Interim dividend paid for the half year 31 December
Final dividend paid for the year ended 30 June

The Group has $82.6 million of franking credits at 30 June 2012 (2011: $84.1 million)

6. Current Assets – Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash at bank

Consolidated

2012
$’000

35,230
21,173
56,403

56,403
–
56,403

2011
$’000

26,519
23,487
50,006

48,451
1,555
50,006

Cents per
 share

Cents per
 share

5.0
3.0
8.0

7.0
6.2
13.2

Consolidated

2012
$’000

97,175

Restated
2011
$’000

31,644

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

46

7. Current Assets – Receivables

Current
Trade receivables
Provision for doubtful debts (a)
Prepayments
Other

Consolidated

2012
$’000

Restated
2011
$’000

123,021
(1,556)
4,764
6,394
132,623

124,441
(1,963)
6,214
10,104
138,796

(a) Impaired trade receivables
The Group has recognised an expense in respect of bad and doubtful trade receivables during the year ended 30 June 2012 of $415,000 
(2011: $871,000). This provision is based on known bad debts and past experience for receipt of trade receivables.

8. Non-Current Assets – Receivables

Non-current
Refundable deposits
Related parties
Other

The carrying amounts of the non-current receivables approximate their fair values.

Consolidated

2012
$’000

520
1,749
3,527
5,796

Restated
2011
$’000

505
1,385
1,860
3,750

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2012Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

47

9. Non-Current Assets – Investments Accounted for Using the Equity Method

Shares in associates – equity method

(a) Carrying amounts
Information relating to associates is set out below:

Name of company

Gold Coast Translator Pty Ltd
Regional Tam Pty Ltd

Country 
of origin

Australia
Australia

Tasmanian Digital Television  
Pty Ltd
Darwin Digital Television Pty Ltd Australia

Australia

Sydney FM Facilities Pty Ltd
Australia
Melbourne FM Facilities Pty Ltd Australia
Australia
Perth FM Facilities Pty Ltd
Australia
Digital Radio Broadcasting  
Sydney Pty Ltd
Digital Radio Broadcasting 
Melbourne Pty Ltd
Digital Radio Broadcasting  
Brisbane Pty Ltd
Digital Radio Broadcasting  
Adelaide Pty Ltd
Digital Radio Broadcasting  
Perth Pty Ltd

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Principal activity

Rental of a transmission facility
Acquisition and distribution  
of TV ratings
Operation of a TV station  
– Tasmania
Operation of a TV station  
– Darwin
Rental of a transmission facility
Rental of a transmission facility
Rental of a transmission facility
Digital radio broadcasting

Ownership 
interest %

2012

25.0
36.0

2011

25.0
36.0

50.0

50.0

50.0

50.0

50.0
50.0
66.71
22.6

50.0
50.0
66.71
22.6

Digital radio broadcasting

18.2 2

18.2 2

Digital radio broadcasting

35.0

35.0

Digital radio broadcasting

33.3

33.3

Digital radio broadcasting

33.3

33.3

Consolidated

2012
$’000

10,581

Restated
2011
$’000

11,198

Consolidated

2012
$’000

94
9

8,039

615

615
–
289
834

14

20

26

26

Restated
2011
$’000

94
9

8,250

1,027

615
–
300
817

14

20

26

26

10,581

11,198

1 

2 

 Whilst more than 50% of Perth FM Facilities Pty Ltd is owned by the Group, it does not control the voting rights as all shareholders are required to agree on material 
operating matters.
 Due to the nature and treatment of the Digital Radio Broadcasting operations, the 18.2% investment in Digital Radio Broadcasting Melbourne Pty Ltd has been 
recognised as an associate.

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

48

9. Non-Current Assets – Investments Accounted for Using the Equity Method (continued)
(b) Movements in carrying amounts

Carrying amount at the beginning of the financial year
Share of (losses)/profits after income tax
Dividends received
Disposals of associates (refer to note 26)
Acquisitions of associates (refer to note 26)
Contributions to associates
Carrying amount at the end of the financial year

(c) Details of interest in associates

Share of associates’ assets and liabilities
Current assets
Non-current assets
Total assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Total liabilities
Net assets

Share of associates’ revenue, expenses and results
Revenue
Expenses
Profit before income tax
Income tax expense
Net (loss)/profit – accounted for using the equity method

Share of associates’ contingent liabilities
Share of contingent liabilities incurred jointly with other investors
Contingent liabilities relating to liabilities of the associate for which the Company is severally liable

Consolidated

2012
$’000

11,198
(665)
–
–
–
48
10,581

Restated
2011
$’000

29,643
1,396
(900)
(27,019)
7,883
195
11,198

Consolidated

2012
$’000

3,045
10,195
13,240
236
2,423
2,659
10,581

3,220
(3,885)
(665)
–
(665)

–
–

Restated
2011
$’000

4,899
14,194
19,093
1,821
6,074
7,895
11,198

9,299
(6,891)
2,408
(1,012)
1,396

–
–

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2012Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

49

10. Non-Current Assets – Other Financial Assets

Available for sale investments – at fair value

11. Non-Current Assets – Property, Plant and Equipment

Land and buildings – at cost
Less: Accumulated depreciation
Total land and buildings – net

Leasehold improvements – at cost
Less: Accumulated depreciation
Total leasehold improvements – net

Plant and equipment – at cost
Less: Accumulated depreciation
Total plant and equipment – net

Leased plant and equipment – at cost
Less: Accumulated depreciation
Total leased plant and equipment – net

Assets under construction – at cost

Total property, plant and equipment – at cost
Less: Total accumulated depreciation
Total property, plant and equipment – net

Consolidated

2012
$’000

141

Restated
2011
$’000

200

Consolidated

2012
$’000

48,664
(11,145)
37,519

33,475
(14,252)
19,223

369,694
(260,887)
108,807

772
(371)
401

Restated
2011
$’000

50,970
(9,892)
41,078

30,561
(12,521)
18,040

366,548
(252,011)
114,537

728
(238)
490

6,567

9,533

459,172
(286,655)
172,517

458,340
(274,662)
183,678

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

50

11. Non-Current Assets – Property, Plant and Equipment (continued)
Reconciliations of the carrying amounts of property, plant and equipment at the beginning and end of each year are set out below:

Consolidated

Land and buildings
Carrying amount at the beginning of the financial year
Acquisition of subsidiaries
Additions
Disposals
Depreciation expense
Transfers
Carrying amount at the end of the financial year

Leasehold improvements
Carrying amount at the beginning of the financial year
Acquisition of subsidiaries
Additions
Disposals
Depreciation expense
Transfers
Carrying amount at the end of the financial year

Plant and equipment
Carrying amount at the beginning of the financial year
Acquisition of subsidiaries
Additions
Disposals
Depreciation expense
Transfers
Carrying amount at the end of the financial year

Leased plant and equipment
Carrying amount at the beginning of the financial year
Additions
Disposals
Depreciation expense
Carrying amount at the end of the financial year

Assets under construction
Carrying amount at the beginning of the financial year
Acquisition of subsidiaries
Transfers
Additions
Carrying amount at the end of the financial year
Total property, plant and equipment – net

2012
$’000

41,078
–
163
(2,203)
(1,655)
136
37,519

18,040
–
325
(12)
(1,872)
2,742
19,223

114,537
–
12,718
(111)
(26,419)
8,082
108,807

490
44
–
(133)
401

9,533
–
(10,959)
7,993
6,567
172,517

Restated
2011
$’000

41,660
1,545
1,770
(5,394)
(1,055)
2,552
41,078

5,055
15,903
627
(8)
(985)
(2,552)
18,040

98,137
17,389
17,471
(259)
(19,639)
1,438
114,537

475
210
(53)
(142)
490

2,606
7,400
(5,422)
4,949
9,533
183,678

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2012Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

51

12. Non-Current Assets – Intangible Assets

Commercial radio/TV broadcast licences – at cost
Less impairment charges
Total licences – net

Tradenames – at cost
Less impairment charges
Total tradenames – net

Customer relationships – at cost
Less accumulated amortisation
Total customer relationships – net

Brands – at cost
Less impairment charges
Total brands – net

Programming services agreement – at cost
Less accumulated amortisation
Total programming services agreement – net

Goodwill – at cost
Less impairment charges
Total goodwill – net

Consolidated

2012
$’000

1,595,282
–
1,595,282

Restated
2011
$’000

1,595,282
–
1,595,282

139
–
139

–
–
–

88,900
–
88,900

1,000
(555)
445

352,124
–
352,124

117
–
117

2,900
(2,900)
–

88,900
–
88,900

1,000
(111)
889

351,741
–
351,741

Total intangibles – at cost
Less total accumulated amortisation and impairment charges
Total intangibles – net

2,037,445
(555)
2,036,890

2,039,940
(3,011)
2,036,929

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

52

12. Non-Current Assets – Intangible Assets (continued)

Commercial radio/TV broadcast licences
Carrying amount at the beginning of the financial year
Acquisition of subsidiaries (refer to note 26)
Carrying amount at the end of the financial year

Tradenames
Carrying amount at the beginning of the financial year
Additions
Carrying amount at the end of the financial year

Customer relationships
Carrying amount at the beginning of the financial year
Amortisation expense
Carrying amount at the end of the financial year

Brands
Carrying amount at the beginning of the financial year
Acquisition of subsidiaries (refer to note 26)
Carrying amount at the end of the financial year

Programming services agreement
Carrying amount at the beginning of the financial year
Acquisition of subsidiaries (refer to note 26)
Amortisation expense
Carrying amount at the end of the financial year

Goodwill
Carrying amount at the beginning of the financial year
Additions
Carrying amount at the end of the financial year
Total intangibles – net

Consolidated

2012
$’000

Restated
2011
$’000

1,595,282
–
1,595,282

768,483
826,799
1,595,282

117
22
139

–
–
–

95
22
117

322
(322)
–

88,900
–
88,900

–
88,900
88,900

889
(444)
445

1,000
(111)
889

351,741
383
352,124
2,036,890

295,868
55,873
351,741
2,036,929

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2012Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

53

(a) Impairment tests for licences, tradenames, brands and goodwill
The value of licences, tradenames, brands and goodwill is allocated to the Group’s cash generating units (“CGUs”), identified as regional 
free to air commercial radio and television broadcasting (“Regional free to air broadcasting”) and metropolitan free to air commercial radio 
broadcasting (“Metro free to air broadcasting”).

The recoverable amount of the Regional free to air broadcasting CGU at 30 June 2012 and 30 June 2011 and the Metro free to air 
broadcasting CGU at 30 June 2012 was determined based on a value in use discounted cash flow (“DCF”) model. The Metro free to 
air broadcasting CGU was consolidated from 29 March 2011, when the takeover offer for Austereo became unconditional, and 100% 
ownership of Austereo was gained on 17 May 2011. Impairment testing was assessed at 30 June 2011 having regard to the financial 
model developed to support the acquisition. The financial results of Austereo at 30 June 2011 were in line with the financial model.

Allocation of goodwill and other intangible assets

2012

Goodwill allocated to CGU
Indefinite lived intangible assets allocated to CGU
Total goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets

Value in use assumptions (see part (b))
Revenue growth – Forecast Period
Cost (reduction)/growth – Forecast Period
Long-term growth rate – terminal value
Discount rate (pre-tax)

Restated 2011

Goodwill allocated to CGU
Indefinite lived intangible assets allocated to CGU
Total goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets

Value in use assumptions (see part (b))
Revenue growth – Forecast Period
Cost growth – Forecast Period
Long-term growth rate – terminal value
Discount rate (pre-tax)

Total
$’000

352,124
1,684,321
2,036,445

Total
$’000

351,741
1,684,299
2,036,040

Regional 
Free to Air
Broadcasting
 CGU
$’000

Metro 
Free to Air
Broadcasting
 CGU
$’000

316,391
823,021
1,139,412

35,733
861,300
897,033

%

%

2.5 to 5.3
3.1 to 7.4
3.0
10.8

1 to 3.8
(7.8) to 3.2
3.0
11.0

Regional 
Free to Air
Broadcasting
 CGU
$’000

Metro 
Free to Air
Broadcasting
 CGU
$’000

316,008
822,999
1,139,007

%

3.1 to 3.9
2.8 to 6.6
2.5
12.3

35,733
861,300
897,033

%

n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

(b) Key assumptions used for value in use calculations
The value in use calculations use cash flow projections based on the 2013 financial budgets extended over the subsequent four year 
period (“Forecast Period”) using estimated growth rates approved by the Board. Terminal growth rates do not exceed the long-term 
industry growth rates. Cash flows beyond the five year period are extrapolated using growth rates that do not exceed the long-term 
average growth rate for the business in which the CGU operates (refer table above). The discount rate used reflects specific risks relating 
to the relevant segments and the economies in which they operate (refer table above).

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

54

12. Non-Current Assets – Intangible Assets (continued)
(c) Impact of a reasonably possible change in key assumptions
Regional free to air broadcasting
At 30 June 2012, an increase in the discount rate of 1.5% to 12.3% to reflect a higher cost of debt finance than currently forecast, or other 
changes in the cost of equity, would result in the regional free to air broadcasting CGU carrying amount exceeding its recoverable 
amount. In addition, if the revenue growth assumption was to decrease from 3.4% to 2.9% or operating expense growth assumption 
was to increase from 4.4% to 5.2% over the Forecast Period, it would result in the regional free to air broadcasting CGU carrying amount 
exceeding its recoverable amount. At 30 June 2012, the amount by which the recoverable amount exceeded the carrying value of the 
assets allocated to the regional free to air broadcasting CGU was $230.9 million.

At 30 June 2011, an increase in the discount rate of 1.1% to 13.4% to reflect a higher cost of debt finance than currently forecast, or other 
changes in the cost of equity, would result in the regional free to air broadcasting CGU carrying amount exceeding its recoverable 
amount. In addition, if the revenue growth assumption was to decrease from 3.7% to 2.9% or operating expense growth assumption 
was to increase from 4.1% to 5.2% over the Forecast Period, it would result in the regional free to air broadcasting CGU carrying amount 
exceeding its recoverable amount. At 30 June 2011, the amount by which the recoverable amount exceeded the carrying value of the 
assets allocated to the regional free to air broadcasting CGU was $132.6 million.

Metro free to air broadcasting
At 30 June 2012, an increase in the discount rate of 2% to 13% to reflect a higher cost of debt finance than currently forecast, or other 
changes in the cost of equity, would result in the metro free to air broadcasting CGU carrying amount exceeding its recoverable amount. 
In addition, if the revenue growth assumption was to decrease from 2.7% to 1.7% or operating expense growth assumption was to 
increase from 0.6% to 1.9% over the Forecast Period, it would result in the metro free to air broadcasting CGU carrying amount exceeding 
its recoverable amount. At 30 June 2012, the amount by which the recoverable amount exceeded the carrying value of the assets allocated 
to the metro free to air broadcasting CGU was $216.7 million.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2012Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

55

13. Deferred Taxes

Consolidated

The balance comprises temporary differences attributable to:
Doubtful debts
Property, plant and equipment
Licences
Brand
Acquisition costs
Creditors and accruals
Unearned revenue
Employee benefits
Provisions
Interest rate swaps
Other
Net balance

Disclosed as:
Deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities

Movements:
Balance at the beginning of the financial year
Acquisition of subsidiaries
Adjustment relating to prior years
Credited/(charged) to income statement
Other adjustment
Credited to equity
Balance at the end of the financial year

Deferred taxes to be recovered after more than 12 months
Deferred taxes to be recovered within 12 months

2012
$’000

707
1,300
(14,060)
(874)
8,981
3,567
1,274
6,627
3,586
7,275
760
19,143

19,143
–
19,143

(20,584)
–
1,995
37,715
17
–
19,143

2,622
16,521
19,143

Restated
2011
$’000

588
992
(27,259)
(26,670)
14,645
3,655
1,276
6,857
3,341
1,869
122
(20,584)

–
(20,584)
(20,584)

30,566
(46,752)
1,312
(10,675)
–
4,965
(20,584)

(36,423)
15,839
(20,854)

Reset tax cost base
On 29 March 2011, the Group acquired a controlling interest in the share capital of Austereo, a leading Australian commercial radio 
broadcaster with stations in all mainland Australian state capital cities. On 17 May 2011, the Group acquired 100% of the share capital of 
Austereo, including gaining 100% ownership of Radio Newcastle Pty Ltd (“Radio Newcastle”). As it was not known at 29 March 2011 that 
the Group would gain 100% ownership of Austereo and Radio Newcastle, deferred tax assets and liabilities at acquisition were calculated 
with reference to the existing tax cost bases of those assets and liabilities. When 100% ownership was achieved and the Austereo group 
and Radio Newcastle joined the Southern Cross Media Group Limited tax consolidated group, tax cost bases were reset, resulting in an 
income tax benefit of $39.5 million being recognised in profit for the year ended 30 June 2012.

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

56

14. Subsidiaries
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the assets, liabilities and results of the following significant subsidiaries in accordance 
with the accounting policy described in note 1(b):

Name of entity

Southern Cross Media Trust (SCMT)
SCM No 5 Limited (SCM5)
SCM No 1 Limited (SCM1)
Southern Cross Media International Limited (SCMIL)  
and controlled entities
Southern Cross Media Australia Holdings Pty Limited (SCMAHL)
Southern Cross Austereo Community Foundation Limited (SCACF)
Southern Cross Austereo Pty Limited (SCAPL) and controlled entities*

Country of
 incorporation

Class of 
shares/units

Australia
Australia
Australia

Bermuda
Australia
Australia
Australia

Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary

Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary

Effective
 ownership
 interest
2012

Effective
 ownership
 interest
2011

100%
100%
100%

100%
100%
100%
100%

100%
100%
100%

100%
100%
–
100%

*  The acquisition of 100% of the issued capital of Austereo Group Limited was undertaken by a subsidiary of SCAPL.

The proportion of ownership interest is equal to the proportion of voting power held unless otherwise indicated.

15. Current Liabilities – Payables

Trade creditors
GST payable
Other payables including accrued expenses
Deferred income

16. Current Liabilities – Provisions

Employee benefits
Lease straight-line
Lease incentives (refer note 19)

Consolidated

2012
$’000

19,521
5,267
82,460
10,996
118,244

Restated
2011
$’000

10,506
4,404
91,727
4,497
111,134

Consolidated

2012
$’000

19,393
2,022
242
21,657

Restated
2011
$’000

19,844
113
242
20,199

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2012Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

57

17. Borrowings
(a) Total interest bearing liabilities
Current borrowings

Secured
Bank facilities
Lease liabilities
Total secured current interest bearing liabilities

Non-current borrowings

Secured
Bank facilities
Borrowing costs
Lease liabilities
Total secured non-current interest bearing liabilities
Total current and non-current borrowings

Consolidated

2012
$’000

16,000
228
16,228

Restated
2011
$’000

6,000
116
6,116

Consolidated

2012
$’000

Restated
2011
$’000

703,000
(12,414)
202
690,788
707,016

719,000
(16,928)
400
702,472
708,588

(b)
(b)

(b)

(b)

(b) Bank facilities and assets pledged as security
As a result of the off market takeover of Austereo, Southern Cross Austereo Pty Ltd (“SCAPL”) entered into a new $765 million bank facility 
on 25 March 2011. This facility consisted of a $725 million term facility, maturing on 26 March 2015 (with multiple repayments totalling 
$50 million between June 2012 and maturity), a $30 million working capital facility, and a $10 million working capital facility for bank 
guarantees/leases/credit cards/merchant facilities. The $30 million working capital facility remains undrawn at 30 June 2012.

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

58

17. Borrowings (continued)
(b) Bank facilities and assets pledged as security (continued)
The bank term facilities of SCAPL are secured by a fixed and floating charge over the assets and undertakings of SCAPL and its wholly-
owned subsidiaries and also by a mortgage over shares in SCAPL. These facilities mature on 26 March 2015 and have an average variable 
interest rate of 6.26% (2011: 7.81%). These facilities are denominated in Australian dollars.

There are certain financial and non-financial covenants which are required to be met by subsidiaries in the Group. One of these covenants 
is an undertaking that the subsidiary is in compliance with the requirements of the facility before any amount may be distributed to the 
benefit of the ultimate parent entity, Southern Cross Media Group Limited. The first covenant testing date was at 31 December 2011, with 
testing dates falling at 30 June and 31 December each year until the facility maturity date.

Lease liabilities are effectively secured as the rights to the leased assets recognised in the financial statements revert to the lessor in the 
event of default.

The carrying amounts of assets pledged as security by SCAPL for current and non-current borrowings are:

Current assets
Floating charge
Cash and cash equivalents
Receivables
Total current assets pledged as security

Non-current assets
Floating charge
Receivables
Investments accounted for using the equity method
Other financial assets
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Total non-current assets pledged as security
Total assets pledged as security

(c) Financing arrangements
Unrestricted access was available at balance date to the following lines of credit:

Bank facilities
Used at balance date
Unused at balance date

Working capital facility
Used at balance date
Unused at balance date

Working capital facility (bank guarantees/leases/credit cards/merchant facilities)
Used at balance date
Unused at balance date

Total facilities
Total used at balance date
Total unused at balance date

SCAPL

2012
$’000

Restated
2011
$’000

90,023
131,914
221,937

24,738
137,691
162,429

5,796
10,581
141
172,517
2,046,816
2,235,851
2,457,788

8,958
11,198
200
183,678
2,046,855
2,250,889
2,413,318

Consolidated

2012
$’000

719,000
(719,000)
–

30,000
–
30,000

10,000
(3,560)
6,440

759,000
(722,560)
36,440

Restated
2011
$’000

725,000
(725,000)
–

30,000
–
30,000

10,000
(5,260)
4,740

765,000
(730,260)
34,740

The bank facilities for the Group mature on 26 March 2015. The Group’s bank facilities are denominated in Australian dollars as at 
30 June 2012 and 30 June 2011.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2012Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

59

18. Derivative Financial Instruments

Current liabilities
Interest rate swap contracts (a)
Total current liabilities – derivative financial instruments

Non-current liabilities
Interest rate swap contracts (a)
Total non-current liabilities – derivative financial instruments

Consolidated

2012
$’000

–
–

24,249
24,249

Restated
2011
$’000

441
441

6,722
6,722

The Group is party to derivative financial instruments in the normal course of business in order to hedge exposure to fluctuations in interest 
rates in accordance with the Group’s financial risk management policies (refer to note 25).

(a) Interest rate swap contracts
External borrowings of the Group currently bear an average variable interest rate of 6.26% (2011: 7.81%). It is policy to protect part of the 
loans from exposure to increasing interest rates. Accordingly, the Group has entered into interest rate swap contracts under which it is 
obliged to receive interest at variable rates and to pay interest at fixed rates.

In Australia, interest rate swaps currently in place cover approximately 76% (2011: 97%) of the loan principal outstanding, however due to 
rolling commencement dates 49% (2011: 45%) of the loan principal currently outstanding is covered at year end. The current fixed interest 
rates range between 5.06% and 6.12% (2011: range between 4.95% and 6.17%) and the variable rate is determined with reference to the 90 
day bank bill swap rate (“BBSW”).

The notional principal amounts and periods of expiry of the interest rate swap contracts are as follows:

Less than 1 year
1 – 2 years
2 – 3 years
3 – 4 years

Consolidated

2012
$’000

–
200,000
350,000
–

Restated
2011
$’000

150,000
–
200,000
350,000

The contracts require settlement of net interest receivable or payable and are timed to coincide with the approximate dates on which 
interest is payable on the underlying debt.

These interest rate swaps are cash flow hedges as they satisfy the requirements for hedge accounting. Any change in fair value of the 
interest rate swaps is taken to the hedge reserve in equity.

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

60

19. Non-Current Liabilities – Provisions

Employee benefits
Lease incentives
Make good
Lease straight-line
Onerous lease

Movements in current and non-current provisions, other than provisions for employee benefits, are set out below:

Balance at the beginning of the financial year
Acquisition of subsidiaries
Movements in the year
Balance at the end of the financial year

20. Contributed Equity

Ordinary shares
Contributed equity

On issue at the beginning of the financial year
Issuing shares in consideration for acquisition of businesses
Capital Raising
Buy back of company shares
Issuing shares for dividend reinvestment plan
Costs of issuing shares net of tax
On issue at the end of the financial year

On issue at the beginning of the financial year
Issuing shares in consideration for acquisition of businesses
Issuing shares for employee share entitlements
Capital Raising
Buy back of company shares
Issuing shares for dividend reinvestment plan
On issue at the end of the financial year

Consolidated

2012
$’000

2,698
1,550
4,654
1,997
1,489
12,388

Restated
2011
$’000

3,013
1,768
4,888
1,478
2,649
13,796

Consolidated

2012
$’000

10,783
–
(1,093)
9,690

Restated
2011
$’000

2,238
8,606
(61)
10,783

Consolidated

2012
$’000

1,686,878
1,686,878

Restated
2011
$’000

1,688,149
1,688,149

Consolidated

2012
$’000

1,688,149
–
–
(1,271)
–
–
1,686,878

Restated
2011
$’000

1,225,400
1,171
471,609
–
1,555
(11,586)
1,688,149

Consolidated

2012

2011

Number of securities

705,712
–
54
–
(1,172)
–
704,594

378,828
700
–
325,248
–
936
705,712

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2012Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

61

(a) Securities on issue
Ordinary shares in Southern Cross Media Group Limited
Ordinary shares entitle the holder to participate in distributions and the proceeds on winding up of the Company in proportion to the 
number of and amounts paid on the shares held.

On a show of hands, each shareholder present in person and each other person present as a proxy has one vote and upon a poll, 
each share is entitled to one vote.

(b) Dividend reinvestment plan (“DRP”)
On 3 September 2010 the Group announced that the DRP was reopened.

Under the DRP shareholders may elect to have all or part of their dividend entitlements satisfied by the issue of new shares rather than 
being paid in cash. Shares are issued under the DRP at the weighted average market price calculated over a pricing period. A discount 
of not more than 10% as determined by the directors can be applied to the DRP price. No discount has been applied to date.

(c) Capital raising
In 2011, as part of the funding of the Austereo acquisition, the Company undertook a capital raising in the form of a renounceable 
entitlement offer. The entitlement offer comprised a 6 for 7 accelerated renounceable entitlement offer over fully paid shares in the 
Company at an issue price of $1.45. The entitlement offer comprised an institutional component and a retail component. The institutional 
component raised $393.9 million of capital, whilst the retail component raised $77.7 million.

(d) Employee share entitlements
In 2010, the Company introduced a Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) for its senior executives. Information relating to the employee share 
entitlements, including details of shares issued under the scheme, is set out in note 28.

(e) Share buy back
On 24 November 2011 the Company announced it would conduct a share buy back between 9 December 2011 and 30 June 2012 to 
effectively manage capital for the benefit of shareholders. During the share buy back period, a total of 1,117,995 shares were bought back 
at an average price of $1.0824, with prices ranging from $1.0646 to $1.0900. The total value of shares bought back was $1,270,687.

(f) Capital risk management
The Group’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern, so that it can continue to 
provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders and to maintain an optimal capital structure to reduce the cost of capital.

In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group may adjust the amount of dividends paid to shareholders, return capital 
to shareholders, issue new shares, buy back existing shares or sell assets to reduce debt.

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

62

21. Reserves and Other Equity Transactions
(a) Reserves

Balance of reserves
Share-based payments reserve (i)
Retirement benefit reserve (ii)
Hedge reserve (iii)

(i) Share-based payments reserve
Balance at the beginning of the financial year
Employee share entitlement
Balance at the end of the financial year

(ii) Retirement benefit reserve
Balance at the beginning of the financial year
Actuarial gain
Transfer to accumulated losses
Balance at the end of the financial year

(iii) Hedge reserve
Balance at the beginning of the financial year
Recognition of hedge reserve, net of tax
Fair value movement in interest rate swaps, net of tax
Balance at the end of the financial year

Consolidated

2012
$’000

1,193
–
(13,529)
(12,336)

404
789
1,193

–
–
–
–

–
(8,871)
(4,658)
(13,529)

Restated
2011
$’000

404
–
–
404

–
404
404

(339)
165
174
–

–
–
–
–

Nature and purpose of reserves
(i) Share-based payments reserve
The share-based payments reserve is used to recognise the fair value of future potential shares to be issued to employees for no 
consideration in respective of performance rights offered under the Long-Term Incentive Plan. During the year 54,258 (2011: nil) rights have 
vested and 1,883,328 (2011: 1,178,832) shares have been granted. In the current year, $789,000 (2011: $404,000) has been recognised as 
an expense in the current year profit or loss as the fair value of potential shares to be issued. Refer to note 28 for further information on the 
current Long-Term Incentive Plan.

(iii) Hedge reserve
The hedging reserve is used to record gains or losses on a hedging instrument in a cash flow hedge that are recognised in other 
comprehensive income, as described in note 1(bb)(v). Amounts are reclassified to profit or loss when the associated hedged transaction 
affects profit or loss.

(b) Other equity transactions

Other equity transactions
Reverse acquisition

Consolidated

2012
$’000

Restated
2011
$’000

(77,406)

(77,406)

On 23 November 2005, in connection with the initial public offering of the Group, the Company became the legal owner of all the issued 
shares of Southern Cross Media Australia Holding Pty Limited (“SCMAHL”). SCMAHL was the holding company for the Southern Cross 
Media group of companies operating, at that time, commercial radio broadcasting stations throughout Australia. As set out in note 1(b), 
in accordance with the requirements of AASB 3 Business Combinations, this transaction was accounted for as a reverse acquisition. 
SCMAHL was the deemed accounting acquirer of the Group and the Company. Under the terms of the arrangement with the vendor, 
the Company was required to pay $77.4 million for the transfer of the shares.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2012Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

63

22. Accumulated Losses

Balance at the beginning of the financial year
Profit attributable to security holders
Transfer from reserves
Dividends provided for or paid
Balance at the end of the financial year

23. Earnings per Share

(a) Basic earnings per share
From continuing operations attributable to shareholders
Total basic earnings per share attributable to shareholders

(b) Diluted earnings per share
From continuing operations attributable to shareholders
Total diluted earnings per share attributable to shareholders

(c) Reconciliation of earnings used in calculating basic and diluted earnings per share

Basic and Diluted earnings per share
Profit attributable to shareholders:
From continuing operations

(d) Weighted average number of shares used as the denominator

Weighted average number of shares used as the denominator in calculating basic earnings per share
Adjustment for shares deemed to be issued at nil consideration in respect of employee share entitlements
Weighted average number of ordinary shares and potential ordinary shares used as the denominator in 
calculating diluted earnings per share

Consolidated

2012
$’000

(101,683)
95,022
–
(56,403)
(63,064)

Restated
2011
$’000

(115,563)
64,060
(174)
(50,006)
(101,683)

Consolidated

2012
Cents

13.48
13.48

13.45
13.45

Restated
2011
Cents

13.88
13.88

13.86
13.86

Consolidated

2012
$’000

Restated
2011
$’000

95,022
95,022

64,060
64,060

Number

Number

705,137,886
1,186,101

461,588,643
576,462

706,323,987

462,165,105

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

64

24. Reconciliation of Profit after Income Tax to Net Cash Inflow from Operating Activities

Consolidated

Profit after income tax
Impairment of investments and non-current assets
Depreciation and amortisation
Loss/(profit) on sale of fixed assets/licences
Share of associates (profits)/loss
Dividends received from associates
Dividends received from investments
Fair value losses on financial derivatives
Fair value gains on business combinations
Transaction costs
Interest expense and other borrowing costs included in financing activities
Share based payments
Change in assets and liabilities:
  Decrease in receivables

(Increase)/decrease in deferred taxes
(Decrease)/increase in payables
Increase in provision for income tax
Increase in provisions

Net cash inflows from operating activities

2012
$’000

95,022
59
30,523
528
665
–
(92)
–
–
–
71,699
788

10,973
(33,929)
(8,920)
41,973
50
209,339

Restated
2011
$’000

64,060
52
22,254
(1,667)
(1,396)
900
–
1,327
(10,938)
6,300
52,610
–

3,155
9,384
9,963
7,961
637
164,602

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2012 
 
 
 
Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

65

25. Financial Risk Management
The Group’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: market risk (fair value interest rate risk), credit risk, liquidity risk and cash flow 
interest rate risk. The Group’s overall risk management program focuses on the unpredictability of financial markets and seeks to minimise 
potential adverse effects on the financial performance of the Group. The Group uses derivative financial instruments such as interest rate 
swaps to hedge certain risk exposures.

The Risk Management Policy and Framework is carried out by management under policies approved by the Board. Senior management 
of the Group identify, quantify and qualify financial risks as part of developing and implementing the risk management process. The Risk 
Management Policy and Framework is a written document approved by the Board that outlines the financial risk management process 
to be adopted by management. Specific financial risks that have been identified by the Group are:

(a) Market risk
Market risk is the exposure to adverse changes in the value of trading portfolios as a result of changes in market prices or volatility:

(i)  Cash flow and fair value risk: changes in interest rates.
The Group’s interest rate risk arises from long-term borrowings which are taken out at variable interest rates and therefore expose the 
Group to a cash flow risk. The Group does not have a formal policy to fix rates on its borrowings but manages its cash flow interest rate 
risk by using variable to fixed interest rate swaps. Such interest rate swaps have the economic effect of converting borrowings from 
variable rates to fixed rates. Generally, the Group raises long-term borrowings at variable rates and swaps them into fixed rates that are 
lower than those available if the Group borrowed at fixed rates directly. Under the interest rate swaps, the Group agrees with other parties 
to exchange, at specified intervals (mainly quarterly), the difference between fixed contract rates and variable rate interest amounts 
calculated by reference to the agreed notional principal amounts. Refer to note 18 for further disclosure in relation to these interest rate 
swaps and the exposure to unhedged borrowings.

In assessing interest rate risk, management has assumed a +/– 25 basis points movement (2011: 25 basis points) in the relevant interest 
rates at 30 June 2012 for financial assets and liabilities denominated in Australian Dollars (“AUD”). The following table illustrates the impact 
on profit or loss with no impact directly on equity for the Group.

Impact on  
post-tax profits
Increase/(decrease)
30 June 2012
+/– 25 basis points

Impact on reserves
Increase/(decrease)
30 June 2012
+/– 25 basis points

Impact on  
post-tax profits
Increase/(decrease)
30 June 2011
+/– 25 basis points

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

$’000

Carrying Value

30 June
 2012
$’000

30 June
 2011
$’000

97,175
(24,249)
(719,000)

31,644
(7,119)
(725,000)

243
–
–

(243)
–
–

–
2,059
–

–
(2,069)
–

79
2,952
(1,813)

 (79)
(2,967)
(1,813)

Consolidated
AUD exposures

Financial assets
Cash at bank
Interest rate swaps
Borrowings

For details of the interest rate risk exposures, and the Group’s interest rate swaps, refer to note 18.

(b) Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk of a counterparty failing to complete its contractual obligations when they fall due.

The Group has policies in place to ensure that cash deposits are appropriately spread between counterparties with acceptable 
credit ratings.

Potential areas of credit risk consist of cash and cash equivalents, derivative financial instruments and deposits with banks and financial 
institutions as well as credit exposures to trade and other receivables. The Group limits its exposure in relation to cash balances by only 
dealing with well established financial institutions of high quality credit standing and investing in investment grade commercial paper. 
The Group only accepts independently rated parties with minimum ratings. The board from time to time sets exposure limits to financial 
institutions and these are monitored on an ongoing basis.

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

66

25. Financial Risk Management (continued)
(b) Credit risk (continued)
Ageing analysis of assets past due but not impaired and impaired assets
The tables below summarise the ageing analysis of assets past due but not impaired, and impaired assets, as at 30 June.

Consolidated
As at 30 June 2012

Trade receivables
Provision for doubtful debts

Consolidated
As at 30 June 2011

Trade receivables
Provision for doubtful debts

Current
0 – 30 days
$’000

Past due
30 – 60 days
$’000

Past due
60 – 90 days
$’000

64,282
(445)

51,290
(338)

3,558
(91)

Current
0 – 30 days
$’000

Past due
30 – 60 days
$’000

Past due
60 – 90 days
$’000

67,159
–

51,663
(840)

2,931
(259)

Past due
> 90 days
$’000

3,891
(682)

Past due
> 90 days
$’000

2,688
(864)

Total
$’000

123,021
(1,556)

Total
$’000

124,441
(1,963)

Due to the large number of low value receivables in the Group entities, there is no significant concentration of credit risk by counterparty 
or industry grouping.

(c) Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk of an entity encountering difficulties in meeting obligations associated with financial liabilities.

Prudent liquidity risk management implies maintaining sufficient cash, the availability of funding through an adequate amount of committed 
credit facilities and the ability to close out market positions. The Group and Company have a prudent liquidity management policy which 
manages liquidity risk by monitoring the stability of funding, surplus cash or near cash assets, anticipated cash in and outflows and 
exposure to connected parties.

Undiscounted future cash flows
The tables below summarise the maturity profile of the financial liabilities as at 30 June based on contractual undiscounted repayment 
obligations. Repayments which are subject to notice are treated as if notice were given immediately.

Consolidated
As at 30 June 2012

Lease liabilities
Borrowings – Principal
Interest cashflows*
Derivative financial instruments
Payables

Less than 
1 year
$’000

175
16,000
48,743
6,854
118,244

1 – 2 years
$’000

2 – 3 years
$’000

3 – 5 years
$’000

Greater than 
5 years
$’000

220
19,000
46,133
6,514
–

28
684,000
55,643
4,608
–

7
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–

* Calculated using a weighted average interest rate (blend of interest rate swaps and variable interest).

Consolidated
As at 30 June 2011

Lease liabilities
Borrowings – Principal
Interest cashflows*
Derivative financial instruments
Payables

Less than 
1 year
$’000

116
6,000
65,524
2,180
111,134

1 – 2 years
$’000

2 – 3 years
$’000

3 – 5 years
$’000

Greater than 
5 years
$’000

232
16,000
58,044
1,121
–

147
19,000
59,093
867
–

21
684,000
49,338
(455)
–

–
–
–
–
–

* Calculated using a weighted average interest rate (blend of interest rate swaps and variable interest).

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2012Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

67

(d) Fair value estimation
The fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities must be estimated for recognition and measurement or for disclosure purposes.

As of 1 July 2009, the Group has adopted the amendment to AASB 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures – which requires disclosure of fair 
value measurements by level of the following fair value measurement hierarchy:

(i)  Level 1 – quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
(ii)  Level 2 – inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (as prices) 

or indirectly (derived from prices); and

(iii) Level 3 – inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).

The following tables present the Group’s assets and liabilities measured and recognised at fair value at 30 June 2012 and 30 June 2011.

Consolidated
As at 30 June 2012

Liabilities
Derivatives used for hedging
Total liabilities

Consolidated
As at 30 June 2011

Liabilities
Derivatives used for hedging
Total liabilities

Level 1
$’000

Level 2
$’000

Level 3
$’000

–
–

Level 1
$’000

–
–

24,249
24,249

Level 2
$’000

7,119
7,119

–
–

Level 3
$’000

–
–

Total
$’000

24,249
24,249

Total
$’000

7,119
7,119

The fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in an active market (for example, over-the-counter derivatives) is determined using 
valuation techniques. The Group uses a variety of methods and makes assumptions that are based on market conditions existing at the 
end of each reporting period. The fair value of interest rate swaps are calculated as the present value of the estimated future cash flows 
and are included in Level 2 under derivative financial instruments.

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

68

26. Business Combinations
On 29 March 2011, the Group acquired a controlling interest in the share capital of Austereo, a leading Australian commercial radio 
broadcaster with stations in all mainland Australian state capital cities. On 17 May 2011, the Group acquired 100% of the share capital 
of Austereo, including gaining 100% ownership of Radio Newcastle. The purchase price of the acquisition was $723.7 million.

As the acquisition of Austereo took place close to the 30 June 2011 year end, the information required to value the acquisition was 
incomplete. The initial accounting for Austereo was therefore determined provisionally in the 30 June 2011 annual report. In accordance 
with IFRS 3 Business Combinations, adjustments to the initial provisional accounting for the Austereo acquisition disclosed in the 2011 
annual report have been recognised as if the final accounting for the business combination had been completed at the acquisition date. 
Comparative information for 30 June 2011 has therefore been adjusted, with the effect being an increase in reported net profit after tax 
of $10.8 million related to the gain on disposal and acquisition of Radio Newcastle.

The revised net assets acquired in the business combination, and the goodwill arising, are as follows:

Austereo

Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables
Other current assets
Non-current assets
Receivables
Investments accounted for using the equity method
Other financial assets
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets – radio licences
Intangible assets – brands
Intangible assets – programming services agreement
Deferred tax assets
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Income tax payable
Provisions
Other
Non-current liabilities
Interest bearing loans and borrowings
Deferred tax liabilities
Provisions
Other
Derivatives
Fair value of identifiable net assets
Goodwill arising on acquisition

Final 
fair value
 recognised
on acquisition
$’000

Provisional
 fair value
 recognised
on acquisition
$’000

1,533
52,016
1,647

332
33,726
251
40,296
772,400
88,900
1,000
–

(43,173)
(5,290)
(8,382)
(929)

(204,600)
(31,206)
(8,284)
(1,828)
(399)
688,010
35,733
723,743

1,533
51,984
1,647

332
7,883
541
40,296
869,953
–
–
5,843

(42,157)
(5,290)
(8,270)
(929)

(204,600)
(32,398)
(1,507)
(1,828)
(355)
682,678
41,065
723,743

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2012Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

69

Austereo

Cash payment
Fair value of shares issued

Costs associated with the acquisition, recognised as an expense in other expenses
Contingent consideration

Cash outflow on acquisition to date
Consideration paid in cash
Less: Cash and cash equivalent balances acquired

Explanation of material fair value adjustments:

Final
fair value
 recognised
on acquisition
$’000

Provisional
fair value
 recognised
on acquisition
$’000

722,572
1,171
723,743
6,300
–
730,043

722,572
(1,533)
721,039

722,572
1,171
723,743
6,300
–
730,043

722,572
(1,533)
721,039

(a)  Equity accounted investment in Radio Newcastle has been adjusted to reflect 50% of the fair market value of the business based on its 

current earnings and its implied enterprise value based on the earnings multiple applicable in the Austereo acquisition.

(b)  Identifiable intangible assets recognised are in respect of radio and broadcasting licences, brand, and a customer contract. Radio and 
broadcasting licences and brand have indefinite lives, and therefore are subject to impairment testing annually. The customer contract 
has a useful life of 2.8 years and is being amortised over the life of the contract.

(c)   Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities were adjusted to correctly reflect the differences between accounting and tax values 

as at the date of acquisition. In accordance with AASB 112 Income Taxes, the Group has elected to offset deferred tax assets against 
deferred tax liabilities.

(d)  Various non-current provisions for leases as required under IAS 37 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets were 

adjusted to reflect fair value at the date of acquisition.

(e)   The consequence of the finalisation of the fair values, including tax, is a reduction in goodwill of $5.3 million. Goodwill arose in the 

acquisition of Austereo because the consideration paid for the combination effectively included amounts in relation to the benefit of 
expected revenue and cost synergies and workforce valuation. These benefits are not recognised separately from goodwill because 
they do not meet the recognition criteria for identifiable intangible assets.

Included in Austereo’s final fair value for “investments accounted for using the equity method” is a 50% interest in Radio Newcastle of 
$31.9 million as noted at 26(a) above. As the Group already held the remaining 50% interest in Radio Newcastle, the acquisition of Austereo 
resulted in the combined group owning 100% of Radio Newcastle. As a result, effective 29 March 2011 Radio Newcastle has been 
consolidated as a subsidiary.

To account for this, the existing equity interest is treated as if it were disposed of and re-acquired at fair value on the acquisition date, with 
any gain or loss resulting from the difference between fair value and carrying value being recognised in the profit or loss. The impact of 
Southern Cross Austereo recognising the uplift in the value of the 50% investment in Radio Newcastle at 29 March 2011 is as follows:

Southern Cross Austereo

Fair value of previously held 50% ownership interest
Equity accounted value of 50% ownership interest
Net fair value gain recognised in profit and loss

Final
fair value
 recognised
on acquisition
$’000

Provisional
fair value
 recognised
on acquisition
$’000

31,900
(20,962)
10,938

20,962
(20,962)
–

As the acquirer must recognise adjustments to the provisional amounts as if the accounting for the acquisition had been completed at the 
acquisition date and therefore revise comparative information for prior periods, this gain has been recognised in the restated net profit 
after tax for the financial year ended 30 June 2011.

Radio Newcastle has been treated as a separate business combination effective 29 March 2011. In accordance with IFRS 3 Business 
Combinations, adjustments to the initial provisional accounting for the Radio Newcastle acquisition disclosed in the 2011 annual report 
have been recognised as if the final accounting for the business combination had been completed at the acquisition date. Comparative 
information for 30 June 2011 has therefore been adjusted.

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

70

26. Business Combinations (continued)
The revised net assets acquired in the business combination, and the goodwill arising, are as follows:

Radio Newcastle

Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables
Non-current assets
Receivables
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets – radio licences
Deferred tax assets
Other
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Income tax payable
Provisions
Non-current liabilities
Interest bearing loans and borrowings
Deferred tax liabilities
Provisions
Fair value of identifiable net assets
Goodwill arising on acquisition

Final
fair value
recognised
on acquisition
$’000

Provisional
fair value
 recognised
on acquisition
$’000

2
2,325

3,443
1,941
 54,400
–
1,085

(2,440)
(730)
(704)

(17)
(15,601)
(45)
43,659
20,141
63,800

2
2,325

3,443
1,941
3,836
360
1,085

(2,440)
(730)
(704)

(17)
(736)
(45)
8,320
18,699
27,019

Explanation of material fair value adjustments

(a)  Identifiable intangible assets recognised are in respect of radio and broadcasting licences. Radio and broadcasting licences have 

indefinite lives, and therefore are subject to impairment testing annually.

(b)   Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities were adjusted to correctly reflect the differences between accounting and tax values 
as at the date of acquisition. In accordance with AASB 112, the Group has elected to offset deferred tax assets against deferred 
tax liabilities.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2012Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

71

27. Parent Entity Financial Information
(a) Summary financial information
The following aggregate amounts are disclosed in respect of the parent entity, SCMGL:

Statement of Financial Position

Current assets
Non-current assets
Total assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Total liabilities
Net assets
Issued capital
Reserves
Retained profits
Total equity

Profit for the year
Total comprehensive income

(b) Guarantees entered into by the parent entity

Carrying amount included in current liabilities

SCMGL

2012
$’000

7,613
1,817,868
1,825,481
70,471
62,873
133,344
1,692,137
1,589,290
1,192
101,655
1,692,137

Restated
2011
$’000

6,994
1,746,126
1,753,120
3,236
 50,758
53,994
1,699,126
1,590,560
404
108,162
1,699,126

49,972
49,972

39,439
39,439

2012
$’000

–
–

Restated
2011
$’000

–
–

The parent entity has not provided any financial guarantees in respect of bank overdrafts and loans of subsidiaries as at 30 June 2012 
(30 June 2011 – nil). The parent entity has not given any unsecured guarantees at 30 June 2012 (30 June 2011 – nil).

(c) Contingent liabilities of the parent entity
The parent entity did not have any contingent liabilities as at 30 June 2012 (30 June 2011: $nil).

(d) Contractual commitments for the acquisition of property, plant or equipment
As at 30 June 2012, the parent entity had no contractual commitments (30 June 2011: $nil).

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

72

28. Share-Based Payments
In June 2010 the Board approved the introduction of an executive long-term incentive plan, to commence on 1 July 2010, which provided 
for the CEO and senior executives to receive grants of performance rights over ordinary shares, for nil consideration. The grant of rights 
are exercisable subject to a three or four year performance period, and the satisfaction of set performance criteria during the period. The 
performance criteria take into account share price appreciation plus reinvested dividends, expressed as a percentage of investment and 
adjusted for changes in the Company’s capital structure. In order for performance rights to vest and convert to shares, the Company’s 
TSR over the performance period must be at or above the 51st percentile against a comparative group of selected media and related listed 
companies. Between the 51st and 75th percentile, performance rights will vest on a linear basis from 50% of award to 100% of award, 
consequently 100% of performance rights will vest at the 75th percentile or higher.

For the three year performance period, performance rights vest progressively over the three year performance period with 1/3rd vesting 
at year 1, 1/3rd at year 2 and 1/3rd at year 3, subject to performance criteria being met. For the four year performance period, performance 
rights vest progressively over the four year performance period with 1/3rd vesting at year 2, 1/3rd at year 3 and 1/3rd at year 4 for the four 
year performance period, subject to performance criteria being met.

The Board has the discretion to either purchase shares on market or to issue new shares in respect of vesting performance rights. To date, 
the Board has elected to issue new shares for vesting performance rights.

The following reconciles the share rights outstanding at the beginning and end of the year:

Number of rights

Balance at beginning of the year
Granted during the year
Exercised during the year
Forfeited during the year
Balance at end of the year
Exercisable at end of the year

2012

1,100,474
1,883,328
(54,258)
(179,901)
2,749,643
–

2011

–
1,178,833
–
(78,359)
1,100,474
–

Rights were priced using a Monte Carlo simulation-based valuation model using the following inputs:

Grant date share price
Exercise price
Dividend yield
Risk free interest rate
Share price and TSR volatility
Peer group TSR volatility
Peer group TSR spread
Correlation

Grant date share price
Exercise price
Dividend yield
Risk free interest rate
Share price and TSR volatility
Peer group TSR volatility
Peer group TSR spread
Correlation

2011 –
Tranche 1

2011 –
Tranche 2

2011 –
Tranche 3

2011 –
Tranche 4

$1.05
Nil
11.82%
4.54%
54.36%
17.24%
30.88%
44.21%

$1.05
Nil
11.82%
4.42%
54.36%
17.24%
30.88%
44.21%

$1.05
Nil
11.82%
4.47%
54.36%
17.24%
30.88%
44.21%

$1.05
Nil
11.82%
4.67%
54.36%
17.24%
30.88%
44.21%

2010 –
Tranche 1

2010 –
Tranche 2

2010 –
Tranche 3

2010 –
Tranche 4

$1.66
Nil
3.49%
4.73%
47.62%
22.15%
34.90%
40.42%

$1.66
Nil
3.49%
4.78%
47.62%
22.15%
34.90%
40.42%

$1.66
Nil
3.49%
4.77%
47.62%
22.15%
34.90%
40.42%

$1.66
Nil
3.49%
4.90%
47.62%
22.15%
34.90%
40.42%

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2012Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

73

The following outlines share rights granted to key management personnel:

2012

Directors
Max Moore-Wilton
Leon Pasternak
Chris de Boer
Tony Bell
Michael Carapiet
Peter Harvie
Marina Darling

Executives
Rhys Holleran
Stephen Kelly
Jeremy Simpson
Guy Dobson
Craig Bruce
Cathy Thomas

Balance at 
start of year
No.

Granted as
 compen-
sation
No.

Forfeited
No.

Vested
No.

Balance at 
end of year
No.

 –
 –
 –
 –
 –
 –
 –

 –
 –
 –
 –
 –
 –
 –

391,796
227,328
89,553
 –
 –
 –
708,677

533,817
337,715
183,023
 –
211,072
 –
1,265,627

 –
 –
 –
 –
 –
 –
 –

 –
(23,253)
 –
 –
 –
 –
(23,253)

 –
 –
 –
 –
 –
 –
 –

 –
 –
 –
 –
 –
 –
 –

 –
54,258
 –
 –
 –
 –
54,258

925,613
596,048
272,576
 –
211,072
 –
2,005,309

At 1 July 2012, 2010 – Tranche 2 of performance rights vested to 76.2% and 2011 – Tranche 1 of performance rights did not vest.

2011

Directors

Max Moore-Wilton

Leon Pasternak

Chris de Boer

Tony Bell

Michael Carapiet

Peter Harvie

Executives
Rhys Holleran
Stephen Kelly
Kym Gallagher
Greg Dodgson
Jeremy Simpson
Guy Dobson
Kathy Gramp
Peter Harvie

Balance at 
start of year
No.

Granted as
 compen-
sation
No.

Forfeited
No.

Vested
No.

Balance at 
end of year
No.

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –
 –
 –
 –
 –
 –
 –
 –
 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

391,796
227,328
67,165
78,359
89,553
 –
 –
 –
854,201

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –
 –
 –
(78,359)
 –
 –
 –
 –
(78,359)

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –
 –
 –
 –
 –
 –
 –
 –
 –

 –
 –
 –
 –
 –
 –

391,796
227,328
67,165
 –
89,553
 –
 –
 –
775,842

At 1 July 2011, 2010 – Tranche 1 of performance rights vested to 70%.

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

74

29. Related Party Disclosures
Balances and transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries, which are related parties of the Company, have been eliminated on 
consolidation and are not disclosed in this note. Details of transactions between the Group and other related parties are disclosed below.

Key Management Personnel
The following persons were Key Management Personnel of the Company or the Group during the whole of the year, unless otherwise 
stated and up to the date of this report:

Directors
Max Moore-Wilton
Leon Pasternak
Chris de Boer
Tony Bell
Michael Carapiet
Peter Harvie 
Marina Darling

Executives
Rhys Holleran 
Stephen Kelly 
Jeremy Simpson 
Guy Dobson 
Craig Bruce 
Cathy Thomas 

(Chairman)

(appointed 1 August 2011)
(appointed 11 September 2011)

CEO
CFO
National Sales Director (ceased 23 February 2012)
Director of Metropolitan Radio
Head of Content
National Sales Director (appointed 23 February 2012)

During the year, no Key Management Personnel of the Company or the Group has received or become entitled to receive any benefit 
because of a contract made by the Group with a Key Management Personnel or with a firm of which a Key Management Personnel is 
a member, or with an entity in which the Key Management Personnel has a substantial interest except on terms set out in the governing 
documents of the Group or as disclosed in this financial report.

(a) Key Management Personnel compensation
The aggregate compensation of Key Management Personnel of the Group is set out below:

Short-term employee benefits
Post-employment benefits
Other long-term benefits
Termination payments
Share-based payments

Consolidated

2012
$’000

5,238,856
174,831
157,613
776,538
555,036
6,902,874

2011
$’000

4,522,407
180,731
257,425
629,293
299,137
5,888,993

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2012Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

75

(b) Key Management Personnel equity holdings
The number of ordinary shares in the Company held during the financial year by Key Management Personnel of the Company and Group, 
including their personally related parties, are set out below.

2012

Directors
Max Moore-Wilton
Leon Pasternak
Chris de Boer
Tony Bell
Michael Carapiet
Peter Harvie
Marina Darling

Executives
Rhys Holleran
Stephen Kelly
Jeremy Simpson
Guy Dobson
Craig Bruce
Cathy Thomas

2011

Directors
Max Moore-Wilton
Leon Pasternak
Chris de Boer
Tony Bell
Michael Carapiet
Peter Harvie

Executives
Rhys Holleran
Stephen Kelly
Kym Gallagher
Greg Dodgson
Jeremy Simpson
Guy Dobson
Kathy Gramp
Peter Harvie

Performance rights issued to Key Management Personnel have been disclosed in note 28.

Balance at 
start of year
No.

Changes 
during year
No.

Balance at 
end of year
No.

1,857,143
964,216
148,571
150,276
1,147,900
 –
 –

255,899
 –
 –
 –
 –
 –
4,524,005

 –
100,000
 –
9,842
200,000
 –
 –

 –
84,448
 –
 –
 –
 –
394,290

1,857,143
1,064,216
148,571
160,118
1,347,900
 –
 –

255,899
84,448
 –
 –
 –
 –
4,918,295

Balance at 
start of year
No.

Changes 
during year
No.

Balance at 
end of year
No.

1,000,000
519,193
80,000
140,000
618,100
 –

136,792
 –
39,748
 –
 –
 –
 –
 –
2,533,833

857,143
445,023
68,571
10,276
529,800
 –

119,107
 –
22,401
 –
 –
 –
 –
 –
2,052,321

1,857,143
964,216
148,571
150,276
1,147,900
 –

255,899
 –
62,149
 –
 –
 –
 –
 –
4,586,154

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

76

29. Related Party Disclosures (continued)
(c) Loans to Key Management Personnel
There were no loans made to Key Management Personnel (2011: nil).

(d) Other transactions with Key Management Personnel
During the year there were no other transactions with Key Management Personnel.

Subsidiaries and Associates
Ownership interests in subsidiaries are set out in note 14. Details of interests in associates and distributions received from associates 
are disclosed in note 9. Details of loans due from associates are disclosed in note 8.

Other related party transactions
During the year, Macquarie received or was entitled to receive $14,361,112 (2011: $12,759,295) as dividends on securities held.

At 30 June 2012, the Group had funds totalling $7,151,333 (2011: $6,906,089) on deposit with Macquarie. The Group earns interest on 
deposits at commercial rates. Interest income from deposits with Macquarie included in the determination of the net result from ordinary 
activities for the year for the Group was $248,913 (2011: $397,943).

Comparative Disclosures
Acquisition of Austereo including Refinance and Capital Raising (comparative disclosure only).

In 2011, Macquarie acted as lead advisor on the acquisition of Austereo, in addition to advising on both the refinancing of the new 
combined Group and the associated capital raising. Advisory fees of $8,338,377 were paid by the Group to Macquarie for the financial 
year ended 30 June 2011 for provision of these services.

Funding during the acquisition was provided through Macquarie via the establishment of a bridge facility. Macquarie received $3,049,338 
in establishment, agent and borrowing fees.

Macquarie was joint underwriter for the capital raising and received $6,830,819 in association with its underwriting and management fees. 
In addition, funds received as part of the capital raising were on deposit with Macquarie which resulted in $131,984 of interest revenue 
being earned by the Company.

As a result of the refinance in the prior year, Macquarie received $42,984,106 in swap and loan payments in its role as outgoing financier.

As a Company shareholder, Macquarie paid $120,136,229 to exercise its rights pursuant to the capital raising during the prior financial year.

30. Segment Information
(a) Description of segments
The Group has adopted AASB 8 Operating Segments with effect from 1 July 2009. AASB 8 requires operating segments to be identified 
on the basis of internal reports about components of the Group that are regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker in order 
to allocate resources to the segments and to assess their performance.

Management has determined operating segments based on the information reported to the Group CEO and the Company Board of 
Directors. Management has determined that the Group has two operating segments being the regional free to air commercial radio and 
television broadcasting segment and the metropolitan free to air radio broadcasting segment.

As the segments have similar economic characteristics, the two operating segments have been aggregated, as permitted under AASB 8, 
to form one reportable segment, being “free to air broadcasting”.

Free to air broadcasting
Free to air broadcasting consists of the commercial radio and television broadcast licences held throughout Australia.

With free to air broadcasting as the only remaining segment in both the current and prior financial years, the information required to be 
disclosed per AASB 8 is contained on the face of the Statement of Comprehensive Income and the Statement of Financial Position.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2012Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

77

31. Commitments

Capital commitments
Commitments for the acquisition of plant and equipment contracted for at the reporting date but not 
recognised as liabilities are payable as follows:
Within one year
Later than one year but not later than 5 years

Operating leases
Commitments for minimum lease payments in relation to non-cancellable operating leases are payable 
as follows:
Within one year
Later than one year but not later than 5 years
Later than 5 years

Finance lease payment commitments
Finance lease commitments are payable as follows:
Within one year
Later than one year but not later than 5 years
Later than five years

Less: Future lease finance charges

Lease liabilities provided for in the financial statements:
Current
Non-current
Total lease liability

Consolidated

2012
$’000

2011
$’000

1,440
–
1,440

24,508
3,702
28,210

21,092
59,498
35,729
116,319

23,381
68,766
40,564
132,711

216
234
21
471
(41)
430

228
202
430

154
434
–
588
(72)
516

116
400
516

32. Events Occurring after Balance Sheet Date
No matters or circumstances have arisen since the end of the year that have significantly affected or may significantly affect the operations 
of the Group, the results of these operations in future financial years or the state of affairs of those entities in periods subsequent to the 
year ended 30 June 2012.

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

DIRECTORS’ DECLARATION

78

The Directors of the Company declare that:

1.  In the Directors’ opinion, there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Company will be able to pay its debts as and when they 

become due and payable; 

2. In the Directors’ opinion, the financial statements and notes as set out on pages 34 to 77 are in accordance with the 

Corporations Act 2001, including compliance with accounting standards and giving a true and fair view of the financial position 
and performance of the Company and the consolidated entity; and

3. The Directors have been given the declarations required by section 295A of the Corporations Act 2001.
4. Note 1(a) confirms that the financial statements also comply with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the 

International Accounting Standards Board.

Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Directors made pursuant to section 295(5) of the Corporations Act.

On behalf of the Directors

Max Moore-Wilton 
Chairman 

Sydney, Australia 
28 August 2012 

Chris de Boer 
Director

Sydney, Australia 
28 August 2012

 
Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

79

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT  
TO THE MEMBERS OF SOUTHERN CROSS MEDIA GROUP LIMITED

Independent auditor’s report to the members of
Southern Cross Media Group Limited 

Report on the financial report
We have audited the accompanying financial report of Southern Cross Media Group Limited (the 
company), which comprises the statement of financial position as at 30 June 2012, the statement of 
comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity and statement of cash flows for the year ended 
on that date, a summary of significant accounting policies, other explanatory notes and the directors’ 
declaration for Southern Cross Austereo (the consolidated entity). The consolidated entity comprises 
the company and the entities it controlled at the year's end or from time to time during the financial 
year. 

Directors’ responsibility for the financial report 
The directors of the company are responsible for the preparation of the financial report that gives a 
true and fair view in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Act 2001 
and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of the 
financial report that is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In Note 1, the 
directors also state, in accordance with Accounting Standard AASB 101 Presentation of Financial 
Statements, that the financial statements comply with International Financial Reporting Standards. 

Auditor’s responsibility  
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial report based on our audit. We conducted 
our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. These Auditing Standards require that we 
comply with relevant ethical requirements relating to audit engagements and plan and perform the 
audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial report is free from material misstatement. 

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures 
in the financial report. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgement, including the 
assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial report, whether due to fraud or error. 
In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity’s 
preparation and fair presentation of the financial report in order to design audit procedures that are 
appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness 
of the entity’s internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting 
policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by the directors, as well as 
evaluating the overall presentation of the financial report. 

Our procedures include reading the other information in the Annual Report to determine whether it 
contains any material inconsistencies with the financial report. 

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for 
our audit opinions.  

Independence
In conducting our audit, we have complied with the independence requirements of the Corporations
Act 2001.  

PricewaterhouseCoopers, ABN 52 780 433 757  
Freshwater Place, 2 Southbank Boulevard, SOUTHBANK  VIC  3006, GPO Box 1331, MELBOURNE  VIC  3001 
T: 61 3 8603 1000, F: 61 3 8603 1999, www.pwc.com.au 

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. 

88 

 
 
 
Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

80

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT  
TO THE MEMBERS OF SOUTHERN CROSS MEDIA GROUP LIMITED

Auditor’s opinion 
In our opinion: 

(a) 

the financial report of Southern Cross Media Group Limited is in accordance with the 
Corporations Act 2001, including: 

(i) 

(ii) 

giving a true and fair view of the consolidated entity’s financial position as at 
30 June 2012 and of its performance for the year ended on that date; and 

complying with Australian Accounting Standards (including the Australian 
Accounting Interpretations) and the Corporations Regulations 2001; and 

(b) 

the financial report and notes also comply with International Financial Reporting Standards 
as disclosed in Note 1. 

Report on the Remuneration Report 
We have audited the remuneration report included in pages 21 to 27 of the directors’ report for the 
year ended 30 June 2012. The directors of the company are responsible for the preparation and 
presentation of the remuneration report in accordance with section 300A of the Corporations Act 
2001. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the remuneration report, based on our audit 
conducted in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. 

Auditor’s opinion  
In our opinion, the remuneration report of Southern Cross Media Group Limited for the year ended 
30 June 2012, complies with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001. 

PricewaterhouseCoopers 

Chris Dodd 
Partner 

Melbourne 
28 August 2012 

89 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

81

ADDITIONAL STOCK EXCHANGE INFORMATION

The Company only has one class of shares, fully paid ordinary shares, therefore all holders listed hold fully paid ordinary shares and each 
holder has the same voting rights.

There are no unlisted securities and there is currently no on-market buy back.

Twenty Largest Shareholders at 4 September 2012:

Fully Paid 
Ordinary
Shares

% 
of Issued
Capital

Macquarie Diversified Asset Advisory Pty Ltd
National Nominees Limited
HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited
J P Morgan Nominees Australia Limited
JP Morgan Nominees Australia Limited
Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited
AMP Life Limited
RBC Investor Services Australia Nominees Pty Limited
BNP Paribas Noms Pty Limited
Cladela Pty Ltd
Argo Investments Limited
BNP Paribas Noms Pty Limited
Macquarie Capital Group Limited
UCA Growth Fund Limited
HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited
QIC Limited
Credit Suisse Securities (Europe) Limited
Avanteos Investments Limited
Mr Nicholas Moore
Cladela Pty Limited

Distribution of Shareholdings at 4 September 2012:

1 – 1,000
1,001 – 5,000
5,001 – 10,000
10,001 – 100,000
100,001 and over

Holding less than a marketable parcel

Substantial Shareholders at 4 September 2012:

Macquarie Diversified Asset Advisory Pty Ltd
National Nominees Limited
HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited
J P Morgan Nominees Australia Limited
JP Morgan Nominees Australia Limited
Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited

173,719,253
105,288,695
77,818,774
66,852,161
60,098,453
46,175,482
13,280,409
9,724,415
9,489,344
7,795,672
5,940,784
5,888,173
5,794,653
5,560,000
5,174,807
5,114,940
4,250,000
2,629,916
1,975,759
1,948,998
614,520,688

No. of
Shareholders

862
2,072
1,202
1,577
123
5,836
–

24.65
14.94
11.04
9.48
8.53
6.55
1.88
1.38
1.35
1.11
0.84
0.84
0.82
0.79
0.73
0.73
0.60
0.37
0.28
0.28
87.19

No. of
Shares

372,077
6,116,171
9,267,356
39,218,390
649,884,530
704,858,524
–

Fully Paid 
Ordinary
Shares

173,719,253
105,288,695
77,818,774
66,852,161
60,098,453
46,175,482
529,952,818

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

82

This page has been left blank intentionally.

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2012 

COrpOraTE dirECTOry

85

Company Secretary
Ms L Bolger

Registered Office
Level 2
257 Clarendon Street
South Melbourne, Vic 3205

Share Registry
Computershare Investor Services Pty Limited
Yarra Falls
452 Johnston Street
Abbotsford Vic 3067

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