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Southern Cross Media Group Ltd

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FY2013 Annual Report · Southern Cross Media Group Ltd
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Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

CONTENTS

2 
4 
6 
8 
10 
12 
14 
16 
18 
   21 

Southern Cross Austereo Is Entertaining Australia 
Big Brands Delivering Enormous Engagement 
Entertaining Regional TV Audiences
Leading Radio Australia Wide
Exponential Growth in Digital Media
Innovations for the Future
Giving Back to Local Communities
Chairman and CEO’s Report
Board of Directors and Leadership Team
Financials

Southern Cross Austereo  
is Australia’s leading media  
and entertainment company.

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

1

REACHING MORE
AUSTRALIANS THAN ANY
OTHER MEDIA COMPANY

4.6M

SOUTHERN CROSS AUSTEREO 
REACHES OVER 4.6 MILLION 
PEOPLE IN THE 5 METRO 
MARKETS EACH WEEK1

2.1M

THE TRIPLE M NETWORK 
REACHES OVER 2.1 MILLION 
AUSTRALIANS EACH WEEK1

13TH

SOUTHERN CROSS AUSTEREO 
IS ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S TOP 
20 ONLINE PUBLISHERS 
AND IS THE 13TH BIGGEST 
MOBILE PUBLISHER4

44%

SOUTHERN CROSS AUSTEREO 
REACHES 44% OF 25–39
YEAR OLD AND 41% OF 
25–54 YEAR OLD METRO 
LISTENERS EACH WEEK1 

2M+

ON AVERAGE, SOUTHERN 
CROSS TEN REACHES 
2,185,688 PEOPLE 
EVERY DAY2

71%

3M

THE TODAY NETWORK 
REACHES OVER 3 MILLION 
AUSTRALIANS EVERY WEEK1

1ST 

SOUTHERN CROSS AUSTEREO 
HAS THE TOP TWO RADIO 
BRANDS ON MOBILE 
(RANKED ON DAILY AVERAGE 
MOBILE UBS)3

79%

SOUTHERN CROSS AUSTEREO 
HAS 71% SHARE OF THE 
AUSTRALIAN SOCIAL RADIO 
MARKET ON FACEBOOK5

SOUTHERN CROSS AUSTEREO 
HAS 79% SHARE OF THE 
AUSTRALIAN SOCIAL RADIO 
MARKET ON TWITTER5

2.44M

OVER 2.44 MILLION 
AUSTRALIANS VIEW 
SOUTHERN CROSS 
AUSTEREO’S TV 
NETWORKS EVERY DAY6

1   Nielsen Metropolitan Radio Surveys: Survey #4 2013, Mon-Sun 5:30am  

to 12MN, All Ppl 10+ cume

2   QLD, NSW & VIC, Average Daily Reach (1min cume reach). Total People.  

1/7/12/-30/6/13

3  Nielsen Online Ranking Report (Domestic): July 2013 Average Daily UB
4  Nielsen Online Ranking Report (Domestic): July 2013 Average Daily UB
5   Zuum Social Media Reporting, Southern Cross Austereo Facebook and 

Twitter Data July 2013

6   Regional TAM. QLD, NSW, VIC & TAS (Combined Aggregate Markets).  
Average Daily Reach (1 min cume reach). Total People. 0200-0200.  
1/7/12-30/6/13

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

2

SOUTHERN  
CROSS AUSTEREO 
IS ENTERTAINING 
AUSTRALIA 

Southern Cross Austereo delivers entertainment solutions across an unrivalled portfolio 
of Australian multimedia brands. We have the biggest shows, the best talent and the 
most exciting events coupled with the widest reach of any entertainment media company 
in the country, engaging with more consumers online and socially than anyone else.

Southern Cross Austereo is the only truly nationwide media provider and creator of 
the most live (and most awesome) content in Australia, with more hours than any other 
broadcast media in the country. This means we can potentially connect brands with 
95% of Australians each week via our regional free-to-air TV networks, national radio 
networks, online, mobile and unique one-off events. This wide range of media offerings 
allows us to provide inventive, interactive and cross platform campaigns.

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

3

The Australian media landscape is moving 
faster than ever before. Not only do consumers 
have more media options but the way they 
engage with them is constantly changing.

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

4

BIG BRANDS DELIVERING 
ENORMOUS ENGAGEMENT 

The depth and breadth of Southern Cross 
Austereo’s media portfolio and its  
multi-dimensional business model means it’s 
a business ready to capitalise on the evolving 
way Australians interact with and consume 
entertainment content.

Southern Cross Austereo takes pride in 
providing brands and advertisers with effective 
and diverse marketing solutions by creating 
and delivering desirable content to 95% of 
Australians across multiple media channels.

Much more than simply radio and TV, 
Southern Cross Austereo is committed to 
being a truly unified media company across  
a broad range of relevant and diversified 
media channels. 

Southern Cross Austereo’s assets include:
• 78 commercial radio licences 
• 104 television channels 
• A suite of digital radio stations 
• 105 leading websites and 17 mobile sites 
•  The first Australian-owned music  

streaming service

• Unique content creation 
•  Live events with world-renowned artists 
•  Access to the globe’s biggest celebrities 
•  Home-grown household names such 
as Hamish Blake and Andy Lee, Kyle 
Sandilands, Jackie O, Eddie McGuire, 
Mick Molloy, Merrick Watts, Fifi Box, Jules 
Lund, James Brayshaw and Andrew Johns 
to name only a few.

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

5

Much more than simply radio and TV, Southern 
Cross Austereo is committed to being a truly 
unified media company across a broad range 
of relevant and diversified media channels. 

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

6

ENTERTAINING  
REGIONAL TV  
AUDIENCES 

HYBRID BROADCAST BROADBAND TELEVISION 
Hybrid Broadcast Broadband Television, known as HBBTV, 
is a major European initiative aimed at harmonising the 
broadcast and broadband delivery of entertainment to the 
end consumer through connected TVs and set-top boxes. 
This allows broadcasters to seamlessly combine broadcast 
and internet services on television. 

Key executives from Southern Cross Austereo have been 
working with the industry body Freeview on the proposed 
roll out of HBBTV.

AFFILIATION PARTNERSHIPS
Southern Cross Austereo’s regional television assets have 
secured medium-term affiliation contracts with Network Ten 
and the Seven Network. These contracts have reinvigorated our 
affiliate relationships and helped focus these partnerships on 
delivering maximum engagement for our regional audiences. 

With engagement across all parts of the business ensuring 
increased collaboration, these partnerships will deliver 
greater cross-platform opportunities with our regional radio 
assets and enable consistent branding for both metro and 
regional audiences.

DATACASTING CHANNELS
Southern Cross Austereo has successfully partnered with 
Network Ten and TVSN to air TVSN for the last ten months in 
the four aggregated markets. This medium-term contract has 
established diversity in the datacasting category whilst creating 
a deeper relationship with TVSN and its parent company, the 
Direct Group. 

In the last six months we have also expanded our 
datacasting offering by creating Aspire TV. Aspire TV is a 
stand-alone Southern Cross Austereo offering and has 
been partnered with Brand Developers. 

1   Source: Regional TAM. QLD, NSW, VIC & TAS (Combined Aggregate Markets). Average Daily Reach (1 min cume reach). 

Total People. 0200-0200. 1/7/12-30/6/13

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

7

Southern Cross Austereo’s television portfolio 
is made up of Southern Cross Ten, Southern 
Cross TV, Nine, ONE, 11, 7TWO, 7MATE, GO 
and GEM – reaching more than 2.44 million 
regional viewers every day!1

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

8

LEADING RADIO  
AUSTRALIA WIDE

THE TODAY NETWORK
The Today Network is one of Australia’s leading entertainment 
brands. The Today Network is driven by its listeners’ love of 
hit music and pop culture. Everything The Today Network do 
is ‘Hot Right Now’, with the biggest hits and the best ground 
breaking content from the hottest shows around the country.

TRIPLE M
Triple M is the home of rock in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney 
and Adelaide and has had Australians rocking for over 30 years. 
This year Triple M entered the Perth market for the first time on 
Digital Radio. Proudly Aussie, Triple M plays music that rocks 
with shows that feature iconic talent that get people talking.

Heard in all metro markets around the country along with 
41 regional streams from coast to coast, The Today Network  
is the home of massive household names such as Hamish  
and Andy, Kyle and Jackie O, and Fifi and Jules.

It’s no wonder that The Today Network continues to lead the 
way as Australia’s most listened to network with over 3 million 
metro listeners tuning in each week, and over 2.3 million unique 
browsers online each month, combining the hottest hit music, 
exclusive celebrity content and the most talked about shows.

The Today Network is clearly the number one network in 
Australia for females aged 10–39.

Like its listeners, Triple M is down to earth, proudly local and not 
afraid to break the rules. Triple M targets men with a mix of real 
rock music, comedy from the likes of Mick Molloy and Merrick 
Watts and extensive coverage of AFL and NRL on weekends. 
It’s this mix of rock, sport and comedy that has seen Triple M 
dominate all men aged 25–54.

LOCALWORKS
The LocalWorks network comprises 31 stations that broadcast 
regionally on both AM and FM channels right across the country. 
Over time, LocalWorks has gone from strength to strength with 
some stations celebrating a heritage of over 80 years.

All LocalWorks stations pride themselves on being connected 
to the community in every way. They’re passionate about their 
listeners and giving back to the community. They’re passionate 
about their music too, playing the greatest hits from the last 50 
years that people love – always familiar and never weird or edgy.

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

9

By delivering the best in entertainment, music, 
sport, comedy and local content, Southern 
Cross Austereo continues to lead the way with 
Australian radio’s most innovative content 
for listeners between the ages of 10–54.

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

10

EXPONENTIAL  
GROWTH IN  
DIGITAL MEDIA

With over 80 websites, almost 170 Facebook and Twitter 
communities and 20 responsive mobile sites, we reach over 
700,000 Australians (Nielsen Unique Audience) and two million 
unique browsers in any given month.1 Our market leading 
digital content, vast social engagement and significant mobile 
penetration means Southern Cross Austereo is perfectly 
adapted to capitalise on the rapid shift to digital. 

DIGITAL CONTENT
Our digital content strategy continues to provide exponential 
growth with the Today and Triple M Networks both delivering 
high double-digit growth over the past 12 months. Combined 
audiences (unique browsers) across the two networks saw an 
average monthly increase of 29% over the previous period.2 

Capitalising on the success of our AFL and NRL broadcast, 
streaming partnerships and unique line-up of talent, Triple M’s 
focus on delivering sport and real music through its entertaining 
and irreverent filter has seen audience growth of 41%  
year-on-year.3

The Today Network continues to dominate the radio market 
digitally. Our 2013 content strategy has focused on what’s  
‘hot right now’ for our fans’. Scoopla (our multi-platform 
celebrity and entertainment brand) in particular has seen 
incredible growth, which, combined with ‘Newsfeed’ and 
‘Trending Now’, has delivered a 24% year-on-year increase  
in monthly unique visitors.

DIGITAL VISION CONTENT
Online video consumption is exploding in terms of short, 
snackable content as well as longer form entertainment.  
As TV audiences fragment, alongside mobile and social,  
online video is some of the most sought-after digital  
advertising inventory, so much so that many publishers  
are struggling to fulfil market demand. 

To capitalise we’ll soon be announcing the rollout of a 
major new video initiative that will open up significant video 
opportunities for clients immediately upon deployment. 

In addition, visualisation of radio advertising via digital 
streaming (in particular on smartphones) is a major trend 
overseas which we expect to soon be replicated in Australia. 
To ensure Southern Cross Austereo leads the market in the 
Australian rollout, we already have a solid strategy in place 
to ensure we make the most of this opportunity. 

SOCIAL
Our people and brands have allowed us to harness the social 
revolution like no other Australian media company. Currently we 
command 26% of Australia’s total broadcast industry fan base 
on Facebook and a remarkable 44% of the broadcast industry 
fan base on Twitter.4 

In the June quarter, Southern Cross Austereo controlled six 
of the top ten Australian radio fan pages on Facebook with 
respect to consumer engagement, proving no other Australian 
broadcaster can claim either the scale or engagement of our 
business on social media. 

In addition, we continue to invest in developing new ways for 
consumers to interact with our brands and content through our 
rapidly expanding Instagram, Vine and Tumblr communities. 

MOBILE
Mobile is in the midst of re-defining listeners’ relationship with 
radio and Southern Cross Austereo is primed to capitalise on 
and dominate the space. Currently the 13th largest mobile 
publisher in the country (average daily unique browsers),5 
45% of our total digital audience is now coming from a  
mobile device,6 ranking the business fifth7 in terms of digital 
audience conversion to mobile (ahead of all other Australian 
Broadcasters and mainstream publishers).

CONTENT MARKETING
With consumers increasingly difficult to engage and brands 
investing heavily in owned media channels, content marketing 
is exploding. To meet this need, Southern Cross Austereo is 
successfully leveraging its significant resources and helping  
its clients satisfy this increasing demand for content. 

Collaborations such as the award-winning ‘Roadtrip Forever’ 
campaign, developed by Southern Cross Austereo in 
conjunction with the Victorian Government’s Transport Accident 
Commission, are good examples of the powerful content 
solutions we’re creating. 

ECOMMERCE
Southern Cross Austereo is committed to strengthening the 
relationship it has with Australian consumers beyond our 
media brands. In FY2013, the business delivered $1.1m in  
digital transactions through our online auction site My Local 
Auction. Southern Cross Austereo has a strong commitment 
to strengthening this segment of our digital business in the 
following 12 months. 

1    Nielsen Online Answers: Average Unique Audience April–June 2013
2   Nielsen Market Intelligence: FY12 v FY13 Average Daily Unique Browsers
3   Nielsen Market Intelligence: Average Daily Unique Browsers FY2012 v FY2013
4  July 2014
5   Nielsen Market Intelligence: Average Daily Unique Browsers July 2013
6   Nielsen Market Intelligence: Average Daily Unique Browsers on mobile or tablet June 2013
7    Nielsen Market Intelligence: Average Daily Unique Browsers – Ranking of Top 50 Australian Digital Publishers percentage of total 

audience being on a mobile device

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

11

Digital is in the midst of redefining the way  
Australians consume content and media.  
Southern Cross Austereo has invested heavily in 
digital media, transforming the business into a 
socially driven digital and content powerhouse. 

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

12

INNOVATIONS  
FOR THE FUTURE

PARTNERSHIPS
Our skills as a content producer and social powerhouse 
create opportunities to partner with global leaders in 
technology and content distribution to the benefit of our 
clients, communities and shareholders. 

In June Southern Cross Austereo signed a media first 
collaboration with Twitter as its first Australian partner for 
Twitter Amplify. The partnership reflects the strength of our 
social influence, and will see both Southern Cross Austereo 
and Twitter leverage our content and client partnerships 
across Twitter’s rapidly expanding audience. 

A number of other partnerships will be announced as we head 
into 2014 to provide greater depth to the engagement we can 
offer clients when interacting with our audiences.

SONGL
In October 2012 Southern Cross Austereo announced 
its joint venture partnership with Sony Music Australia 
and Universal Music Australia in the digital music venture 
Digital Music Distribution Pty Ltd. 

The partnership brought together three of the country’s 
most influential and innovative content creators and 
the distribution clout of Southern Cross Austereo. Deep 
integration of Songl into Southern Cross Austereo’s media 
assets allows seamless migration of audiences, allowing 
us to commercialise the relationship we have with our fans 
in new and interesting ways. 

With Southern Cross Austereo taking over the product roadmap 
and development along with significant marketing activity also 
led by Southern Cross Austereo, Songl delivered its strongest 
ever month to date, in June.

DATA AND ITS IMPACT ON OUR CLIENT AND 
CONSUMER RELATIONSHIPS
Data provides enormous opportunities to bring efficiencies 
to the way clients interact with our audiences and transact 
with our brands. As more people choose to interact with us 
digitally we can offer our clients significant enhancements 
in audience targeting through demographics, behavioural 
characteristics and location awareness. We expect to make 
several announcements in this space throughout FY2014 that 
will deliver significant enhancements to our clients’ results. 

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

13

Digital is reinventing the way we engage  
with our clients, fans and communities,  
presenting incredible opportunities to  
leverage our relationships in new ways  
and bring value to all. 

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

14

GIVING BACK TO  
LOCAL COMMUNITIES

Southern Cross Austereo is committed to using its 
unparalleled media coverage and entertainment credentials 
to provide additional service and support to local 
communities across regional Australia and abroad.

MY COMMUNITY CONNECT
My Community Connect is a free online event listing service 
keeping regional communities across Australia informed about 
what’s happening in their local area. This initiative has been 
designed for not-for-profit organisations, community clubs 
and local charity events, and is supported by substantial TV 
and radio airtime with an emotive marketing campaign that 
features locals attending events in their area. Listed events are 
also profiled on a daily and weekly basis across TV and radio. 
Through My Community Connect, Southern Cross Austereo 
encourages locals to support their communities by attending 
these events close to home. It also helps to raise millions of 
dollars every year for local not-for-profit organisations.

GIVE ME 5 FOR KIDS
Give Me 5 for Kids is a fundraising initiative supported by over 
40 radio and TV stations across regional Australia. For almost 
20 years, the month of June has been dedicated to raising 
much-needed funds for local community hospitals. In that 
time it’s grown into one of Southern Cross Austereo’s most 
successful community events, collectively raising over  
$2.5 million this year. All donations received stay local and go 
directly to the children’s ward in each market helping to provide 
the best possible care for sick local children and their families 
when they need it most.

In 2013 the campaign was further supported by a team 
of ambassadors – Rodger Corser (Australian actor), Mark 
Gable (Choirboys lead singer), Melinda Schneider (Australian 
country music artist and Golden Guitar winner), Merrick Watts 
(comedian) and Peter ‘Spida’ Everitt (past AFL player).

I BELIEVE IN CHRISTMAS
I Believe in Christmas is Southern Cross Austereo’s annual 
Christmas Toy Drive in support of The Salvation Army Christmas 
Appeal. This community initiative runs across 40 regional markets 
in November and December each year. Toys are collected and 
sent to The Salvation Army who distribute to children and families 
in need during the festive season. Last Christmas, over 20,000 
toys were donated from across the country. 

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY ‘HANDS AND HEARTS’ BUILD
Southern Cross Austereo is proud to partner with Habitat for 
Humanity Australia on their ‘Hands and Hearts’ build project. 
For the past three years, Southern Cross Austereo has sent 
employees to Nepal, Vietnam and Cambodia to help build 
safe and decent houses for orphaned children.The project 
also focuses on helping vulnerable children develop income-
generating skills and provide social support to contribute to 
their overall goal of poverty reduction. 

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 plays a significant 
role in delivering television services to Australians in remote 
areas of the country through the Viewer Access Satellite 
Television (VAST) service.

A full range of digital commercial channels are broadcast 
via satellite to an estimated 80,000 households who would 
otherwise not have access to free-to-air television.

Under our agreement with the Federal Government, all 
regional free-to-air television networks send their completed 
daily content to Southern Cross Austereo’s Canberra playout 
headquarters. This service provides VAST customers with 
access to over 20 FTA television channels that would 
otherwise not be available.

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

15

Examples include community events and fundraising 
initiatives, satellite television services, and nationwide 
employment, with over 2,500 employees 
working across 63 markets. 

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

16

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 2013.

Once again, we have faced a challenging advertising 
market and have continued to deliver a solid result, 
capitalising on strong sales relationships and focussing 
on cost control and investment in content.

Southern Cross Austereo reported revenue of $653.1 million, 
a fall of 5.0% from $687.3 million in the prior year. EBITDA 
totalled $211.0 million for the year, down from $225.8 million 
in the prior year. Net profit after tax was $96.1 million, up 
from $95.0 million in the prior year. In February 2013, the 
Group divested of a subsidiary that held two commercial FM 
radio broadcasting licences in the Sunshine Coast region. 
This sale resulted in a profit on disposal of $10.4 million 
which is included in the trading result. 

Our metropolitan radio business has seen some share loss 
over the year; however we saw some improvement in Q4 of 
FY13. The business’s revenues fell 4.0% to $262.5 million 
and it continues to operate in a challenging, short term 
market. Costs have been impacted by increasing investment 
in content and increased digital access fees for the Dab+ 
spectrum. As a consequence, EBITDA margin has fallen  
to 31.8% ($83.4 million) from 35.8% in the prior year.

Even though commercial advertising markets have been 
subdued, audience delivery on our Triple M network has 
improved, delivering solid ratings. The Today network 
stations continue to be leaders in FM radio however  
it is a much more competitive market than past years. 

The regional radio and television business produced revenue 
from operations of $390.6 million which is down 5.6%  
on the prior year. Whilst radio revenue improved marginally,  
TV revenues fell $31.7 million on the prior year. Cost control 
is essential in driving improvement in performance in the 
regional business, and a strong focus on this resulted in 
an increase in the EBITDA margin of 1.8% year on year to 
32.7% ($127.6 million). 

We have agreed new affiliation terms with Seven Network 
and Network Ten (“TEN”) which lays the foundation for 
our television offering over at least the next three years.

Television revenues continue to face challenges with the 
TEN product declining in ratings over a year on year basis. 
This resulted in television market share also declining. 
We are supportive of the new direction that 
TEN is taking and expect that this will produce 
improvements in ratings over the coming years.

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

17

We are pleased to have made two significant senior 
appointments during the second half of the year which 
will position us for the future in National Sales and Digital 
Strategy and Innovation. 

As part of our ongoing improvement drive, we have engaged 
our internal expertise to take a fresh look at a number of key 
operational areas covering content, production, distribution 
and playout. Several key projects have emerged which will  
be focussed on delivering the next phase of the integrated 
multi-media model we operate within. The projects are 
expected to result in further efficiencies in the coming years. 

Finally we have continued our proud tradition of contributing 
to our local communities. My Community Connect continues 
to deliver opportunities that allow thousands of community 
groups access to our many media assets to promote their 
not-for-profit causes and now has over 31,000 memberships. 
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. 
This is in addition to our own fundraising activities for  
Give Me 5 For Kids which operates throughout our regional 
business and is an integral part of our local communities.

Some of the cornerstone community initiatives of the year 
last year include:

•  Give Me 5 For Kids – raising over $2.5 million in the 

2013 appeal (over $12.2 million since 2000) for improved 
resources and equipment for children’s hospitals in our 
regional communities;

•  I Believe in Christmas – in partnership with the Salvation 
Army donated over 22,000 toys to children in need in 
December 2012; 

•  Matt & Jo’s $200k for 200 kids – raising $425,031 for 

children in need;

•  92.9FM’s participation in Telethon – raising $500,407 

(over $1 million over the past four years) with donations 
focussing on the Princess Margaret Children’s Hospital; and 

•  B105 Children’s Hospital Appeal – raising $434,562 in 2012 

(over $11 million in 19 years of participation).

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.

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

MAX MOORE-WILTON
CHAIRMAN

RHYS HOLLERAN
CEO

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

18

BOARD OF DIRECTORS  
AND LEADERSHIP TEAM

MAX MOORE-WILTON
CHAIRMAN

LEON PASTERNAK
DEPUTY CHAIRMAN

TONY BELL
DIRECTOR

MICHAEL CARAPIET
DIRECTOR 

MARINA DARLING
DIRECTOR

Max Moore-Wilton is 
the chairman of the 
Board and a member 
of the Remuneration 
and Nomination 
Committee. Prior to his 
appointment Max 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. Max 
currently also serves as 
chairman of ASX listed 
Sydney Airport (SYD) 
and Southern Cross 
Airports Corporation 
Holdings Limited, the 
parent company of the 
operator of Sydney 
(Kingsford Smith) 
Airport.

Leon Pasternak is 
the deputy chairman 
of the Board and is a 
committee member 
of the Nomination 
& Remuneration 
and Audit & Risk 
Committees. Until 
July 2010, Leon was 
a senior corporate 
partner at Freehills (now 
Herbert Smith Freehills) 
specialising in mergers 
and acquisitions, public 
finance and corporate 
reorganisations. Leon is 
currently Vice Chairman 
and Managing Director 
with Merrill Lynch 
Markets (Australia) Pty 
Limited (a subsidiary 
of Bank of America) 
with responsibility for 
the financial institutions 
group and mergers  
and acquisitions. 

Tony Bell is the 
chairman of the 
Remuneration and 
Nomination Committee 
and a 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.

Marina Darling is a 
committee member 
of the 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 listed company  
The Mirvac Group  
and has previously 
been a non-executive 
director of a broad 
range of listed 
companies, government 
bodies and other 
organisations, including 
Argo Investments 
Limited, Southern 
Cross Broadcasting 
Limited, Deacons 
(Lawyers), National 
Australia Trustees 
Limited and Southern 
Hydro Limited.

Michael Carapiet has 
more than 30 years’ 
experience in the 
financial sector. Michael 
retired from Macquarie 
Group in 2011 where 
he held a number of 
senior appointments, 
including as an 
Executive Committee 
member. Currently 
Michael serves as 
chairperson of SAS 
Trustee Corporation 
(NSW State Super),  
a director of State 
Super Financial 
Services Australia Ltd 
and Chairperson of 
Safety, Return to  
Work and Support 
Board that comprises 
the WorkCover 
Authority of NSW, 
Lifetime Care and 
Support and Motor 
Accidents Authority.  
He is also a director  
of Clean Energy 
Finance Corporation 
and is on the Advisory 
Boards of Norton  
Rose Australia and 
Transfield Holdings.

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

19

CHRIS DE BOER
DIRECTOR

PETER HARVIE
DIRECTOR 

RHYS HOLLERAN
CHIEF EXECUTIVE 
OFFICER

STEVE KELLY
CHIEF FINANCIAL 
OFFICER

GUY DOBSON
CHIEF CONTENT  
OFFICER

Chris de Boer is the 
chairman of the Audit 
and Risk Committee 
and a member of 
the Remuneration 
and Nomination 
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.

Peter Harvie is a 
member of the 
Remuneration and 
Nomination Committee 
and has more than 45 
years’ experience in the 
advertising, marketing 
and media industries. 
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 founder and 
managing director of 
the Clemenger Harvie 
advertising agency from 
1974 to 1993.

Rhys Holleran 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.

Steve Kelly 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).

Steve Kelly 
commenced as chief 
financial officer of 
Southern Cross  
Media Group on  
21 April 2010. 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 position 
in Australia, Asia Pacific 
and the USA.

Guy Dobson was 
National Head of 
Content for the entire 
Austereo Group, and a 
veteran of commercial 
broadcasting, having 
worked in the industry 
in excess of 25 years. 

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.

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

20

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

FINANCIALS

Contents

Notes to the Financial Statements

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 

22

25

36

37 

38

39

40 

41

77

78

80

81

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. 
7.  Current Assets – Receivables 
8.  Non-Current Assets – Receivables  
9. 

 Current Assets – Cash and Cash Equivalents 

 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.  Parent Entity Financial Information  
27.  Share-Based Payments   
28.  Related Party Disclosures 
29.  Segment Information 
30.  Commitments   
31.   Events Occurring after Balance Sheet Date   

21

41
48
49
50
51
  51
51
52

52
  54

54
56
59
60
60
60
61
63
64
64
65
66
66

67
67
70
71
73
75
76
76

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

22

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT

FOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

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 20 August 2013.

The Board of Southern Cross Media Group Limited is responsible 
for the corporate governance of Southern Cross Austereo, 
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 their 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.southerncrossaustereo.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

Leon Pasternak

Chris de Boer

Tony Bell

Michael Carapiet

Peter Harvie

Marina Darling

Position
Non-Executive Chairman 
(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
The 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 five 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 2013 

23

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. 

Mr Tony Bell, an independent director, has been chair of the 
Committee since 25 October 2011. 

Members of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee and 
their attendance at committee meetings for the 2013 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 reviewed in accordance with the 
procedures set out in the Board Charter. Such evaluations took 
place in early 2013.

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

 – at least one female non-executive/independent director at 

all times.

With 30% 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 
34% 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
14%

30%

34%
52%

% Male
86%

70%

66%
48%

Both the Code of Conduct and 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 2013 

24

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT

FOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

The Group has not implemented an internal audit function. 
The Board believes that the nature of the Group’s operations 
currently do 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 the CEO and CFO 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 director 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, or the CFO in the Company Secretary’s absence.

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 on 
22 October 2013 in Melbourne. 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 2013 

DIRECTORS’ REPORT 

FOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

25

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 (“the Group”) for the year ended 30 June 2013. 
In order to comply with the provisions of the Corporations Act 2001, 
the directors report as follows:

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 (Chairman)
 – Leon Pasternak
 – Chris de Boer
 – Tony Bell
 – Michael Carapiet
 – Peter Harvie 
 – Marina Darling 

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
Southern Cross Austereo reported total revenue of $653.1 million, 
a fall of 5.0% from $687.3 million in the prior year. EBITDA improved 
in the second half to $106.7 million to total $211.0 million for the 
year, down from $225.8 million in the prior year. Depreciation 
and amortisation charges were down $4.0 million on prior year 
– this coupled with a $17.7 million reduction in net finance costs 
resulted in an increase in profit before tax of 5.5% to $133.3 million. 
A 3.1% increase in the effective tax rate to 27.9% has resulted in 
net profit after tax of $96.1 million, up on last year’s result of $95.0 
million and slightly ahead of market expectations. In February 2013, 
the Group divested of a subsidiary that held two commercial FM 
radio broadcasting licences in the Sunshine Coast region. This sale 
resulted in a profit on disposal of $10.4 million. 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 year” included within the Statement of Comprehensive 
Income and has been subject to audit. 

Southern Cross Austereo
Up to the date of this report, the Group agreed new affiliation 
arrangements with the Seven Network (“SEVEN”) and Network Ten 
(“TEN”). The SEVEN affiliation agreement covers Darwin, Central 
Australia and Tasmania. TEN’s agreement covers the four main 
aggregated markets on mainland Australia. Securing programming 
from our two major broadcast partners for at least the next three 
years provides surety for our advertising customers as we progress 
through a rapidly changing media environment. 

Two significant senior appointments have been made during the 
second half of the year which position us for the future. Andrea 
Ingham was appointed as the Group’s National Sales Director and 
Clive Dickens has been engaged as Head of Digital Strategy and 
Innovation. Andrea has already had a positive impact on refining 
our sales practices and processes and importantly brings strong 
relationships with key agencies and broadcast partners. Clive has 
been recruited from the United Kingdom where he has spent many 
years in radio and more specifically the last 10 plus years in the 
digital media economy. Clive’s experience and insightful vision will 
drive opportunities from the already considerable digital footprint 
the Group possesses. 

As part of our ongoing improvement initiatives, we have engaged 
our internal expertise to take a fresh look at a number of key 
operational areas covering content, production, news delivery 
and broadcast. Several key projects have emerged which will be 
focussed on delivering the next phase of the integrated multi-media 
model we operate within. The projects are expected to result in 
further efficiencies brought about through a greater integration 
of resources utilising digital technologies more comprehensively 
across the Group. 

Regional Free to air Broadcasting
For the twelve months ended 30 June 2013, regional revenues 
reduced 5.6% to $390.6 million. TV revenues dropped by 
$31.7 million year on year to $214.4 million as the TEN product 
continued to struggle with ratings. Regional television share 
at a national level has eroded more than the local television 
business. Local sales continue to trade on strong relationships 
and maintaining a strong power ratio (market share of revenue 
over market share of audience), indicating we are getting good 
results selling a challenged product into local markets. Regional 
Radio improved marginally to $176.2 million in difficult and 
uncertain market conditions. The overall Regional result has been 
impacted by the sale of the Sunshine Coast which was completed 
in February 2013, resulting in only 8 months of profit being 
recorded for the year.

Cost control is proving essential in difficult and changing 
markets and once again this has been a feature of the Regional 
business’ result. Expenses reduced 8.0% to $263.0 million 
resulting in an increase in EBITDA margin year on year of 
1.8% to 32.7% ($127.6 million).

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

DIRECTORS’ REPORT 

FOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

26

Metropolitan Free to air Broadcasting
For the twelve months ended 30 June 2013 the metropolitan 
business revenues fell 4.0% to $262.5 million. The metropolitan 
business has suffered share loss exacerbated by the residual 
effects of the Kyle Sandilands on-air incident, and the effects 
of the UK incident. Slightly declining audience shares on Today 
during the year have also affected the Group’s ability to monetise 
the Today brand as strongly as has been the case. Triple M has 
improved audience ratings which has assisted in ameliorating 
the impact on overall revenues. Revenue loss plus increased 
compliance costs have been issues that have impacted the 
profit results of the year. A strong focus has been on investment 
in content through re-signing talent, restructuring key shows 
and the addition of new shows.

Costs have been impacted by increasing investment in content and 
increased digital access fees for the Dab+ spectrum. As a result, 
costs have risen marginally to $179.1 million, a 2.0% increase over 
the prior year. Consequently the EBITDA margin has fallen to 31.8% 
($83.4 million) from 35.8% in the prior year.

Distributions and Dividends

Type
Final 2011 
ordinary
Interim 2012 
ordinary
Final 2012 
ordinary
Interim 2013 
ordinary

Cents per 
share

3.0

5.0

5.0

4.5

Total 
amount 

$’000 Date of payment

21,173

20 October 2011

35,230

19 April 2012

35,243

19 October 2012

31,719

26 April 2013

Since the end of the financial year the directors have recommended 
the payment of a final ordinary dividend of $31.7 million (4.5 cents 
per fully paid share). This dividend will be paid on 21 October 2013 
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
Since the end of the financial year the Group has reached an 
agreement with Network TEN regarding the supply of television 
programming for the next three years. 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 2013.

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 $153,467 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.

Information on Directors

Max Moore-Wilton
Chairman
Age 70, 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:

 – Sydney Airport Holdings 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.

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

27

Tony Bell
Independent Director
Age 59, 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. 

Leon Pasternak
Independent Director
Age 58, 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 corporate partner at Freehills 
(now Herbert Smith Freehills) specialising in mergers and 
acquisitions, public finance and corporate reorganisations.

Leon is currently vice chairman and managing director with 
Merrill Lynch Markets (Australia) Pty Limited (a subsidiary of Bank 
of America) with responsibility for the financial institutions group 
and 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 68, 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. 

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

DIRECTORS’ REPORT 

FOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

28

Michael Carapiet
Non-executive Director
Age 54, Appointed 10 March 2010. Previously appointed Alternate 
Director on 11 April 2008 and resigned on 10 March 2010.
Michael Carapiet has more than 30 years’ experience in the financial 
sector. He retired from Macquarie Group in 2011, where he held a 
number of senior roles including that of an Executive Committee 
member. Michael is the chairperson of SAS Trustee Corporation 
(NSW State Super), a director of State Super Financial Services 
Australia Ltd and the chairperson of Safety, Return to Work and 
Support Board that comprises the WorkCover Authority of NSW, 
Lifetime Care and Support and Motor Accidents Authority. 
He is also a director of Clean Energy Finance Corporation 
and is on the Advisory Boards of Norton Rose Australia and 
Transfield Holdings.

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

Marina Darling
Independent Director
Age 54, 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 
Argo Investments Limited, 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 74, Appointed 1 August 2011
Peter Harvie is a committee member of the company’s Nomination 
and Remuneration Committee. Peter has more than 45 years’ 
experience in the advertising, marketing and media industries. 
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 founder 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. 

Meetings of Directors

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.

The number of meetings of the Board of Directors and of other committee meetings held during the year ended 30 June 2013, 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

14
12
14
14
14
14
14

B

14
14
14
14
14
14
14

A

*
6
6
6
*
*
6

B

*
6
6
6
*
*
6

A

2
1
1
2
*
2
*

B

2
2
2
2
*
2
*

A

*
2
2
2
*
*
2

B

*
2
2
2
*
*
2

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 2013 

29

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 to 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 2012. 
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. 

The following non-executive directors’ fees have applied in the 
years ended 30 June 2013 and 30 June 2012 for the Company:

From 1 July 
2012 
to 30 June 
2013
$

From 1 July 
2011
 to 30 June 
2012
$

250,000
161,500
125,000

21,000
14,000
15,000

250,000
161,500
125,000

21,000
14,000
15,000

10,000

10,000

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 

*  Chair and deputy chair fees are inclusive of all relevant committee fees and as 

such they do not receive any additional committee fees.

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

DIRECTORS’ REPORT 

FOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

30

2. Principles used to determine the nature and amount 
of remuneration (continued) 
2.2. Executive pay
The executive pay and reward framework currently has the following 
components:

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.

 – 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 executive’s 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. 

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 the CEO and CFO, 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.

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 2013 

31

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 2013
$’000
653,114
133,269
96,111

30 June 2013
$’000
$1.20
$1.43
9.0c

30 June 2012
$’000
687,313
126,282
95,022

30 June 2012
$’000
$1.55
$1.20
10.0c

Restated
30 June 2011*
$’000
492,811
 87,232
64,060

Restated
30 June 2011*
$’000
$1.64
$1.55
10.0c

30 June 2010
$’000
406,909
24,185
19,903

30 June 2010
$’000
$1.32
$1.64
9.7c

30 June 2009
$’000
393,483
(15,724)
18,640

30 June 2009
$’000
$2.95
$1.32
7.7c

* Restatement for finalisation of allocation of purchase price for Austereo acquisition in accordance with Accounting Standards.

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

Key Management Personnel

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

Executives
Rhys Holleran 
Stephen Kelly 
Guy Dobson 
Craig Bruce 

Cathy Thomas

(Chairman)

CEO
CFO
Chief Content Officer
Head of Content

National Sales Director (ceased 1 February 2013)

Andrea Ingham

National Sales Director (appointed 1 February 2013)

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

DIRECTORS’ REPORT 

FOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

3. Details of remuneration (continued)
Key Management Personnel remuneration

2013

Name

Short-term employee benefits
Non-
monetary 
benefits

Cash 
salary 
and fees

Cash 
bonus

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

Executives
Rhys Holleran
Stephen Kelly
Guy Dobson
Craig Bruce
Cathy Thomas1
Andrea Ingham2
Sub-total executive
Total

$

240,400
149,364
144,280
154,000
125,000
135,000
127,524

1,075,568

768,750
582,250
824,125
508,530
247,059
138,971
3,069,685
4,145,253

$

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

$

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

205,500
137,000
–
60,000
–
8,000
410,500
410,500

21,691
5,204
32,392
5,144
5,972
5,601
76,004
76,004

Post-
employ-
ment 
benefits
Super 
con-
tribution

$

9,600
12,136
11,720
–
–
–
11,476

44,932

25,000
24,000
16,470
16,470
11,411
8,235
101,586
146,518

32

Proportion of 
performance 
related 
remuneration

Total

$

STI
% of 
rem

SBP
% of 
rem

250,000
161,500
156,000
154,000
125,000
135,000
139,000

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

$

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

– 1,120,500

320,801 1,660,376
199,980 1,023,480
802,624
54,161
702,518
111,100
259,240
–
36,108
207,288
722,150 4,655,526
722,150 5,776,026

12% 19%
13% 20%
0% 7%
9% 16%
0% 0%
4% 17%

Share-
based 
payments
Per-
formance 
rights

Other
long-term 
benefits3

Terminat-
ion

$

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

318,634
75,046
(124,524)
1,274
(5,202)
10,373
275,601
275,601

$

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

1 

2 
3 

 Remuneration disclosed is for the period 1 July 2012 to 1 February 2013 when Cathy Thomas was National Sales Director. Mrs Thomas took the position of General 
Manager – Melbourne on 1 February 2013 and ceased being Key Management Personnel.
 Remuneration disclosed is for the period 1 February 2013 to 30 June 2013 after Andrea Ingham was appointed National Sales Director. 
 Amounts represent movements in employee leave entitlements, with a negative balance representing an overall reduction in the employee leave provision balance 
compared with prior year.

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

33

2012

Name

Short-term employee benefits
Non-
monetary 
benefits

Cash 
salary 
and fees

Cash 
bonus

Post-
employ-
ment 
benefits
Super 
con-
tribution

Share-
based 
payments
Per-
formance 
rights

Total

Other
long-term 
benefits4

Terminat-
ion

Proportion of 
performance 
related 
remuneration

STI
% of 
rem

SBP
% of 
rem

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

$

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

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

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 prior year.

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
Rhys Holleran 
Stephen Kelly 
Guy Dobson
Craig Bruce
Andrea Ingham 

Base salary 
including 
superannuation
$’000
1,000
775
650
540
350

STI
(on target)
400
300
100
60
100

Type of agreement
Permanent
Permanent
Permanent
Permanent
Permanent

LTI

value Termination notice period
12 mths either party
12 mths either party
6 mths either party
12 mths either party
3 mths either party

350
200
100
125
100

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.

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

DIRECTORS’ REPORT 

FOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

34

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:

2012 Performance rights series
2012 – Tranche 1
2012 – Tranche 2
2012 – Tranche 3
2012 – Tranche 4

Grant date
25/10/2012
25/10/2012
25/10/2012
25/10/2012

Expiry date
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

Fair value at 
grant date $
0.40
0.49
0.53
0.54

Vesting date
01/07/2013
01/07/2014
01/07/2015
01/07/2016

Percentile 
ranking
n/a*
n/a
n/a
n/a

% vested
n/a*
n/a
n/a
n/a

* On 1 July 2013, 2012 – Tranche 1 performance rights were assessed and determined to be at the 40th percentile, with 0% of shares vesting.

2011 Performance rights series
2011 – Tranche 1
2011 – Tranche 2
2011 – Tranche 3
2011 – Tranche 4

Grant date
25/10/2011
25/10/2011
25/10/2011
25/10/2011

Expiry date
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

Fair value at 
grant date $
0.51
0.62
0.67
0.68

Vesting date

Percentile 
ranking
01/07/2012 49th percentile
01/07/2013
01/07/2014
01/07/2015

n/a**
n/a
n/a

** On 1 July 2013, 2011 – Tranche 2 performance rights were assessed and determined to be at the 47.8th percentile, with 0% of shares vesting.

2010 Performance rights series
2010 – Tranche 1
2010 – Tranche 2
2010 – Tranche 3
2010 – Tranche 4

Grant date
26/07/2010
26/07/2010
26/07/2010
26/07/2010

Expiry date
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

Fair value at 
grant date $
0.86
0.88
0.90
0.90

Vesting date

Percentile 
ranking
01/07/2011 60th percentile
01/07/2012 63.1st percentile
01/07/2013
01/07/2014

n/a***
n/a

% vested
0%
n/a**
n/a
n/a

% vested
70.0%
76.2%

n/a***
n/a

*** On 1 July 2013, 2010 – Tranche 3 performance rights were assessed and determined to be at the 63.1st percentile, with 76.2% of shares vesting.

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
Rhys Holleran
Stephen Kelly
Stephen Kelly
Stephen Kelly
Guy Dobson
Craig Bruce
Craig Bruce
Cathy Thomas
Andrea Ingham

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

2012 – Tranche 2 to 4 (incl.)
2010 – Tranche 2
2012 – Tranche 1 to 3 (incl.)
2011 – Tranche 1
2010 – Tranche 2 
2012 – Tranche 2 to 4 (incl.)
2012 – Tranche 1 to 3 (incl.)
2011 – Tranche 1
–
2012 – Tranche 2 to 4 (incl.)

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

350,000
–
200,000
–
–
150,000
125,000
–
–
100,000

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

674,203
–
428,464
–
–
288,944
267,790
–
–
192,629

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
101,013
–
–
57,722
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
31,550
–
130,706
18,029
–
–
81,691
–
–

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

35

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

2013
1,000,000
1,064,216
148,571
172,767
1,347,900
–
100,000
179,513,906
183,347,360

2012
1,857,143
1,064,216
148,571
160,118
1,347,900
–
–
179,513,906
184,091,854

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 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.

Auditor’s Independence Declaration
A copy of the Auditor’s Independence Declaration, as required under s307C of the Corporations Act 2001, is set out on page 36.

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 

  Leon Pasternak 
  Deputy Chairman 
  Southern Cross Media Group Limited

Sydney, Australia 
13 August 2013 

  Sydney, Australia 
  13 August 2013

 
 
 
Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

36

AUDITOR’S INDEPENDENCE DECLARATION

FOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

Auditor’s Independence Declaration 

As lead auditor for the audit of Southern Cross Media Group Limited for the year ended 30 June 2013, 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 
13 August 2013 

PricewaterhouseCoopers, ABN 52 780 433 757 
Freshwater Place, 2 Southbank Boulevard, SOUTHBANK VIC 3006, GPO Box 1331, MELBOURNE VIC 3001 
DX 77 Melbourne, Australia 
T: +61 3 8603 1000, F: +61 2 8603 1999, www.pwc.com.au 

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

37

STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

Revenue from continuing operations
Other income
Broadcast and production costs
Employee expenses
Selling costs
Occupancy costs
Promotions and marketing
Administration 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 from continuing operations
Depreciation and amortisation expense
Interest expense and other borrowing costs
Interest revenue
Profit before income tax expense for the year from continuing operations
Income tax expense from continuing operations
Profit from continuing operations after income tax expense for the year 
Other comprehensive income / (loss) that may be reclassified to profit or loss:
Changes to fair value of cash flow hedges, 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

2013
$’000
642,631
10,483
(104,311)
(174,505)
(67,683)
(29,310)
(13,679)
(51,967)
(668)
210,991

(26,476)
(54,977)
3,731
133,269
(37,158)
96,111

2,264
98,375

13.64
13.59

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

Note
2
2

2

2

9

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 2013 

38

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

FOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

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
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

Note

Consolidated

2013
$’000

2012
$’000

6
7

8
9
11
12
10
13

15
16
17

18

19
17
18

20
21
21
22

102,906
129,638
232,544

97,175
132,623
229,798

6,221
13,677
170,595
2,030,882
110
9,003
2,230,488
2,463,032

105,895
19,817
19,194
46,223
4,207
195,336

10,522
676,175
14,863
701,560
896,896
1,566,136

1,686,878
(8,941)
(77,406)
(34,693)
1,565,838
298
1,566,136

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

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

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

FOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

Consolidated

Contributed 
equity
$’000

Reserves
$’000

Other equity 
transaction
$’000

Accumulated 
losses
$’000

Non-
controlling 
interest
$’000

Total
$’000

1,686,878 
–
–
–

 (12,336)
–
2,264
2,264

 (77,406)
–
–
–

 (63,842)
96,111
–
96,111

1,533,294 
96,111
2,264
98,375

2013
Restated total equity 
at 1 July 2012
Profit for the year 
Other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income

Transactions with equity holders in 
their capacity as equity holders:
Employee share entitlements
Dividends provided for or paid

Total equity at 30 June 2013

–
–
–
1,686,878

1,131
–
1,131
(8,941)

–
–
–
(77,406)

–
(66,962)
(66,962)
(34,693)

1,131
(66,962)
(65,831)
1,565,838

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

298 
–
–
–

–
–
–
298

Consolidated

Contributed 
equity
$’000

Reserves
$’000

Other equity 
transaction
$’000

Accumulated 
losses
$’000

Non-
controlling 
interest
$’000

Total
$’000

1,688,149 
– 
– 
– 

–
 (1,271)
–
 (1,271)
1,686,878 

404 
– 
 (13,529)
 (13,529)

789 
–
–
789 
 (12,336)

 (77,406)
– 
– 
– 

 (101,683)
95,022 
– 
95,022 

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

–
–
–
– 
 (77,406)

–
–
 (56,403)
 (56,403)
 (63,064)

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

298 
– 
– 
– 

– 
–
– 
– 
298 

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

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

39

Total equity
$’000

1,533,592 
96,111
2,264
98,375

1,131
(66,962)
(65,831)
1,566,136

Total equity
$’000

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

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

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

40

Cash flows from operating activities
Receipts from customers 
Payments to suppliers / employees 
Government grants received
Interest received from external parties
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
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary
Payments for purchase of investments
Net cash flows used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities
Dividends paid to security holders
Repayment of borrowings from external parties
Payments for buy back of company shares 
Interest paid to external parties
Movement in finance lease liabilities
Net cash flows used in financing activities
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash assets at the beginning of the year
Cash assets at the end of the year

Note

Consolidated

2013
$’000

2012
$’000

705,402
(517,144)
–
3,729
(38,746)
153,241

(25,065)
(141)
–
1,878
17,651
(1,165)
(6,842)

(66,962)
(16,000)
–
(56,977)
(729)
(140,668)
5,731
97,175
102,906

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

24

2 (a)

6

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

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

41

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

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.

(i) 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. 

(ii) 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.

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.

(iii) 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 
2013 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. 

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

42

(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.

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.

(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.

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
(b) Principles of consolidation (continued)
(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.

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.

(iii) Joint ventures
Interest 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
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.

(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, 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.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

43

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 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).

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

44

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)
(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 are 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. Volatility is a 
measure of the underlying movement in the share price. A share’s 
volatility measure captures the characteristics of fluctuations in the 
share price. 

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 the favour of the employee, the changes 
are reflected when determining the impact on profit or loss. 

(n) Retirement benefit obligations
The Group operates a defined contribution scheme.

Defined contribution scheme
The defined contribution scheme comprises 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.

(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.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

45

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 value 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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

46

 – 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)

 – AASB 2012-1 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards 
– Fair Value Measurement – Reduced Disclosure Requirements 
(effective 1 July 2013)

 – AASB 2012-5 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standard 
arising from Annual Improvements- 2009–2011 Cycle (effective 
1 January 2013)

 – AASB 2012-10 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards 
– Transition guidance  and other Amendments (clarifications only) 
– no separate disclosure needed (effective 1 January 2013)

 – Amendments to IAS 36 Impairment of Assets (effective 

1 January 2014)

 – 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.

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued) 
(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 2012, 
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.

(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 2013 reporting 
periods. The Group’s assessment of the impact of relevant new 
standards and interpretations is set out below.

 – AASB 9 Financial Instruments and AASB 2009-11 Amendments 
to Australian Accounting Standards arising from AASB 9, AASB 
2010-7 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising 
from AASB 9 (December 2010) and AASB 2012-6 Amendments 
to Australian Accounting Standards arising from AASB 9 
(September 2012) (effective from 1 January 2015) 

 – AASB 1053 Application of Tiers of Australian Accounting 
Standards and AASB 2010-2 Amendments to Australian 
Accounting Standards arising from Reduced Disclosure 
Requirements (July 2010) (effective 1 July 2013)

 – AASB 2011-4 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards 

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

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

47

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.

(cc) 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.

(dd) 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. 

(ee) 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.

(ff) Parent entity financial information 
The financial information for the parent entity, Southern Cross 
Media Group Limited (“the Company”), disclosed in note 26 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. 

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. 

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

48

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

Net profit on sale of investments(a)

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
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

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

Consolidated

2013
$’000

2012
$’000

636,993
–
–
5,508
130
642,631

10,483

681,718
92
311
5,192
–
687,313

–

3,731

2,724

981
22,979
2,005
66
26,031

445
445
26,476

50,037
–
4,910
30
54,977

23,065
12,527

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

(a)   During the year, the Group divested of a subsidiary that held two commercial FM radio broadcasting licences in the Sunshine Coast region.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

49

3. Remuneration of Auditors

(a) Audit services
PricewaterhouseCoopers Australian firm:
Statutory 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

2013
$

2012
$

525,000
525,000

475,000
475,000

12,050
10,000
–
69,690
91,740
616,740

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

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

50

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:

Consolidated

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 of associates
Other non-deductible expenses / (deductible expenses) / (non-assessable income)
Adjustments recognised in the current year in relation to deferred tax of prior years
Income tax expense

2013
$’000

27,017
10,141

37,158

7,503
2,638
–

10,141

133,269
39,981
–
–

200
(5,661)
2,638
37,158

2012
$’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

For the year ended 30 June 2013, the Company had $0.97 million of income tax expense (2012: $5.8 million benefit) recognised directly in 
equity in relation to cash flow hedges, with a corresponding deferred tax liability (2012: asset) being recognised. There are no unused tax 
losses for which no deferred tax asset has been recognised.

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 2013.

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.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

51

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

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

The Group has $91.7 million of franking credits at 30 June 2013 (2012: $82.6 million).

6. Current Assets – Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash at bank

7. Current Assets – Receivables

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

Consolidated

2013
$’000

31,719
35,243
66,962

2012
$’000

35,230
21,173
56,403

66,962
66,962

56,403
56,403

Cents per 
share
4.5
5.0
9.5

Cents per 
share
5.0
3.0
8.0

Consolidated

2013
$’000
102,906

2012
$’000
97,175

Consolidated

2013
$’000

123,124
(601)
5,143
1,972
129,638

2012
$’000

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

(a) Impaired trade receivables
The Group has recognised income in respect of bad and doubtful trade receivables during the year ended 30 June 2013 of $27,882 
(2012: expense of $415,000). This provision is based on known bad debts and past experience for receipt of trade receivables.

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

52

8. Non-Current Assets – Receivables

Non-current
Refundable deposits
Related parties
Other

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

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:

Consolidated

2013
$’000

539
942
4,740
6,221

2012
$’000

520
1,749
3,527
5,796

Consolidated

2013
$’000
13,677

2012
$’000
10,581

Ownership 
interest %

Consolidated

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

Central Digital Television Pty Ltd

Australia

Eastern Australia Satellite 
Broadcasters Pty Ltd
Canberra FM Radio Pty Ltd
Black Mountain 
Broadcasters Pty Ltd
Sydney FM Facilities Pty Ltd
Melbourne FM Facilites Pty Ltd
Perth FM Facilities Pty Ltd
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
Digital Music Distribution Pty Ltd
Get Outside Group Pty Ltd

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
Operation of a TV station – 
Central
Building of digital regional 
assets
Dormant entity
Dormant entity

Rental of a transmission facility
Rental of a transmission facility
Rental of a transmission facility
Digital radio broadcasting

2013
25.0
36.0

50.0

50.0

50.0

50.0

50.0
50.0

50.0
50.0
66. 71
22.6

2012
25.0
36.0

50.0

50.0

50.0

50.0

50.0
50.0

50.0
50.0
66.71
22.6

Australia

Australia
Australia

Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia

Australia

Digital radio broadcasting

18.22

18.22

Australia

Digital radio broadcasting

Australia

Digital radio broadcasting

Australia

Digital radio broadcasting

Australia
Australia

Digital Music Distribution
Media Entertainment Business

25.0

33.3

33.3

33.3
50.0

25.0

33.3

33.3

–
–

2013
$’000
94
9

7,745

251

–

–

–
–

615
–
279
834

14

20

26

26

2012
$’000
94
9

8,039

615

–

–

–
–

615
–
289
834

14

20

26

26

3,754
10
13,677

–
–
10,581

1  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.

2  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.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

53

(b) Movements in carrying amounts

Carrying amount at the beginning of the financial year
Share of losses after income tax
Acquisitions of associates 
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 – 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

2013
$’000
10,581
(668)
3,764
–
13,677

2012
$’000
11,198
(665)
–
48
10,581

Consolidated

2013
$’000

3,795
17,795
21,590
2,248
5,665
7,913
13,677

3,273
(3,941)
(668)
–
(668)

–
–

2012
$’000

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

3,220
(3,885)
(665)
–
(665)

–
–

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

54

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

2013
$’000
110

2012
$’000
141

Consolidated

2013
$’000
49,910
(12,466)
37,444

34,881
(16,269)
18,612

2012
$’000
48,664
(11,145)
37,519

33,475
(14,252)
19,223

387,525
(280,365)
107,160

369,694
(260,887)
108,807

612
(370)
242

7,137
480,065
(309,470)
170,595

772
(371)
401

6,567
459,172
(286,655)
172,517

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

55

Reconciliations of the carrying amounts of property, plant and equipment at the beginning and end of each year are set out below:

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

Consolidated

2013
$’000

37,519
479
–
(981)
427
37,444

19,223
1,364
(547)
(2,005)
577
18,612

108,807
18,548
(914)
(22,979)
3,698
107,160

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

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

56

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

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
Transfers
Additions
Carrying amount at the end of the financial year
Total property, plant and equipment – net

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

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

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

Consolidated

2013
$’000

2012
$’000

401
–
(93)
(66)
242

6,567
(4,832)
5,402
7,137
170,595

490
44
–
(133)
401

9,533
(10,959)
7,993
6,567
172,517

Consolidated

2013
$’000
1,589,574
–
1,589,574

2012
$’000
1,595,282
–
1,595,282

279
–
279

88,900
–
88,900

1,000
(1,000)
–

352,129
–
352,129

139
–
139

88,900
–
88,900

1,000
(555)
445

352,124
–
352,124

2,031,882
(1,000)
2,030,882

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

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

57

Commercial radio/TV broadcast licences
Carrying amount at the beginning of the financial year
Disposal of subsidiaries 
Carrying amount at the end of the financial period

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

Brands
Carrying amount at the beginning of the financial year
Carrying amount at the end of the financial period

Programming services agreement
Carrying amount at the beginning of the financial year
Acquisition of subsidiaries 
Amortisation expense
Carrying amount at the end of the financial period

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

Consolidated

2013
$’000

2012
$’000

1,595,282
(5,708)
1,589,574

1,595,282
–
1,595,282

139
140
279

117
22
139

88,900
88,900

88,900
88,900

445
–
(445)
–

–
889
(444)
445

352,124
5
352,129
2,030,882

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

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

58

12. Non-Current Assets – Intangible Assets (continued)
(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 2013 and 30 June 2012 and the Metro free to air 
broadcasting CGU at 30 June 2013 and 30 June 2012 was determined based on a value in use discounted cash flow (“DCF”) model. 

Allocation of goodwill and other intangible assets

2013
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)

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 growth – Forecast Period
Long-term growth rate – terminal value
Discount rate (pre-tax)

Regional 
free to air
broadcasting 
CGU
$’000
316,396
817,453
1,133,849

Metro 
free to air
broadcasting 
CGU
$’000
35,733
861,300
897,033

Total
$’000
352,129
1,678,753
2,030,882

%

5.0
4.0
3.0
11.3

%

3.9
2.9
3.0
11.5

Regional 
free to air
broadcasting 
CGU
$’000
316,391
823,021
1,139,412

Metro 
free to air
broadcasting 
CGU
$’000
35,733
861,300
897,033

Total
$’000
352,124
1,684,321
2,036,445

%

3.6
4.1
3.0
10.8

%

2.7
3.1
3.0
11.0

(b) Key assumptions used for value in use calculations
The value in use calculations use cash flow projections based on the 2014 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 to the table above). The discount rate used reflects specific risks 
relating to the relevant segments and the economies in which they operate (refer to the table above).

(c) Impact of a reasonably possible change in key assumptions
Regional free to air broadcasting
At 30 June 2013, an increase in the discount rate of 1.5% to 12.9% 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 5.0% to 1.9% or operating expense growth assumption 
was to increase from 4.0% to 8.5% over the Forecast Period, it would result in the regional free to air broadcasting CGU carrying amount 
exceeding its recoverable amount. At 30 June 2013, the amount by which the recoverable amount exceeded the carrying value of the 
assets allocated to the regional free to air broadcasting CGU was $232.9 million.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

59

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.

Metro free to air broadcasting
At 30 June 2013, an increase in the discount rate of 2.3% to 13.8% 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 3.9% to 1.9% or operating expense growth assumption 
was to increase from 2.9% to 11.9% over the Forecast Period, it would result in the metro free to air broadcasting CGU carrying amount 
exceeding its recoverable amount. At 30 June 2013, the amount by which the recoverable amount exceeded the carrying value of the 
assets allocated to the metro free to air broadcasting CGU was $243.6 million. 

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.

13. Deferred Taxes

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

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

Consolidated

2013
$’000

180
863
(14,060)
(874)
4,911
2,030
55
6,383
2,827
5,721
967
9,003

2012
$’000

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

9,003

19,143

19,143
(2,638)
(7,503)
1
9,003

(3,439)
12,442
9,003

(20,584)
1,995
37,715
17
19,143

2,622
16,521
19,143

Reset tax cost base
When 100% ownership was gained of the Austereo Group and Radio Newcastle, they joined the Southern Cross Media Group Limited tax 
consolidated group and 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 2013 

60

14. Subsidiaries

The consolidated financial statements incorporate the assets, liabilities and results of the following 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 Media Group Investments Pty Ltd
Southern Cross Austereo Pty Limited (SCAPL) and controlled entities

Country of 
incorporation
Australia
Australia
Australia

Class of 
shares/units
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary

Effective 
ownership 
interest
2013
100%
100%
100%

Effective 
ownership 
interest
2012
100%
100%
100%

Bermuda
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia

Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary

100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

100%
100%
100%
n/a
100%

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
Onerous Lease (refer note 19)
Lease incentives (refer note 19)

Consolidated

2013
$’000
7,753
3,886
82,182
12,074
105,895

2012
$’000
19,521
5,267
82,460
10,996
118,244

Consolidated

2013
$’000
18,677
553
587
19,817

2012
$’000
19,393
2,022
242
21,657

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

61

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

2013
$’000

19,000

194
19,194

2012
$’000

16,000

228
16,228

Consolidated

2013
$’000

2012
$’000

684,000

(7,900)

75

676,175
695,369

703,000

(12,414)

202

690,788
707,016

(b)

(b)

(b)

(b)

(b) Bank facilities and assets pledged as security
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. 
$22 million has been repaid to 30 June 2013 and the $30 million working capital facility remains undrawn at 30 June 2013.

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 5.44% (2012: 6.26%). 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. Since inception, the covenant testing has 
been satisfactorily met at each testing 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.

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

62

17. Borrowing (continued)
(b) Bank facilities and assets pledged as security (continued)

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

2013
$’000

2012
$’000

96,498
129,034
225,532

90,023
131,914
221,937

6,221
13,677
110
170,595
2,040,808
2,231,411
2,456,943

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

Consolidated

2013
$’000
703,000
(703,000)
–

30,000
–
30,000

10,000
(3,340)
6,660

743,000
(706,340)
36,660

2012
$’000
719,000
(719,000)
–

30,000
–
30,000

10,000
(3,560)
6,440

759,000
(722,560)
36,440

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 2013 and 30 June 2012. 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

63

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

2013
$’000

4,207
4,207

2012
$’000

–
–

14,863
14,863

24,249
24,249

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 5.44% (2012: 6.26%). 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 78% (2012: 76%) of the loan principal outstanding, however due to 
rolling commencement dates 50% (2012: 49%) of the loan principal currently outstanding is covered at year end. The current fixed interest 
rates range between 5.06% and 6.12% (2012: range between 5.06% and 6.12% ) 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

2013
$’000
200,000
350,000
–
–

2012
$’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 2013 

64

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 
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
Buy back of company shares
On issue at the end of the financial year

On issue at the beginning of the financial year
Issuing shares for employee share entitlements
Buy back of company shares
On issue at the end of the financial year

Consolidated

2013
$’000
2,239
1,551
3,423
3,309
–
10,522

2012
$’000
2,698
1,550
4,654
1,997
1,489
12,388

Consolidated

2013
$’000
9,690
(1,406)
8,284

2012
$’000
10,783
(1,093)
9,690

Consolidated

2013
$’000

2012
$’000

1,686,878

1,686,878

1,686,878

1,686,878

Consolidated

2013
$’000
1,686,878
–
1,686,878

2012
$’000
1,688,149
(1,271)
1,686,878

Consolidated

2013

2012
Number of securities

704,594
264
–
704,858

705,712
54
(1,172)
704,594

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

65

(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) 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 27.

(d) 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.

(e) 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.

21. Reserves and Other Equity Transactions
(a) Reserves

Balance of reserves

Share-based payments reserve (i)

Hedge reserve (ii)

(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) 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

2013
$’000

2,324

(11,265)

(8,941)

1,193
1,131
2,324

(13,529)
–
2,264
(11,265)

2012
$’000

1,193

(13,529)

(12,336)

404
789
1,193

–
(8,871)
(4,658)
(13,529)

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 264,076 (2012: 54,258) 
rights have vested and 2,921,124 (2012: 1,883,328) shares have been granted. In the current year, $1,132,000 (2012: $789,000) 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 27 for further 
information on the current Long-Term Incentive Plan.

(ii) 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. 

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

66

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

21. Reserves and Other Equity Transactions (continued)
(b) Other equity transactions

Other equity transactions
Reverse acquisition

Consolidated

2013
$’000

2012
$’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.

22. Accumulated Losses

Balance at the beginning of the financial year
Restatement of comparatives – movement in associates
Profit attributable to security holders
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

2013
$’000
(63,064)
(778)
96,111
(66,962)
(34,693)

2012
$’000
(101,683)
–
95,022
(56,403)
(63,064)

Consolidated

2013
Cents

2012
Cents

13.64
13.64

13.59
13.59

13.48
13.48

13.45
13.45

Consolidated

2013
$’000

2012
$’000

96,111

96,111

95,022

95,022

Consolidated

2013
Number
704,825,243

2012
Number
705,137,886

2,417,205

1,186,101

707,242,448

706,323,987

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

67

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 subsidary
Share of associate’s loss 
Non-cash revenue
Dividends received from investments
Interest expense and other borrowing costs included in financing activities 
Share based payments
Change in assets and liabilities:
  Decrease in receivables
  Decrease / (increase) in deferred taxes

(Decrease) in payables
(Decrease) / increase in provision for income tax
(Decrease) / increase in provisions

Net cash inflows from operating activities

2013
$’000
96,111
–
26,476
(12,485)
668
(1,790)
–
54,977
1,131

2,105
9,132
(9,766)
(10,720)
(2,598)
153,241

2012
$’000
95,022
59
30,523
528
665
–
(92)
71,699
788

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

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 (2012: 25 basis points) in the relevant 
interest rates at 30 June 2013 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.

 
 
 
Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

68

25. Financial Risk Management (continued)

Consolidated
AUD exposures 
Financial assets
Cash at bank
Interest rate swaps
Borrowings

Consolidated
AUD exposures 
Financial assets
Cash at bank
Interest rate swaps
Borrowings

Carrying value

30 June 2013
$’000

30 June 2012
$’000

Impact on post-tax profits
Increase/(decrease) 
 30 June 2013
+/- 25 basis points
$’000

$’000

Impact on reserves
Increase/(decrease)  

 30 June 2013
+/- 25 basis points
$’000

$’000

102,906
(19,070)
(703,000)

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

257
–
–

(257)
–
–

–
1,387
–

–
(1,392)
–

Carrying value

30 June 2013
$’000

30 June 2012
$’000

Impact on post-tax profits
Increase/(decrease) 
 30 June 2012
+/- 25 basis points
$’000

$’000

Impact on reserves
Increase/(decrease)  

 30 June 2012
+/- 25 basis points
$’000

$’000

102,906
(19,070)
(703,000)

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

243
–
–

(243)
–
–

–
2,059
–

–
(2,069)
–

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 on going basis.

Ageing analysis of assets past due but not impaired and impaired assets
The tables below summarise the aging analysis of assets past due but not impaired and impaired assets as at 30 June.

Consolidated
As at 30 June 2013
Trade receivables
Provision for doubtful debts

Consolidated
As at 30 June 2012
Trade receivables
Provision for doubtful debts

Current
0–30 days
$’000
62,720
–

Current
0–30 days
$’000
64,282
(445)

Past due
30–60 days
$’000
53,278
–

Past due
30–60 days
$’000
51,290
(338)

Past due
60–90 days
$’000
2,504
–

Past due
60–90 days
$’000
3,558
(91)

Past due
>90 days
$’000
4,622
(601)

Past due
>90 days
$’000
3,891
(682)

Total
$’000
123,124
(601)

Total
$’000
123,021
(1,556)

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. 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

69

(c) Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk of an entity encountering difficulty 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 2013
Lease liabilities
Borrowings – principal
Interest cashflows*
Derivative financial instruments
Payables

Less than 1 year
$’000
190
19,000
39,385
11,289
105,535

* calculated using a weighted average variable interest rate

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

* calculated using a weighted average variable interest rate

1–2 years
$’000
43
684,000
51,634
9,042
–

1–2 years
$’000
220
19,000
46,133
6,514
–

2–3 years
$’000
29
–
–
–
–

2–3 years
$’000
28
684,000
55,643
4,608
–

3–5 years
$’000
3
–
–
–
–

3–5 years
$’000
7
–
–
–
–

Greater than 
5 years
$’000
4
–
–
–
–

Greater than 
5 years
$’000
–
–
–
–
–

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

70

25. Financial Risk Management (continued)
(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 2013 and 30 June 2012:

Consolidated 
As at 30 June 2013

Liabilities
Derivatives used for hedging
Total liabilities

Consolidated 
As at 30 June 2012

Liabilities
Derivatives used for hedging
Total liabilities

Level 1 
$’000

Level 2 
$’000

Level 3 
$’000

–
–

Level 1 
$’000

19,070
19,070

Level 2 
$’000

–
–

Level 3 
$’000

–
–

24,249
24,249

–
–

Total
$’000

19,070
19,070

Total
$’000

24,249
24,249

The fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in an active market 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.

26. 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

2013
$’000
6,752
1,848,217
1,854,969
59,819
109,159
168,978
1,685,991
1,589,290
2,324
94,377
1,685,991

54,112
54,112

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

49,972
49,972

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

71

(b) Guarantees entered into by the parent entity

Carrying amount included in current liabilities

2013
$’000

–
–

2012
$’000

–
–

The parent entity has not provided any financial guarantees in respect of bank overdrafts and loans of subsidiaries as at 30 June 2013 
(30 June 2012: nil). The parent entity has not given any unsecured guarantees at 30 June 2013 (30 June 2012: nil).

(c) Contingent liabilities of the parent entity
The parent entity did not have any contingent liabilities as at 30 June 2013 (30 June 2012: $nil). 

(d) Contractual commitments for the acquisition of property, plant or equipment
As at 30 June 2013, the parent entity had no contractual commitments (30 June 2012: $nil). 

27. 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 year
Exercisable at end of the year

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

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

2012 – 
Tranche 1
$1.05
$0.40
Nil
9.76%
3.03%
38.76%
n/a*
n/a*
n/a*

2012 – 
Tranche 2
$1.05
$0.49
Nil
9.76%
2.95%
38.76%
n/a*
n/a*
n/a*

2013
2,615,908
2,921,124
(264,076)
(289,469)
4,983,487
–

2012 – 
Tranche 3
$1.05
$0.53
Nil
9.76%
3.05%
38.76%
n/a*
n/a*
n/a*

2012
1,100,473
1,883,328
(54,258)
(313,635)
2,615,908
–

2012 – 
Tranche 4
$1.05
$0.54
Nil
9.76%
3.16%
38.76%
n/a*
n/a*
n/a*

*  Due to changes in the Monte Carlo simulation-based valuation model, TSR volatility and spread is now assessed on an individual comparator company basis rather a 

peer group comparator basis.

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

72

27. Share-Based Payments (continued)

Grant date share price
Fair value at grant date
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
Fair value at grant date
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
$1.05 
$0.51
Nil
11.82%
4.54%
54.36%
17.24%
30.88%
44.21%

2010 –
Tranche 1
$1.66
$0.86
Nil
3.49%
4.73%
47.62%
22.15%
34.90%
40.42%

2011 –
Tranche 2
$1.05 
$0.62
Nil
11.82%
4.42%
54.36%
17.24%
30.88%
44.21%

2010 –
Tranche 2
$1.66
$0.88
Nil
3.49%
4.78%
47.62%
22.15%
34.90%
40.42%

2011 –
Tranche 3
$1.05 
$0.67
Nil
11.82%
4.47%
54.36%
17.24%
30.88%
44.21%

2010 –
Tranche 3
$1.66
$0.90
Nil
3.49%
4.77%
47.62%
22.15%
34.90%
40.42%

2011 –
Tranche 4
$1.05 
$0.68
Nil
11.82%
4.67%
54.36%
17.24%
30.88%
44.21%

2010 –
Tranche 4
$1.66
$0.90
Nil
3.49%
4.90%
47.62%
22.15%
34.90%
40.42%

The following outlines share rights granted to Key Management Personnel:

2013

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

Executives
Rhys Holleran
Stephen Kelly
Guy Dobson
Craig Bruce
Andrea Ingham

Balance at 
start of year
No.

Granted as 
compensation
No.

Forfeited
No.

Vested
No.

Balance at 
end of year
No.

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

925,613 
487,532 
–
211,072 
–
1,624,217

674,203
428,464
288,944
267,790
192,629
1,852,030

(31,550)
(148,735)
–
(81,691)
–
(261,976)

(101,013)
(57,722)
–
–
–
(158,735)

1,467,253
709,539
288,944
397,171
192,629
3,055,536

At 1 July 2013, 2010 – Tranche 3 of performance rights vested to 76.2%, and 2011 – Tranche 2 and 2012 – Tranche 1 of performance 
rights did not vest.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

73

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 
compensation
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) 

(54,258) 

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

(23,253) 

(54,258) 

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

925,613 
487,532 
272,576 
–
211,072 
–
1,896,793 

28. 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 (Chairman) 
Leon Pasternak
Chris de Boer
Tony Bell
Michael Carapiet
Peter Harvie  
Marina Darling 

Executives 
Rhys Holleran  
Stephen Kelly  
Guy Dobson  
Craig Bruce  
Cathy Thomas  
Andrea Ingham  

CEO
CFO
Chief Content Officer
Head of Content
National Sales Director (ceased 1 February 2013)
National Sales Director (appointed 1 February 2013)

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.

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

74

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

28. Related Party Disclosures (continued)
(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
2013
$’000
4,631,757
146,518
275,601
–
722,150
5,776,026

2012
$’000
5,238,856 
174,831 
157,613
776,538 
555,036 
6,902,874 

(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:

2013

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

Executives
Rhys Holleran
Stephen Kelly
Guy Dobson
Craig Bruce
Cathy Thomas
Andrea Ingham

Balance at 
start of year

Changes 
during year

Balance at 
end of year

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

255,899 
84,448 
–
–
–
–
4,918,295

(857,143)
–
–
12,649
–
–
100,000

99,156
57,722
–
–
–
–
(587,616)

1,000,000
1,064,216
148,571
172,767
1,347,900
–
100,000

355,055
142,170
–
–
–
–
4,330,679

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

75

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

Changes 
during year

Balance at 
end of year

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

Performance rights issued to Key Management Personnel have been disclosed in note 27.

(c) Loans to Key Management Personnel
There were no loans made to Key Management Personnel (2012: nil).

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

(e) 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.

(f) Other related party transactions
During the year, Macquarie received or was entitled to receive $17,053,821 (2012: $14,361,112) as dividends on securities held. 

At 30 June 2013, the Group had funds totalling $407,809 (2012: $7,151,333) 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 $110,139 (2012: $248,913).

29. 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.

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

76

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

30. 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
Greater than five years

Less: Future lease finance charges

Lease liabilities provided for in the financial statements
Current
Non-current
Total lease liability

Consolidated

2013
$’000

2012
$’000

2,259
–
2,259

1,440
–
1,440

22,556
61,032
58,438
142,026

21,092
59,498
35,729
116,319

205
79
–
284
(15)
269

194
75
269

216
234
21
471
(41)
430

228
202
430

31. Events Occurring after Balance Sheet Date
Since the end of the financial year the Group has reached an agreement with Network TEN regarding the supply of television 
programming for the next three years. 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 2013.

 
 
Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

DIRECTORS’ DECLARATION

FOR YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2013

77

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 37 to 76 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 
Southern Cross Media Group Limited 

  Leon Pasternak 
  Deputy Chairman 
  Southern Cross Media Group Limited

Sydney, Australia 
13 August 2013 

  Sydney, Australia 
  13 August 2013

 
Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

78

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 2013, 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 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. Those 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 consolidated 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.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

79

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 2013 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 29 to 35 of the directors’ report for the year 
ended 30 June 2013. 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 
2013, complies with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001. 

Matters relating to the electronic presentation of the audited financial report 

This auditor’s report relates to the financial report and remuneration report of Southern Cross Media Group 
Limited (the company) for the year ended 30 June 2013 included on Southern Cross Media Group Limited’s 
web site. The company’s directors are responsible for the integrity of Southern Cross Media Group Limited’s 
web site. We have not been engaged to report on the integrity of this web site. The auditor’s report refers 
only to the financial report and remuneration report named above. It does not provide an opinion on any 
other information which may have been hyperlinked to/from the financial report or the remuneration report. 
If users of this report are concerned with the inherent risks arising from electronic data communications they 
are advised to refer to the hard copy of the audited financial report and remuneration report to confirm the 
information included in the audited financial report and remuneration report presented on this web site. 

PricewaterhouseCoopers 

Chris Dodd 
Partner   

Melbourne  
13 August 2013 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

80

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 20 August 2013:

Macquarie Diversified Asset Advisory Pty Ltd
HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited
J P Morgan Nominees Australia Limited
National Nominees Limited
Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited
BNP Paribas Noms Pty Limited
JP Morgan Nominees Australia Limited
AMP Life Limited
Cladela Pty Ltd
HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited
Argo Investments Limited
Macquarie Capital Group Limited
QIC Limited
UCA Growth Fund Limited
BNP Paribas Nominees Pty Limited 
Avanteos Investments Limited
Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited
RBC Investor Services Australia Nominees Pty Limited
CS Fourth Nominees Pty Limited
Mr Nicholas Moore

Distribution of shareholdings at 20 August 2013:

Range

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 20 August 2013:

Macquarie Diversified Asset Advisory Pty Ltd
HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited
J P Morgan Nominees Australia Limited
National Nominees Limited
Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited

Fully paid 
ordinary 
shares

% 
of issued 
capital

173,719,253
103,576,223
97,602,436
88,142,725
73,137,393
11,306,370
9,779,975
8,986,437
7,795,672
6,255,720
5,940,784
5,794,653
4,621,035
4,500,000
4,051,043
3,752,864
3,601,904
3,057,454
2,043,882
1,975,759

619,641,582

24.64
14.69
13.84
12.50
10.37
1.60
1.39
1.27
1.11
0.89
0.84
0.82
0.66
0.64
0.57
0.53
0.51
0.43
0.29
0.28

87.87

No. of
shareholders

No. of 
shares

837
1,952
1,093
1,483
114
5,479
394

347,071
5,773,562
8,580,524
38,051,432
652,347,211
705,099,800
14,355

Fully paid 
ordinary 
shares

173,719,253
103,576,223
97,602,436
88,142,725
73,137,393
536,178,030

Southern Cross Austereo  
Annual Report 2013 

CORPORATE DIRECTORY

81

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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