Rumour: Nine set to offload SKY News?

Nine may be set to sell its stake in SKY News’ parent company Australian News Channel as early as this week, according to the Australian Financial Review.

Nine owns one third of ANC, with Seven West Media and Britain’s SKY (39.3 per cent owned by 21st Century FOX), each owning another third.

Both Seven and News Corporation have previously shown interest in Nine’s stake.

Meanwhile The Australian reports on high-level talks between Nine and Fairfax. Nine recently sold off its entire 9.9% stake in regional affiliate partner Southern Cross Austereo for $120 million.

According to the article, one pitch drafted by investment bankers that would not require media reform involved Fairfax spinning off assets, such as its events business, its Stan stake and its 54.5 per cent interest in radio group Macquarie Media, into Nine in exchange for an ­equity stake in the free-to-air and digital company.

Fairfax would retain its Domain property listings business, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Australian Financial Review, while the company is open to ­selling its regional newspaper assets if a suitable price can be attained from an interested party.

Fairfax and Nine declined to comment.