At its annual general meeting in Sydney on Thursday, Seven West Media, under the leadership of Kerry Stokes, confronted a substantial shareholder backlash. Over 35% of shareholders voted against the company’s 2025 remuneration report.
This dissent emerged despite executives not receiving bonuses due to missed financial targets in the past year.
Seven West Media is a major Australian media company with assets spanning television, publishing, and digital platforms. Kerry Stokes, who may be presiding over his final AGM as chairman amid a proposed acquisition by Southern Cross Media, addressed shareholder concerns.
“We have faced considerable challenges due to competition from very large international companies stealing all our revenue,” Stokes stated.
He acknowledged the tough business environment and its negative impact on the company’s financial results.
One shareholder expressed their disappointment over the dramatic fall in investment value, which had dropped from $1 million to $27,000.
“The board should reinstate dividend payments,” the shareholder urged.
Seven West Media’s shareholders expressed strong dissatisfaction with executive pay and company performance amid fierce international competition, calling for renewed dividends as financial challenges deepen.