The new company will bring two New Zealand major publishing empires together, straddling nation-wide titles like the New Zealand Herald and the Dominion Post, a slew of regional newspapers, two major websites - nzherald.co.nz and stuff.co.nz plus the Radio Network, which includes Newstalk ZB, Radio Sport, a host of music stations, iHeart Radio and GrabOne.
The deal is subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals, including the Commerce Commission.
The proposal sees NZME de-merged from its Australian parent APN, and listed on the NZX and ASX in late June.
It would be the only listed NZ media company on the NZX and would be expected to feature within the NZ50 when Fairfax NZ's assets are folded in once the approval process is finalised.
APN chief executive Ciaran Davis said the merger of NZME and Fairfax's NZ business would provide "an exciting opportunity for our shareholders - particularly our new Zealand shareholders - to participate in the creation of a leading media business for New Zealanders".
NZME chief executive Michael Boggs added "NZME has already demonstrated the significant benefits that can be achieved by combining news media, digital e-commerce and radio operations.
"This merger offers a compelling opportunity to develop these important media brands in providing relevant and innovative news, sport and entertainment content for New Zealanders long into the future."
The proposed NZME board will be chaired by former banker Sir John Anderson and include advertising supremo Peter Cullinane and Carol Campbell among its directors. Both Sir John and Cullinane are directors of NZME's parent company APN.
It is expected other directors will be added once merger approval is given.
Fairfax chief executive Greg Hywood said: "This is an important opportunity for all of our shareholders to be part of the future of content and journalism in New Zealand. The merger would enhance the position the businesses are in to continue to deliver high quality, local content to audiences now and in the future."
Fairfax NZ CEO Simon Tong said "As the tastes and habits of media consumers continue to evolve, so too do the needs of advertisers looking to reach these audiences. The depth and breadth of the combined business would be a win for audiences, and also enable us to create innovative solutions for advertisers based on the best of both of us."
The companies say their NZ businesses are "to a large extent" complementary, adding the expanded network of brands and channels will create an opportunity to deliver improved, innovative offerings to advertisers and audiences.
As a first step, APN shareholders will vote on the proposal to demerge NZME from its parent company at a special meeting on June 16. If the proposal is approved, NZME will be listed on the NZX and ASX in late June.
In his email to staff, Boggs says the demerger will see NZME become a standalone New Zealand company listed on the NZ stock exchange with its own NZME board.
"I see this as a natural progression for us following the transformation of our business over the past year.
While APN and Fairfax Media are promoting the NZ merger plan as the "coming together as equals" it is subject to Commerce Commission approval.
An application is expected to be filed in the next four weeks. It will be "business as usual" for both companies until the commission gives its approval.
Broadcasting Minister Amy Adams said it was not for her to comment on the merits of mergers between private companies.
But she suggested that the Government would not stand in the way of a merger between NZME and Fairfax.
"Ultimately it's for the Commerce Commission to decide on competition issues."
Ms Adams said "convergence" was having a "dramatic impact" on the telecommunications, media and entertainment sectors.
"New Zealanders want to access their content in different ways and on multiple platforms, and businesses across these sectors face a number of challenges as they adapt," she said.
"The distinctions between print, radio, television and online news are fading. Generally, digital convergence is giving New Zealanders greater access to content than ever before.
"Through platform convergence, previously distinct media platforms compete with each other at a level much greater than ever before - with television companies publishing editorials, for example, or newspaper websites running video clips."
- By Fran O'Sullivan of the New Zealand Herald
