Canadian Billionaire James Jim Grenon launches NZME Board Takeover
Rupert Murdoch papers calls this the billionaires' "anti-woke" media movement
National Business Review has this scoop today
Let’s not belabour it.
He wants all NZME directors to be replaced by himself, three new nominees, and one existing NZME Director.
Grenon’s link to publications such as Centrist and News Essentials are note worthy.
Those publications for all intensive purposes present a very alt-right view of the world where LGBTQ rights, science, taxes on the wealthy and their structures/corporations, medical vaccines, Māori affirmative rights, New Zealand media, and progressive values are frequently attacked.
Business Desk (owned by NZME but with independent editorial direction) had a very good article on Centrist / News Essential /Grenon in 2023.
Daniel Dunkley & Denise McNabb reported on Grenon’s years long fight with Canada’s tax agency after he moved tens of millions of dollars to New Zealand- including unsuccessful attempts to deduct child support legal costs from income tax after he separated from his spouse in 1998.
They also note related publications frequently refer to commentary from Atlas Network affiliated Taxpayers Union and NZ Initiative to support their opinions.
And:
“The Centrist also offers to pay its readers’ legal fees “to support freedom of speech” and fight “government overreach”.”
Note: The Centrist is now owned by fellow Canadian Tameem Barakat - who supported law suits against NZME and New Zealand’s Kate Hannah from “The Disinformation Project” - an organisation that tried to help combat misinformation in NZ.
The full article link - if you’re interested to learn more about Grenon’s partnerships and history including with Centrist.
These are extraordinary moves by the billionaire class to stamp non-alt-right views from our media, and promote “Project 2025” and libertarian values here in NZ.
It also speaks to the money - typically behind the scenes - that is all coming to the surface.
As Rupert Murdoch’s The Australian reported a few days ago on NZ’s landscape:
[Billionaire] Nick Mowbray, who owns consumer products company Zuru and reportedly donated to [the].. ACT Party, was understood to have earlier contemplated an investment in NZME, but opted against a move.
It doesn’t mean that shared interest big money doesn’t control a lot of it - which is why Grenon says1, probably correctly, that he has 37% of shareholder support to justify a revolt.
All very riveting - if not for the very real implications of it on people and our society.
Billionaires cement platform control
Elon Musk has transformed Twitter to a “free speech” and alt right chamber.
Mark Zuckerberg will ensure Meta becomes an “effective partner” to Donald Trump’s Administration.
Rupert Murdoch probably hopes an “alternative facts” legacy will continue as he tries to help son Lachlan win the succession wars.
Jeff Bezos will now defend “personal liberties” and the “free market” in Washington Post - which, to be clear, are libertarian and Atlas Network values.
Patrick Soon-Shion blocked LA Times’ Editorial Board from endorsing Kamala Harris.
Local and foreign billionaires seek to exert direct control here too, it seems.
Related articles:
NZX:
“Mr Grenon and JTG’s letter states that they have discussed in confidence these proposals with some of NZME’s largest shareholders, who hold approximately 37% of NZME’s shares.
Hmm. Not exactly the kind of new Canadian investment in Aotearoa we were hoping for.
Thanks for that ..... are you starting to feel surrounded with this 'Compass' ideology..... suffocating!!