Kerry Packer |
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Kerry Francis Bullmore Packer (born 17 December 1937) is arguably Australia's richest man, as his major rival for the title, Rupert Murdoch, became an American citizen in the 1980s. Packer is the major shareholder in Publishing and Broadcasting Limited (PBL), which owns the Nine television network and Australian Consolidated Press, which produces many of Australia's top-selling magazines. Packer is involved in a number of other gambling and tourism ventures, notably the Crown Casino in Melbourne.
The Packer family has long been involved in media, Packer's father, Sir Frank Packer was also a media mogul, and his son, James Packer, is Executive Chairman of PBL.
Outside Australia, Packer is best known for founding World Series Cricket, which in 1977 led to a confrontation with the cricket authorities, as top players from several countries rushed to join him at the expense of their international sides. One of the leaders of the "rebellion" was England captain, Tony Greig. Packer's aim was to secure broadcasting rights for Australian cricket, and his ploy was largely successful.
The Ben Elton book Stark has a character, Stark, who is believed to be based on Packer. The story accused him of gaining his wealth through asset stripping.
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