AFR meaning in Regional ?

The Australian Financial Review (abbreviated to the AFR) is an Australian business-focused, compact daily newspaper covering the current business and economic affairs of Australia and the world. The newspaper is based in Sydney, Australia; owned by Nine Entertainment Co and has been published continuously since its founding in 1951. The paper was initially owned by Fairfax Media but was sold along with the parent company to Nine Entertainment for AUD$2313.8 million. The AFR is published in tabloid format 6 times a week, whilst providing 24/7 online coverage through its website: www.afr.com. In November 2019, the AFR reached 2.647 million Australians through both print and digital mediums (Mumbrella).

The Australian Financial Review started as a print-only weekly newspaper in 1951, before changing to a bi-weekly in 1961, and a daily newspaper in 1963. The paper now publishes multiple magazines and a supplementary weekend paper, which was launched in 1995. In that same year, the AFR website was also released, which helped to expand its readership base across all audiences.

Historically, the AFR's news articles and editorials favoured neo-liberal ideals, influencing Australian policy debates during the 1970s - 1980s. During the 2000s, the AFR took on the role of the 'corporate watchdog', scrutinising businesses and the government for foul play and corruption. In more recent years, the AFR's editorial stance and news coverage has become more neutral. However, it is still considered moderately conservative in its reporting bias with regards to free market regulation policies, but relatively close to the centre in its political views amongst Australian newspapers.