WIN Network Acquires Nine Darwin for $500,000 Amidst Local News Concerns
Acquisition Details
WIN Network has announced its acquisition of Nine Darwin, a move that follows Nine Network's prior discontinuation of its local Darwin TV news bulletin. In January last year, Nine replaced its local Darwin bulletin with Queensland news, resulting in redundancies and leaving only a small editorial and sales staff remaining.
This decision left the ABC as the sole network providing a locally produced TV news bulletin in the Northern Territory.
WIN Network confirmed an agreement to assume ownership of Nine Darwin, pledging to continue broadcasting Nine's national content across the Darwin licence area. The acquisition significantly expands WIN Network's presence into the Northern Territory, adding to its existing footprint in three other Australian capital cities.
WIN CEO Andrew Lancaster stated that Darwin is an important market and committed to delivering Nine's content to viewers. WIN indicated audiences could expect continuity of service and a seamless transition.
However, the network did not confirm if it would alter Nine Darwin's current operational model or reintroduce a local news bulletin.
Under a five-year affiliate agreement, all of Nine's local employees will be transferred to WIN. Nine Network's interim results revealed the acquisition price was $500,000. The deal is subject to approval from shareholders and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, with anticipation for completion by the end of May.
Industry Perspective
Former TV executive Rob McKnight suggested the acquisition would not lead to a significant resurgence of news production in Darwin. McKnight speculated that WIN might present local bulletins from Wollongong, where its other regional bulletins are produced, potentially with minimal local staff remaining in Darwin.
He linked the modest $500,000 deal price to the broader decline of the traditional TV industry in the streaming era. McKnight highlighted that streaming services like Stan are now central to Nine's future strategy, a stark contrast to the diminishing focus on regional news.