WIN Television and Network 10 Reach Temporary Broadcast Agreement

A short-term deal prevents a planned service suspension in three regional Australian markets.

"The short-term deal extends Network 10’s broadcast services until September 30, with Network 10 providing its feed to WIN free of charge."

The Agreement

WIN Television and Network 10 have reached a temporary agreement to continue broadcasting in three regional Australian markets, preventing a planned service suspension that was scheduled to take effect on June 30.

The short-term deal extends Network 10’s broadcast services in South Australia’s Riverland and Mount Gambier regions, and the Griffith region in New South Wales, until September 30. Under the three-month agreement, Network 10 will provide its feed to WIN free of charge.

Previous Situation

WIN Television had previously announced that its program supply agreement with Network 10 for the three markets would expire on June 30. A WIN spokesperson stated at the time that the Communications Minister and the Department of Communications had been informed of the potential service suspension.

A Network 10 spokesperson had expressed disappointment at WIN’s decision and noted the potential disruption for regional viewers, particularly those with limited internet access.

Statements from Parties

A Network 10 spokesperson said the extension was provided "to ensure viewers in these regions are not left without access to its programming."

"Network 10 remains committed to regional Australian audiences and will continue to explore every opportunity with WIN to keep our content as widely available as possible."

A WIN Network spokesperson stated there were "structural challenges in parts of regional Australia that have brought us to this point."

"This situation reflects the commercial realities that every regional broadcaster in Australia is grappling with right now."

Background

This is not the first instance of service disruption in these regions due to broadcast agreement disputes. In 2023, the Seven Network was unavailable for four days in the same areas during negotiations between WIN and Seven.

In Mildura, Victoria, Channel 10 became unavailable after the shutdown of Mildura Digital Television, a joint venture between WIN and Seven West Media.

Both parties have stated they are continuing to seek a long-term solution involving the industry and government.

Broader Context

Peter Mahoney, a regional media veteran with 40 years of experience, has commented on ongoing changes in regional media, citing staff reductions at local outlets.

Tony Pasin, MP for Barker, noted that WIN’s business model faces challenges due to reduced regional advertising and population, drawing parallels to difficulties faced by regional airlines.

Cameron McTernan, a media lecturer at Adelaide University, attributed the issue to online services drawing advertising revenue from traditional media. He said television faces a greater threat than in previous years and argued for better avenues of funding to make media more sustainable.