10 hits back at WIN over regional TV shutdown as broadcaster blames funding pressures
Network 10 has publicly criticised WIN Network’s decision to withdraw its services from three regional markets, describing the move as “a real and unfair disruption” for viewers in affected communities.
The comments come after TV Blackbox exclusively revealed on Monday night that WIN would stop broadcasting Network 10 services in the Riverland and Mount Gambier regions of South Australia, along with the Griffith market in New South Wales, from 30 June 2026.
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From 1 July 2026, viewers in those markets will lose access to Channel 10, 10 Drama, 10 Comedy and Nickelodeon via free-to-air transmission.
In a statement provided to TV Blackbox, a spokesperson for Network 10 expressed disappointment over the decision and warned of the impact on regional Australians.
“We know this change is a real and unfair disruption for many regional viewers, especially those with limited internet access or less familiarity with streaming technology.
“We are disappointed by WIN’s decision to stop broadcasting Network 10 in the Riverland, Mount Gambier and Griffith markets.
“As more advertising shifts to digital platforms, it is important for the Government to continue to support regional broadcasters so essential local services communities rely on can be maintained.
“While aerial transmission in these areas is outside our control, viewers who can access streaming can still find us on the 10 app on connected TVs and mobile devices, or at 10.com.au.”
The response marks the first public comment from 10 since WIN confirmed its affiliate agreement would end in the three markets next year.
However, the network’s claim that aerial transmission in the regions is “outside our control” is not entirely straightforward.
While WIN currently holds the commercial television broadcasting licences in the affected markets, once those licences are relinquished, Network 10 could potentially seek approval from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to acquire and operate the services directly.
Such a move would allow 10 to restore full free-to-air transmission in the affected regions, as well as in Mildura, where WIN withdrew 10 services in 2024.
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However, Network 10 did not move to acquire the Mildura licence after that service was shutdown in 2024, and industry observers believe it is unlikely the broadcaster would pursue the Riverland, Mount Gambier or Griffith licences given the relatively limited advertising revenue available in those regional markets.
The latest withdrawal again highlights the mounting financial pressure facing regional broadcasters as advertising revenue continues shifting toward digital platforms.
The issue also follows the high-profile dispute between WIN Network and the Seven Network in 2025, which saw Seven programming removed from regional screens for two days after negotiations over affiliate agreements collapsed.
That blackout prompted political concern and renewed debate about whether streaming services can adequately replace traditional free-to-air broadcasting in regional Australia, particularly in communities with unreliable internet access.
Federal politicians including Clare O’Neil and Bridget McKenzie publicly raised concerns during the dispute, while Federal Barker MP Tony Pasin argued streaming services could not fully replace traditional television services in some regional areas because of inconsistent internet coverage.
Viewers in the impacted markets will still be able to access 10 programming through the broadcaster’s streaming platform, although previous regional closures have highlighted challenges for elderly viewers, nursing homes and rural households that continue to rely on traditional television transmission.
WIN Network will cease broadcasting Network 10 services in the Riverland, Mount Gambier and Griffith markets from 30 June 2026, with viewers directed to access programming via the 10 streaming platform from 1 July 2026.
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