Network 10 is preparing to outsource its metropolitan playout operations, with broadcast services provider NPC expected to assume responsibility for the function in the coming weeks.
TV Blackbox understands the transition will mark the end of Network 10’s long-running in-house metropolitan playout operation. It is also expected to result in changes across the broadcaster’s presentation department, with a number of roles likely to be affected.
The full extent of those staffing changes has not been confirmed, and Paramount Australia declined to comment when approached by this website.
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Playout is the behind-the-scenes broadcast operation responsible for delivering scheduled programming, commercial breaks, promotions and live events to air. It also manages the continuity and technical presentation of a network’s television services, ensuring content is broadcast at the correct time and in the correct sequence.
TV Blackbox understands preparations for the transition are well underway, with responsibility for the operation expected to transfer to NPC once the new arrangement is implemented.
The transition will end Network 10’s long-running in-house metropolitan playout operation. Australia’s other major commercial broadcasters have progressively outsourced similar functions over the past decade, with NPC providing playout and transmission services for a number of Australian television and media organisations.
Those familiar with the transition say the migration is a complex process requiring extensive testing before responsibility can be handed to NPC, with some privately expressing concern about the timeframe for the changeover. If the transition proceeds as planned, however, viewers are unlikely to notice any change to Network 10’s on-air presentation.
The transition is also expected to affect staff working within Network 10’s presentation operations.
While the precise number of affected roles remains unclear, TV Blackbox understands several positions are expected to become redundant as the new operating model is introduced.
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Internal communications obtained by this website show staff have been invited to express interest in voluntary redundancy as part of the consultation process, with some employees understood to be transitioning into other operational roles.
The communications state the proposed changes follow “changing business requirements” and the outcome of an operational review.
The outsourcing follows a series of operational changes across Paramount Australia’s local business in recent years as the company continues to review costs amid ongoing pressures facing the commercial television sector.
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