Nine has taken a decisive step toward ending its direct ownership of regional television, striking terms to hand its Darwin operation to WIN Network.
If completed, the move would leave the broadcaster without any wholly owned regional stations for the first time in decades.
In an ASX announcement released with its interim results, Nine confirmed it has reached agreement with WIN for the Northern Territory business to be owned and operated as an affiliate rather than a wholly owned station.
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WIN separately confirmed it will acquire Nine Darwin, expanding its footprint into the Northern Territory and deepening its long standing relationship with Nine.
The regional broadcaster said it will continue airing Nine’s national programming across the Darwin licence area under a five year affiliate agreement, with staff set to transfer to the new owner if the deal proceeds.
Nine’s local presence in the Top End had already been significantly scaled back over the past year, most notably with the axing of its standalone Darwin news bulletin in early 2025.
While brief Territory updates have since returned, they are understood to be produced from the network’s NBN News studios in Newcastle rather than from Darwin itself.
WIN Network Chief Executive Officer Andrew Lancaster said the acquisition strengthens the company’s national presence while maintaining continuity for viewers.
“This acquisition builds on our enduring relationship with Nine and strengthens our footprint which now includes three of Australia’s capital cities including the nation’s capital.”
“Darwin is an important and vibrant market, and we look forward to continuing to deliver Nine’s compelling content and entertainment offering to viewers across the Top End,” Mr Lancaster said.
The proposed transaction follows Nine’s earlier decision to offload NBN Television in Northern NSW to WIN, meaning both regional assets are now slated to move into the affiliate model pending approvals.
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Under that structure, Nine programming continues to air locally while operational control sits with the regional partner.
Nine Chief Executive Officer Matt Stanton said the transactions collectively reshape the company for a more resilient future.
“These transactions will create a higher growth, digitally powered and resilient Nine Group for our consumers, advertisers, people and shareholders.”
The Darwin agreement remains subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals, including from the ACCC, with completion expected by the end of May.
If finalised, Nine would no longer own any regional television licences outright, instead reaching those audiences through affiliate partnerships.
*This article updates
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