The end of Seven Network’s broadcast partnership with WIN has left Mt Gambier, Loxton and Griffith residents without access to traditional free-to-air channels, sparking fresh concerns over regional sport and TV coverage.
Last night, Seven Network programming was officially switched off in the South Australian regional centres of Mt Gambier and Loxton, as well as the Griffith market in New South Wales, after the WIN Network ceased broadcasting Seven’s signals in these areas from 1 July 2025.
The move brings to an end the long-running arrangement that delivered channels 7, 7mate and 7two, including coverage of the AFL and cricket, to these communities. The shutdown follows Seven West Media’s decision not to renew its broadcast agreement with WIN, a development that marks another shift in the evolving landscape of regional television in Australia.
Key Points
- Seven Network’s free-to-air broadcasts ended in Mt Gambier, Loxton and Griffith as of 1 July 2025.
- The cessation follows Seven West Media’s decision not to extend its supply agreement with WIN.
- Viewers in affected regions are being directed to access AFL and cricket coverage through Seven’s 7plus streaming service.
WIN stated that the latest changes would not impact local staff or operations in the affected areas, with the network maintaining its commitment to regional broadcasting in markets that remain aligned with its core partnership with the Nine Network.
In a statement previously provided to TV Blackbox, a Seven West Media spokesperson said the company was disappointed that a new agreement with WIN in the Riverland and Griffith regions could not be reached. The spokesperson emphasised that live and on-demand sports coverage, including AFL and cricket, remains available to regional viewers via the network’s 7plus streaming platform.
“We understand the importance of free-to-air sport to regional communities and regret that we have not been able to come to terms with WIN in these areas.
However, we remain committed to our audiences and encourage viewers to access their favourite content through 7plus, which continues to provide live and free coverage,” a Seven spokesperson said.
Seven also pointed to its ongoing investment in regional broadcasting, referencing the anticipated completion of its acquisition of Southern Cross Austereo’s regional television licences—covering Tasmania, Darwin and other areas—expected by the end of June 2025.
Meanwhile, WIN Network CEO Andrew Lancaster has previously stated the company respects Seven West Media’s right to pursue its own strategy but remains committed to its regional audiences.
“While we are disappointed with Seven West Media’s decision, we respect their right to pursue their own commercial strategies,” Lancaster said.
“WIN remains committed to serving our regional audiences with a strong local presence and programming.”
The network also indicated it is reviewing its position on non-core broadcast signals, including Network 10 broadcasts in regional Western Australia and Tasmania, as part of a broader strategic assessment. A move that could lead to further reduction of Free-To-Air services in regional Australia. Channel 10’s broadcast signals were switched off last year in the Mildura market.
Political leaders in affected communities have voiced concern about the impact of the shutdown on regional access to major sporting events. Member for Barker Tony Pasin MP called on all parties to ensure that free-to-air broadcasts remain available in the Limestone Coast and Riverland, citing the importance of sporting events to regional communities.
“The requirements for sporting events of national importance and cultural significance to be available to Australian television audiences free to air exists in Legislation for a reason.
To suggest that streaming services can replace traditional television broadcast is completely out of touch with the reality for regional viewership, including the elderly and more vulnerable sections of the community that are either not tech literate, or unable to access fast or affordable internet,” Mr Pasin said.
“Those without the appropriate means or materials to watch major sporting events through streaming services should not have to go without. For many, the Friday night footy or Australia Day test match is a significant event on their calendar.”
“Aussie sport brings Australians together like nothing else. No one should be excluded from this,” he added.
Mr Pasin said he had contacted WIN, Seven West Media, the AFL and Cricket Australia, and has written to the Minister for Communications seeking clarity on broadcaster requirements under anti-siphoning laws.
The reduction in Channel 7 services comes at the same time as Channel 10 is considering axing the Sky News Regional channel in the rural markets of Queensland, NSW and Victoria. Industry lobby group, Free TV Australia and the Federal Government Communications Minister, Anika Wells, have both declined to comment on these issues when contacted by TV Blackbox.
A petition calling for the continuation of Seven Network free-to-air broadcasts in the region remains open for signatures on Mr Pasin’s website.
Update – 10am July 1st:
Since the original publication of this article, Seven West Media Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Jeff Howard has now issued the following statement:
“Despite our best endeavors, we have been unable to reach a mutually acceptable commercial agreement with the WIN Network to provide access to Seven via aerial transmission in Riverland, Griffith, and Mount Gambier.
“Seven has not turned off our signal. We continue to provide our content to WIN for broadcast into these markets and WIN has made the decision to switch off the Seven signal to these communities.
“While we are disappointed WIN has made this decision, these communities are important to us and they can access Seven’s news, sport and entertainment content live, free and on demand on 7plus,”
“In the meantime, Seven is seeking the assistance of the Federal Government and the Australian Communications and Media Authority to help resolve this matter as quickly as possible.”
This is totally and utterly unacceptable, corporate greed at it’s finest. I feel so sorry for the elderly who look forward to watching their sport, like football and cricket over the weekend because they can’t afford to get to the games, it is good for their mental health and keeps them connected to society. We are currently in a cost of living crisis and shouldn’t be made to pay for extra things because some corporate heads make decisions based on greed. We in the country regions pay our taxes and seem to get the short end if the stick in everything. I am disgusted and something more needs to be done by our politicians to stop this.
This is not good! Both win TV and ch7 are at fault over this. Why should ppl use the app to watch ch7 when it free on TV… Opps. Was on TV.
If you’re in Mount Gambier you may still be able to watch Seven programming via FTA, just get a VHF antenna on your roof and aim it for the Mount Dundas transmitter in Western Victoria.
shows how much respect they have for country viewers
put it back please
It is just a very sad that Channel 7 goes off air in Eastern South Australia and Griffith in NSW. I do feel sorry for many viewers living in this region. AFL fans will either have to stump up some money to watch games on Kayo or listen to the online radio. Nevertheless, the AFL can be live streamed via the 7+ platform. Same for the cricket.
Pretty poor .big companies, corporates win all the time .and country people once again suffer . No good news , noHome and Away , no dancing with stars . No farmer wants a wife again . Piss poor really !!
This is WIN Television we’re talking about, but you are right in a sense. I must say the folks up at WIN’s premises in Wollongong NSW seem way more interested about their Nine affiliate rather than their Seven or Ten affiliates. Seven could set up a new transmitter and local feed for the affected regions, start accepting advertising, and restore access to sports and Seven Network content. Or they could just continue pushing viewers to 7plus. Hopefully the Government makes its VAST satellite service available to these affected viewers ASAP.
What’s next in their sights? Network 10 signals in the same regions, shut them off and send viewers back to the future, one commercial broadcaster and 2 public broadcasters, ABC/SBS.
It’s quite clear now WIN is pushing their viewers over to Nine. I’m sure not too long now and we’ll probably get a similar announcement saying Network 10 will probably shut down next in these regions. McKnight said this was the beginning of the end, and he was right all along. Sad times but it is what it is. It was good while it lasted but WIN has to put their focus somewhere, and if that means shifting their focus more towards Nine, then so that be it.
Totally unacceptable next will be sca network in Port pirie and surrounding areas i just got new aerial the installer beleives in 5 to 10 years it will all be live streaming only i dont have WiFi so another expense every month
Those stations were officially sold to Seven. SCA had offloaded their regional TV stations to focus on radio and LiSTNR (streaming) operations. SCA offloaded their 3-agg 10 stations to Network 10/Paramount in December 2024, and they did try to sell their other regional TV stations to ADH (Australian Digital Holdings) earlier this year but that deal collapsed, before SWM (Seven) swooped in to acquire those stations. If anything, Seven may elect to cut off the Nine and Ten signals in the Spencer Gulf when their contracts come up for renewal next, leaving just Seven as the only commercial TV broadcaster in the Spencer Gulf. The best case though (I would hope) would be for Seven to continue carrying those signals as well no matter what.
You could use 7+ app
Or if you live in Mount Gambier you could get a VHF antenna and aim it for the Mount Dundas transmitter in Western Victoria.
Paul David Cleary if you have smart tv or internet
What a pack off barsted not everyone can afford pay TV Australia is going backwards because off greedy companies what’s next tv license BACKWARDS
Don’t worry. I live in central Brisbane and commercial tv cuts in and out on my tv for years. (Something to do with the aging Ariel on my apartment buildings roof). I haven’t had channel 7 for 3 years. 9 and 10 and abc cut out periodically. It hasn’t bothered me a bit. It’s all Reality tv and news anyway. Not missing anything.
Just put the f.ck’n back on , now !
This is 2025 , not 1978 😡