The Seven and WIN Networks have finally reached a new broadcast deal, restoring Seven’s free-to-air channels to the Riverland, Griffith and Mount Gambier regions.
Transmission via aerial returned as of 5pm AEST today — ending a blackout that had regional viewers cut off since WIN switched off Seven’s signal earlier this week.
TV Blackbox understands the new agreement is a multi-year deal, and that Channel 7 would have been in breach of their contract with the AFL had the situation not been resolved before tonight’s crucial Kangaroos versus Bulldogs match.
Seven earlier this week publicly criticised WIN’s decision to pull the signal, stressing that it was WIN who made the call, not Seven, and urging affected communities to access Seven’s content via free streaming service 7plus in the meantime.
The network also sought federal intervention to resolve the standoff quickly.
From Seven:
Seven and WIN agree to new broadcast deal
The Seven Network and WIN Network have reached a new content agreement which has seen Seven’s channels return to the Riverland, Griffith and Mount Gambier via aerial transmission this afternoon.
Both Seven and WIN acknowledge the significant impact of free-to-air television in regional communities and the importance of providing news, sport, entertainment, and a voice to regional Australians.
We thank the people of the Riverland, Mount Gambier and Griffith communities for their patience while we worked through this matter.
Seven’s programming resumed at 5pm AEST.
*This article updates
Excellent outcome, these blackouts probably could’ve been avoided with better negotiations at a much earlier date.
However, I still hear the deafening sounds of crickets when it comes to 10 Network in Mildura which is still off air.
Our politicians must love the citrus food bowl and how much it adds to the economy, but not enough to defend Free to Air TV there and guarantee or co-fund even via grants the required new infrastructure, or maybe a new long-term joint venture for the permanent long-term presence of 10’s channels in Mildura.