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.
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.
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.
How about letting ABC do it instead. Any reason they can’t rebroadcast these signals for 10? Could be a little earner for them.
If another commercial entity can’t be found to rebroadcast Ten’s signals into these regional areas, the federal government should have the ABC step in and do it. The ABC already broadcasts into these regional areas. Rebroadcasting Ten’s signals shouldn’t be too big of an expense. And it could end up being a small money maker if the ABC gets a cut of any advertising revenue that Ten brings in.
They’re not going to waste taxpayer’s money re-broadcasting a 3rd-rating commercial TV network that’s in decline. The Network 10 signals in Griffith and South East SA are shutting off permanently and that’s all there is to it. With the way things are going give it another decade and Network 10 will probably be off-air completely.
In fact, Seven and Nine dominate those regions. These offerings are more than good enough for them. After Network 10 signals in these regions shut down, only the Nine offerings will have local advertising (as WIN ended their advertising sales agreement with Seven in these regions). Anyone wanting to watch Network 10 programming in Griffith or South East SA after 30th June 2026 (via broadcast means and not online streaming) can just apply for the VAST satellite service, and get served ads from places such as Mount Isa and Alice Springs.
Who watches Commercial TV , anyway??
Cheyne Beevors We do. Not everybody can afford streaming services. If you got a good job you might be able to afford it . What about old people who are in nursing homes or in hospital. At least it’s easy to use. No l am not old yet. You young people think that’s the answer well it’s not. If television had streaming services built into them it might be easier to use. Rant over
Elizabeth Eastlake Nice rant , but I am not Young , like you think !!
Commercial TV is dying, , News is not accurate, all RW lies , entertainment is Reality TV only , just not worth it anymore.
Funny you say that nobody can afford Streaming services, yet seem to find money for Smokes & Grog.
Go figure!!!
Cheyne Beevors l know that. No l don’t smoke or drink. You are right about some of what you said.
Cheyne Beevors a lot here in country areas where older people just don’t know how to use the internet or even their phones for anything else other than calls. I live near 5 other people who rely on free to air TV. Then our local hospitals also use it for the TV’s in patients rooms, I stayed in one recently so that’s now I know that. Yes it’s rubbish viewing sometimes but it’s free and simple to use.
They should just roll out VAST to all viewers. Anyone who has a Foxtel satellite on their roof can just get a VAST decoder and watch 7,9 10 via satellite. 📡
… three things …
… yesterday this: “The UK government is reportedly working on a Green Paper that will summarise plans to phase out and then switch off terrestrial television.”
… five years’ ago this: “ABC and SBS are at loggerheads with Regional Broadcasters Australia over maintenance and repair charges for broadcast equipment, previously done for free, has led to more than 400 residents of Goulburn, NSW, not having access to the public broadcasters and threatens coverage across regional and remote parts of the country.”
… and for the past nearly forty years, far flung (and some not so far flung) communities have got together, mainly with local councils, to provide their own retransmission facilities for both ABC/SBS and commercial television services …
… this is the future folks, better get used to it …
I believe they can still access NETWORK 10 shows online at http://www.10play.com.au
Win Australia channel will be off the air.
Channel 10, 11, 12 and 13 will be still on.
I am not old & I dont drink or smoke but I still cant afford ,to watch tv on the internet at all ,Im on 60 tablets a day ,some of which arent covered by the PBS so by the time every thing comes out of my pension Im broke ,I only eat sometimes,because I cant afford food ,Tv is my one comfort while Im going through chemo & you are taking that away ,you are useless.