In a significant development for regional broadcasting, WIN Network has announced a definitive agreement to acquire the prominent regional broadcaster NBN Television from Nine Entertainment Co (NEC). This acquisition marks a pivotal shift in the media landscape of northern New South Wales and the Gold Coast, potentially reshaping how television news is delivered to local communities.
A New Era for Regional Broadcasting
Under the terms of the agreement, WIN will continue to broadcast Nine's national signal across the northern NSW licence area. This extensive footprint encompasses key regions including Newcastle, the Central Coast, Port Macquarie, Taree, Tamworth, Coffs Harbour, Lismore, and the Gold Coast. The deal underscores WIN's strategic expansion and its enduring partnership with Nine, which spans several decades.
Commitment to Local Communities
WIN's Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Lancaster, emphasised that this acquisition reflects the network's deep-seated commitment to regional Australia. "NBN is a highly respected regional broadcaster with a proud history of informing and entertaining northern NSW and the Gold Coast," Mr Lancaster stated. "WIN is deeply embedded in the regional communities in which we work and live, now broadcasting into 29 markets across Queensland, NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia, and the ACT."
He further highlighted WIN's position as the largest provider of regional television news in Australia, backed by substantial investments in newsrooms, journalists, and production infrastructure. "WIN understands the importance of strong, independent local news and a voice for regional communities," Mr Lancaster added, assuring that the acquisition reinforces their dedication to delivering trusted local content while complementing Nine's national programming.
Background of Restructuring and Redundancies
This acquisition follows a period of internal restructuring at Nine, which in November led to the redundancy of approximately 50 positions within NBN's parent company. While some affected staff were relocated to other roles, notable departures included senior newsreader Gavin Morris, whose role was made redundant. At the time, a Nine spokesperson explained that the new operating model aimed to integrate teams across Stan, Channel 9, and 9Now to reduce duplication and foster greater collaboration amidst a challenging advertising market.
The spokesperson noted, "Our primary focus during consultation is supporting these team members through access to our employee wellbeing provider, as well as exploring redeployment opportunities."
Regulatory Approvals and Future Outlook
The transaction is contingent upon customary conditions, including approval from Nine shareholders and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). Once finalised, this deal is expected to enhance WIN's capacity to deliver high-quality local news across its expanded network, ensuring that regional audiences continue to receive comprehensive coverage of both local and national events.
As the media industry evolves, this acquisition represents a strategic move to consolidate regional broadcasting resources, promising sustained investment in local journalism and community engagement. Observers will be watching closely as WIN integrates NBN Television into its operations, anticipating the impact on news delivery and programming diversity in the Hunter region and beyond.
