Channel Seven ends broadcast in several areas after deal collapses
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If you’ve flicked on the telly this week and found Channel Seven missing from your usual line-up, you’re not alone—and you’re certainly not imagining things!
In a move that’s left many regional Aussies scratching their heads (and reaching for the remote in disbelief), Channel Seven, along with its sister channels 7mate and 7TWO, has suddenly gone dark in several cities.
So, what’s behind this unexpected blackout? Let’s break it down and see what it means for you, your favourite shows, and the future of free-to-air TV in regional Australia.
The drama unfolded after WIN Television and Seven West Media failed to reach a new agreement to broadcast Channel Seven’s content in the South Australian regional areas of Mt Gambier, Loxton, and Griffith in NSW.
As a result, WIN has cut Seven’s signal in these regions, leaving viewers without access to some of the country’s most popular programs.
If you’re a fan of Test cricket, the Big Bash, AFL, or any of Seven’s other big-ticket shows, you’ll know just how much of a blow this is.
Seven holds exclusive rights to a host of major sporting events, as well as a raft of news, entertainment, and lifestyle programming that many of us have come to rely on.
WIN Network CEO Andrew Lancaster tried to reassure viewers, saying, ‘WIN remains committed to serving our regional audiences with a strong local presence and programming.’
But for many, that’s cold comfort when their favourite channel has vanished overnight.
On the other hand, Seven West Media’s managing director and CEO, Jeff Howard, made it clear that Seven hadn’t turned off the signal themselves.
‘We continue to provide our content to WIN for broadcast into these markets, and WIN has decided to switch off the Seven signal to these communities,’ he explained.
Seven is now seeking help from the Federal Government and the Australian Communications and Media Authority to resolve the standoff.
If you’re in one of the affected areas, all is not lost—but you will need a smart TV and a decent internet connection.
Seven’s content is still available live, free, and on demand via their streaming service, 7plus.
For those who haven’t yet made the leap to streaming, this might be the nudge you need to get connected.
But we know that for many seniors, streaming can be a bit of a learning curve, and not everyone has reliable internet—especially in regional areas.
If you need help setting up 7plus or streaming on your TV, don’t hesitate to ask a family member, friend, or even your local library for a hand.
And if you’re struggling with internet access, it might be worth contacting your local MP to let them know how important free-to-air TV is for your community.
This isn’t the first time regional viewers have been caught in the crossfire of TV network negotiations.
Just last year, WIN also dropped Sky News coverage in the same areas. As more networks push their content online, it raises questions about the future of traditional TV—especially for those of us who’ve relied on it for decades.
It’s also a reminder of how quickly things can change in the media landscape. Only last week, Seven made headlines for poaching Tanya Weingarth, the executive producer of Nine’s nightly bulletin, to head up their 6 pm Sydney news.
And behind the scenes, there are whispers of cost-cutting and shake-ups, with reports that Seven News bosses were considering axing some of their highest-paid stars.
For many seniors, TV isn’t just about entertainment—it’s a vital source of news, information, and connection to the wider world.
Losing access to a major channel like Seven can feel like being cut off from the rest of the country.
It also highlights the digital divide that still exists between city and country, young and old.
As always, the Seniors Discount Club is here to help you navigate these changes or provide tips on getting the most out of your TV and streaming services.
Have you found a workaround? Are you struggling with streaming? Or do you have a message for the networks or the government? Let us know in the comments below.
Read more: Seven’s hit series is on the chopping block! Is your favourite show about to disappear?
In a move that’s left many regional Aussies scratching their heads (and reaching for the remote in disbelief), Channel Seven, along with its sister channels 7mate and 7TWO, has suddenly gone dark in several cities.
So, what’s behind this unexpected blackout? Let’s break it down and see what it means for you, your favourite shows, and the future of free-to-air TV in regional Australia.
The drama unfolded after WIN Television and Seven West Media failed to reach a new agreement to broadcast Channel Seven’s content in the South Australian regional areas of Mt Gambier, Loxton, and Griffith in NSW.
As a result, WIN has cut Seven’s signal in these regions, leaving viewers without access to some of the country’s most popular programs.
If you’re a fan of Test cricket, the Big Bash, AFL, or any of Seven’s other big-ticket shows, you’ll know just how much of a blow this is.
Channel Seven programming was switched off in several regional areas after a broadcast agreement was not reached. Credit: Facebook
Seven holds exclusive rights to a host of major sporting events, as well as a raft of news, entertainment, and lifestyle programming that many of us have come to rely on.
WIN Network CEO Andrew Lancaster tried to reassure viewers, saying, ‘WIN remains committed to serving our regional audiences with a strong local presence and programming.’
But for many, that’s cold comfort when their favourite channel has vanished overnight.
On the other hand, Seven West Media’s managing director and CEO, Jeff Howard, made it clear that Seven hadn’t turned off the signal themselves.
‘We continue to provide our content to WIN for broadcast into these markets, and WIN has decided to switch off the Seven signal to these communities,’ he explained.
Seven is now seeking help from the Federal Government and the Australian Communications and Media Authority to resolve the standoff.
If you’re in one of the affected areas, all is not lost—but you will need a smart TV and a decent internet connection.
Seven’s content is still available live, free, and on demand via their streaming service, 7plus.
For those who haven’t yet made the leap to streaming, this might be the nudge you need to get connected.
If you need help setting up 7plus or streaming on your TV, don’t hesitate to ask a family member, friend, or even your local library for a hand.
And if you’re struggling with internet access, it might be worth contacting your local MP to let them know how important free-to-air TV is for your community.
This isn’t the first time regional viewers have been caught in the crossfire of TV network negotiations.
Just last year, WIN also dropped Sky News coverage in the same areas. As more networks push their content online, it raises questions about the future of traditional TV—especially for those of us who’ve relied on it for decades.
It’s also a reminder of how quickly things can change in the media landscape. Only last week, Seven made headlines for poaching Tanya Weingarth, the executive producer of Nine’s nightly bulletin, to head up their 6 pm Sydney news.
For many seniors, TV isn’t just about entertainment—it’s a vital source of news, information, and connection to the wider world.
Losing access to a major channel like Seven can feel like being cut off from the rest of the country.
It also highlights the digital divide that still exists between city and country, young and old.
As always, the Seniors Discount Club is here to help you navigate these changes or provide tips on getting the most out of your TV and streaming services.
Read more: Seven’s hit series is on the chopping block! Is your favourite show about to disappear?
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