Advocacy secures reprieve for Riverland and Limestone Coast viewers

Advocacy secures reprieve for Riverland and Limestone Coast viewers 

Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin has welcomed today's announcement that WIN Network and Network 10 have reached a three-month agreement to continue broadcasting Network 10 services across the Riverland and Limestone Coast, describing it as an important win for regional viewers.

Mr Pasin said the extension followed sustained advocacy to keep pressure on the Federal Government, WIN Television and Network 10, and had secured valuable time to work towards a permanent solution.

"This is a win for regional viewers," Mr Pasin said.

"We've secured a three-month reprieve that means families across the Riverland and Limestone

Coast won't lose access to Network 10 tomorrow as they had been expecting.

"But this is only the first step. This extension gives us the opportunity to keep the pressure on

Minister Wells, WIN Television and Network 10 to secure a lasting outcome for regional viewers."

Mr Pasin said he acknowledged that the agreement was "a pause, not a solution", highlighting the need for urgent action to address the long-term sustainability of regional broadcasting.

"I've made it clear throughout this process that regional Australians deserve the same access to free-to-air television as those living in our capital cities.

"The challenges facing regional broadcasters extend well beyond this commercial agreement.

Broadcasters have been warning the Government for some time that the long-term future of regional free-to-air television is at risk.

"We've seen Channel 7 face similar challenges previously, and now Channel 10. This demonstrates the need for the Government to work with the industry on meaningful reforms that secure the future of regional broadcasting."

Mr Pasin said he remained concerned that, without a long-term solution, regional communities could eventually be forced to rely on satellite television instead of locally broadcast services.

"People across regional Australia value free-to-air television because it ensures they have access to the same programming as their city counterparts, without being left behind or forced to seek alternatives.

"My message is clear: I will continue my determined advocacy to ensure viewers in the Riverland and Limestone Coast can continue to access Network 10 via free-to-air broadcast.

"I welcome WIN and Network 10 continuing negotiations over the coming months, but I also expect the Minister to use this opportunity to deliver the reforms regional broadcasters have been calling for.

"I'll keep fighting for free-to-air television in regional Australia until a permanent solution is secured."