Seven blames WIN as regional markets lose AFL, cricket

As of today, large areas of regional NSW and SA will no longer receive live AFL or cricket coverage, as the WIN Network shuts off its Seven transmissions.

From today, Mt Gambier and Loxton in South Australia, and Griffith in NSW will no longer receive the 7, 7mate, and 7two channels. This means AFL, test cricket, and Twenty20 will no longer be available on free-to-air, although it will be accessible via 7plus.

WIN signalled this possibility earlier in the month, saying it was a result of Seven deciding not to renew its longstanding broadcast agreement with the regional operator.

According to a statement from Seven this morning, it is still offering its feeds to WIN, who has chosen not to air them.

Seven CEO Jeff Howard said: “Despite our best endeavours, we have been unable to reach a mutually acceptable commercial agreement with the WIN Network to provide access to Seven via aerial transmission in Riverland, Griffith, and Mount Gambier.

“Seven has not turned off our signal. We continue to provide our content to WIN for broadcast into these markets and WIN has made the decision to switch off the Seven signal to these communities.

“While we are disappointed WIN has made this decision, these communities are important to us and they can access Seven’s news, sport and entertainment content live, free and on demand on 7plus.”

Howard said Seven is seeking the assistance of the Federal Government and ACMA “to help resolve this matter as quickly as possible.”

Earlier this month, WIN Network CEO Andrew Lancaster said he was “disappointed” with Seven West Media’s decision, but “respect[s] their right to pursue their own commercial strategies.”

WIN also confirmed it will continue to broadcast both the Ten and Nine stations in the region, and no jobs will be lost as a result of losing the Seven feeds.

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