Network 10 calls on PM to ‘urgently intervene’ as Mildura Digital TV set to shut down
Network 10 has called on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to “urgently intervene” after the board of Mildura Digital TV announced plans to shut the station down next month.
Per TV Tonight, the decision to remove the station down from June 30 will mean Mildura residents can no longer access 10 or its BOLD and Peach channels.
“MDT has been delivering Australian programs into Mildura since 2006. The joint venture owners, Seven and WIN, have continued to fund MDT despite the station running at a loss since its inception,” a statement issued by the board this week reads.
“Whilst MDT realises this is not an ideal situation, the financial position is no longer tenable.”
In a statement given to Mumbrella, Network 10 said it is “bitterly disappointed” by the decision.
“It’s the people of Mildura and the surrounding region that will be hurt by this decision and it’s unacceptable that tens of thousands of Australians will see some of their favourite free-to-air broadcast channels go to black,” a Network 10 spokesperson said.
“The Federal Government must act urgently to ensure the Network 10 affiliated channels can continue to be available via broadcast transmission.”
The statement continues: “We urge the Prime Minister to urgently intervene and save these regional TV broadcasts.
“This also shows how vitally important prominence of our free streaming services has become so that every Australian can easily find local content and broadcasters on their connected TVs and devices which is what the residents of Mildura will need to do to continue watching 10’s shows.”
It’s already been a tough week for 10, following news that popular programs The Masked Singer and The Bachelor will not be returning in 2024.
Listen to this week’s Mumbrellacast for more details.
Subscribe to the daily newsletter
Got a tip?
Neil Griffiths is the editor of Mumbrella. He joined the company in October 2023.
Linkedin
We already have two state funded FTA networks.
No sense in subsidising a third. I think the people of Mildura can probably go on living without The Project, Law and Order SVU re-runs and Jamie’s Air Fryer Meals…
User ID not verified.
BOOOMMMTOWN!
User ID not verified.
I do not think Network 10 is in any position to ‘demand’ anything from anyone… least of all its ever-evaporating audience
User ID not verified.
I keep hammering this point, but it’s like no one’s listening – FTA TV is done, it’s dead! It just hasn’t come to terms with it yet. Hook up any small town with decent internet, and I’m telling you, these commercial FTA TV channels? They’re just going to crash and burn within the next decade, especially with the cheap garbage they’re airing right now.
And let’s talk about Starlink – game changer, Once it rolls out cheaper plans for country/remote areas, streaming is going to become the undisputed alternative. Plus, you’ve got other forms of entertainment like Gaming, X, and YouTube, TikTok etc which are already the preferred options for most people. The economics just don’t work for traditional TV anymore. It’s over dudes. It’s only a matter of time.
User ID not verified.
hahahaha… ohhhhh hang on hahahahah…
User ID not verified.
It’s a commercial decision. If the station(s) have never made money in that market, it’s a no brainer. The Government should not get involved. Let it die!
User ID not verified.
The government involvement would be lowering it’s annual fee for the spectrum use.
User ID not verified.
Interesting that 10 have asked the govt for support when seven/win (the stations owners) are prepared to shut up shop. If avoiding closure is so important to 10 perhaps they could come to the table and adjust the massive affiliate fees that seven/win pay them.
User ID not verified.
Have your say