Seven to axe Broadcast Centre jobs in joint venture with Nine
Seven West Media is set to axe a large portion of jobs from its Broadcast Centre in Melbourne, as the media company finalises discussions with Nine around a joint venture for its playout operations.
The conversations – which are understood to be in the advanced stage – will see a consolidated facility distributing both networks’ broadcast signals.
TV Tonight has reported 150 jobs at Seven could be impacted as part of the joint venture
At present, Seven’s Broadcast Centre in Melbourne is the playout operations hub for the network’s broadcasts, while Nine’s National Playout Centre is currently based in Frenchs Forest on Sydney’s northern beaches.
Should the joint venture go ahead, it will launch in 2019 out of a yet-to-be determined Sydney location.
According to TV Tonight, should this occur, 150 jobs could be impacted at Seven.
A spokesperson for Seven confirmed the “exclusive arrangement” with Mumbrella.
“The combined operations would provide economies of scale by consolidating infrastructure for the two businesses, and create an industry facility company able to service other broadcasters and companies,” the spokesperson said.
Seven could not confirm the number of redundancies, as plans are not finalised, but should the changes go ahead in April next year, Mumbrella understands a number of staff may be redeployed as part of the new venture.
“Seven has announced some planned changes to the way we work that would result in a number of roles in our broadcast operations team being impacted. We have entered into a period of consultation with those affected,” a spokesperson said.
“The planned changes would not take place immediately, and we have endeavoured to give those affected as much notice as possible.”
The changes are in line with Seven West Media’s plans to cut $25m worth of jobs in an effort to save $125m by FY19.
Mumbrella understands no jobs will be lost at Nine, with employment to transfer across to the joint venture.
Wow, first regional television, then the smaller capital cities … former television stations turned into wasteland (or apartments) … now Melbourne. How long before CBS runs 10 out of New York and the others follow?
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What do international content providers need local TV outlets for? Soon they’ll distribute worldwide by themselves, Netflix style.
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A more sensible idea would be to go into the WIN/ABC joint venture Media Hub at Campbelltown. Sure it could handle the capacity as it already relays 7 and 9 content to regionals.
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