Seven says WIN cut the signal

Seven West Media says it is not to blame for cutting free-to-air broadcasts in the Limestone Coast, instead accusing the WIN Network of pulling the plug.

Seven West Media Managing Director and CEO Jeff Howard said the company had done all it could to keep local broadcasts on air.

“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,” Mr Howard said.

“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.”

Mr Howard said Seven was now seeking the help of the Federal Government and the Australian Communications and Media Authority to find a solution.

It follows earlier criticism from Member for Barker Tony Pasin, who described the loss of Channel 7 programming as a “disgraceful abandonment” of regional South Australians, as reported in Mount Gambier Times.

More than 2,000 households in his electorate have signed a petition calling for Seven and WIN to continue to broadcast free-to-air services.

WIN has not responded publicly to the latest remarks.