WIN is set to shut down five regional newsrooms across Australia.
Staff at WIN TV newsrooms in Orange, Dubbo, Albury, Wagga Wagga and Queensland’s Wide Bay were told they’d be finishing up on Friday next week.
The closures will affect around 35 to 40 employees across the corporation, with some of the staff being given roles in other parts of the business.
WIN TV is Australia’s largest regional network and broadcasts in 29 markets across the country.
However, following a decline in advertising revenue, it’s struggling to stay afloat.
A WIN spokeswoman said in a statement the decision was “based on the commercial viability of funding news in these areas”.
She said: “Changing content consumption habits and increased competition from digital content providers, that don’t face the same regulatory conditions that challenge traditional media, has led to a reduction in demand for local news bulletins in these regions.
“WIN remains committed to local news and content but in a regional media environment that has its challenges and faces increasing program supply and infrastructure costs, WIN needs to continue to review its operating model to ensure the ongoing success of the business.”
