Matt Stanton.
Credit: Nine.
Nine Entertainment is selling its regional station, NBN Television, covering Northern NSW and the Gold Coast, to its regional affiliate partner, the WIN Network, transitioning from a wholly owned entity to an affiliate-owned operation.
Under the terms of the agreement, NBN will continue to broadcast Nine’s content in the northern NSW license area, including Newcastle for a minimum of five years.
Nine will receive $14.8 million in cash consideration from WIN.
“This change, while significant for Nine, means audiences continue to benefit from all of the 9Network’s premium national programming, from news, to top-tier entertainment and the biggest sports events, matched with critical local news coverage from the best regional broadcaster in Australia,” said Nine CEO Matt Stanton.
“From Gosford to Newcastle, Tamworth to Taree and all communities right up to the Gold Coast, NBN is the region’s favourite broadcaster and has been terrific for Nine.
"While we will continue the relationship as an affiliate, the move makes sense to ensure we remain aligned with our corporate focus of bringing premium programming experiences to the nation but with an operational focus on metro market licences. WIN TV is the natural owner for NBN. WIN is well known across Australia as a trusted brand and broadcasting operator in regional communities.”
WIN Network CEO Andrew Lancaster said the acquisition gives audiences the best of both worlds and recognised the strength of the WIN Network's focus on localism.
“The acquisition reflects WIN’s commitment to regional Australia, supporting local communities and delivering trusted local news,” he said.
“NBN is a highly respected regional broadcaster with a proud history of informing and entertaining northern NSW and the Gold Coast. WIN is deeply embedded in the regional communities in which we work and live, now broadcasting into 29 markets across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia and the ACT.
“As the largest provider of regional television news in Australia, underpinned by significant investment in newsrooms, journalists and production and broadcast infrastructure, WIN understands the importance of strong, independent local news and a voice for regional communities.
“This acquisition of WIN reinforces our commitment to providing that local voice, while continuing to deliver Nine’s leading national news, sport and entertainment content to audiences across the northern New South Wales region.
"Along with our deep connection to the communities where we broadcast, WIN’s record of delivering trusted, high-quality local news while complementing Nine’s national programming remains unmatched."
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