Seven signal returns to WIN Network in Riverland, Griffith, and Mount Gambier

The Seven Network and WIN Network have agreed to a new content deal, ending the blackout that saw Seven channels go off the air in the Riverland, Griffith, and Mount Gambier via free-to-air aerial transmission.

At 5pm today, Seven's programming resumed in these areas.

The blackout was in effect from Tuesday 1 July, prompting criticism from local viewers and politicians.

Federal Barker MP Tony Pasin, who represents locals in the Mount Gambier region, gathered more than 1,700 signatures on an online petition calling on Seven West Media to continue its contractual agreement with WIN TV.

Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie called for stronger intervention: “This is our cultural practice, particularly in the regions – it’s our bread-and-butter,” she said. “These are commercial entities having to make commercial decisions because the environment they’re operating in isn’t financially sustainable.”

Local audiences could continue to access Seven's multichannels through the online 7Plus streaming service, but broadcast transmission continues to be the dominant way that the channels are viewed.

“The Seven Network and WIN Network have reached a new content agreement which has seen Seven’s channels return to the Riverland, Griffith and Mount Gambier via aerial transmission this afternoon,” the networks said in a joint statement.

“Both Seven and WIN acknowledge the significant impact of free-to-air television in regional communities and the importance of providing news, sport, entertainment, and a voice to regional Australians.

“We thank the people of the Riverland, Mount Gambier, and Griffith communities for their patience while we worked through this matter.”