Regional Viewers Cut Off: Seven Network Switches Off Today in Mt Gambier, Loxton and Griffith.
As of today, 1 July 2025, residents in Mt Gambier, Loxton and Griffith have lost access to the Seven Network’s free-to-air programming — a development that’s reignited national concern over regional broadcasting and access to live sport.
The shutdown marks the end of Seven West Media’s long-standing broadcast agreement with WIN, which had delivered channels 7, 7mate and 7two to these regional centres. As reported by TV Blackbox, the conclusion of this partnership has left communities in parts of South Australia and New South Wales without traditional access to major sporting events like the AFL and cricket.
While Seven has pointed to its 7plus streaming platform as an alternative, today’s switch-off highlights growing tension between the rise of streaming and the realities of regional access.
“Streaming is not a substitute”
In a statement to TV Blackbox, a Seven West Media spokesperson acknowledged the disappointment of not reaching a new deal with WIN in these regions but confirmed that AFL and cricket coverage remains available on 7plus. However, this reassurance hasn’t satisfied community leaders.
Member for Barker, Tony Pasin MP, has spoken out strongly, arguing that the move cuts off vulnerable and elderly viewers who may not have access to fast, affordable internet.
“To suggest that streaming services can replace traditional television broadcast is completely out of touch with the reality for regional viewership,” Pasin said.
“For many, the Friday night footy or Australia Day test match is a significant event on their calendar. Aussie sport brings Australians together like nothing else. No one should be excluded from this.”
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WIN responds, regional services under review
WIN Network has confirmed today’s changes will not affect local staff or operations in the impacted towns and says it remains committed to regional broadcasting where its partnership with Nine continues.
CEO Andrew Lancaster said:
“While we are disappointed with Seven West Media’s decision, we respect their right to pursue their own commercial strategies.”
However, WIN is now also reviewing its non-core services — including Network 10 broadcasts in regional Western Australia and Tasmania. Last year, the network pulled Ten’s signal from the Mildura market, raising further questions about the future of free-to-air TV in regional Australia.
