Regional TV’s crisis: a new approach needed

Structural shifts in advertising and the rise of BVOD are driving regional TV toward an unavoidable end-game.

David Kennedy · Venture Insights5 July 2024Period: FY244 min read

Last updated 6 May 2026

63,000↓

Population of Mildura market losing Network Ten content

$800→

Estimated cost for VAST satellite equipment per household

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Companies covered:

Abstract

This report analyses the increasingly precarious position of regional TV broadcasting in Australia, highlighted by the permanent cessation of Network Ten content in Mildura, a market of 63,000 people. Structural trends in video entertainment and advertising markets, including the expansion of metropolitan BVOD services, are driving down regional revenues. The brief argues that current policy is insufficient to protect local news access and calls for urgent government intervention, such as spectrum tax relief or direct support for regional newsrooms, to prevent a total contraction of coverage.

Key Takeaways

Network Ten has permanently ceased transmission in Mildura, affecting a market of 63,000 people.
Regional TV ad revenues are forecast to decline through FY26 due to competition from SVOD and metropolitan BVOD.
Metropolitan networks hold exclusive national BVOD rights, preventing regional affiliates from offsetting terrestrial revenue losses.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The crisis has reached a breaking point, evidenced by the permanent cessation of Network Ten content in the Mildura market of 63,000 people. Regional advertising revenues are forecast to contract through FY26 as audiences shift toward SVOD and metropolitan-controlled BVOD platforms.

Metropolitan networks maintain exclusive national BVOD rights, which prevents regional affiliates from capturing digital revenue to offset terrestrial losses. This structural imbalance leaves regional players reliant on a declining linear ad market with no viable digital hedge.

Regulatory changes have failed to drive the necessary scale; the 2017 removal of the 75% audience reach rule did not trigger the expected wave of metropolitan acquisitions. Without new government intervention, such as spectrum tax relief, the sector faces a total contraction of local news coverage.

Displaced viewers must migrate to the VAST satellite service, which imposes a steep $800 upfront cost for equipment per household. This financial barrier effectively disenfranchises regional populations who cannot justify the investment for free-to-air access.

Abstract

Key Takeaways

Network Ten has permanently ceased transmission in Mildura, affecting a market of 63,000 people.

Regional TV ad revenues are forecast to decline through FY26 due to competition from SVOD and metropolitan BVOD.

Metropolitan networks hold exclusive national BVOD rights, preventing regional affiliates from offsetting terrestrial revenue losses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Abstract

Key Takeaways

Frequently Asked Questions

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