Quick Answer
WIN Network will end its program supply agreement with Network 10 in three regional Australian markets on July 1, 2026. Viewers in the Riverland and Mount Gambier in South Australia and Griffith in New South Wales will lose aerial access to Channel 10, 10 Drama, 10 Comedy, and Nickelodeon.
You will still be able to watch every Network 10 show by streaming the 10Play app on a smart TV, mobile, or web browser, or by visiting 10.com.au directly.
Network 10 has called the move a "real and unfair disruption" for regional households, especially older viewers and those without reliable broadband.
The Shifting Landscape of Australian Regional TV
The Australian media landscape has just seen another seismic shift. In May 2026 regional broadcaster WIN Network confirmed the Network 10 WIN deal end. From July 1, 2026, WIN will stop the free to air aerial transmission of Network 10's channels in three specific regional markets.
The decision reflects the financial pressure on regional television operators. Advertising revenue is migrating to digital platforms and global streaming giants, and the infrastructure cost of running affiliate signals in smaller centres is getting harder to justify.
Which Areas Are Affected by the Cut Off?
| Market | State | Channels lost |
|---|---|---|
| The Riverland | South Australia | 10, 10 Drama, 10 Comedy, Nickelodeon |
| Mount Gambier | South Australia | 10, 10 Drama, 10 Comedy, Nickelodeon |
| Griffith | New South Wales | 10, 10 Drama, 10 Comedy, Nickelodeon |
These three markets were historically small enough that WIN TV ran as the affiliate broadcaster for all three major commercial networks (Seven, Nine, and Ten). From July 1 that arrangement ends for Ten.
Why Did WIN Network End the Deal?
According to a WIN Network spokesperson the decision was purely commercial. The cost of maintaining transmission infrastructure and paying affiliate fees for Network 10 in these specific rural zones is no longer financially sustainable. WIN has formally notified the Federal Communications Minister and the Department of Communications.
It follows a brief disruption last year when WIN temporarily switched off the Seven Network signal in these same regions during a contract dispute before a resolution was reached. The pattern is clear: regional free to air television is under real strain.
Network 10's Response: "An Unfair Disruption"
Network 10 has not hidden its disappointment. In official statements a Network 10 spokesperson called the move a "real and unfair disruption" for regional viewers.
The biggest concern is the digital divide. City dwellers can pivot easily to a streaming app, but many residents in the Riverland, Mount Gambier, and Griffith do not have fast, reliable broadband. Older viewers, who make up a significant slice of the traditional free to air audience, are also less likely to be comfortable with smart TV streaming apps.
Network 10 used the moment to call on the Federal Government to support regional broadcasters as ad dollars continue to flow to digital.
How to Keep Watching Network 10 in Affected Areas
If you live in Griffith, Mount Gambier, or the Riverland you will not lose access to Network 10 content entirely. From July 1, 2026 you will need an internet connection to watch shows like MasterChef Australia, Have You Been Paying Attention?, and The Project.
- The 10Play app: free on smart TVs, Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, and Google Chromecast. Live streams plus a full on demand library.
- Mobile and tablet: the 10Play app is on iOS and Android.
- Web browser: live and catch up at 10.com.au on any computer.
Live streaming uses data. If you watch a lot, make sure your home broadband plan can cope so you do not get hit with unexpected charges.
What This Means for the Future of Regional Television
This shutdown is more than a local inconvenience. It is a signal that the traditional affiliate model is breaking down in low population markets. Expect more of these announcements over the next two years as networks rebalance their costs against falling broadcast ad revenue.
For households that depend on free to air, the practical answer is increasingly hybrid. A rooftop antenna for the channels that remain, and a smart TV or set top streamer for everything else.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Network 10 WIN deal end?
The broadcast agreement officially ends at midnight on June 30, 2026. Viewers will lose the aerial signal from July 1, 2026.
Which channels are disappearing from WIN in these areas?
Channel 10, 10 Drama, 10 Comedy, and Nickelodeon.
Why is WIN TV dropping Network 10?
WIN says the program supply agreement is no longer financially sustainable in these small regional markets because of high broadcast transmission costs and falling local advertising revenue.
Can I still watch Network 10 shows?
Yes. Viewers with an internet connection can stream live or on demand via the 10Play app or 10.com.au.
The Bottom Line
The end of the Network 10 WIN deal lands hardest on the people least equipped to deal with it: older regional viewers and households without strong broadband. The shows are not going away, but the route to them has changed. If you live in the Riverland, Mount Gambier, or Griffith, set up 10Play on your TV before July 1 so the transition is painless.
