newy.com.au – Federal Labor MPs across the Hunter and Central Coast have condemned WIN Network’s decision to cut at least 19 jobs at NBN News following its acquisition of the broadcaster, saying the move is a major blow to regional journalism and local communities.
The reported job losses come just days after WIN announced it would reduce weekday bulletins and scrap local weekend news services. The MPs said the cuts confirmed community and staff concerns about the future of NBN News under WIN’s ownership.
NBN News has broadcast across the Hunter, Central Coast, Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers for more than six decades, covering local emergencies, major events, community issues and regional achievements. The MPs said the loss of journalists, camera operators, producers, editors and support staff would reduce the network’s capacity for local news gathering and weaken regional media diversity.
Minister for Defence Industry and Member for Shortland Pat Conroy said the decision had serious consequences for local communities.
“Last week I called WIN Network’s decision to slash NBN News bulletins a kick in the guts for our region,” Mr Conroy said.
“Every local journalist lost means fewer local stories told. Every local newsroom job cut means a weaker voice for the Hunter and Central Coast.
“My thoughts are with the hardworking NBN staff and their families.”
Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi said WIN had promised a stronger future for local news before moving to cut jobs and services.
“WIN looked our communities in the eye and promised a stronger future for local news. Less than a week later they’ve cut jobs and slashed local news services. Regional communities won’t be fooled by corporate spin,” Mr Repacholi said.
“You don’t strengthen local journalism by sacking local journalists. Every job cut means fewer local stories told, fewer local issues exposed and less accountability for the communities that rely on NBN News.”
Deputy Speaker and Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon said the decision would be felt deeply in Newcastle and surrounding regions.
“WIN bought NBN promising a future. Instead, they’ve gutted local news, cut local jobs and turned their backs on our community,” Ms Claydon said.
“They told staff and viewers they were investing in regional journalism. Now they’re slashing jobs and dismantling one of Australia’s most respected regional news services.
“Newcastle won’t quietly accept the slow death of local news. WIN should explain how cutting journalists and reducing local content serves the communities they claim to support.”
Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson said it was disappointing to see local jobs move away from an organisation as important as NBN, while Member for Robertson Dr Gordon Reid said the Central Coast needed local media workers to cover its growing community.
“The announcement by NBN News of its plans to cut local jobs here on the Central Coast is devastating,” Dr Reid said.
“Our region has a fast-growing community, and we need local journalists, camera operators, as well as producers and editors to capture and tell the stories that are important and unique to us.”
The MPs said WIN should provide answers about its long-term plans for NBN News and the future of local journalism in the regions the broadcaster has served for generations.
