Mildura Digital TV has launched a television commercial advising audiences that the 10 broadcast signal is closing down effective midnight June 30, 2024.
The commercial will run all month, advising people that they will need to watch 10 content through the 10Play app thereafter.
A series of FAQs also outlines that the channel has run at a loss since its inception in 2006 and the licence will be handed back to the Australian Communications and Media Authority -a very rare outcome in the broadcast landscape.
Chris Halios-Lewis, Chairman, Mildura Digital Television, said: “It is unfortunate that we have got to this point, but we want Mildura TV audiences to be prepared come midnight June 30.
“We don’t want people to be caught out or for it to come as a surprise, that is why we are running a public awareness campaign.
“The TV commercials running on channels 50, 51 and 52 are to remind people that the close down is coming and what they will need to do if they want to continue watching TEN content.”
The following FAQs have been posted at wintv.com.au/page/mildura-10-closure
Who is Mildura Television (MDT)?
Mildura Digital Television (MDT) is jointly owned by WIN and Seven Network. It went to air on 1 January 2006 and most recently broadcasts the Channel 10 signal into the Mildura licence area.
The Mildura Market is serviced by Seven which carries the Seven Signal, WIN which carries the Nine Signal and Mildura Digital Television, which is a joint venture between Seven and WIN which carries the TEN signal.
For its entire history it has run at a loss and WIN and Seven have taken the decision to wind it up as it does not make commercial sense to carry the TEN signal at a loss.
Q: Where can I watch Network 10 content?
A: Audiences who want to watch TEN content can download the 10 Play App or go to www.tenplay.com.au.
Q: Does MDT only carry Channel 10, or also the other Network 10 channels?
A: It carries all the Network 10 channels.
Q: How many viewers will be affected?
A: The Mildura/Sunraysia licence area reaches a population 63,000.
Q: Will I have to use my data allowance to stream 10play?
A: Streaming requires internet connection and a broadband package with a telecommunications retail service provider. The cost will depend on the broadband package you have with your provider.
Q: When will the signal be shut off?
A: The Channel 10 signal broadcast by MDT will shut down on June 30, 2024 at midnight.
Q: Why is Channel 10 Mildura shutting down?
A: Over its entire history it has been unprofitable and it no longer makes commercial sense to carry a signal that is making a loss. Over its period of operation it has carried the Nine and Ten signals.
Q: How long has it been unprofitable?
A: Since its inception.
Q: How many people will lose their jobs as a result of this closure?
A: None.
Q: Did WIN and Seven seek government assistance to keep MDT going?
A: Yes, we sought assistance form the Federal Government.
Q: Doesn’t MDT have a legal obligation to keep broadcasting?
A: No, we are handing back the licence.
Q: Doesn’t MDT have a community obligation to keep broadcasting?
A: While no one likes to see services decline in regional Australia, it does not make commercial sense to subsidise a signal which is not making any money.
Q: Will Seven and Nine continue to be seen in Mildura?
A: Yes, they will continue to be broadcast as normal.
Q: What will happen to the licence MDT holds?
A: It will be given back to the regulator the Australian and Communication Media Authority (ACMA).