Uncertainty is growing surrounding the future of the Seven Tasmania Nightly News bulletin, as the company that produces the program moves closer to selling its television assets.
Southern Cross Austereo Chair Heith Mackay-Cruise has declined to guarantee that production of the top-rated television news program will remain in Tasmania if the sale goes through.
The Chair’s statement comes in response to a plea from Tasmanian Senators, expressing their concern over the proposed sale of the company’s TV assets, including 7 Tasmania, to Seven West Media.
The letter, jointly signed by Labor Senator Helen Polley, Jacqui Lambie Party Senator Jacqui Lambie, Greens Senator Nick McKim and Liberal Senator Jonno Duniam, calls for assurances that Tasmanian jobs and services will be maintained.
The senators are requesting a commitment to ‘keep or expand ‘the local 7 Tasmania News service, which is currently produced from studios in Hobart and Launceston.
Mackay-Cruise said while he shares the belief in a diverse and robust media landscape, the industry is facing uncertain times.
“You will also appreciate that, constrained by pre-internet media ownership regulation, regional television is under pressure,” he said.
“Should a sale proceed, it will be a matter for the buyers to determine how they structure and operate the business in the future.”
SCA announced its plans to sell its regional assets, including 7 Tasmania, in August – but still appears no closer to finalising a sale.
In a statement to the ASX last month, SCA said it is continuing to “actively progress with the sale of its regional television assets”.
