Tasmanian Digital Television, the company which operates Channel 10 in Tasmania, has made its ‘entire team’ redundant.
The decision will leave the broadcaster’s staff, who predominantly work in advertising sales, jobless.
The decision comes after months of uncertainty surrounding the future of the venture, which is jointly owned by WIN Network and Southern Cross Austereo (SCA).
WIN confirmed the move in a statement to Pulse, saying TDT’s offices in Hobart and Launceston will close by October 1.
A spokesperson said existing staff at WIN Network will take over sales representation for TDT.
“TDT will continue to broadcast Network 10 programming on its free-to-air channels, ensuring Tasmanian viewers have access to a large array of program choices,” the spokesperson said.
The WIN spokesperson declined to specify how many staff were affected or whether they would be offered redeployment opportunities at either of TDT’s parent companies.
The move follows concerns in July that the TV broadcaster would cease operations entirely in Tasmania, after WIN shut down their Channel 10 affiliate broadcaster in Mildura.
It is understood staff working at SCA who produce TDT’s government-mandated local news service, which airs short Tasmanian news updates during commercial breaks on weekdays, are unaffected by the announcement.
SCA recently began a strategic review of their regional television assets, which include a 100% stake in 7 Tasmania and a 50% stake in TDT and are reportedly in active negotiations with several interested buyers.
