The Nine Entertainment Company and WIN TV today announced an extension to their affiliation agreement until 30 June 2016.
The announcement comes after previous last minute discussions had stalled and WIN’s network was threatened with “going black” if Nine cut the signal to the regional network at midnight tonight.
WIN received the majority of its programming from Nine who had been demanding an increase in the fees charged to allow WIN to carry the programming from three channels to approximately 25% of Australians.
The announcement (see full text below) states that the interim agreement provides for “additional payments” over the next six months.
Hugh Marks, CEO of NEC, said “Broadcast television is evolving, but the role of the affiliate and its relationship with the local community remains important. This extended deal with WIN ensures Nine’s premium content continues to be available to all Australians for free, 24 hours a day.”
It is speculated that the two companies are perusing potential merger talks but this would be dependent on legislative change during the period.
Discussion here
Full text of announcement
WIN AFFILIATION AGREEMENT
Nine Entertainment Co. (ASX:NEC) and WIN Corporation (WIN) have today agreed to extend their affiliation agreement for 6 months to 30 June 2016, on terms that provide for additional payments to Nine over that period. NEC and WIN have also agreed to work together on a range of opportunities relating to their content and to the mutual growth of their respective businesses. The agreement continues the 27 year partnership between the two networks, and ensures continuing carriage of Nine Network’s programming to all Australian homes.
Hugh Marks, CEO of NEC, said “Broadcast television is evolving, but the role of the affiliate and its relationship with the local community remains important. This extended deal with WIN ensures Nine’s premium content continues to be available to all Australians for free, 24 hours a day.”