TDT: “All ongoing arrangements are very short term”

Southern Cross Austereo has commented on the state of play for Tasmanian broadcaster TDT.

The broadcaster, which screens Network 10 programming is jointly owned with WIN.

The comments follow the closure of Mildura Digital TV on Sunday, jointly owned by WIN and Seven.

SCA, which owns 50% of TDT, and 100% of 7 Tasmania confirmed “no discussions” have taken place around turning off the 10 signal, but stressed that the industry needs desperate help from the Federal Government.

“TDT is profitable. There are no plans for TDT to shut down in the next three years,” an SCA spokesperson has told Pulse.

“SCA is focused on audio and has considered various options for sale of its television assets in recent years.”

A TDT spokesperson also acknowledged that regional broadcasters everywhere were having to make “tough decisions” to protect their businesses.

“Like MDT there are a number of joint ventures around Australia that will be running on a knife’s edge and TDT is no exception,” they said.

“While SCA and WIN have no plan for its closure, all ongoing arrangements are very short term. There is constant assessment, not only for TDT, but the future of all regional broadcast services.”

Indeed, “no plans” today does not mean change may be looming next month…..WIN’s position on TDT is less forthcoming, and it isn’t clear if SCA’s public comments could be strategic should change be looming.

Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff also called on the Federal Government to take action to preserve regional TV services.

“We will always stand up for Tasmanians and the Federal Government needs to do whatever it can to ensure regional broadcasters can continue to deliver content to Tasmanian audiences,” he told Pulse.