The closure of WIN News in the Riverland and Mount Gambier shows the need for an inquiry into rural and regional television services, according to Anne Ruston, Senator for South Australia.
“The decision by WIN to close these outlets means the entire south east of South Australia is without a commercial television news bulletin, which is simply unacceptable,” Senator Ruston said.
“Labor has stood by and watched the decline of rural and regional media and it is high time something was done to address this problem,” she said.
“In light of these events next week I will be moving a motion in the Senate calling for the expansion of a current Senate inquiry to look at these issues.
“The inquiry - The Australian Broadcasting Corporation's commitment to reflecting and representing regional diversity – is being conducted by the Senate’s Environment and Communications References Committee, of which I am a member.
“I propose the terms of reference of the inquiry can be expanded to include looking at how rural areas are to be serviced by television services in the future.
“This is a vital issue for rural and regional Australia as it is not only about news and entertainment options, but also relates the availability of essential services such as emergency broadcasting,” Senator Ruston said.
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