From July 1, the Seven Network signal will stop broadcasting into homes across the area, taking with it the AFL, international cricket, and shows like Home and Away that have been part of lounge room routines for decades.

The change affects thousands of households who’ve relied on WIN TV’s arrangement with Seven to bring Channel 7, 7mate and 7two into their homes.

That deal, which has run for years, won’t be renewed when it expires at the end of June.

For Carl, a lifelong sports fan, it’s more than just missing a game.

Seven Network holds the exclusive free-to-air rights to Test cricket, the Big Bash, the entire AFL season, plus popular shows like Australian Idol, The Farmer Wants a Wife and Gilmore Girls.

Come July, the only way to watch them in Griffith will be through 7plus, Seven’s streaming service.

That means residents need either a smart TV connected to the internet, or they’ll have to plug their laptop into the television with an HDMI cord – assuming they’ve got stable home Wi-Fi.

The decision comes from Seven West Media, which owns the Seven Network. WIN Network CEO Andrew Lancaster said his company was disappointed but respected Seven’s right to pursue their own commercial strategies.

“WIN remains committed to serving our regional audiences with a strong local presence and programming,” Lancaster said in a statement.

It’s been a tough year for television viewers in Griffith.

Just twelve months ago, WIN pulled the plug on Sky News coverage in the area.

Until 30 June last year, residents could watch programs on free-to-air Channel 53, but now need a paid subscription.

The pattern is clear: regional viewers are increasingly being pushed towards paid streaming services as traditional broadcasting deals fall by the wayside.

Seven West Media said they remained open to further negotiations, with a spokesperson noting: “The communities living in the Riverland and Griffith are incredibly important to Seven and pleasingly, they will continue to have access to all of our content, including the AFL and cricket, via our live and free streaming platform, 7plus.”

But “live and free” isn’t quite accurate if you need to buy a smart TV or upgrade your internet connection to access it.

The change won’t affect jobs at WIN, with local operations and staff remaining in place.

The network continues to broadcast other channels, including Nine Network programs and local news.

Come July, when the first AFL match kicks off without a free-to-air signal reaching Griffith, thousands of lounge rooms will be a little quieter.

The question is whether anyone with the power to change it will be listening.

This article appeared on Back Country Bulletin on 23 June 2025.