The Nine Network has announced that it will launch a Tasmanian-based news bulletin in 2023.
Nine News Tasmania, to air nightly at 6.00pm, will be produced from a new Hobart-based studio and broadcast statewide on Nine’s affiliate broadcaster WIN.
The new bulletin replaces WIN’s current 5.30pm half-hour local news and relay of Nine News from Melbourne, which is in competition with the top-rating Nightly News on Seven Tasmania.
Nine News Director Darren Wicks said: “This flagship bulletin will be produced and presented by Tasmanians, for Tasmanians. As one of Australia’s fastest growing markets, with a diverse industry and expanding sports scene, we couldn’t think of a better time to expand the Nine Network’s news, sport and weather offering, giving the Apple Isle the live and local news they deserve.”
Nine says that as well as the Hobart studios there will be regional bureau offices established in Launceston and on the North West coast.
WIN News Director, Stella Lauri said, “We are committed to providing regional Australia with the best news and we look forward to offering WIN Tasmania viewers a bulletin, seven nights a week, dedicated to their state and their stories.”
The investment by Nine in providing a regional news bulletin outside of its own broadcast markets is similar to the Nine News Regional brand that was produced for its then-affiliate Southern Cross Austereo from 2017 to 2021.
Nine News Tasmania will debut early in 2023.
Nine announced the Tasmanian expansion at its 2023 Upfronts presentation, held on Wednesday in Sydney. Other new programs announced by Nine for 2023 include drama series Human Error, the Shane Warne tribute Warnie, reality competitions The Summit and Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars and factual shows Big Miracles and Australia’s Most Identical.
