Aussie viewers rage Channel 10 switched off for tens of thousands: 'They never consider our elderly'

Channel 10 will no longer be broadcast in several country areas across Australia after the WIN network's deal with Paramount came to an end. 

The WIN network, the regional Channel 10 partner, has gone dark in Griffith, NSW; The Riverland, South Australia; and Mount Gambier, South Australia.

This leaves thousands of viewers without access to their favourite shows, with the likes of MasterChef Australia, Australian Survivor, and Deal or No Deal dropped from regional broadcaster WIN's free-to-air schedule.

WIN's deal with Paramount came to an end in July, and despite a scramble to find a solution, Channel 10 content has been officially switched off for many Aussie viewers.  

'The short-term agreement with Paramount has concluded,' WIN said in a statement.

'WIN and Paramount recognise that providing these Network 10 services in these markets is no longer viable.'

That has led to anger from locals, including Mount Gambier resident Mick Cooper, who told Yahoo Lifestyle that the impact is greater than many would assume. 

'Country people don't count, and city people don't care about us,' Cooper told the publication. 

'I'm just sick of people in the city dictating what I can watch... why do I have to use data just to watch the shows I want to watch?'

Others pointed out that many older people, especially those in residential care, rely on free-to-air television. 

'What about the elderly who don't have a smart TV or the internet?' asked one viewer. 

Another said: 'They never consider our elderly in care who enjoy watching those channels as they have nothing else.'

'I have clients who like watching the 10 network; they don't have streaming or internet, so this won't be good,' added someone else. 

Another person agreed, 'Soon it will be like it was back in the '80s when we had two channels.

'I feel for the people who aren't tech-savvy and people who can't afford to pay for internet.'

It is estimated that 90,000 viewers will no longer see some of their favourite shows.

The channels losing transmission in the targeted regions include Channel 10, 10 Drama, 10 Comedy and Nickelodeon.

Viewers will still be able to access Channel 10 content via the network app.

A spokesperson from Channel 10 said they were 'disappointed' with WIN's decision.

'We know this change is a real and unfair disruption for many regional viewers, especially those with limited internet access or less familiarity with streaming technology,' they said.

'We are disappointed by WIN's decision to stop broadcasting Network 10 in The Riverland, Mount Gambier and Griffith markets. 

'As more advertising shifts to digital platforms, it is important for the Government to continue to support regional broadcasters so that essential local services communities rely on can be maintained.'

WIN has previously had deals with Channel 10, Channel Nine and Channel Seven to transmit their content via free-to-air in regional markets.