WIN Television has been accused of stripping its newsrooms to a 'bare bones' operation, raising concerns about the future of regional journalism.
At least six of the familiar faces that deliver Newcastle's news every night at 6pm, and four of the camera operators who work behind the scenes are expected to be gone by the end of the month.
Former veteran newsreader Paul Lobb said the scale of the cuts in Newcastle and northern NSW would make it "impossible" to uphold the standard of news that viewers had grown to expect.
"It's very sad. It strips the once proud, robust and respected news service to a bare bones operation," he said.
"I feel for those losing their roles now and for those hoping to enter journalism in the future, as the industry continues to shrink.
"Big Dog would be very upset."
Lobb knows firsthand what staff are experiencing, having been axed himself in 2021 after 24 years with the outlet.
A proposed restructure means at least 19 journalists, presenters and camera operators will no longer have jobs across Newcastle, Central Coast, Coffs Harbour, Tamworth and Lismore newsrooms, staff were told at a meeting on Thursday.
When sports presenter Mike Rabbitt joined NBN in 1981, there were 220 employees in the Newcastle office.
Rabbitt said he was "bitterly disappointed" at what had taken place.
The staff cuts come after an announcement was made last week about bulletin changes, which include the end of weekend bulletins and the replacement of the traditional 6pm news with a pre-recorded 30-minute local bulletin at 5.30pm.
WIN claims it will prioritise redeployment opportunities across the network.
The Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA), which is the largest trade union and industry advocate for creative professionals in Australia, is urging the federal government to take action.
MEAA Media Section director Cassie Derrick said the job cuts were devastating for journalists and audiences, and highlighted the growing instability facing Australia's media workforce.
"When journalism roles disappear, communities lose trusted local reporting, accountability, and connection," she said.
"MEAA is urging the federal government to do more to support the industry by ensuring that funds from big tech are directed into sustaining quality journalism jobs, and as AI and digital platforms expand, strong policy is needed to ensure they don't undercut media workers or hollow out local news.
"Australia deserves reliable, independent news, and that starts with supporting the journalists who deliver it."
Last week's calls from Hunter-based federal MPs Pat Conroy, Dan Repacholi, Sharon Claydon and Meryl Swanson to commit to retaining all local journalists and staff, have fallen on deaf ears.
On Thursday, those same MPs condemned WIN's decision, warning that the move was a major blow to local journalism, jobs and communities that relied on trusted regional news.
In a joint statement, Mr Conroy, Mr Repacholi, Ms Claydon, Ms Swanson and Member for Robertson Gordon Reid and Member for Dobell Emma McBride, said the cuts raised serious questions about WIN's commitment to regional journalism.
Mr Repacholi said regional communities wouldn't be fooled by "corporate spin".
"You don't strengthen local journalism by sacking local journalists," he said.
"People right across the Hunter are angry about these cuts because they know what local news means to our communities."
Ms Claydon said WIN bought NBN promising a future.
"Instead, they've gutted local news, cut local jobs and turned their backs on our community," she said.
"Newcastle won't quietly accept the slow death of local news. WIN should explain how cutting journalists and reducing local content serves the communities they claim to support."
Mr Conroy said his thoughts were with the hardworking NBN staff and their families.
Ms Swanson said regional workers helped build the network, and Hunter communities deserved to share in the jobs and opportunities it created.
Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery called the job losses "heart-wrenching".
A final decision on job cuts is expected to be communicated to staff next week. Those staff who cannot be redeployed will be gone by the end of the month.
