Weekend news bulletins have been slashed and sweeping changes have been made to the nightly 6pm news following WIN Network's takeover of NBN Television.
The Newcastle Herald understands Newcastle staff fear for their jobs and have raised concerns about a lack of news coverage across the region.
Local NBN News weekend bulletins will be cut from programming from June 27.
Weeknight news bulletins will be pre-recorded to start at 5.30pm and run for 30 minutes, followed by Sydney-based Nine News from 6pm, slashing local coverage by half.
An insider who wanted to remain anonymous told the Herald it was a "sad day for the region" and a "sad day for local news and regional journalism".
It is understood NBN's Sunday night news has been the highest-rated bulletin in the Hunter and northern NSW for decades.
The changes come after veteran weather presenter and news anchor Gavin Morris was made redundant in November after 16 years with NBN Television.
Now Newcastle's lord mayor, Cr Morris said he was saddened to hear about the cuts.
"For more than 64 years the NBN News bulletin, seven days a week at 6pm, has been a part of our lives," he said.
"I hope that the new format will continue to deliver the high-quality content that our region deserves."
Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp slammed the changes.
"For years, NBN have been producing high-quality local news for Newcastle and the Hunter and it is incredibly disappointing to hear that our local news will be slashed," he said.
"As well as limiting access to local stories, NBN employs many great local journalists whose jobs are now on the line. This is a dreadful Sydney-centric decision by the WIN Network."
In a media release obtained by the Herald, WIN Network chief executive Andrew Lancaster said the changes represented an important investment in local news delivery.
"Regional communities value strong local journalism and local storytelling and that remains central to our strategy for NBN," he said.
"The changes to our weeknight bulletins are designed to deliver more local content, more local stories and a stronger connection to the communities we serve across northern NSW."
Hunter-based federal MPs Pat Conroy, Dan Repacholi, Sharon Claydon and Meryl Swanson released a joint statement on Tuesday calling on WIN Network to commit to retaining all local journalists and staff.
Ms Swanson said the Hunter was home to the second-largest population in NSW outside Sydney and deserved strong, dedicated local media representation.
"On a personal level, this news is heartbreaking," she said.
"My first job in media was at NBN in Newcastle, and I know firsthand the opportunities that local television provides for young journalists, camera operators, producers and media professionals starting their careers."
Ms Claydon said local content ensured unique community voices were heard.
"Local news and local journalism, supported by on-the-ground camera operators, producers, editors, and support staff are the backbone of a healthy community and functioning democracy, and we will always stand up to protect it," she said.
Mr Conroy described the program cuts as "a kick in the guts". He said NBN Television had broadcast on the 1989 Newcastle earthquake, the Knights' first grand final win, the Pasha Bulker storm and the recent Lambton landslide.
Mr Repacholi demanded WIN reverse the decisions.
"You cannot claim to back regional communities while stripping away the very news service those communities rely on, and WIN must reverse these cuts," he said.
Business Hunter chief executive Bob Hawes said the organisation was concerned about reductions in local programming and urged WIN to reconsider.
Strong local media is an essential part of the social fabric of the Hunter region and critically important to having our stories told," he said.
The NBN team plays an important role highlighting regional strengths, challenges and success stories and keeping local people informed about how the big issues affect us.
NBN News is a flagship of the Hunter media, helping foster a sense of identity and connection within our region."
WIN Network entered into an agreement earlier this year with Nine Entertainment to acquire leading regional broadcaster NBN Television. That deal has now been finalised.
The changes affect how news is delivered to audiences across the northern region, a footprint that covers Newcastle, the Central Coast, Port Macquarie, Taree, Tamworth, Coffs Harbour, Lismore and the Gold Coast.
WIN Network remained tight-lipped about job cuts when contacted for comment.
Nine's director of regional news, including for northern NSW, Darius Winterfield, announced on LinkedIn he was rejoining Nine News in Sydney.
"It's been fantastic to watch so many people go through NBN's ranks and onto metro markets - but equally, to work alongside people who have devoted their careers to telling stories about communities they deeply care about," he wrote.
"Living and working in Newcastle was one of the best decisions I've ever made and I know it will always feel like a second home."
