WIN drops regional bulletin

WIN Television has scrapped its regional 5.30pm news bulletin on the back of low ratings and will be downsizing its Bunbury bureau.

The network’s regional video-journalists, based in Albany, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Broome and Bunbury were told this morning that Friday’s broadcast was their last.

The WIN network is aligned with Channel 9 and ran its news bulletins in competition with GWN 7 news.

WIN announced it would introduce a new 4.30pm weekday bulletin, starting this Wednesday, to cover state-wide news.

Broadcast live from the Nine Perth newsroom, the 4.30pm news bulletin will be supported by the Bunbury and Kalgoorlie bureaus.

South West news producer Wade Dobson, who was based at WIN’s Bunbury offices, said he was surprised at the move.

``We knew our ratings weren’t great, but we didn’t think we were so close to the end,’’ Mr Dobson said.

The new-look 4.30pm bulletin will be presented by Matt Tinney, with presenter Angela Tsun continuing to provide weather coverage.

WIN said experienced video-journalists would continue to deliver breaking news stories and up-to-date information from various regional locations.

Director of news Stewart Richmond said the change was a major undertaking.

``This bulletin will lay the foundations for long-term success and is a major step forward for the development of Nine News in WA,’’ he said.

It is understood the regional journalists have been offered redundancy packages and will have to reapply for two journalist positions remaining in Kalgoorlie and Bunbury.

One producer-type position is set to remain in Perth.

The Albany, Geraldton and Broome single-reporter bureaus have been scrapped.

It is understood both journalists at the Bunbury bureau have been offered redundancy packages, after having been in their jobs for more than 18 months.