Once recognised for local news coverage and exclusive television shows,regional broadcasters are now synonymous with cost cuts and newsroom closures. And things could get worse.
Regional broadcasters were unaware that a $99,000 piece of research had been conducted on their businesses.
Regional media companies may be forced to refuse or return government funding because of a condition preventing them from cutting the amount of journalism they provide to local communities over the next 12 months.
The Morrison government spent a further $99,000 commissioning a report to get a second opinion on the state of regional broadcasters.
Regional media owners are still waiting to find out whether they can access $50 million worth of emergency funding.
Michael McCormack said the government was looking at relief for the besieged sector,which has been lobbying for reforms and government support.
Regional media companies are planning to shut news bulletins and stop broadcasting signals as they face the prospect of running out of cash within months.
Prime Media Group has warned advertising market conditions are not improving as it booked a big drop in its interim profit.
Major shareholders Bruce Gordon,Antony Catalano and Seven are unlikely to get a seat on the board of the regional broadcaster.
Changes to the media landscape in 2019 were defined as much by the deals that failed to come to fruition as those that did get across the line.
Australian media executives disagree about almost everything but there was one issue in 2019 where there was no debate:regional media companies are in serious trouble.