Independent Member for Murray, Helen Dalton, said she has brokered a deal between WIN TV and Channel 7 and returned programming to air last night.

In a statement Ms Dalton said the change in programming was due to Mrs. Daltons intervention, after meeting with executives from WIN TV and Seven West Media to help resolve the dispute that resulted in Seven programs suddenly taken off the air.

“This is a big win for the people of Griffith, Leeton and surrounds,” Ms Dalton said.

“I’m glad when the two networks were pushed, they quickly came to realise the gravity of their decisions.”

It’s understood that popular programmes such as the AFL, Home and Away, 7 News and The Chase Australia will continue to be broadcast on WIN after they reached an agreement late yesterday (July 3).

“It just goes to show how quickly things can get done when the importance of issues is pointed out” Ms Dalton said.

WIN CEO Andrew Lancaster told Ms Dalton the breakdown in negotiations was not expected, or wanted, by WIN.

Seven executives told Mrs. Dalton both parties were keen to come to a resolution today. The deal between WIN television and Seven West Media to share programming collapsed on July 1.

This has meant shows such as Sunrise, Seven News and the AFL were no longer broadcasted into Griffith, Leeton and South Australia.

“Free to air TV still plays a very important role in the lives of many people in regional Australia and the networks need to respect that fact,” Ms Dalton said.

“Free to air TV is vital and should never be forgotten,” she added.