IT took WIN management less than a day to consider feedback from NBN News staff before deciding to press ahead with cuts viewers say will "rip the heart" out of its newsrooms.
In an email to staff on Tuesday, management confirmed it will proceed with a restructure that will gut at least 19 journalists, presenters and camera operators from newsrooms in Newcastle, Central Coast, Coffs Harbour, Tamworth and Lismore.
The Newcastle Herald understands the number of job losses could go as high as 25 behind the scenes in areas such as technology and IT.
Executive producer Colin Baldwin has already resigned, his position now becoming open to remaining staff.
Regional/NBN/Nine Darwin director Darius Winterfield left earlier this month to rejoin Nine Sydney.
Despite more than 6000 viewers signing a petition demanding WIN reconsider, staff were told on Tuesday the restructure will take effect from June 29.
"This was not an easy decision, and we do not take lightly the impact it may have on individuals and the broader team," an email to staff said.
"The feedback received raised a number of important operational considerations, including crew workflows, bureau coverage, graphics capacity and technology.
"These insights will assist us in implementing the new structure and refining our operations moving forward."
Feedback closed at 5pm on June 15, the next day staff were told the company would forge ahead with the restructure and changes to the weekend and nightly 6pm bulletins.
Weekend bulletins will end from June 27 and the traditional 6pm news will be replaced with a pre-recorded 30-minute local bulletin at 5.30pm.
Staff had the opportunity to provide feedback on the restructure from last week.
The email said staff submissions were "thoughtful", "detailed" and reflected the dedication, professionalism and pride the team brings to regional journalism every day.
"All feedback, alternatives and suggestions received during the consultation period were carefully considered before a final decision was made," the email said.
WIN declined to comment when contacted by the Herald.
Newcastle and Hunter Community Facebook group owner and administrator Steven Sewell, who launched the petition against WIN's cuts, said it was "disappointing" the company had ignored NBN viewers.
"I just don't think they should be doing it. Full stop," he said.
"NBN has been a part of the Hunter, Central Coast and other areas for such a long time and it's a reliable source of news and information on everything from sports, important news, emergencies, everything.
"It's just a part of the Hunter."
Mr Sewell said he sent the petition to WIN management, who did not respond.
