Olivia Dillon named NBN state news director

Olivia Dillon has been appointed State News Director – NBN, taking on the leadership role as the regional broadcaster prepares for major newsroom and programming changes.

Dillon joined the NBN newsroom in Newcastle as Chief of Staff and News Editor at the end of 2023. Originally from Tamworth, she began her journalism career at Hunter-based community radio station 2NURFM.

NBN said Dillon had shown strong leadership, professionalism and commitment to local journalism since joining the newsroom.

The broadcaster said her understanding of the challenges facing regional media made her well placed to lead NBN News through its next chapter.

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What Olivia Dillon’s appointment means for NBN

As State News Director – NBN, Dillon will lead the newsroom across Northern NSW at a significant moment for the broadcaster.

NBN said Dillon would champion the future of NBN News and continue its focus on delivering local news for regional audiences.

Her appointment follows a period of major change for the business, including a restructure of NBN News operations under WIN Network.

Background to the NBN News restructure

Mediaweek previously reported that WIN Corporation would halve NBN News’ weeknight bulletin and axe weekend editions entirely from 27 June 2026.

Under the new schedule, a 30-minute locally produced bulletin will air Monday to Friday at 5:30 pm, replacing the previous one-hour program. Nine News will follow at 6:00 pm, while weekend bulletins will be replaced by Nine News across Northern NSW.

On 11 June, Mediaweek revealed WIN Network was planning to cut dozens of jobs at NBN News, including reducing journalist numbers in Newcastle from 10 to four.

The proposal also outlined a reduction in Newcastle camera operators from seven to three. Across the broader network, around 10 journalist positions and nine camera operator roles were flagged for removal across NSW and the Northern Territory.

The restructure was later confirmed, with the new structure set to take effect from Monday, 29 June 2026. Mediaweek also reported that redeployment interviews began on 18 June, with the process remaining open until Friday, 26 June.

As part of the restructure, the Director of Regional News role became State News Director, reporting into a newly created National News Director position.

The changes come after Nine completed its regional television exit, with NBN News now operating under WIN Network.

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