In a move designed to capitalise on present and future standard definition and high definition broadcast requirements, the joint-venture company will build a digital, non-linear play-out facility between Wollongong and Sydney.

WIN and ABC said they could see economic benefits in sharing the resources and expenses needed to build a shared facility.

However, WIN Corporation managing director David Butorac told employees that changes to the way WIN broadcasts would mean changes to staffing and indicated redundancies would be inevitable.

The companies plan to migrate all channel broadcasts to the new play-out centre within 12 months.

WIN expected many staff to seek employment opportunities within the joint-venture facility and the company said that it would work to secure ongoing employment for affected staff in cases where that was not possible.

Existing expertise within the two organisations will be used to design, build, operate and maintain the custom-designed hi-tech facility, which is expected to be the largest of its kind in the country.

It will run as a completely separate business, servicing the broadcasting needs of both the ABC and WIN.

There will also be potential for the play-out facility to provide broadcast services to other TV providers.

WIN management is presently working in consultation with employees in broadcast operations and associated areas, ahead of a changeover to the new facility next year.