The Seven Network has dumped the Asian satellite service Australia Television (ATV), which it took over from public broadcaster the ABC in 1997. It made the move despite being chosen in favour of five other tenderers to revamp the service with Federal Government money.

The announcement drew a new round of criticism about the network's inappropriate and dated programming. Whether the service will continue will be up to the Federal Government.

Seven has blamed its decision not to renew the lease, which expired this week, on its desire to focus on its core business. The company has a separate Hong Kong office.