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Channel 10 AXES news show in trouble and warns of job losses as network’s finances implode and falls behind ABC in ratings
Channel 10 is cutting its breakfast news program as the network struggles with low ratings and bosses warn of job losses.
The show, called 10 News First Breakfast, set a new record for the lowest-rated show in Australian television history.
During its first five days on the air, the show drew an average of just 17,000 viewers in the five major cities.
Channel 10 is axing its breakfast news show as the network struggles with low ratings, and bosses warn of job losses.
The head of the network, Bev McGarvey, has told staff that she cannot promise that there will be no job losses.
Studio 10 will now air from 10am to noon when original host Sarah Harris leaves to replace Carrie Bickmore on The Project.
It comes as 10 reportedly canceled its staff Christmas party following the network’s disastrous year.
Studio 10 will now air from 10am to noon when original host Sarah Harris leaves to replace Carrie Bickmore on The Project.
According to a source, things are ‘worse than imagined’ as 10 fights fiercely with rival stations in a desperate bid to attract advertising dollars.
The staff was devastated when owner Paramount announced that there will be no last-minute Christmas celebrations.
The source said Paramount is cutting everything from hiring new staff to paying for the office party while battening down the hatches.
This year’s Christmas party was cancelled. Management said there was nothing to celebrate for 10 minutes, the source said.
“Everyone is pissed off because they just wanted to let their hair down. It’s not the staff’s fault that people don’t care about these shows anymore and people don’t tune in to them.’
10 skipped his New Year’s Eve party in 2021 due to lockdown restrictions. The pandemic has also wreaked havoc on television production schedules and caused a drop in media revenue.
According to filings with ASIC, the ViacomCBS-owned network posted a final loss for calendar year 2020 of $3.4 million.
The network has sunk behind ABC as Australia’s fourth most-watched free network after a year of disastrous ratings and high-profile departures from its top talent.
Since October 10’s flagship current affairs show The Project has seen Carrie Bickmore, Lisa Wilkinson and Peter Helliar quit.
The network’s investment in reality shows has also been a complete disaster this year, with new and old shows falling in ratings.
Insiders say the network “lacks direction and morale” while dejected staff at the beleaguered network complain it feels like “a sinking ship” as more high-profile talent continues to flee.
However, they hope to turn things around in the new year by giving a little makeover to some of their most trusted properties.
The Project will return in 2023 with Studio 10 star Sarah Harris filling the role of Bickmore alongside host Waleed Aly.
The Bachelor franchise is also getting a facelift, with three standout men set to headline the new season, appropriately titled The Bachelors, in January.
Channel 10’s last attempt at a breakfast show, Wake Up, was also canceled in 2014 after six months on the air. Pictured: James Mathison (left), Natarsha Belling (center) and Natasha Exelby (right)