The Project host Michael Hing says he ‘understands’ criticism of Channel 10 program: ‘Some people think it’s this leftist communist propaganda show’
Project host Michael Hing says he ‘understands’ criticism of Channel 10 programme: ‘Some people think it’s this left-wing communist propaganda show’
Project panel member Michael Hing has said he “understands” why Channel 10’s current affairs program has been subject to criticism over the years.
The comedian took part in Channel 10’s flagship current affairs program in December 2022 and spoke to Sydney Morning Herald on Friday ahead of his upcoming comedy show Long Live The Hing.
Hing briefly elaborated on his thoughts on the program, saying, “After ten years, everyone knows The Project. Some people think it’s this left-wing communist propaganda show. Other people think it’s a racist, alt-right show.”
“There has been a wide variety of panelists, guests and presenters, so I can understand the criticism people have when they disagree with their values,” the former Triple J announcer added.
The Project, produced by Rove McManus’ production company Roving Enterprises, has been accused of being “woke” in recent years thanks to an increase in left-wing reporting.
Project panellist Michael Hing (left, with co-host Georgie Tunny) has said he “understands” why Channel 10’s current affairs program has been subject to criticism over the years.
Last year, OzTAM ratings showed that Channel 10’s flagship current affairs program had lost almost a third of its viewers since 2011.
The struggling show saw its Metro ratings fall to an all-time low of just 367,000 last year.
That’s a 30 percent drop from the five-city audience of 538,000 a decade earlier.
The comedian took part in Channel 10’s flagship current affairs program in December 2022 and spoke to the Sydney Morning Herald on Friday ahead of his upcoming comedy show Long Live The Hing.
In 2021, a leading TV commentator claimed that Channel 10 is losing viewers because of The Project.
Rob McKnight, a former 10 executive who now runs industry website TV Blackbox, said the views expressed on The Project do not resonate with everyday Australians.
He told Daily Mail Australia that despite the slick production and top talent, The Project is “very woke, and that doesn’t fit in with mainstream Australia.”
“There was a great variety of panellists, guests and presenters, so I can understand the criticism people have when they disagree with their values,” the former Triple J presenter said. (L-R: Sam Taunton, Waleed Aly, Sarah Harris from the project)
McKnight explained: “My view is that most Australians are centre-right in their politics, which is why talkback radio is doing so well.
‘But The Project leans too far to the left and doesn’t reflect Betty from Bankstown or Irene from Ipswich. It really feels like an inner Melbourne and not recognizable.”
He said the presenters are all “great talent” but at some point the show “just stopped connecting” with the mainstream – “and that is the death of any brand”.
Long live the Hing special broadcast on Thursday, September 28 at 8:30 PM on 10.
In 2021, a leading TV commentator claimed that Channel 10 is losing viewers because of The Project. Pictured (L-R): Tommy Little, Peter Helliar, Hamish Macdonald, Carrie Bickmore, Waleed Aly, Lisa Wilkinson and Gorgi Coghlan