The New Zealand version of The Project has been canceled after six years on air.
The nightly current affairs show, based on the Australian series of the same name, first premiered on the Three network in February 2017.
The news program will end at the end of 2023, according to production company Warner Bros. Discovery announced on Thursday.
“We have initiated discussions to discontinue The Project on Three from the end of the year,” a spokesperson said.
“Our primary focus is supporting our people as we move through this process.”
The New Zealand version of The Project has been canceled after six years on air. (Image: Presenters Jesse Mulligan, Kanoa Lloyd and Jeremy Corbett)
The move will result in a total of around 24 job losses at the network’s Three headquarters, based in the North Island city of Auckland.
Project New Zealand will not be broadcast on Thursday so that staff can process the news, the channel reports New Zealand herald.
Three pays a hefty licensing fee to use The Project brand, created by Roving Enterprises, Rove McManus’ production company.
The cancellation will free up money for a cheaper news show without an expensive foreign-owned license.
“We have begun discussions to shut down The Project on Three from the end of the year,” they began. “Our primary focus is supporting our people as we move through this process.” In the photo: Jesse and Kanoa
Project New Zealand is presented by Jesse Mulligan and Kanoa Lloyd, along with a rotating panel of guest presenters.
The New Zealand industry has faced numerous cuts this year as tough economic conditions hit the media.
The Australian version of The Project has been the subject of cancellation rumors for years due to declining ratings.
However, during the Upfronts presentation earlier this week, Channel Ten promised to screen the show for another year.
The Australian version of The Project has been the subject of cancellation rumors for years due to declining ratings. (Pictured are presenters Waleed Aly and Sarah Harris)
While the show is safe for now, there are still rumors that it could be pushed to a later timeslot to make way for a rebooted Deal or No Deal, hosted by Grant Denyer.
The Project, once Ten’s flagship news programme, has been on a downward trend for years.
Viewing figures have fallen steadily between 2022 and 2023, losing a third of the national viewership in the past eighteen months.
A year ago, The Project lost most of its star power with the departure of long-serving hosts Carrie Bickmore, Peter Helliar and Lisa Wilkinson.
A year ago, The Project lost most of its star power with the departure of long-serving presenters Carrie Bickmore (left), Peter Helliar (center right) and Lisa Wilkinson (right)