The Project ratings are down almost 30 per cent compared to last year
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The shocking evidence that The Project is in deep trouble: how Channel 10’s flagship news program has lost almost ONE-THIRD of its audience in a year
Channel 10’s flagship current affairs programme, The Project, is hemorrhaging viewers, losing almost a third of its national audience in 12 months.
Its viewing figures, including metropolitan and regional Australia, are down 29 per cent compared to this time last year, ratings data shows.
The viewership decline coincides with growing criticism of The Project’s left-wing bias and the recent departures of several high-profile presenters, including Carrie Bickmore, Peter Helliar and Lisa Wilkinson.
Channel 10’s flagship current affairs programme, The Project, is hemorrhaging viewers, losing almost a third of its national audience in 12 months. (Pictured: The Project lineup for 2023)
This year the show was relaunched with a new panel consisting of Sarah Harris, Sam Taunton, Michael Hing and host Waleed Aly.
It follows reports that Harris is “struggling” with the grueling weekly commute from Sydney to Melbourne as the talk show’s revamped lineup fails to turn on.
Insiders from Channel 10 told Daily Mail Australia that the “newness” of traveling to Melbourne, where The Project is filmed from Sunday to Thursday, is “wearing off a bit” for Harris, a single mother with two young children.
The former Studio 10 host joined The Project after the surprising departures of Bickmore, Helliar and Wilkinson in late 2022.
But the new lineup, which includes comedian Taunton, former Triple J host Hing and former ABC sportscaster Georgie Tunny, is off to a rocky start.
Its viewing figures, including metropolitan and regional Australians, are down 29 per cent compared to this time last year, ratings data shows. (Pictured: Host Sarah Harris)
Last month, The Project was outperformed by Channel 10’s 5pm news bulletin four nights in a row.
The bleak start to the current affairs show has added to internal unrest at Ten after a year of horror of falling market share and the defection of Dr Chris Brown to Channel Seven last week.
There is also speculation that I am a celebrity… Get me out of here! co-host Julia Morris will follow him out the door.
The viewership decline coincides with growing criticism of The Project’s left-leaning bias and the recent departures of several high-profile presenters. (Pictured: Harris and co-anchor Waleed Aly)
Ten’s headquarters in Pyrmont is abuzz with rumors that Harris’ time away from his sons Paul, six, and Harry, four, is “taking its toll”.
“The novelty is wearing off a bit,” said a network veteran who asked not to be named.
Harris, who split from husband Tom Ward in 2021, is believed to have recently re-signed Ten to a new long-term contract.
Carrie Bickmore (left) confirmed her departure in October, while Peter Helliar (right) announced he was leaving in November.