What's Happening?
Network Ten has decided to cancel its nightly news program, 10News+, from its weekday schedule just one year after its launch. The program, which was introduced as a replacement for The Project, struggled to maintain a steady viewership, experiencing
a significant drop in ratings. Initially, 10News+ attracted an average of 290,000 viewers, but this number has since fallen to 151,000, causing it to drop out of the top 30 most-watched evening programs. Despite the cancellation of its weekday broadcasts, 10News+ will continue to air once a week on Sunday evenings. The network plans to extend its flagship 5pm news bulletin to 90 minutes to fill the gap left by 10News+ and to focus more on local news content.
Why It's Important?
The cancellation of 10News+ highlights the challenges faced by traditional news programs in retaining viewership in a rapidly changing media landscape. The decision reflects a broader trend where networks are forced to adapt their programming to meet audience demands and financial constraints. For Network Ten, this move is part of a strategy to address an $80 million budget shortfall. By reallocating resources to enhance local news coverage, the network aims to better serve its audience and stabilize its financial position. This shift could influence other networks to reassess their programming strategies, particularly in the face of declining traditional TV viewership.
What's Next?
Network Ten will focus on enhancing its local news coverage by extending its 5pm news bulletin to 90 minutes. This change is set to take effect from August 10. The network's vice-president of news, Martin White, emphasized the importance of delivering more local content and maintaining high-quality journalism. The continuation of 10News+ on Sundays will allow the network to provide in-depth reporting and investigations. As the media landscape evolves, Network Ten's adjustments may prompt other networks to consider similar changes to remain competitive and financially viable.
