News show faces shutdown risk after network reveals shocking response to ratings plunge
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It’s been a turbulent time for one major network, and if you’ve been tuning in to their evening broadcasts, you might have sensed a few shake-ups behind the scenes.
Following the quiet exit of a long-running program, its replacement hoped to spark fresh interest, but just weeks in, early signs suggest the gamble may not be paying off.
Fronted by seasoned journalists Amelia Brace and Denham Hitchcock, 10 News+ was supposed to be Channel 10’s big comeback in the competitive 6 pm news slot.
Instead, it’s been more of a fizzle than a bang. Viewers have been switching off in droves, with ratings plummeting to less than half of what The Project managed to pull in before its departure.
This is nothing short of a crisis for a network already struggling to keep pace with its rivals.
According to industry insiders, the mood at Network 10 is tense.
Executives had hoped that a fresh approach and new faces would lure back audiences.
Still, it seems they underestimated just how loyal The Project’s fanbase was—and how tough it is to compete in the early evening slot, where established news programs on other channels have reigned supreme for years.
To turn things around, Channel 10 has brought in Georgie Tunny, a familiar face to many viewers, hoping her polish and on-screen charisma will help stem the exodus.
'She’s the one they’re betting on,' a production source revealed. 'She connects in a way Denham and Amelia haven’t managed to.'
The hope is that Georgie can inject some much-needed energy and relatability into the show, but only time will tell if this gamble pays off.
While the network’s public statements remain upbeat, insisting that 'building a loyal news audience takes time' and that they’re in it for the long haul, sources say the reality is far more frantic.
Even Paramount bosses in Los Angeles have reportedly stepped in, concerned that if 10 News+ fails, it could jeopardise the network’s entire news division for years to come.
The situation has drawn comparisons to Channel 10’s ill-fated breakfast program, Wake Up, which was axed after just a few months on air.
'Everyone’s talking like it’s Wake Up all over again—and we all know how that ended,' a former producer commented.
The ratings paint a stark picture: 10 News+ started its week with an average of 244,000 viewers, but by Friday, that number had dropped to just 152,000.
In the cutthroat world of television, such a rapid decline is enough to send any network into crisis mode.
So, what’s behind the mass exodus? Some say it’s a matter of loyalty The Project, for all its ups and downs, had built a dedicated following over the years.
Others point to the crowded 6 pm slot, where Channel 7 and Channel 9 have long dominated with their flagship news bulletins.
And let’s not forget the changing habits of Aussie viewers, many of whom now get their news online or via social media, rather than tuning in to traditional TV.
There’s also the question of content and presentation. While 10 News+ promised a 'unique approach to news delivery,' some viewers have found the new format lacking in substance or personality.
In an age where trust in media is more important than ever, connecting with audiences on a personal level is crucial.
Despite the rocky start, Channel 10 insists it’s committed to 10 News+ for the long haul.
'This is a marathon, not a sprint,' a spokesperson said, emphasising their investment in building a sustainable, multi-platform news service that will 'grow and evolve with our audience’s needs over time.'
However, with ratings continuing to slide and pressure mounting from inside and outside the network, it remains to be seen whether 10 News+ can turn things around or if it will follow the path of many other short-lived TV experiments.
This saga is just the latest chapter in the ongoing battle for viewers’ attention in a rapidly changing media landscape.
With streaming services, social media, and on-demand news all vying for our eyeballs, traditional TV networks are under more pressure than ever to innovate and adapt.
These changes can be exciting and unsettling for over-60s Australians, who often value reliable, trustworthy news coverage.
Will the new generation of news programs deliver the depth and integrity we expect, or will they sacrifice substance for style in the race for ratings?
Credit: YouTube
Have you tuned in to 10 News+? What do you think of the changes at Channel 10? Are you sticking with traditional TV news, or have you found new ways to stay informed? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Read more: Comedian falls flat after his debut on Channel 10: 'This gets worse and worse by the second'
Following the quiet exit of a long-running program, its replacement hoped to spark fresh interest, but just weeks in, early signs suggest the gamble may not be paying off.
Fronted by seasoned journalists Amelia Brace and Denham Hitchcock, 10 News+ was supposed to be Channel 10’s big comeback in the competitive 6 pm news slot.
Instead, it’s been more of a fizzle than a bang. Viewers have been switching off in droves, with ratings plummeting to less than half of what The Project managed to pull in before its departure.
This is nothing short of a crisis for a network already struggling to keep pace with its rivals.
Channel 10’s 10 News+ loses half of The Project’s former audience within two weeks, sparking concern among executives. Credit: YouTube
According to industry insiders, the mood at Network 10 is tense.
Executives had hoped that a fresh approach and new faces would lure back audiences.
Still, it seems they underestimated just how loyal The Project’s fanbase was—and how tough it is to compete in the early evening slot, where established news programs on other channels have reigned supreme for years.
To turn things around, Channel 10 has brought in Georgie Tunny, a familiar face to many viewers, hoping her polish and on-screen charisma will help stem the exodus.
'She’s the one they’re betting on,' a production source revealed. 'She connects in a way Denham and Amelia haven’t managed to.'
The hope is that Georgie can inject some much-needed energy and relatability into the show, but only time will tell if this gamble pays off.
While the network’s public statements remain upbeat, insisting that 'building a loyal news audience takes time' and that they’re in it for the long haul, sources say the reality is far more frantic.
Even Paramount bosses in Los Angeles have reportedly stepped in, concerned that if 10 News+ fails, it could jeopardise the network’s entire news division for years to come.
'Everyone’s talking like it’s Wake Up all over again—and we all know how that ended,' a former producer commented.
The ratings paint a stark picture: 10 News+ started its week with an average of 244,000 viewers, but by Friday, that number had dropped to just 152,000.
In the cutthroat world of television, such a rapid decline is enough to send any network into crisis mode.
So, what’s behind the mass exodus? Some say it’s a matter of loyalty The Project, for all its ups and downs, had built a dedicated following over the years.
And let’s not forget the changing habits of Aussie viewers, many of whom now get their news online or via social media, rather than tuning in to traditional TV.
There’s also the question of content and presentation. While 10 News+ promised a 'unique approach to news delivery,' some viewers have found the new format lacking in substance or personality.
In an age where trust in media is more important than ever, connecting with audiences on a personal level is crucial.
Despite the rocky start, Channel 10 insists it’s committed to 10 News+ for the long haul.
However, with ratings continuing to slide and pressure mounting from inside and outside the network, it remains to be seen whether 10 News+ can turn things around or if it will follow the path of many other short-lived TV experiments.
This saga is just the latest chapter in the ongoing battle for viewers’ attention in a rapidly changing media landscape.
With streaming services, social media, and on-demand news all vying for our eyeballs, traditional TV networks are under more pressure than ever to innovate and adapt.
These changes can be exciting and unsettling for over-60s Australians, who often value reliable, trustworthy news coverage.
Will the new generation of news programs deliver the depth and integrity we expect, or will they sacrifice substance for style in the race for ratings?
Credit: YouTube
Read more: Comedian falls flat after his debut on Channel 10: 'This gets worse and worse by the second'
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