This breakfast news program was discreetly axed after lacklustre ratings
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We are sorry to report that the latest casualty of the TV network rating war is Channel Ten's morning news bulletin 10 News First Breakfast.
It was unceremoniously axed following its dismal performance on the highly competitive morning show slot.
A statement released by Paramount, the company behind Channel Ten, revealed the network’s morning lineup for 2023.
Starting January 9, viewers can expect to see a new lunchtime news program called 10News First: Midday with news presenter Narelda Jacobs set to give Aussies their fill of relevant stories from 12 PM to 1 PM on weekdays.
However, 10 News First Breakfast is noticeably absent from its usual 8 AM to 8:30 AM time slot on the list — something the statement does not address at all.
The glaring omission signals the end for the show, which had suffered low ratings for months.
In June, the program reportedly set the record for the worst rating in Australian TV history with only an average of 17,000 viewers in its first five days on-air.
To put things in perspective, Channel 7’s Sunrise and Channel Nine’s Today averages views in the hundreds of thousands.
Two months later in August, 10 News First Breakfast set another sorry record when it posted zero viewers in Perth.
These feats even earned jokes from Channel Ten’s Sarah Harris (Studio 10) and Lachlan Kennedy (10 News First Breakfast) at the Kennedy Awards, where Harris said in jest to 500 onlookers: ‘Wow, so this is what it’s like to have an audience!’
Meanwhile, Studio 10 saw an hour and thirty minutes slashed from its usual runtime from 8:30 AM-12 PM. The show will air from 10 AM to noon starting next year.
Media industry website TV Blackbox reveals that Channel Ten staff have been informed of the morning lineup changes — and warned about possible job cuts.
Allegedly, Paramount Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer Bev McGarvey told network workers she couldn’t promise that there wouldn’t be any personnel let go of.
Channel Ten has had it rough in terms of finances. In 2020, the network posted a $3.4 million bottom-line loss according to filings with the Australian Securities & Investments Commission.
Recent reports say the network has resorted to cost-cutting measures such as a freeze on hiring new staff and cancelling this year’s network Christmas party.
In addition to the network’s woes, several personalities have also bolted in recent months, with Carrie Bickmore, Lisa Wilkinson, and Peter Helliar announcing their Channel Ten exits from The Project.
All things considered, it’s not a surprise that there are claims of low staff morale.
For their sake, at least, we hope things turn out better for Channel Ten.
Here’s their new morning lineup for 2023:
If you have time, you could also find out which Channel Nine journalist is making the big switch to Channel Seven — and joining what used to be a rival program!
What is your reaction to this sad development from Ten?
Share your thoughts below!
It was unceremoniously axed following its dismal performance on the highly competitive morning show slot.
A statement released by Paramount, the company behind Channel Ten, revealed the network’s morning lineup for 2023.
Starting January 9, viewers can expect to see a new lunchtime news program called 10News First: Midday with news presenter Narelda Jacobs set to give Aussies their fill of relevant stories from 12 PM to 1 PM on weekdays.
However, 10 News First Breakfast is noticeably absent from its usual 8 AM to 8:30 AM time slot on the list — something the statement does not address at all.
10 News First Breakfast being left out from Paramount’s announced morning lineup for Channel Ten in 2023 is not good news. Screengrab Credit: YouTube/10 News First
The glaring omission signals the end for the show, which had suffered low ratings for months.
In June, the program reportedly set the record for the worst rating in Australian TV history with only an average of 17,000 viewers in its first five days on-air.
To put things in perspective, Channel 7’s Sunrise and Channel Nine’s Today averages views in the hundreds of thousands.
Two months later in August, 10 News First Breakfast set another sorry record when it posted zero viewers in Perth.
These feats even earned jokes from Channel Ten’s Sarah Harris (Studio 10) and Lachlan Kennedy (10 News First Breakfast) at the Kennedy Awards, where Harris said in jest to 500 onlookers: ‘Wow, so this is what it’s like to have an audience!’
Meanwhile, Studio 10 saw an hour and thirty minutes slashed from its usual runtime from 8:30 AM-12 PM. The show will air from 10 AM to noon starting next year.
Channel Ten’s Studio 10 also had its usual hours slashed. Screengrab Credit: YouTube/Studio 10
Media industry website TV Blackbox reveals that Channel Ten staff have been informed of the morning lineup changes — and warned about possible job cuts.
Allegedly, Paramount Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer Bev McGarvey told network workers she couldn’t promise that there wouldn’t be any personnel let go of.
Channel Ten has had it rough in terms of finances. In 2020, the network posted a $3.4 million bottom-line loss according to filings with the Australian Securities & Investments Commission.
Recent reports say the network has resorted to cost-cutting measures such as a freeze on hiring new staff and cancelling this year’s network Christmas party.
In addition to the network’s woes, several personalities have also bolted in recent months, with Carrie Bickmore, Lisa Wilkinson, and Peter Helliar announcing their Channel Ten exits from The Project.
All things considered, it’s not a surprise that there are claims of low staff morale.
For their sake, at least, we hope things turn out better for Channel Ten.
Here’s their new morning lineup for 2023:
| 8.00 AM – 8:30 AM | Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield |
| 8:30 AM – 9.00 AM | Entertainment Tonight (Encore) |
| 9.00 AM – 9:30 AM | Judge Judy |
| 9:30 AM – 10.00 AM | The Bold and the Beautiful (Encore) |
| 10.00 AM – 12.00 PM | Studio 10 |
| 12.00 PM – 1.00 PM | 10 News First: Midday |
If you have time, you could also find out which Channel Nine journalist is making the big switch to Channel Seven — and joining what used to be a rival program!
What is your reaction to this sad development from Ten?
Share your thoughts below!
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