The Newsroom Shuffle: What Network 10’s Latest Move Says About the Future of TV News
Network 10’s decision to axe its struggling nightly news program, 10 News+, from weekdays and expand its 5pm bulletins to 90 minutes is more than just a scheduling tweak. It’s a stark reminder of the seismic shifts happening in the TV news landscape. Personally, I think this move is a double-edged sword—it signals both a return to traditional strengths and a desperate attempt to stay relevant in an increasingly fragmented media environment.
The Rise and Fall of *10 News+*
Let’s start with 10 News+. Launched in 2025 as a bold replacement for The Project, it was supposed to be a game-changer. But here’s the thing: The Project had something 10 News+ couldn’t replicate—a loyal audience. Despite its ambitious format, 10 News+ failed to capture the same viewership, averaging just 151,000 viewers on weekdays. What makes this particularly fascinating is that The Project was axed not because of ratings, but because of high production costs. It’s a classic case of cutting off your nose to spite your face.
From my perspective, 10 News+ was a victim of mismatched expectations. It tried to blend investigative journalism with a current affairs format, but viewers weren’t biting. In an era where audiences crave immediacy and simplicity, a one-hour (later trimmed to 30 minutes) deep dive just didn’t cut it. What this really suggests is that networks are still struggling to find the right balance between substance and accessibility.
The 5pm Bulletin Expansion: A Safe Bet?
Now, let’s talk about the 5pm bulletins. Expanding them to 90 minutes is a safe bet—but is it a smart one? On the surface, it makes sense. The 5pm slot has been a consistent performer, averaging over 300,000 viewers. By doubling down on local news, Network 10 is playing to its strengths. Martin White, Ten’s vice-president of news, claims this is what the audience wants. But here’s where I’m skeptical: is this really about serving viewers, or is it about maximizing resources?
One thing that immediately stands out is the emphasis on “lightening the workload” for teams. To me, this feels like a cost-cutting measure disguised as audience-centric programming. Don’t get me wrong—local news is important. But in an age where digital platforms dominate, is extending a traditional broadcast the best way to deliver it? I’m not convinced.
The Bigger Picture: TV News in Crisis
If you take a step back and think about it, Network 10’s move is part of a broader trend. Traditional TV news is in crisis. Streaming audiences are up, but linear viewership is declining. Networks are scrambling to adapt, but their solutions often feel like bandaids on a bullet wound. 10 News+ isn’t the first casualty, and it won’t be the last.
What many people don’t realize is that the problem isn’t just about format or scheduling—it’s about trust. Audiences are increasingly turning to digital platforms for news because they perceive them as more authentic and immediate. TV news, with its rigid formats and production constraints, often feels out of touch. Network 10’s pivot to longer bulletins might buy them time, but it doesn’t address the root issue.
The Human Factor: What Happens to the Talent?
A detail that I find especially interesting is the fate of the 10 News+ team. Co-anchor Denham Hitchcock will work on documentaries, while Amelia Brace will take maternity leave. It’s a reminder that behind every programming change are real people whose careers are on the line. Fewer than five back-end staff will be made redundant, which is a relief, but it’s still a disruption.
This raises a deeper question: how sustainable is the current model of TV news? With networks constantly shuffling talent and formats, it’s hard to build long-term loyalty—both from viewers and employees. In my opinion, this instability is one of the biggest threats to the industry’s future.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Network 10?
Network 10’s shake-up doesn’t exist in a vacuum. The network has been making bold moves, from “resting” I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! to securing Australian Ninja Warrior. But these changes feel reactive rather than visionary. While competitors like Nine are grappling with their own challenges (like finding a replacement for Karl Stefanovic on Today), Network 10 seems to be playing catch-up.
Personally, I think the network needs to rethink its strategy entirely. Extending bulletins and shuffling talent won’t cut it in the long run. They need to innovate—not just in format, but in how they engage with audiences. What if, instead of longer broadcasts, they invested in interactive digital content? Or partnered with social media platforms to reach younger viewers? These are the kinds of questions networks should be asking.
Final Thoughts: A Turning Point or a Temporary Fix?
Network 10’s latest move is a turning point, but not necessarily in a good way. It’s a reminder that the old rules of TV news no longer apply. Audiences are demanding more—more authenticity, more immediacy, more engagement. Simply extending a bulletin or trimming a program won’t solve that.
From my perspective, this is a temporary fix at best. The real challenge lies in reimagining what TV news can be in the digital age. Until networks like Network 10 are willing to take that leap, they’ll continue to play defense in a game that’s already changing. And that, in my opinion, is the most fascinating—and worrying—part of this story.
