What Ten’s cost-cutting means for your favourite shows
Channel 10 announced a half-year net loss of $232 million last week so there will be a serious shake up at the network if it wants to survive. What will their cost-cutting measures mean for your favourite shows?
In the potential firing line is Ten Eyewitness News, current affairs program The Project, and kids’ television.
Speculation is rife that the network will reduce the length or number of bulletins. They might also forgo state bulletins for a single national news show but dropping state-focused news will eman losing local coverage and potentially viewers.
“Ten has a Catch-22 problem,” TV Tonight web editor David Knox told news.com.au. “They are heavily reliant on US content in their schedule and trail their competitors in local content, which is what drives live viewing. While the Big Bash has been a roaring success, they also lack a big sports drawcard during the ratings season. Both of these things require money to acquire and commission.”
What shows are under pressure?
Australian Survivor, I’m A Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here!, MasterChef Australia and Studio 10 are not expected to be canned, but budgetary measures may come into affect.
“Drama is the most expensive ticket content-wise but has to be produced to meet quotas, it may look to be more cost-effective,” says Knox. “Sending 200-plus crew to South Africa for I’m a Celebrity ..., plus a big crew overseas for Australian Survivor will come under tough scrutiny. Children’s TV is also at risk, given recent noises, which would be disappointing given Ten has championed this genre long term.”
Although it looks gloomy for Channel 10, the network is known for bouncing back so let’s hope it’s the case again.
What shows are you afraid of losing on Channel 10?