Channel 10 Launches Radical News Format Experiment to Halt 6pm Viewer Exodus
In a bold strategic move to address its ratings challenges, Channel 10 is trialling a significant shake-up of its evening news programming. The network aims to prevent its audience from switching over to the rival Channel Nine or Seven bulletins at the crucial 6pm timeslot.
Internal Email Reveals "Experiment" to "Hold People Better"
An internal email from Channel 10's Vice President of News, Martin White, obtained by TV Blackbox, outlined the experimental plans. "Next week, we're going to experiment a touch, to try and hold people better over the 5pm/6pm changeover," White stated in the communication to staff.
The proposed changes involve a complete overhaul of the transition between the 5pm bulletin and the 10 News+ programme at 6pm. Under the new format, the traditional conclusion where the presenter bids viewers "goodnight" will be entirely eliminated.
Seamless Transition: Weather Graphics Replace Traditional Sign-Off
Instead of the customary farewell, the revised broadcast will conclude with a graphic displaying the weather forecast. Weather presenters will deliver the final line of the bulletin before the programme segues directly into 10 News+ at 6pm.
Martin White provided specific instructions in his email, emphasising the stripped-back approach: "No music, no goodbye, disclaimer along the bottom of the screen over the graphic." He further clarified the technical execution, noting "Then we go straight into the Plus opener – pics and VO, not on camera."
One-Week Trial Amidst Significant Ratings Pressure
The experimental format change will be trialled for one week as Channel 10 seeks to evaluate its effectiveness in retaining viewers. "We'll see what difference it makes next week before deciding what we'll do next," White's email continued, indicating the trial nature of the initiative.
The network faces substantial ratings pressure, with recent figures highlighting the challenge. The 5pm bulletin attracted 797,000 viewers, while 10 News+ failed to make the top 30 programmes. This contrasts sharply with competitors: 9News brought in 2.298 million viewers, slightly ahead of 7News with 2.217 million viewers.
Similarly, on Tuesday, Channel 10's 5pm bulletin garnered 806,000 viewers, significantly lagging behind Seven's 2.346 million and Nine's 2.295 million. Once again, Ten News+ did not rank in the top 30 programmes.
Broader Context of Recent Programming Changes
This experimental format change follows other significant programming adjustments at Channel 10. In December, the network cancelled its afternoon bulletin hosted by veteran broadcaster Narelda Jacobs, which had launched with considerable hype at the start of 2024.
Staff were informed via email just before Christmas that the bulletin would not return in 2026, with assurances that the move would have no impact on jobs at the network. The internal memo also announced that Channel 10's late bulletin, hosted by Ursula Heger, would be moved from 10.30pm to 9.30pm.
White explained in the memo that these changes were based on "research" and making better use of "resources." Regarding the afternoon bulletin cancellation, he emphasised in an email obtained by Yahoo Lifestyle that it was "no reflection on the work our daytime team has done."
"This is based on putting more of our news and resources where – research tells us – there are more viewers," White stated. "We want our audience to see as much of your work as possible, on as many platforms as possible."
The same email also served to farewell Chris Bath, who is leaving the network after a decade, with White noting "She will always be a valued member of the 10 family." Following Bath's departure, Georgie Tunny replaced her as host of the network's weekend news bulletin.
Daily Mail has reached out to Channel 10 for comment regarding the latest experimental format changes as the network seeks to reverse its ratings fortunes through innovative broadcasting approaches.
