Australians have called for Channel 10’s current affairs program The Project to be axed, as the network cuts at least 25 jobs in response to the COVID-19 recession.
On Tuesday, The Project and its hosts managed to avoid the swinging axe as the broadcaster announced a dramatic ‘restructuring’ of its news division, with the likes of Kerri-Anne Kennerley, Natarsha Belling and Tim Bailey being made redundant.
But many furious viewers have said that the left-leaning current affairs show, hosted by Waleed Aly and Carrie Bickmore, should have been first on the chopping block.
Australia turns on The Project: Viewers are calling for the current affairs show to be AXED as Channel 10 sacks Kerri-Anne Kennerley, Natarsha Belling and Tim Bailey amid brutal budget cuts. Pictured: The Project hosts Peter Helliar, Waleed Aly, Carrie Bickmore and Tommy Little
The Project has been on the air since 2009 and is hosted on weeknights by Aly, Bickmore and comedian Peter Helliar. Its Sunday edition is hosted by Lisa Wilkinson.
The program also features a variety of regular guest hosts, including Tommy Little, Gorgi Coghlan and Rachel Corbett.
‘Should have sacked the muppets on The Project instead,’ one furious viewer wrote on Facebook after news of the cuts broke on Tuesday afternoon.
‘Axe the Project, it’s s**t,’ another commented, while a third wrote: ‘Sack The Project.’
‘Sack The Project!’ Many furious viewers have said that the left-leaning current affairs show, hosted by Waleed Aly and Carrie Bickmore, should have been first on the chopping block
‘Should have sacked the muppets on The Project instead’: On Tuesday, The Project managed to avoid the swinging axe as Channel 10 announced a dramatic restructuring of its news division, with the likes of Kerri-Anne Kennerley, Natarsha Belling and Tim Bailey being made redundant
Divisive? Despite the uproar, The Project has won several Logie Awards over the years for Most Popular Panel and Most Popular Presenter, which are voted for by the public. In fact, Aly was awarded the coveted Gold Logie for Best Personality on Australian Television in 2016
‘Now they need to cancel The Project and sack Waleed Aly and they might start getting more viewers,’ one angry viewer posted.
Despite the uproar, The Project has won several Logie Awards over the years for Most Popular Panel and Most Popular Presenter, which are voted for by the public.
In fact, Aly was awarded the coveted Gold Logie for Best Personality on Australian Television in 2016.
Aly and Bickmore are believed to earn the same annual salary of $500,000.
The Queensland Times reported in 2015 that they had ‘matching deals’ with Channel 10, but this situation may have changed since.
When Wilkinson joined The Project in 2018, her deal with the network was rumoured to be close to $2.3 million.
Not bad: The Project’s longtime hosts Aly and Bickmore (pictured) are believed to earn the same annual salary of $500,000
Going strong: When Lisa Wilkinson (pictured) joined The Project in 2018, her deal with the network was rumoured to be close to $2.3 million
Despite Channel 10’s news and operations department being ‘restructured’ in response to the sharp decline in advertising revenue, The Project isn’t affected by the cuts.
At least 25 jobs have been cut, with the changes expected to be effective from Monday, September 14.
According to Mumbrella, Studio 10 panellist Joe Hildebrand hasn’t lost his job yet but is understood to be ‘in talks’ with the network about his future.
Despite losing Kennerley and Belling, morning show Studio 10 will continue to air weekdays from 8am to midday for the time being.
Sarah Harris and Angela Bishop are staying, and Denise Drysdale and Denise Scott will continue as contributors.
Job cuts: Channel 10 has sacked several major stars, including Kerri-Anne Kennerley (pictured), Natarsha Belling and weatherman Tim Bailey, as the coronavirus recession continues to devastate the TV industry
Axed: Tim Bailey, who has worked at Channel 10 for three decades, will depart the company
Narelda Jacobs will remain as newsreader and Jono Coleman will present the advertorial segments as normal.
However, the network has advised that more changes will be announced regarding Studio 10 in the coming weeks.
Kennerley’s manager told Daily Mail Australia in a statement: ‘Kerri-Anne’s role on Studio 10 was only part-time two or three days a week. Nevertheless she is disappointed to be finishing up in September but understands the financial pressures on the network. She wishes everyone at Network 10 the best.’
Changes: Despite losing Kennerley and Natarsha Belling (pictured), morning show Studio 10 will continue to air weekdays from 8am to midday
Channel 10’s network director of news content, Ross Dagan, said in a statement about the job cuts: ‘The decision to make these changes was a very difficult one and I want to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to our friends and colleagues who will leave the network.
‘It is in no way a reflection of their talent, contribution or passion. They are exceptionally gifted people. We are incredibly proud of them and their work. There is no doubt they will be missed.
‘These painful changes reflect the state of the media industry in recent years and the need for all media companies to achieve new efficiencies.
‘While our viewers in Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth will see some on-air changes, we will continue to produce local news and employ local reporters, camera operators and production staff in those cities.’
Beverley McGarvey, Channel 10’s chief content officer, added: ‘These decisions are not being made lightly, however, they are essential to future-proofing our business.’
The decision to axe 25 staff members comes three months after the broadcaster announced the closure of its news website 10 Daily.
Will he stay? According to Mumbrella, Studio 10 panellist Joe Hildebrand hasn’t lost his job yet but is understood to be ‘in talks’ with the network about his future
Some of the job cuts will come as a surprise to viewers.
Weather presenter Tim Bailey, for example, is considered a legend at the network, and has been a familiar face for more than 30 years.
He is being replaced by another meteorologist as Channel 10 moves to a national weekday weather model.
Kennerley is a more recent hire, having only joined the Studio 10 panel in September 2018.
Stay tuned: The network has advised that more changes will be announced regarding Studio 10 in the coming weeks