‘Disaster': Network 10 could ‘pull the plug' on 10News+ after disastrous first week ratings
10 News+ began last week on the channel after The Project aired its final episode, but sadly for the network the ratings were lacklustre at best.
It reflected on social media too, where criticism of the new show was swift and cutting from viewers.
Launching with just 291,000 viewers, it continued to decline throughout the week, eventually being surpassed by a regional offering.
According to insiders at 10, the original proposal was to replace The Project with a five-nights-a-week version of The Cheap Seats.
However, after much deliberation, bosses at 10 decided to opt for a hard news show instead.
'They screwed up ... and that probably wasn't the right foundation for what was needed to triumph in that timeslot,' 10 insider told Daily Mail Australia.
'Everyone felt rushed. It was clear the format wasn't ready but they needed something fast to replace and justify the budget cuts.'
Things have reportedly gone so bad after the show's first week on air that insiders at the network believe the show won't last out the year.
'There's already talk that they'll pull the plug once the ratings come in,' added the insider, while another called the show a 'total disaster' for Network 10.
Martin White, vice president of broadcast news at Paramount and EP Daniel Sutton are the two faces thought to be facing the most heat from the new show's poor showing.
'Disaster. An EP who has never produced anything before. Hosts who have never hosted anything before,' they said. 'I watched it last night – it's genuinely terrible. Day one – stillborn. Day two – buried. Martin's masterpiece.''
A spokesperson for Network 10said they recognise that building up an audience is a 'marathon and not a sprint'.
'Daniel Sutton is a seasoned journalist and producer with 25 years' experience. Network 10 is proud to invest in its staff and promote talented executives.'
'Ten is taking a long-term, multi-platform view of audience development. Building a loyal news audience takes time, and we are prepared for gradual growth as audiences discover and connect with our unique approach to news delivery across many platforms.
'Ten is fully committed to 10 News+. This is a marathon, not a sprint. We are investing in building a sustainable, quality multi-platform news service that will grow and evolve with our audience's needs over time.'
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