But that’s pretty much exactly what they did with George Negus - and it flopped. Big time.
I’m amazed this project () has lasted as long as it has with the ratings being so poor. I’m sure 10 have their reasons for keeping it on, but as an outsider it just seems to make little sense.
As others have already said, extending the news then double DOND seems such an obvious solution, so I’m baffled as to why they’ve stuck with this News+ when it’s doing so badly. Again, I’m sure they have their reasons but it just doesn’t make sense from an outside point of view.
I also think the hour at 6 was dead on arrival. Why fight a battle that they’ll never win against 7 and 9? The Project worked because it was an alternative. Though really i think they were stupid to have ever dropped the Simpsons/Neighbours slot
The point of difference this time is that there is NO 30 minute news bulletin in the 6-7pm slot anymore. That creates an opportunity. 7 News, 9 News and SBS World News is 1 hour, so is ABC News at 6 on ABC News channel.
We also need to consider the so-called news revolution was 14 years ago AND if we dismiss an idea because of previous attempts, then 7 would not have the afternoon news now
But it’s such a crowded market between 6 and 7. No one would watch, as has been proven with this 10 News+ debacle. I take your point - a half hour bulletin could be good - but not between 6 and 7.
If I were in charge I’d make 5pm a national, hour-long bulletin then have 30 minute local news at 7 and 9.30. Later local news could be a real point of difference to the other networks.
If half hour formats is the way they go they should commission a few things to air in the 6-7pm slot in 2026 rather than put their eggs all in one basket and hope by the end of the year they’ve got formats that can then fill the year.
Agreed, the One Show is the perfect model for 10 to follow. A light early evening news magazine as a less intense alternative to the 6pm news bulletins.
My ideal scenario would be to bring back a Project-esque news show for Sundays as a bit more of a weekly topical program, with a separate Monday to Friday show.
If both other commercial networks are broadcasting news between 6-7pm, counter it with comedy programming. The news is sad and depressing to watch now, 10 needs escapism between 6-7pm, a refuge for viewers who are genuinely exhausted by the news cycle.
Edit: Just had a look at what ABC is airing before ABC News - it’s Hard Quiz. Exactly how you should be countering 7/9 News
I don’t think the markets are smaller necessarily - I think it’s the ad market. Yes there are still regional ads but not to the scale or number as in the USA (from that I’ve experienced). And the ad buy is concentrated nationally compared to the USA.
More regional advertisers than Australia in smaller markets. Not the numbers it’s the number of businesses using advertising in those markets. And those selling the ads.
Unlike Seinfeld, Frasier, Big Bang Theory etc The Simpsons is still in production. It is still relevant and has 20+ years of success in the 6pm slot. (maybe time to open my favourite thread up again)?
Under 100k should be the trigger. This show must be axed by first meeting tomorrow.
Could the right format, a nightly chat /entertainment lifestyle program, be right under 10’s nose for the 6pm slot weeknights?
I know the rebooted version didn’t work or capture the same charm as the original, but with the right line-up and format, there could be life in the format still.
Have you been reading the thread or did you just pluck one post to reply to snarkily?? I’ve already suggested more light entertainment formats that lean into comedy.
Last time The Simpsons was at 6pm on 10 it got ratings of 200k and that was in 2013/14 - given how there has been a decline in audiences overall in television since then, it will probably do the same, if not, worse, than 10 News +
10 also have to air a certain amount of locally made content - The Simpsons isn’t going to fill that gap.
) has lasted as long as it has with the ratings being so poor. I’m sure 10 have their reasons for keeping it on, but as an outsider it just seems to make little sense.