Channel 10 has announced it has axed several of its high profile stars, including Studio 10 presenters Kerri-Anne Kennerley, Natarsha Belling and weatherman Tim Bailey.
It comes amid a slew of cuts across the network, in what’s been described as one of the company’s biggest shake-ups following CBS’ merge with media giant Viacom.
Network 10’s chief content officer, Beverley McGarvey, told staff in a video message that the network was making changes so it was more efficient and that the changes “reflect the state of the media industry”.
Among the casualties who have been made redundant include nearly all the Network 10 presenting staff in Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide, along with all the weather presenters, who will be replaced with one national weather presenter.
“There will also be some changes to the presentation of Studio 10, the details of which will be communicated to the relevant staff,” McGarvey said.
“We remain committed to our news organisation, and deeply value this team’s work.”
While Studio 10’s Kennerley and Belling will be forced to exit the show, Sarah Harris and Angela Bishop will stay on, while Denise Drysdale, Denise Scott and Jono Coleman will continue as contributors. Narelda Jacobs will still present the news, while Joe Hildebrand is also reportedly in talks about his future with the network.
Love Film & TV?
Get the latest Film & TV news, features, updates and giveaways straight to your inbox Learn more
“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,” Ten’s network director of news content, Ross Dagan, said in a statement.
“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,” he said.
It comes following the closure of Channel 10’s website 10 daily back in May, which saw more than 20 staff made redundant (ahem, this reporter included).
According to Mumbrella, at least 20 roles will be impacted by the cuts. In a statement from 10, the network confirmed staff had been advised of a restructuring of its news and operations department today.
