Channel 10 has sacked several major stars, including Kerri-Anne Kennerley, Natarsha Belling and weatherman Tim Bailey, as the coronavirus recession continues to devastate the TV industry.
At least 20 jobs have been cut and staff have been informed that the news and operations department is being ‘restructured’ in response to the sharp decline in advertising revenue.
Current affairs program The Project, hosted by Waleed Aly, Carrie Bickmore and Peter Helliar, is not affected by the cuts.
The changes are expected to be effective from Monday, September 14.
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
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.
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.
Channel 10’s network director of news content, Ross Dagan, said in a statement: ‘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.
Changes: Despite losing Kennerley and Natarsha Belling (pictured), morning show Studio 10 will continue to air weekdays from 8am to midday
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
‘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 20 staff members comes three months after the broadcaster announced the closure of its news website 10 Daily.
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.
Kerri-Anne Kennerley is a more recent hire, having only joined the Studio 10 panel in September 2018.
Since then, her controversial views have helped Studio 10 punch above its weight in terms of setting the news agenda.
However, her opinions on Aboriginal issues have sparked significant backlash, and a segment from January 2019 was the subject of a complaint to the TV watchdog.
Stay tuned: The network has advised that more changes will be announced regarding Studio 10 in the coming weeks
During the broadcast, Kennerley and fellow panellist Yumi Stynes locked horns while debating the ‘Invasion Day’ protests.
Kennerley called out protesters at the event, and questioned whether they could be doing more to help the people they were defending.
‘Okay, the 5,000 people who went through the streets making their points known, saying how inappropriate the day is,’ she began.
‘Has any single one of those people been out to the Outback, where children, babies, five-year-olds, are being raped?
‘Their mothers are being raped, their sisters are being raped. They get no education. What have you done?’
Making headlines: Kennerley only joined Studio 10 in September 2018. Since then, her divisive views have helped the program punch above its weight in terms of setting the news agenda
The panel sat in shocked silence for several seconds Stynes went straight for the jugular.
‘That is not even faintly true, Kerri-Anne. You’re sounding quite racist right now,’ she said.
Kennerley responded by stating she was offended, but Stynes doubled down.
‘Well keep going then, because every time you open your mouth you’re sounding racist.’
The Australian Communications and Media Authority later ruled that Channel 10 hadn’t breached its guidelines, stating that Kennerley’s comments were sufficiently balanced by Stynes’ response.