Network 10 dumps nightly 10 News+ format in news shake-up
Ten shifts resources to local news as 10 News+ becomes a Sunday-only program, with some roles impacted.
Network 10 is scaling back its nightly 10 News+ experiment and redirecting resources into local news, with the broadcaster expanding its weekday 5pm bulletin to 90 minutes while reducing 10 News+ to a weekly Sunday program.
The changes, which take effect from August 10, mark a significant shift in the network's news strategy, prioritising local reporting and breaking news coverage over a nightly national current affairs format.
A Network 10 spokesperson confirmed the move to Mediaweek in a statement: "From Monday, August 10, 10 News will expand to 90 minutes from Monday to Friday, with more resources being invested into the local 5pm news bulletin to deliver audiences more of the local stories, breaking news and in-depth reporting they rely on.
“10 News+ remains our weekly news and current affairs program on Sunday nights at 6.30pm. It will continue to provide viewers with compelling investigations and long-form journalism, both of which remain central to 10’s news offering.
“Amelia Brace and Denham Hitchcock will continue to front 10 News+ on Sunday.”
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A pivot back to local news
In an email to staff, Vice President of News Martin White said the network was redirecting resources to local news after audience feedback indicated that viewers wanted more coverage from their own markets.
“We are shifting resourcing to local news at 5pm, with a return to our 90-minute bulletin Monday to Friday, in line with our weekend schedule. While we are still finalising the format, we are making this change because our audience has told us they want more local news.”
White said 10 News+ would continue to produce investigations and exclusives throughout the week despite the format change.
“We will still give audiences investigations, exclusives and insight via the 10 News+ team across the week, as well as on Sunday’s dedicated program. This will provide more content for the states and lighten the workload on teams around the country.”
Roles affected
The restructure will also result in a number of positions being impacted across the news division.
“As a result of these changes, a small number of roles across 10 News+ and operations will be impacted. It’s a difficult time for our industry, please support your colleagues.”
White said a formal consultation process would take place given the roster changes.
“Given this is a change to rostering, there is a consultation process so please discuss with your manager if you have any concerns or feedback.”
Audience growth despite change
The decision comes despite Network 10 reporting audience growth across its news products.
“I want to be clear – we are incredibly proud of all our news bulletins, and the quality journalism we produce every day. Last month, 10 News saw its largest monthly national audience total since January. Throughout the year, the 10 News streaming audience is up 45% in 2025. 10’s Late News is having its biggest audiences since its return in 2024.
“This is a necessary pivot to maximise our resourcing and deliver more local news for our audiences.”
The changes are scheduled to take effect on Monday, August 10.
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