It seems that the economic crisis caused by COVID-19 has claimed another victim in the digital news space with senior reporter for 10 Daily Josh Butler announcing on Twitter that Network 10’s news site will be closing up shop on Friday.
His announcement read:
” Sad news – 10Daily is being closed from Friday There will be a lot of people left without jobs – news, lifestyle and entertainment journalists; editors; video editors; social staff. They’re all guns If you need people, please DM me and I can recommend you a few legends to hire “
Sad news – @10Daily is being closed from Friday
There will be a lot of people left without jobs – news, lifestyle and entertainment journalists; editors; video editors; social staff. They’re all guns
If you need people, please DM me and I can recommend you a few legends to hire
— Josh Butler 🏉🏝️ (@JoshButler) May 18, 2020
Network 10 released this statement about the closure a short time ago:
“Network 10’s digital media strategy is evolving to capitalise on our momentum and match the new ViacomCBS global operating model. That means an increased emphasis on streaming services and social media.
“Over the past two years, 10 Daily has established a strong presence and a loyal following, thanks to a passionate and hardworking team producing great content. We are grateful for their efforts to drive that success. As a result of the strategic change, however, 10 Daily will cease to exist as a standalone website.
“Some of the 10 Daily roles will remain. Some of the 10 Daily content will also transfer to 10 Play and our social media brands.”
10 wouldn’t comment on the impact on staff numbers. It is thought there are about 30 people working on 10 Daily with some of them to stay with the business.
The closure comes almost two years after launching in 2018 and boasting contributors including Lisa Wilkinson, Waleed Aly, Clementine Ford, Jane Caro and Tanya Hennessy.
Last Year 10 Daily editor Chris Harrison told Mediaweek that “Our tag line is “News with benefits” – a lot of people are coming to us for news, but they are also staying for the benefits.”
The closure of 10 Daily comes just days after Buzzfeed pulled the pin on its operations in Australia.