After months of speculation, Network 10 has officially announced the cancellation of The Project.
Ten has announced that the final episode of The Project will air on 27 June, with over 4,500 episodes of the show having aired in what was nearly a 16-year run for the show.
A new one-hour national news and current affairs show will launch at 6pm, with Deal or No Deal moved to a new 7pm timeslot. The one-hour 5pm local news bulletins will continue on the schedule.
Ten is not confirming any details about the new one-hour news program, however it is believed that former 7 News reporters Amelia Brace and Denham Hitchcock will be involved in the show. Last week in an interview with Mediaweek, Martin White, Vice-President of Broadcast News at Ten, confirmed their hire and advised that “They will both be developing ideas for 10 News with Dan Sutton”.
In recent weeks Ten has been actively recruiting for staff for its news division, with roles including Senior Journalists, Digital Producers, News Producers, and Graphic Artists.
Denham Hitchcock (Instagram)
Current hosts of The Project Waleed Aly, Sarah Harris, and Hamish Macdonald are believed to be leaving the network.
In a statement from Ten, the network emphasised the strength of The Project as a news problem and the resonance it had with the Ten audience: “The recipient of 11 TV WEEK Logie awards and one Walkley award, The Project led the way with thought-provoking and unique conversations on primetime television covering a myriad of topics including marriage equality, animal welfare, disability awareness, NDIS, and domestic and family violence.
“The show has successfully balanced humour and heart with poignant discussions about current affairs and celebrity interviews that had the whole country, and sometimes the world, talking.”
Craig Campbell, Creative Director, Roving Enterprises & Creator Of The Project said: “16 years ago I could not have dreamed that our entertainment company’s take on the day would become part of a grown-up news cycle.
“We have launched campaigns, raised lifesaving cash for those that needed it, shone a light on people who deserved to be seen and hopefully made people smile and believe in the importance of a positive message.
“The show has also been the prime-time destination for countless Australian actors and musicians, and I am proud we have been here as a showcase for the entertainment industry.
“We have an extraordinary team making this show every day and I know this news will hit them hard. It’s been a privilege to work with them and the hundreds of others that joined us along the way.”