Channel 10 looks set to expand its news offering by reintroducing a late evening news bulletin.
While not yet confirmed by the network, TV Blackbox understands plans are well underway for the introduction of 10 Late News in a strategic move designed to target modern viewers who are increasingly unavailable to watch earlier news bulletins.
While rival networks have been focusing their investment at 7:30pm. Channel 10 has been working hard in recent years to win viewers back later in the evening.
Wednesday night on 10 has become the home of local drama, while the likes of HYBPA, The Cheap Seats, and Gogglebox Australia airing at 8:30pm have developed to become the most successful and talked about shows on commercial free-to-air.
The addition of 10 Late News is designed not just to retain but also to enhance late-night viewer engagement. Details regarding who might host the bulletin, or from what city it will be produced are yet to be confirmed
In tandem with the late-night news plans, Channel 10 is also revising its 5pm 10 News First bulletins.
As previously revealed by TV Blackbox, The bulletins are set to be reduced to a one-hour format, strategically removing themselves from the direct competition they currently face with Seven and Nine.
Channel 10 looks set to introduce a revival of the much-loved game show, Deal Or No Deal, aimed at the 6 pm slot. In a move designed to introduce an entertainment-based alternative to the news-heavy programming seen on other channels during that time period.
A spokesperson for Channel 10 declined to confirm or deny questions regarding the reintroduction of 10 Late News but added,
“Any announcements regarding our program schedule for 2024 will be made at our intimate Upfronts presentations.”
Launched for the first time in 1991, 10 Late News initially boasted a strong following, largely thanks to the presence of its notable anchors, Anne Fulwood and Sandra Sully.
However, the bulletin couldn’t maintain its momentum. Frequent changes in anchor line-ups and inconsistent time slots led to a waning viewer interest. Consequently, 10 decided to pull the plug on the bulletin twice, first in 2011 and again in 2014 after an unsuccessful reboot.
By revamping its news bulletins in 2024 and revisiting popular game show formats, the network seems poised to offer a comprehensive viewing experience that spans from the early evening well into the night.
Great move by Ten
Love the late night news coming back, especially with summer approaching, when we can’t all be home in time for the 5, or 6 o’clock news.
Then we just need it followed by Sports Tonight and then a Late Show. Evening sorted.
Ashley Baltetsch Yes!, I’d watch that combination over almost anything else on the other channels