Network 10 is yet to officially announce Denham Hitchcock’s appointment, but an internal email sent to staff by News Director Martin White on Sunday has confirmed the veteran reporter will be part of the network’s newly-established Investigative Unit, alongside new recruit Amelia Brace.
The internal memo, obtained by TV Blackbox, outlines the team tasked with developing long-form content under respected reporter Daniel Sutton — whose appointment to lead the unit can also now be officially confirmed for the first time.
The email, sighted by TV Blackbox reads:
“Denham is a vastly experienced, internationally recognised story-breaker, and Amelia is a Walkley winner who has worked in Canberra and the United States.”
White wrote.
“They will both be developing ideas for 10 News with Dan Sutton.”
While Network 10 issued a public statement last week confirming the establishment of its Investigative Unit, it did not respond to TV Blackbox’s inquiries about Amelia Brace’s involvement — following our exclusive report on Saturday revealing she had quietly exited Seven and was set to join the network.
Journalist Steve Jackson of The Australian first reported Hitchcock’s appointment publicly on Sunday night, also noting that the journalist and presenter is reportedly set to host a new flagship program for the network — a significant move as 10 gears up for a return to long-form current affairs.
Now, with yesterday’s confirmation and further reporting from The Australian’s Steve Jackson, it’s clear 10 is aggressively expanding its current affairs footprint. Jackson reports that Hitchcock is set to host the new flagship program the network is developing — a potentially major move for 10, marking a return to long-form journalism not seen since its 2011 “news revolution” era.
Backed by a reported new $20 million content fund from Paramount Global, the same figure the network reportedly previously invested into launching programs like 6:00 with George Negus (which later moved to 6:30) and Ten Evening News in 2011, the upcoming format will reportedly aim to compete with the likes of Four Corners, Spotlight, and 60 Minutes.
Jackson also reports that Seven’s Sydney reporter Bill Hogan has joined the network as part of this strategic ramp-up, though 10 has not publicly confirmed his appointment as yet – and there is apparently more to come.
Reflecting on the move, Hitchcock confirmed he is joining the network and shared a personal connection to 10 on his Instagram today, saying:
“Well here we go. I’ve switched channels.”
“But also in a way – I’ve come full circle. I grew up watching my father on Channel Ten News every night. I had a bunk bed with Eyewitness News stickers all over it – and can still sing the theme song.”
He added:
“I’m delighted to start work here today – joining the network to help with its plans for the future.”
Hitchcock, who previously worked with Seven and made a recent fleeting freelance return to Spotlight in February, brings decades of field reporting experience to the role, including international coverage.
As 10 positions itself for a bigger play in the newsmagazine space, all eyes will be on what this new format looks like — and whether the investment pays off.
Is there any chance Denham could head to my place ??
Mez Edith Hills ummmm how about no
I like him
Me too. Welcome back to the Newsroom Denham.