Warburton looking to add depth to TEN schedule
New TEN boss James Warburton wants a Ratings improvement on the main channel and less reliance on Reality programmes.
- Published by David Knox
- on
- Filed under News
In his first interview since taking the CEO chair at TEN, James Warburton is making some positive noises.
He gives every indication that 2012 will prove a fascinating television landscape.
Warburton indicates that Ratings improvement on the main channel is an absolute priority, with too much reliance on Reality programmes.
Junior MasterChef and The Renovators are both expected to be chopped -but the market has been expecting this outcome regardless.
“We’ve got to do more than that, and have more of a connection with the viewer on multiple fronts throughout the course of a week,” he told News Limited.
“I want to steel some attitudes. TEN, in my eyes, has taken a bit of a back seat and let the agenda be run by others. I’d like much more of a fiercely competitive internal and external organisation.
“What we need to do is get back to the broadcasting fundamentals of ratings and revenue. Lachlan set the vision and made a lot of the painful decisions. For him to step in and effectively fill those months when I’ve been restrained – I owe him a great debt and, of course, I plan to repay him.”
He can repay him best by lifting shares -the ratings shares and TEN’s share price on the stock exchange.
He also wants the schedule to be strengthened with more appointment viewing.
But these are positive comments from the new boss, who had his first day in the office yesterday, despite the public holiday. Warburton was held back from work for TEN until January 1, following a much-publicised court case with former employees, Seven.
That’s given him plenty of time to assess TEN shows as well as their rivals, and research online opinions.
“But not a day has gone past since accepting the role that I haven’t been itching to get to the helm of TEN.”
Share
- Tagged with Junior Masterchef, The Renovators
40 Responses
It’s all about programming. It always is in fact.
Amercianise the news, mix of of local and national from 5-7 (it will be a breath of fresh air and like nothing we have seen here). But observe and analyse how they do it.
Stick to your format and target audience
Then listen to your audience. If 40/100 people say “I want more Rush” give them more Rush. You are never going to get more than 40/100. It’s those 40 who count, the other 60 want want 20 different programs.
Good luck James.
It will take a lot to get me back to watching your mish mash of a channel.
More Aussie drama would be good!!! Maybe pick up rescue from nine!! Make alot of people happy in Australia and across the pond in uk 🙂
Returning the Simpsons or some other shows to 6pm.Replacing Homer and Bart with George didn’t work and there was a lot of hate mail in the weeks that followed.
At least he is looking forward, not making endless excuses and is admitting the programming sucks.
The one thing Channel 10 well (reality tv) and they want to cut back on it. I guess its not a surprise considering the way they have destroyed Onetel HD.
How about trying some real lifestyle programming-preferably Australasian produced or focused?
Lachlan Murdoch wrecked TEN in 2011 so there’s alot of work to do from James Warburton. First thing they should do is replaced the 6pm news with something else. TENS ratings at 6-6:30pm are shocking.
The Graham Norton show will get low ratings especially in Melb, Adelaide & Perth as most people will watch the AFL. When Norton was on ABC there weren’t high.
Chaser should do a morning show. The current crudd idea is an example of the other networks setting the agenda.
More Australian comedy please.
The Biggest thing they need to change is the 90 min news!!! Worst decision ever! And if they insist on keeping it then it needs to differ from the 5-6pm news rather than tell the same stories, they could easily do a 5 min update at 5.55pm.
Then they need to either move the project to 6-7pm or have it for 30 mins from 6.30-7 and get something for 6-6.30
I am going to go against the tide of negativity and just say good luck Mr Warburton, I have a feeling you will do very well. I found the line about ‘letting the agenda be run by others’ to be very interesting, Gina R anyone?
I would just like to remind people 7 & 9 are quite dependant on reality too AGt, the Block, XF, MKR. It’s everywhere!
lets face it he cant do any worse
@Mr J – Neighbours won’t be dropped. The overseas sales are huge.
Agree that the Murdoch boy has set the bar so low the only way is up.
Seems that TT and ACA isn’t TEN’s worry now so much, rather it’s ABC1.
@tmorgan… they did that with Rush, but as soon as the funding was cut, the show was cut. Scripted drama costs too much money unfortunately.
I want Neighbours at 7:00pm with a PG rating, The Project at 6:30, The Simpsons/Modern Family at 6:00, news from 5-6, then their reality shows etc from 7:30pm.