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David Mott quits Network TEN

“I am proud of the bold programming decisions we have made .....It’s been a great ride, and I’ve loved every second of it."

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Statement from Network TEN:

TEN Programming Chief David Mott has resigned after 16 years with the network.

The move follows the repeated failure of new programmes and TEN’s ratings falling behind the ABC last week.

“David has had an extraordinary career at TEN over the past 16 years,” Network Ten Chief Executive, James Warburton, said.

“He has been a fantastic asset for the network and we are sorry to see him go. David’s legacy at Ten includes landmark television programs such as MasterChef, Australian Idol, Rove Live, The Biggest Loser, Thank God You’re Here, The Project and Big Brother, and – more recently – Offspring, Puberty Blues, MasterChef All Stars and Bikie Wars: Brothers In Arms.”

Mott said: “It’s a sad day when you say goodbye to friends and colleagues, and leave a place you hold so dear. But it’s a great day when you take stock on what has been achieved over 16 fantastic years.

“I am proud of the bold programming decisions we have made at Ten over that time, because without risk there is less chance of success.

“In a job where you live and die by the numbers, perhaps I’ve been luckier than most. It’s been a great ride, and I’ve loved every second of it. I leave behind a focused and committed creative team and I wish them all the best for the future.”

Mott had always been perceived as the public face of TEN, despite other CEOs including Grant Blackley above him, regularly quoted in media interviews alongside other network CEOs.

His ability to create bold programming reached a peak with shows like MasterChef when the industry questioned a cooking show as a replacement for Big Brother.

But in the last 18 months a new board and new management has challenged TEN’s programming direction.

Mott remained at TEN under new CEO James Warburton and acting CEO Lachlan Murdoch despite an overhaul of executives across the last 12-18 months.

Beverley McGarvey continues as Head of Programming and assumes Mott’s responsibilities on an acting basis.

This post updates.

87 Responses

  1. It’s a pity because most of those 16 years Ch 10 was my favourite Channel it’s only since the Murdoch’s took over that it has gone down the gurgler! So was that Mott’s fault or the Murdoch’s?

  2. Those of you slagging off David Mott are being very unfair. David’s a highly accomplished Head of Programming who, under Grant Blackely, produced a very long string of big successes, often taking the kinds of risks no other network would even dare to.

    The problems at Ten stem from when Murdoch took control of the company, not the previous decade and a half that Mott was at the helm!

    1. I see some misconceptions already….. Programming Chief does not hire Sales Head. Yes he commissioned hit dramas. Mott is well-regarded by the industry and made some brave calls when creativity was able to flourish. One man is not responsible for the wider issues at TEN which extend all the way to the board across an extended period.

  8. Inevitable and had to happen.

    He may have struck gold in years past but the last couple of years have been, for the most part, a dogs breakfast.

    Ten have to get back to basics and educate viewers about what kind of television to expect on what nights and at what times.

    The lack of consistency & complimentary programming in their schedule has made it impossible for any casual viewer to build any loyalty to the network.

    The Americans do it well – you know what kind of shows to expect on what nights and shows are constantly commissioned to replace those that have finished their season or are towards the end of their lives.

    The only slot I can identify on Ten’s schedule right now that has any consistency is Wednesdays at 8.30 – quirky, female skewed Australia drama.

  10. Sounds like he may have had to take a swan dive onto his sword, given the timing of this resignation. He will be a huge loss to the network, it must feel like dead man walking at Ten at the moment.

  13. @ IRT, I think Adam Boland eventually becoming the director of News and Current Affairs at Channel Seven is more realistic than he commiting career suicide by going over to Ten, no matter how many rumours there are of he being close friends with the CEO.

  14. In all his tenure, he failed to commission a hugely successful drama, is that right David? I’m talking Ist series Underbelly, Howzat numbers, not one-mill.

  15. Mott wasn’t the problem here. He did a good job and in the latter stages i.e. 2011/2012 he can only work with a budget he is given – he bought so many hits to Australian FTA over the years – its ok to kick someone when they’re down but most people fail to recognise the successes he has created.

  19. “In a job where you live and die by the numbers”.

    This is the only smart thing you’ve ever said. Die by the numbers you did and in the process, and you were thrown out.

    I’d be interested to see where he ends up now.

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