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“It’s time for a change”: Lisa Wilkinson quits The Project

"The last six months have not been easy," says Lisa Wilkinson who reveals media criticism has impacted her professionally and personally.

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Lisa Wilkinson has quit The Project as presenter after five years.

“From tonight, I’m stepping back from hosting the show.  Sitting at this desk and working with this incredible team…. both in front of and behind the camera has been an absolute privilege,” she said.

“These people are genuinely some of the most talented and decent humans I know. And you, our passionate, engaged audience have been so kind in making me feel so welcome in your homes.

“I have had a ball. But for me right now it’s time for a change. To be clear. I’m not leaving 10 and we’re looking at some very exciting work ideas ahead.

“But I also have to be honest with you. The last six months have not been easy. And the relentless, targeted toxicity by some sections of the media has taken a toll not just on me, but on people I love.

“Don’t get me wrong. I’m not above criticism. Far from it. I’m human, and I don’t always get it right. None of us do. But by god I’ve tried. I’ve given this job. Everything I have. And I hope you at home know that. I hope I’ve brought you stories that matter, and introduced you to people whose lives and stories otherwise might never have been told.””

Beverley McGarvey, Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer, Paramount Australia and New Zealand said, “I would like to sincerely thank Lisa Wilkinson for her outstanding contribution to The Sunday Project and The Project. For five years now Lisa has brought experience and professionalism, as well as her signature warmth, compassion and integrity to both shows.

“In her time with the show she has continued to expose, present and report on a variety of ground-breaking and Walkley-nominated stories, both from the studio and out on the road. I know it is a role that Lisa has loved and embraced from day one.

“Lisa has brought her trademark intelligence, humour, empathy and sense of justice to everything she has done, and it is no surprise audiences have continued to welcome her into their loungerooms and onto their screens.

“I know she will be sorely missed both by our audience, and the entire Project team, and whilst we are saddened that Lisa will no longer be on The Project, we look forward to continuing our strong relationship with Lisa into 2023 and beyond.”

WIlkinson’s resignation follows Carrie Bickmore announcing her departure in early October after a 13 year run on the show, as the only original presenter. Her final day at the desk is next week.

This post updates.

31 Responses

  1. When the show first started, it was about presenting real news and proper journalism in a way that was entertaining and informative to younger audiences. It was designed to really make the audience think, and form an informed option while being entertained.

    Recently it’s just turned into news.com.au interviewing Kardashians and promoting a movie or whatever reality TV show Channel 10 is flogging at the time. Add into it commentary that is clearly just there to trigger “outrage” on Twitter, and its no wonder the people that wanted to make it about serious but entertaining journalism are leaving.

  2. Wish her all the best of luck going forward and onto her next project whatever that will be…mind you with both Carrie and Lisa leaving it makes you wonder if something more is going on at The Project. Its probably just a coincidence but makes you wonder. I mean you would have thought, they would have offered Lisa the weeknights spot.

  3. Thanks Lisa and Carrie for your timeless hardwork over the years, you will be missed…….Yes a change is needed in the 5pm – 7.30 time slot, as I have written previously, I predict a 6.00 news hour followed by a current affairs style program at 7.00 pm.
    As for the 5.00 pm slot, it would be great to bring back a classic TV hour that could see the audience sticking around for the 6.00 pm news.

  4. I really liked Lisa on the Today show and when she was on The Project with Peter Van Onsomething, but not with Hamish that was a cold matching.
    I think Lisa is perfect when matched with a down to earth Aussie bloke because you get to see her naturally funny side. I think she has made the right move leaving The Project, now she can leave all that negativity behind her and shine again, hopefully in a morning slot.

  7. It was always strange for a serious journalist to join the Project, at the time Ten was talking about all sorts of side projects Wilkinson was going to do to justify the money. But 10 has a cheap afternoon news and banter on the Project where she ended up on Sunday Night.

  8. Honestly, given her speech at the Logies and what that led to, I was surprised she returned. But I think it’s ultimately for the best. The Project needs a reboot if it’s to survive.

  9. Very sorry to hear Lisa is leaving The Project, but I’m glad she’s not leaving Channel 10 and I look forward to seeing what she does next. Good luck to Lisa.

  10. I guess there is not much of a role for Lisa now on the Project following the change in federal Government. Prior to May her political opinions were relentless. Now she has run out of political content I suppose. It’s a shame. I thought Lisa was going going to be a terrific pick up for Project 5 years ago but her agenda has made the show unwatchable when she is on – especially when you compare her to the so likeable and compassionate Carrie.
    Sounds like big changes are coming to the Project in 2023. Let’s get some balance and discussion happening so the show can attract a wider audience. I want to hear from both sides. not just one side.

    2. I totally agree with you re Lisa and her opinions …. I now don’t watch …. as the Project is largely an opinion show like sky after dark …. Don’t watch if you don’t agree …. I do support what others are saying here … get a head start at 7pm with your reality offerings … the programming dept have to try something because whatever they are doing now is definitely not working

  11. I’ve always felt Lisa was quite full of herself and actually not that bright. Her speech at the Logies was reprehensible and should have got her fired. In fact, in my opinion, she may have been kindly asked to remove herself from the desk and offer up any explanation she felt appropriate. That’s showbiz – Now it’s No Biz for LW.

  12. Especially disappointing to see that this announcement was accompanied by even more trolling online, including by former colleagues. I’ve been a fan of Lisa for a long time and I look forward to whatever she does next. I hope The Project appoint some strong females to fill the very big shoes of Carrie and Lisa.

    1. Yes, I was very disappointed to see this as well – I expected it from some part of the media (i.e. sky news) but I saw a post from a former colleague that I just thought was low. Lets hope for the appointment of strong female voices to fill both of their very big shoes!

  13. I’m really sad to see her go, I really enjoyed her on The Project and it really is sad for the show to have both Carrie and Lisa are going. I don’t always agree with her views, but that’s life right? I wish we could disagree better as a society! I was watching the show the other day and it has Hamish, Lisa, Kate L and Tommy and I thought that must have been the future for the show – it was such good chemistry and entertaining! I was sure of it!

    I’m not a ratings expert, but on other networks there are good lead in and follow up shows for them. Channel 10 is having a hard time with slots at 7.30, surely this is also a factor? I hope the show sticks around, I never watch it at 6.30 (still working) but its the staple in our house after dinner at 8!

  14. Studio 10 – where she should have been all along.
    She had proven herself @ Today and would have brought many viewers from 9. She might still do that.

    ….and Sarah to the Project. Ideally a relaunched Project where they recognize/admit they went a little woke and aim to be more balanced moving forward.

    Controversially – that’d probably mean a Sarah/Hamish Mon-Fri in Sydney, and a Waleed Sunday in Melbs. But helps reduce the hard left stigma with less Waleed.

    1. Totally agree. The show just isn’t copulating or gaining viewers and if anything going backwards. I personally feel they need to bring it back to a 6 – 7pm slot and start prime shows earlier. Peel back on 4 hosts to 3.

  17. I did feel sorry for Lisa tonight but hey, she also dishes it out when someone else gets it wrong. All she had to do was to own up to her mistakes earlier but we got nothing. She is still a great talent and I do like her so hopefully she comes back bigger and better. Maybe become our own Oprah and give us all a new car.

  18. Time to let The Project drift off into the night, it has to be one of the longest deaths in TV history. As for ‘haters’ the ratings don’t lie and I stopped watching The Project years ago. On the odd occasion I’ll tune in, only recently when Carrie announced she was jumping on a life boat. The program is still woefully biased and out of touch.
    Best wishes for Lisa in her future. It would be sad not to see her on our screens anymore, however one has to suspect something is waiting for her next year be it on Ten or at another network.

  19. Best news I’ve heard all year! I quite liked her when she was doing the Today Show with Karl, but she has been utterly horrible on The Sunday Project. She won’t be missed by me that’s for sure!

    1. Agree.
      Very opinionated on The Project and her tweets became headlines, sometimes daily as the Murdoch Press seemed obsessed that her Tweets where the mood of the nation.
      Public life comes with varying degrees of toxicity, it’s how you manage it. Being opinionated doesn’t help. Particularly when it’s a news and current events program.

  20. Props to Lisa, being under constant scrutiny can’t be easy. On a side note, I hope her next gig is something substantial and one where we can see more of her journalism flourish.

    Funnily enough I think she’d be great at ACA, but I know she’s staying at 10.

  21. Time to end the show humanely rather than death by a thousand cuts. The ratings are terrible and lisa needs to own her part in their downfall. She is too biased and viewers left because of it.

  22. I’m sure all the Project haters will come out with their comments, but I really enjoy the show and will be sad to see Carrie & Lisa leave! I think they are real, honest, caring presenters. They cop a lot of criticism from people who should just use the remote how it was invented to be used and change channels if they don’t like it – but they show up each night with their heads held high.
    I hope Georgie Tunny is given the gig – she’s doing a great job the nights she’s on.

  25. Surely this means it’s time to axe the show. Neighbours at 630. And they’re stripped reality getting a head start at 7 (or if they are going to keep the project, 30mins only at 7).

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