Channel 10 axes kids Totally Wild after almost 30 years

Brisbane TV’s “Ranger Stacey” has shared her sadness on social media after the axing of her nearly three-decade-old show.

“Ranger Stacey” Thomson has taken to Instagram to share her sadness at the axing of long-running children’s television show Totally Wild.

Channel 10 axed the stalwart Brisbane program today after nearly 30 years.

As part of a changing business strategy at the Mt Coot-tha studio, both Brisbane children’s shows Totally Wild and Scope TV have not been renewed in 2021 in a bid to develop and produce more children’s drama programs.

“Next year would have marked 30 years of Totally Wild, and I’m proud to say I’ve been there since day one!” Thomson posted on Instagram tonight.

“From my early career as a fresh-faced young blonde National Parks and Wildlife ranger, I fell into the world of kids’ TV...

“Best of all I met my husband while filming together, and we have two beautiful daughters...

“Thanks to my crews, colleagues, workmates, fellow presenters, and all of the amazing interviewees, people and animals I’ve met along the way...

“It’s sad, yes, but I’m grateful for the amazing career I’ve had so far... and look forward to the next chapter (whatever that may be).”

Totally Wild, long regarded as the benchmark for kids’ television in Australia, has been produced by Network 10 since 1992.

Staff in the children’s department were told in a series of meetings this morning, with a number of presenting and production staff set to lose their jobs.

Stacey Thomson aka Ranger Stacey at the Channel 10 studios at Mt Coot-tha. Picture: Tara Croser.

“Network 10 remains committed to creating and producing local children’s content, but its strategy has evolved to include the development and production of more children’s drama programs,” a Network 10 spokesperson told The Courier-Mail.

“The Network 10 children’s department will remain an integral part of the business and will remain based in Brisbane.

“As a result of these shows no longer being produced, some on-air presenters and production staff will leave Network 10.

“The network would like to thank those people for their dedication and hard work.”

It is understood Thomson’s future with the network is yet to be determined.

Stacey Thomson with ' Rupert ' the Red Tailed Black Cockatoo, at Lone Pine on October 22, 1999 Picture: Campbell/Scott

In an email seen by The Courier-Mail sent to Channel 10 staff this morning, chief content officer Beverley McGarvey said a redundancy program would begin for some members of the children’s television department, and the network would “say goodbye to some incredibly talented colleagues and friends who have made important contributions to our business”.

“I would like to express my sincere thanks and gratitude for the great work, commitment and enthusiasm the departing staff have shown to their jobs and our company. It is in no way a reflection of their talent, contribution or passion,” Ms McGarvey continued.

Totally Wild is presented as a news program, covering stories on Australia’s flora and fauna, action sports, the environment and science and technology.

Current presenters include Thomson, Jesse Baird, Emily Dickson, Jack Kelly and Brooke Marsden.

Totally Wild, which was moved to the 10 Shake channel last September, will continue airing with new episodes twice a week until July.

Scope TV, a science program airing since 2005, is not currently on air.

Early last year Channel 7 axed its slate of local lifestyle programs, but Weekender and Creek to Coast were subsequently reinstated in the following weeks after local sponsors stepped in to provide the funding withdrawn by the network.