Network 10 staff speak out as Brisbane jobs hang in the balance

Network 10’s Brisbane newsroom has been rocked by a behind-the-scenes shake-up, with multiple staff facing redeployment as part of a sweeping national restructure.

An insider said the changes have made those in the newsroom feel “demoralised”.

Network 10’s Brisbane newsroom has been rocked by a behind-the-scenes shake-up, with multiple staff facing the axe as part of a sweeping national restructure.

Three local operations staff have reportedly been asked to relocate to Sydney or Melbourne, with redundancy offered to those who decline.

The changes follow similar moves in Adelaide and Perth as the network consolidates parts of its technical operations nationwide.

An email seen by The Courier-Mail from Network 10’s vice president of news, Martin White, confirmed the decision was aimed at improving efficiency across states and to streamline workflows.

“As we continue to bolster our successful news offering, we are changing our media management and editing workflow around the states to ensure greater efficiency at a challenging time for our industry,” the email read.

“No local news gathering, journalism or presentation is impacted by this move in any way.”

Sources said the changes mainly affected experienced video editors and operations crew. Despite the restructure, reporting, presenting, and editing roles are still expected to remain in Brisbane, with no overall reduction in staff numbers.

While no on-air or editorial positions have been cut, the changes have caused concern among staff.

One insider told The Courier-Mail the newsroom was feeling “demoralised,” adding: “These changes make no sense.”

The developments come just weeks after the network announced it would axe The Project after 16 years on air.

Its final episode will screen on June 27, with a national one-hour news bulletin at 6pm set to take its place.

Network 10 has pointed to a 12 per cent year-on-year increase in viewership for its weekday 5pm bulletins as a sign of continued growth in its news division.

However, the most recent national ratings show Network 10 trailing its competitors, with 10 News First drawing 750,000 viewers in its 5pm Sunday slot, compared to 2.44 million and 2.47 million for Seven and Nine’s 6pm bulletins, respectively.

The broadcaster has not publicly commented on the Brisbane changes, but it is understood redeployment offers have been made to all affected staff.

Originally published as Network 10 staff speak out as Brisbane jobs hang in the balance