The MEAA has condemned the latest round of redundancies at Network Ten, claiming these will further erode its broadcast and editorial functions and massively increase the workload of the remaining staff.
The union says Ten has shed about 250 employees, representing 40% of its broadcast and journalist staff, since 2012.
“These cuts represent repeated failures in strategy by Ten’s board of directors and senior executives whose jobs appear safe,” it told its members.
The union said Ten’s management confirmed there will be a loss of 150 positions, including current vacancies which will not be filled.
Management advised a voluntary redundancy round will be open for two weeks, closing on June 4. Meetings of MEAA members are being held this week.
Wake Up will fold on Friday, the same day that Ten is scrapping its early morning, 11 am and late-night news. The 5 pm news, which wins its time slot, will continue.
CEO Hamish McLennan said in an email to staff: “It is a tough period for Ten and we need to take some painful, but necessary, measures to restructure the business. Our existing business model needs to change and we need to achieve greater efficiencies, tighter cost management and greater focus in terms of the parts of the company in which we invest.
“We are in a constant, fierce battle for the attention of viewers and we need to ensure we are investing in the areas that will deliver the greatest potential in terms of audiences and revenue. The next few weeks will be a difficult and sad period, as colleagues leave the business.”
The early news and Wake Up are being replaced by Ready Steady Cook, Entertainment Tonight, repeats of The Bold and The Beautiful and Jamie’s 30 Minute Meals. The 11 am slot is being filled with reruns of local shows such as MasterChef Australia.