Hamish McLennan ... starts at Ten today. Photo: Peter Braig
Hamish McLennan takes over, officially, as the Ten Network's new CEO today.
His staff, and the broader TV industry watching from the sidelines, are hoping he can lead the network forward out of two years of management turbulence, tectonic change and programming inertia.
Ten shares were flat at 35 cents, after falling almost 2.9 per cent in early trade.
Ten's performance since the start of 2013 has been soft. Ratings data can be shaped using several variables but assuming prime-time is 6pm-10.30pm - which Ten does - the network has lost between 15 and 17 per cent of its market share year on year.
Broadening that out to the full 24-hour schedule, and factoring in Ten's "combined" share (that is, the total share of Ten-owned channels including Ten, One and Eleven), the loss slims down to around 12-13 per cent.
But no matter how you look at it, those numbers are bad. In the same period of time both Nine and Seven have gained ground, a little at Ten's expense, though most of Ten's loss has been soaked up by ABC1 and smaller digital channels, such as 7Two and Go.
Historically Ten has always fallen behind Seven and Nine on the ratings ladder, but in the last two decades it has offset that by pitching itself directly to a younger demographic. At one point, Ten was the third ranked network but the most profitable. Now, in effect, it is neither.
In pure dollar terms, however, the business is still robust. Two capital raisings last year poured money into Ten, dissolving its debt, and revenue currently sits around the $750 million mark. Its biggest challenge is re-invigorating its program schedule, and persuading a sceptical public to sample Ten again.
In the short term that includes a suite of new programming, including new dramas Wonderland and Batavia, the UK series Ripper Street, a new version of its established hit The Biggest Loser and a play for cricket rights, which have been traditionally held by the Nine Network.
The lack of a marquee sport is a weakness for Ten. The network surrendered its shared AFL rights in the hope it could more effectively bid for the NRL, but ended up with neither.
Earlier this month McLennan said he believed the fixes at Ten were not big ones. "We must be nimble in a tough environment and we have the opportunity to reinvigorate every [program] tentpole," he said. McLennan said the board and shareholders were "supportive of the rebuilding of our schedule".
Meanwhile, McLennan criticised the federal government's proposed media reforms at a hearing in front of a joint houses select committee in Canberra on Monday.
"I think if this reach rule is pulled away and rammed through government, my issue is that I believe there will be less diversity and I think that has massive implications on regional Australia," McLennan said.
with AAP
TEN's 2013 PROGRAM DANCE CARD
The Biggest Loser: The Next Generation
Contestants, in parent-and-child pairings, compete to lose weight. The format works best with a strong emotional touchstone. This looks like a strong performer.
Wonderland
A contemporary romantic comedy designed to appeal to Offspring's audience, from Packed to the Rafters producer Jo Porter. It comes with excellent production pedigree.
Batavia
Based on Peter FitzSimons' brilliant book Batavia, the largely forgotten story of the shipwreck of the Batavia, off the coast of Western Australia in 1629.
Secrets & Lies: The Track
A psychological thriller from edgy, award-winning production company Hoodlum, about an innocent man accused of murder who desperately tries to find the real killer.
Reef Doctors
A family drama, starring Gold Logie Award-winner Lisa McCune, set on the Barrier Reef. It has a strong cast, but Ten has already delayed its launch several times.
The Truth Is ...
A news and current affairs program, described as "60 Minutes on steroids", to be fronted by Ten's newsroom star, journalist Hamish Macdonald.
Ripper Street
British crime drama, a sort of period procedural, set in the East End of London in 1888 during the aftermath of the Jack the Ripper murders, starring Matthew Macfadyen (Spooks).
Recipe to Riches
A new food series, focusing on home-cooked food. Launching after Masterchef, MKR and Bake Off, the audience may not have the appetite for another kitchen competition.
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