Network Ten has axed struggling program The Circle while Breakfast was spared amid a restructure of its morning line-up.
From next Monday 6 August, Ten will unveil a revamped line-up which includes the return of its morning news and American imports The Talk, Entertainment Tonight and The Insider.
The Circle, which is currently broadcast between 9am and 11:30am will cease production after two and a half years on air. The morning program has been flailing in the ratings, often unable to garner half the audience numbers as its rivals on Seven and Nine, The Morning Show and Mornings respectively.
Last Thursday, The Circle attracted 62,000 viewers compared to The Morning Show's 145,000 viewers and Morning's 117,000 viewers.
Surprisingly, Breakfast was spared the cut and will continue to be part of Ten's schedule, albeit 30 minutes shorter. Breakfast was watched by a mere 38,000 viewers last Thursday, about 10% of the numbers commanded by its network rivals. Breakfast will continue to be hosted by controversial personality Paul Henry, Kathryn Robinson and Magdalena Roze. Andrew Rochford departed the show a few weeks back but continues to appear on The Project.
Ten chief executive James Warburton said: “The decision to cease production of The Circle is unfortunate and was not taken lightly. But tight fiscal control and cost discipline are a core part of our strategy.”
Ten head of news and current affairs Anthony Flannery said: “We appreciate the efforts and dedication of everyone involved with The Circle, including executive producer Pam Barnes.”
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