40 Facts About Channel 10

Founding and Early History

Channel 10, also known as Network 10, has a rich history that dates back to the 1960s. Let's explore its origins and early milestones.

1. Network 10 was founded in 1964 by Reg Grundy, a renowned Australian media mogul. The network began its operations on October 16, 1964, with the first broadcast of a television program called "The Happy Days."

2. Over the years, Network 10 has undergone several rebranding and ownership changes. Despite these changes, it remains a significant player in Australian television.

3. In 2006, Network 10 rebranded itself as Ten Network Holdings, marking a significant shift in its corporate identity. The network has also been known by various names such as Channel 10, the 10 Network, and simply 10.

Ownership and Coverage

Understanding the ownership and reach of Network 10 provides insight into its influence and accessibility.

4. As of 2023, Network 10 is owned by Ten Network Holdings, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Paramount Global's UK & Australia division. This partnership has allowed the network to leverage global resources and expand its programming offerings.

5. Network 10 operates in the state capital cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth. The network's owned-and-operated stations cover these major metropolitan areas, while affiliates extend its reach to regional areas across the country.

6. Network 10 is generally the fourth-rated television network in Australia, behind the Seven Network, Nine Network, and ABC TV. Despite this, it remains a significant player in the Australian television landscape.

Programming and Channels

Network 10 offers a diverse range of programming that appeals to various demographics. Let's delve into some of its notable shows and channels.

7. Network 10 is known for its eclectic mix of programming, including popular shows like Lie With Me and documentary series The Royals Revealed.

8. The network also carries children's programs in the daytime hours, drawing primarily from Nickelodeon, while evening and primetime hours feature "edgy" series and films targeting young adults.

9. On July 13, 2020, it was announced that Network 10 would launch a third digital channel, 10 Shake, on September 27, 2020. This new channel focuses on children's programming during the daytime hours and targets young adults with "edgy" series and films in the evening and primetime hours.

10. In September 2020, various Network 10 channels in metropolitan areas moved to new channel places due to the launch of 10 Shake. This reorganization aimed to accommodate the new digital channel and provide a clearer programming structure for viewers.

News and Current Affairs

Network 10's news service and current affairs programming play a crucial role in keeping viewers informed.

11. Network 10's news service is called 10 News First (previously known as Ten News and Ten Eyewitness News). The service produces local bulletins each weeknight and national bulletins on weekday afternoons and weekends.

12. In addition to its news service, Network 10 produces a nightly panel show called The Project. This program features a diverse panel of journalists and commentators discussing current events and social issues.

13. Network 10 has access to a sister service, CBS News, for international news coverage. This partnership allows the network to provide high-quality, global news to its audience.

14. During weekday overnights and Sunday mornings, Network 10 rebroadcasts CBS's morning news program, CBS Mornings. This collaboration with CBS ensures that Australian viewers can access reliable and comprehensive international news.

15. In November 2006, Network 10 struck a deal with CBS worth A$6 million per year. This agreement granted the network the rights to air all CBS News footage, as well as access to programs like 60 Minutes, Dr. Phil, Late Show with David Letterman, and 48 Hours.

16. On July 31, 2012, Network 10 acquired the rights to Entertainment Tonight, which had previously aired on the Nine Network since 1982. This acquisition marked a significant shift in Network 10's entertainment programming.

Sports Broadcasting

Network 10 has a long history of broadcasting major sporting events, making it a go-to channel for sports enthusiasts.

17. In 2002, Network 10 combined with the Nine Network and Foxtel to acquire broadcast rights for the Australian Football League (AFL). This partnership marked a significant shift in AFL broadcasting, displacing the Seven Network which had held the rights for over 40 years.

18. Under the joint broadcasting deal with the Seven Network, Network 10 continued to broadcast the Saturday component of the AFL competition. However, unlike the previous deal, Network 10 did not hold exclusive rights to the finals series.

19. Network 10 ended its AFL broadcasting after 10 years at the conclusion of the 2011 season. The decision marked a significant change in the network's sports coverage.

20. In 2007, Network 10 broadcast the Rugby World Cup, providing extensive coverage of the tournament. This event marked a significant milestone in the network's sports broadcasting history.

21. In 2003, Network 10 began broadcasting the Formula One World Championship after the Nine Network dropped the rights. This move ensured that Australian viewers could continue to enjoy high-quality Formula One coverage.

22. In 2013, Network 10 paid A$100 million for Big Bash League (BBL) rights over five years. This marked the channel's first foray into elite domestic cricket coverage.

23. Prior to acquiring BBL rights, Network 10 held the broadcast rights to the Indian Premier League (IPL). This coverage demonstrated the network's commitment to international cricket.

24. In a joint partnership with subscription television provider Foxtel, Network 10 had broadcast rights for the 2010 Commonwealth Games. This collaboration ensured that Australian viewers could access comprehensive coverage of the event.

25. In 2014, Network 10 acquired broadcast rights to the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia for AUD$20 million. This move was significant as all three major commercial networks pulled out of bidding due to cost concerns.

26. In 2018, Network 10 signed the rights to the Melbourne Cup Carnival after the Seven Network ended its 17-year tenure. This acquisition marked a significant shift in the network's coverage of major Australian events.

27. In 2019, Network 10 broadcast the Rugby World Cup, providing extensive coverage of the tournament. This event further solidified the network's position as a premier sports broadcaster.

Community Engagement and Digital Transformation

Network 10 is not just about television; it also engages with the community and embraces digital transformation.

28. Network 10 produces local bulletins each weeknight and national bulletins on weekday afternoons and weekends. This comprehensive coverage ensures that viewers receive up-to-date information on local and national events.

29. In addition to its programming, Network 10 engages with the community through various initiatives. The network supports local charities and participates in community events.

30. Network 10 has undergone significant digital transformation in recent years. The launch of 10 Shake, a digital channel targeting young adults, reflects the network's efforts to adapt to changing viewer preferences and technological advancements.

31. Network 10 has established partnerships with international content providers like CBS and Nickelodeon. These partnerships allow the network to offer high-quality, diverse programming that appeals to a broad audience.

32. Network 10 engages with its audience through various platforms, including social media and online streaming services. The network encourages viewer interaction, fostering a sense of community among its viewers.

33. Network 10's news service, 10 News First, provides comprehensive coverage of local and national events. The service includes nightly panel shows like The Project, which features a diverse panel of journalists and commentators discussing current events and social issues.

34. Through its partnership with CBS News, Network 10 gains access to high-quality international news content. This collaboration enhances the network's overall news offerings.

35. During weekday overnights and Sunday mornings, Network 10 rebroadcasts CBS's morning news program, CBS Mornings. This ensures that Australian viewers can access reliable and comprehensive international news.

36. The deal with CBS in 2006 had a significant impact on Network 10's news coverage. The agreement allowed the network to air all CBS News footage and access programs like 60 Minutes, Dr. Phil, Late Show with David Letterman, and 48 Hours.

37. Network 10's entertainment programming includes popular shows like Lie With Me and documentary series The Royals Revealed. The network also carries children's programs in the daytime hours, drawing primarily from Nickelodeon.

38. The new digital channel, 10 Shake, focuses on children's programming during the daytime hours and targets young adults with "edgy" series and films in the evening and primetime hours. This rebranding reflects the network's efforts to modernize and appeal to a broader audience.

39. The reorganization of channel places in metropolitan areas due to the launch of 10 Shake aimed to accommodate the new digital channel and provide a clearer programming structure for viewers. This change ensured that viewers could easily navigate the network's offerings.

40. Network 10 is involved in various community initiatives, supporting local charities and participating in community events. This commitment to social responsibility demonstrates the network's engagement with the broader community.

Channel 10's Impact on Australian Television

Channel 10 has come a long way since its start in 1964. From its early days with "The Happy Days" to today's diverse programming, it has consistently adapted to viewer preferences and tech advancements. Known for shows like Lie With Me and The Royals Revealed, as well as its news service, 10 News First, Channel 10 offers something for everyone.

The network's partnerships with CBS and Nickelodeon have broadened its content, making it a go-to for both local and international news. Its sports coverage, including the AFL, Rugby World Cup, and Big Bash League, has also been a major draw.

With the launch of 10 Shake and ongoing digital transformation, Channel 10 continues to evolve. Its commitment to quality programming and community engagement ensures it remains a key player in Australian TV.