After two weeks of disastrous ratings for its new raft of shows, Network Ten has announced that chief programming officer David Mott has resigned after 16 years with the channel.
His decision to quit follows one of the worst rating's weeks in Ten’s history that has seen it regularly slip into fourth place behind the ABC in terms of nightly audience share.
On Tuesday, Ten canned its heavily promoted Everybody Dance Now after ratings slipped below 400,000. The Network admitted it had got the format wrong. Its other launches, I Will Survive, Don’t Tell the Bride and Can of Worms have also not fired. Puberty Blues has been the only bright spot for Ten in recent weeks.
Speculation will now centre around Mott’s replacement. Weekend Sunrise executive producer, and Seven Network golden boy Adam Boland has frequently been linked with the job. Ten chief James Warburton worked with Boland when he was chief sales officer at Seven.
Warburton publically backed Mott during his first public speech as Ten’s new head in January this year during the launch of Young Talent Time, which also bombed. He told the audience of advertisers and media that Mott was the “best in the business bar none”.
In a statement released by Ten today, Warburton said: “David has had an extraordinary career at Ten over the past 16 years.
“He has been a fantastic asset for the network and we are sorry to see him go. David’s legacy at Ten includes landmark television programs such as MasterChef, Australian Idol, Rove Live, The Biggest Loser, Thank God You’re Here, The Project and Big Brother, and – more recently – Offspring, Puberty Blues, MasterChef All Stars and Bikie Wars: Brothers In Arms.”
Mott said: “It's a sad day when you say goodbye to friends and colleagues, and leave a place you hold so dear. But it’s a great day when you take stock on what has been achieved over 16 fantastic years.
“I am proud of the bold programming decisions we have made at Ten over that time, because without risk there is less chance of success.
“In a job where you live and die by the numbers, perhaps I've been luckier than most. It’s been a great ride, and I’ve loved every second of it. I leave behind a focused and committed creative team and I wish them all the best for the future.”
Beverley McGarvey continues as Network Ten’s Network head of programming and assumes Mott’s responsibilities on an acting basis.
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