10 hours ago
The show that will replace The Project revealed
As whispers get louder that Network 10 is on the verge of axing The Project, the show tipped to replace the struggling program has been revealed.
According to TV Blackbox, the network plans to launch a new, harder-hitting current affairs program titled Behind the Lines – A 10 News First Investigation.
The outlet reports that the brand-new show is currently in development at the network's Sydney newsroom, with former 7 News Spotlight reporter Denham Hitchcock tipped to come on board as host.
It is understood that staff at the long-running program have been briefed of the pending cancellation this week after months of speculation that the show would get the boot.
Unlike The Project that aired six nights a week, its reported replacement is set to air four nights a week at 6.30pm timeslot for only thirty minutes, a big change from The Project 's hour-long shows.
Development of Behind the Lines has reportedly been underway for quite some time and it could be launched as soon as next month with TV Blackbox tipping July or August as the official launch.
has reached out to Network 10 for comment.
Once an iconic mainstay of current affairs television in Australia since it debuted in 2009, The Project has struggled in recent years to keep hold of its audience as viewing habits have shifted from live free-to-air TV to streaming.
Ratings for the beloved panel show have halved in recent years and sparked numerous rumours about its demise which Ten have previously denied.
Last week, entertainment expert Peter Ford told 3AW Breakfast that he believed the show would be gone 'sooner rather than later', and will be replaced by a show based in Sydney.
'I don't think The Project will see the year out,' Ford said on-air.
Broadcast television has struggled across the board in recent years with the shift to streaming hitting networks hard.
Last year alone, Channel 10 rested The Masked Singer, The Bachelor and Gladiators from its schedule.
