Latest news with #HamishMacdonald
Daily Mail
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
ABC's controversial move to replace one of its most beloved stars with The Project's Hamish Macdonald backfires
The ABC's decision to sack Sarah Macdonald, one of its most beloved broadcasters, in favour of Hamish Macdonald, appears to have backfired. New ratings data released this week shows that Hamish, who took over Sarah's old Sydney Mornings slot on ABC Radio, is shedding listeners. The results from the fourth radio ratings survey show that since Hamish took over the show at the start of 2025, the program has been in steady decline. He scored a dismal 4.6 per cent of the audience in the ratings which surveyed the market between April 27 and July 5, a disappointing fall of 0.9 per cent. The result pales against Sarah's last survey in November, where she managed to score a solid 6.2 per cent of the market. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. In other results, Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O Henderson had some good news, managing a strong showing in the Sydney region with 13.9 per cent of the audience share - a bump from the last survey's 12.5 per cent. Still, there was bad news for the Kyle and Jackie O Show in the Melbourne market, where their sexed-up breakfast has failed to win listeners in big numbers all year. This survey the pair scored a dismal 5.6 share of the audience in the Victorian capital. Back in Sydney, Smooth FM startled pundits after beating 2GB, the long time favourite with listeners, to the number spot. Smooth FM 95.3 won 12.3 per cent share overall to win 1.32 million listeners, while 2GB managed a rating of 11.6 per cent. 2GB's Ben Fordham is still the top-rating breakfast host, with a 14.7 per cent share of the available audience. It comes after Hamish was revealed as the new host of Sydney Mornings on ABC Radio back in January. He replaced Sarah Macdonald after she was unceremoniously dumped by the national broadcaster late last year. 2GB's Ben Fordham (pictured) is still the top-rating breakfast host Macdonald hosts the program four days a week while journalist Kathryn Robinson helms the show on Friday. 'First and foremost I'd like to pay tribute to the hard work and dedication of Sarah Macdonald,' Hamish said. 'I know these are big shoes to fill.' 'I'm looking forward to putting my head down, getting to work from Monday and serving the wonderful 702 audience in what will be a huge year of news for Sydney.' His reference to 702 is ABC Radio Sydney's wavelength on the dial. The departure of Sarah was accompanied by that of Simon Marnie, who was also told his contract would not be renewed, while Richard Glover and Robbie Buck both left their respective programs. Sarah Macdonald announced her 'disappointment' in departing from the ABC, telling her audience live on air that 'I'm not going to be on the radio with you next year. 'The ABC has decided not to renew my contract here at Mornings ... I am proud of what I've done. 'The ratings are up, I've broken lots of stories, had the first interview with the new Governor-General, I got the premier of New South Wales to regularly take your calls, led the election coverage, led the move to our Parramatta studios.'
Daily Mail
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
The Project's Sarah Harris breaks down in tears live on air amid show's axing - and hints at new career move on major reality TV show
Sarah Harris has broken down as The Project enters its final days after being axed. The host was left in tears live on air when Kate Langbroek praised the the series for being a maverick in the world of current affairs. 'In an industry where so much is planned and you are so straitjacketed in so many ways because of the necessities of TV. I don't know how you break all these structures and rules' she said. That was enough to set Sarah off, leaving her swatting away tears as she confessed, 'You got me.' Sarah said that Kate was 'inspiring' and added: 'I will be a sheep follow you around. You are magic.' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, . Elsewhere in the episode, Sarah hinted that she may appear on I'm A Me Out Of Here! once her time on The Project ends. 'I'm an unemployed celebrity, of course the jungle is coming for me' she said during a satirical segment in which Sarah joked she would look into a stand up comedy career. The Project will air its final episode with on Friday night. It was announced earlier this month that The Project would be pulled from the schedule after 16 years and more than 4,500 episodes. Its final episode is set to air on June 27, and will be replaced by a single national 6pm news bulletin. The Project hosts Waleed Aly, Sarah Harris and Hamish Macdonald are set to exit the network, while comedian Taunton will continue his guest appearances on other Ten shows. Meanwhile, Channel Ten is moving forward with its major re-brand as the network prepares to launch a new current affairs show. The premium news program, titled 10 NEWS+, is set to hit screens on Monday, June 30, at 6pm on Channel 10 and 10Play. 10 NEWS+ will be broadcast across the country after Network 10's 5pm local news bulletins, offering a deeper analysis of some of the biggest stories of the day. According to Paramount Australia, the segment aims to 'redefine evening news by providing comprehensive analysis, trusted reporting, and long-form investigative journalism'. Keeping up with Australia's constantly evolving mediascape, the news program will be available via broadcast and streaming, as well as on digital and social platforms. The show's lineup will include former 7News journalist Denham Hitchcock and Walkley Award-winner Amelia Brace, who will be regular faces during the 6pm bulletin from Sunday to Thursday. Ursula Heger and Hugh Riminton will take the lead during the Friday broadcast. The anchor team will be supported by reporters including Ashleigh Raper, Bill Hogan, Brianna Parkins, Samantha Butler, Carrie-Anne Greenbank, and Claudia Vrdoljak.
News.com.au
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
‘Unemployed': The Project's Sam Taunton makes light of losing his TV job
The Project star Sam Taunton has poked fun at Channel 10 axing the long-running panel show, effectively making he and his co-stars unemployed. It was confirmed last week that the current affairs and entertainment panel program was wrapping up at the end of this month after 16 years on air, with hosts including Waleed Aly, Sarah Harris and Hamish Macdonald all leaving the network. Taunton, who regularly hosts comedy segments on the panel show, broke his silence over the show's axing during his latest stand-up routine, where he revealed his close family's reaction to the news that he was now unemployed. 'It's just like everyone f**king knows you've lost your job and it's crazy,' said the comedian. 'My dad rang me and said: 'Look, if I'm honest, the show wasn't for me. I prefer real news.'' He continued: 'My girlfriend just sent me a Google Docs spreadsheet that said 'Chores now that Sam's unemployed.'' Taunton also revealed during his set that co-star Waleed Aly had warned him about the attention they would be receiving after the news was announced to the world that the show was coming to an end. 'It's weird losing your job very publicly. Waleed, you might know that guy. He texted me on Wednesday and he goes, he goes, I'm so sorry, Sam. Get prepared. I just got papped by the paparazzi outside Chemist Warehouse near the studio.' Taunton then joked: 'I ran as fast as I could to the chemist's warehouse. Not one f**ker took a photo of me!' Ten recently revealed details of the program replacing The Project, which launches on June 30. 10 News+ will be hosted by journalists Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace from Sunday to Thursday, and Hugh Riminton and Urusa Heger on Fridays. Also featured in the presenting line-up are political editor Ashleigh Raper, Billy Hogan, Brianna Parkins, Samantha Butler, Carrie-Anne Greenbank, Claudia Vrdoljak and entertainment editor Angela Bishop. Veteran producer Daniel Sutton will serve as EP. In a statement, Ten said that the new program 'will offer a fresh perspective on critical local and global stories, tailored for an engaged audience seeing an in-depth news coverage.'
Daily Mail
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Channel Ten staff given shock ultimatum amid sweeping job cuts - one week after The Project was axed
Embattled broadcaster Channel Ten is slashing jobs, with Adelaide newsroom staff told to relocate interstate or face redundancy, just one week after The Project was axed. On Monday, employees at the network's South Australian office were informed that two production workers would be let go - unless they accepted offers to relocate to either Sydney or Melbourne. The move forms part of broader cost-cutting measures across the company, with similar relocation ultimatums issued in Brisbane and Perth. A total of eight positions are reportedly at risk across the three cities, with veteran video editors believed to make up the bulk of the affected roles. The shake-up follows a turbulent year for the struggling network, which announced last week that The Project would be pulled from the schedule after 16 years and more than 4,500 episodes. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Its final episode is set to air on June 27, and will be replaced by a single national 6pm news bulletin. Meanwhile, Channel Ten is moving forward with its major rebrand as the network prepares to launch a new current affairs show. The Project hosts Waleed Aly, Sarah Harris and Hamish Macdonald are set to exit the network, while comedian Sam Taunton will continue his guest appearances on other Ten shows. The last episode will air on June 27, with the panel show being replaced by a new current affairs show. After announcing The Project was ending last Monday, Ten released another statement announcing a new look news program. The premium news program, titled 10 News+, is set to hit screens on Monday, June 30, at 6pm on Channel 10 and 10Play. 10 News+ will be broadcast across the country after Network 10's 5pm local news bulletins, offering a deeper analysis of some of the biggest stories of the day. According to Paramount Australia, the segment aims to 'redefine evening news by providing comprehensive analysis, trusted reporting, and long-form investigative journalism'. Keeping up with Australia's constantly evolving mediascape, the news program will be available via broadcast and streaming, as well as on digital and social platforms. The show's lineup will include former 7News journalist Denham Hitchcock and Walkley Award-winner Amelia Brace, who will be regular faces during the 6pm bulletin from Sunday to Thursday. Ursula Heger and Hugh Riminton will take the lead during the Friday broadcast. The anchor team will be supported by reporters including Ashleigh Raper, Bill Hogan, Brianna Parkins, Samantha Butler, Carrie-Anne Greenbank, and Claudia Vrdoljak. Ten's Entertainment Editor Angela Bishop will also bring insight into the biggest stories in entertainment, including red-carpet events and exclusive interviews with Hollywood's elite. Speaking of the new program, Paramount Australia's Vice President of News Martin White gushed over the 'fantastic team' fronting the program and the 'hard work' that had gone on behind the scenes to bring it to air. 'We're going to do what we do best - put the truth first, our audience first, and tell important stories well,' he said of the new offering. 'We've assembled a fantastic team, led by Denham and Amelia, and I can't wait for audiences to see their hard work.' 10 News+ premieres Monday, 30 June at 6pm on Channel 10 and 10 Play.
ABC News
15-06-2025
- Health
- ABC News
Jim Rogers on love, loss and living well with younger-onset dementia
At the memory clinic, Jim Rogers is asked to reach out and touch his husband's left cheek with his right hand. He does the opposite — left hand, right cheek — and Tyler starts crying, because he knows something is very wrong. Jim, whose life has been shaped by searing loss and serendipitous love, was soon diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer's disease. "It's the most horrific, evil disease," Jim tells Australian Story, "but you can live well with dementia." About 410,000 Australians are living with dementia — a number predicted to double by 2058 — and Jim hopes to reduce the stigma surrounding the condition. The 58-year-old co-hosts a podcast with broadcaster Hamish Macdonald, whose own father died from dementia last year. "I have learned that life is not over the minute you get a diagnosis — there is joy to be had," Hamish says. But while Jim puts on a brave face, his family says the cracks are starting to show. "We're on a train track to hell, and there's no stopping the train," his daughter Millie says. Before there was Jim and Tyler, there was Jim and Lorna. The "true soulmates" married in their hometown in central England in 1989, and children followed in quick succession: first Millie, then Harvey, then Daisy. "We had three under three, so we had our work cut out for us," Jim says. In 1996 they moved to Perth in search of adventure — but two years in, an irritating mole on Lorna's calf turned out to be melanoma. After her surgery they returned to the UK to be closer to family, but six months later, Lorna found a lump. The prognosis wasn't years, or months, or even weeks — but just days. "It was unbelievable. This stuff happens in a film, and we were just normal folks," Jim says. Lorna died in January 1999. When Jim told their three little kids that Mum wasn't coming home, they didn't believe him. Six-year-old Millie thought it was a game of hide-and-seek, and went off to find her. "It was so heart-wrenching to destroy that innocence in a child," Jim says. Jim became a "super dad", holding their world up — but privately, he was in ruins. "I'd get them into school and drag myself home and slam the door, shut the curtains, lie on the bed, cry, not eat — just wallow in a black cloud all day," he says. "I felt it was going to be an endless journey of sadness." Jim's parents eventually decided he needed a break; in May 2000 he reluctantly agreed to a holiday. Jim went to the hotel pool — and sat down next to Tyler. They hit it off, and kept in touch. They both felt something bigger than friendship, but Jim was full of doubt. "I started to think, this is ridiculous. Like, this is a man for a start. I've got responsibilities. I've got kids. I can't do this," Jim says. "And he was like, 'No, there's something strong here. I can't just walk away from you'." They tried to map a future, but Jim wanted things to stay normal for the kids; being openly gay in an era of "massive homophobia" didn't feel like an option. "He said, 'The only way this can work is if the house next door came up for sale," Tyler recalls. That same day, a 'For Sale' sign was knocked into the yard next door. "The exact day. You can't make this up," Tyler says. Six months after they met, Tyler and Jim became neighbours. "Behind closed doors we were living together, with the gardens and the houses shared," Jim says. The kids knew Tyler as their dad's best friend, generous and fun. Daisy was shocked when the truth eventually came out. "I broke down. I thought my life was over, to be honest," she says. "It took time to adjust. And I think moving to Australia made it easier for us." A decade later, they were all living in Sydney, and Jim and Tyler were married. "I see Tyler as a saviour of Dad because it brought him back to happiness," Daisy says. The first signs of dementia appeared a few years before Jim's diagnosis: little errors at work, repeated conversations, being a bit forgetful. But Jim worked a busy job flipping houses, and his GP put it down to stress. "One day I went to my cardiologist and she was getting a bit pissed off because my phone was constantly going off," Jim says. "She was like, 'Could you put it on silent?' And I had this blank; I couldn't think how to do it." The cardiologist referred him to a memory clinic. In 2022, at the age of 55, Jim was diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer's. Jim's world suddenly became smaller. He gave up his driver's licence and retired from work. He spiralled into despair. Finally, Tyler told him to "snap out of it" and stop wasting the now worrying about the future. "I was so forceful with him because I want to enjoy that now with him, for as long as I can," Tyler says, fighting back tears. Jim gave himself the weekend to wallow and started Monday with a fresh outlook. "You can turn something sad and hard into something positive and upbeat. You just have to put your mind in focus and do it," he says. He was given about 10 years, but nobody really knows how quickly it will develop. Jim says his early diagnosis has been a gift because he can make time for things he would otherwise have put off; his bucket list has a lot of ticks on it. He can also work to slow the disease: he takes medication, watches his diet, works with a trainer, swims every day and does yoga to relax his brain. "I forget that he has dementia. There are times I have to remind myself because he is doing so well," son Harvey says. Jim, who now lives in Brisbane, has become an advocate for Dementia Australia. He co-hosts the Hold The Moment podcast, which shares stories about people living with dementia and their loved ones. "It was like everything in his life has led to this moment," Millie says. This is how he met Hamish, whose father had Parkinson's and Lewy body dementia. "Going into this, I expected I was there to look after the co-host. The reality is it's actually me that needed help," Hamish says. "I was feeling quite angry about dementia. It was not an easy ride looking after Dad." Jim helped Hamish realise there was still room for fun and meaningful moments with his father. "It adjusted what I did with Dad. As often as we could, we'd go for a swim at the ocean pool so that not everything we did together was centred around dementia," Hamish says. "It was transformative." Jim likens dementia to having layers of dust accumulating on his brain. He gets lost in familiar places. He gets distracted easily. He struggles to sleep and has vivid nightmares, so he's exhausted all the time. "In the dark of night is horrible. Your mind plays tricks on you," Jim says. Jim can't protect his children like he did when their mum died — and they don't want him to. "We're saying to him all the time: 'We're adults, we have kids of our own. We can look after you'," Millie says. The family has spoken about what will happen when Jim inevitably goes downhill. "The hardest conversations are about what it looks like when he doesn't remember us," Daisy says. Jim has thought about euthanasia, but nothing has been decided yet. "I don't know if it takes more strength to take control, or more strength to go where you're going to go," he says. For now, though, he's focusing on what he loves: his husband, his children, his grandchildren, his advocacy. "Dementia isn't all doom and gloom. I want to cram so much in," Jim says. "I'm so full of life and full of love." Watch Australian Story's Forget Me Not, 8pm, on ABCTV and ABC iview.
