Cost-cutting has seen Channel 10 let two of its most senior newsroom leaders go as part of the broadcaster’s latest restructure.
In an announcement sent out in an all-staff email on Monday morning, the network confirmed the voluntary redundancies of 10 News+ executive producer Daniel Sutton and Sydney 5pm bulletin executive producer Julia Burrell.
The departures mark the loss of more than 40 years of combined newsroom experience and come less than a year after the launch of 10 News+.
Sutton, who has spent more than two decades at Ten, has held several senior editorial roles, including serving as the network’s US correspondent, before taking the reins of 10 News+. Burrell, also a 20-plus-year veteran, has long been regarded as one of the key editorial figures in Sydney, overseeing major election coverage, rolling news events and mentoring countless journalists throughout her career.
Despite the glowing internal tributes, both have opted to take redundancy as part of changes to Ten’s early evening news strategy.
In the email, management described Sutton as a “true leader” whose editorial judgement and sense of humour would be missed, while calling Burrell the “powerhouse of the Sydney newsroom” and praising her leadership and commitment over more than two decades.
Sutton is expected to leave in the coming weeks, while Burrell will remain for a longer handover period.
The restructure will see Dom Haylen temporarily take charge of 10 News+ before returning to the 5pm bulletin.
Michael Reid is expected to assume the role later this year when he returns.