From ongoing commentary around 10 News+, to uncertainty tied to the Skydance merger which looks set to close in the coming days, the network’s every move is rarely out of the spotlight.

Add in our reporting on recent internal publicity role redundancies, and it’s been a busy time behind the scenes — but 10 is looking to stay the course when it comes to news.

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10 News+ finding its feet — just don’t call it a ratings hit

While it’s far from setting the world on fire, 10 News+ appears to have steadied. The bulletin is now hovering around the 160,000 mark nationally most nights, and the network seems content with that for now. It’s not a win, but it hasn’t been cause for the network to hit the alarm either.

Hosts Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace also seem much more settled in the chair, following a rocky start that could’ve benefited from more time to rehearse. But that’s what happens when a show is rushed to air. With the new stripped-back look for Denham — gone are the fitted jackets, sleeves have been rolled up — it all plays into a more relaxed tone that seems in step with the bulletin’s evolving style.

And while 10 News+ holds the line, the broader news product is seeing some modest gains. The 5pm bulletin has generally been trending up year-on-year though has softened slightly, and Deal or No Deal has been performing better in its new 7pm timeslot.

Melbourne studio gets a much-needed upgrade

10’s Melbourne news bulletin, led by Jennifer Keyte, is finally getting a facelift. TV Blackbox understands the bulletin will soon move into a revamped, larger studio space within the networks Como building.

The recently reconfigured studio has been opened up and fitted out with 10’s first full VR (virtual reality) news set — a green screen environment similar to those being recently rolled out by sister network CBS across its O&O stations in the US.

Once a few technical kinks are ironed out with the new robotic cameras, the revamped set is expected to launch within the coming weeks – watch this space.

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UK correspondent handover as Johnpaul wraps up

Johnpaul Gonzo officially wrapped up his run as 10’s Europe Correspondent last week. After four years covering everything from royal events to war zones, he’s taking a break before returning to Australia to join the Sydney newsroom.

Internally, he’s seen as a rising star with strong presenting potential — and if you’ve caught his work, it’s easy to see why.

With Johnpaul set to return to the 10 Sydney newsroom, political reporter Chloe is expected to step into the UK correspondent role in the coming months (images – X/Twitter)

In his place, Federal Political Reporter Chloe Bouras (pictured above) is understood to have been tapped for the UK post and is expected to relocate to take up the position later this year.

Originally from 10 Adelaide, Bouras has quickly risen through the ranks and is seen as a strong choice for the highly coveted role.

Canberra left stretched as shuffle continues

With Bouras currently on leave after recently getting married, reporter Lucy Gray having recently left the network, and Ashleigh Raper tied up with 10 News+, the Canberra bureau has been running lean(er) in recent weeks.

Recent recruit Matthew Karstunen, formerly of 10 Brisbane, seems to have been holding the fort alongside Melbourne’s Jessica Maggio, who is is expected to be filling in for the next few weeks.

With Bouras soon to be relocating overseas, the hunt is likely underway for additional political reporters to help stabilise the team in the capital.

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Staff Q&A locked in — finally

While we understood the network holds staff updates and Q&A sessions at various times, the timing of the next one — now set for August 14 — is of particular interest given it’s news focus and recent reporting around internal concerns about the performance and future of 10 News+.

Originally flagged for late July, the event was later moved to Tuesday of this week before finally landing on the 14th. Sources say the delay allows time to incorporate details around the Skydance merger, expected to finalise in the coming days.

The session is expected be moderated by Sydney presenter Sandra Sully and feature Paramount Australia boss Beverley McGarvey, news boss Martin White, and 10 News+ EP Daniel Sutton.

As the session approaches, all eyes will be on whether leadership can offer clear answers — and a vision staff can get behind.

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