Channel 10 to axe The Simpsons and extend news bulletin

[bulldogmariner]

THE Ten network will axe The Simpsons and replace it with news, extending the one-hour 5pm bulletin to 90 minutes.

Insiders confirmed the financially troubled network says it can no longer pay the fee of $25,000 for each episode of the top-rating social satire. Ten says dropping The Simpsons would save it $6million a year.

By extending the news, Ten hopes to steal audience from the Seven and Nine networks in the crucial 6pm timeslot.

What is your reaction to axing The Simpsons? Will you watch a 90-minute news program? Tell us below in the comment module

The high-risk strategy is being plotted in Sydney by Ten's national news supremo Cathy Schnitzerling.

Secret pilot shows have been filmed in most state capitals.

It is understood the show will borrow from the Sky News format with a chatty presentation heavy on sport and with regular headline updates.

Key reporters will offer provocative commentaries on news and current affairs.


Thank God for FOX!

 

[scottmac]

I can't laugh at the simpsons anymore without recreational drugs!! (actually i dont think i have EVER laughed at the simpsons without recreational drugs)

Time to grow up and move on.............. to biggest loser, cause all those years of watching shit on TV must have effected the waist line.

 

[clarence]

My reaction:

D'oh!

They are shooting themselves in the foot, as everyone will see that programming change as one of a network in financial trouble (which they are).

 

[Bear]

i have not laughed at the simpsons in at least 8 years, way over its used by date imo

having said that, im thinking that its a big mistake by 10 ratings wise. watch the backlash from this one

 

[Alicia]

So why are they flogging the premiere of the new intro of the Simpsons to death if they're just going to axe it?

I don't get it?

P.S.  Doesn't bother me either way...can take or leave the Simpsons.

 

[dibo]

alicia - they're canning the daily 6pm repeat, not every ep. they'll still show the new ones.

 

[Alicia]

alicia - they're canning the daily 6pm repeat, not every ep. they'll still show the new ones.

aahhh....thank goodness.  they shit me!!

having said that, i'm not actually home at that time anyway

 

[serious14]

Worst.

Decision.

Ever.

 

[FFC Mariner]

Networks? Is there anything they cant do?

Ch10 reportedly saving millions if they dump it, after 20 years cant have too much longer to go anyways?

Thank goodness for Foxtel

 

[serious14]

The 6pm repeats still rate above a million every night of the week, and if it's a 'classic' episode (say, Marge and Ruth Powers on the lam), they nudge 1.3 and 1.4 million, not exactly figures to dismiss easily..... do they honestly think they're going to keep those viewers for a "sports heavy" extra half an hour??  (read: more AFL news - yawn)

 

[Jesus]

Havent ten dumped the simpsons like 5 times already, and eash time they bring it back cause nothing rates like it that they have

 

[dibo]

reporter on newsradio now saying ten has issued denials, saying it was just a 'rumour'.

 

[midfielder]

Like MASH can just watch over and over again.