Network 10 is the latest broadcaster to cut working hours amid the coronavirus pandemic.
As reported on the SMH, recently appointed chief content officer and executive VP Beverley McGarvey said the new working hours were put in place to ensure 10 came out of the crisis “more agile […] stronger, more innovative”.
She said, however, the pandemic is continuing to affect operations at the network.
“I sincerely appreciate your help in ensuring Network 10 remains a sustainable and high performing business as we travel through unchartered waters.
“Despite more viewers turning to television for the latest news, information and entertainment that we provide, our business has been directly impacted by the COVID-19 crisis,” McGarvey said.
From mid April until June, Network 10 staff are being encouraged to work nine-day fortnights and if possible, take a longer break over Easter.
McGarvey said: “Our aim is to minimise both the temporary and permanent workforce impacts we are seeing at other companies in Australia and internationally.
“We are focused on positioning the business for resilience and growth as the social and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic start to ease.”
Furthermore, 10 will be on skeleton staff the week after Easter from April 14-17, which is a week where viewing ratings are not typically collected. This does not include 10 Daily, News, Studio 10, The Project, broadcast operations and engineering and a few other key staff.
Yesterday, Seven announced cost-cutting measures across the business, asking staff to take a 20 per cent pay cut.
