The axe has fallen on The Project New Zealand.
According to a report by The New Zealand Herald on Thursday, the current affairs show, which is a spin-off of the Australian version, will get the chop by the end of 2023.
A spokesperson for Warner Bros Discovery confirmed the shocking news.
‘We have commenced consultation to discontinue The Project on Three from the end of the year,’ they said, according to the publication.
‘Our primary focus is to support our people as we work through this process.’
The Project New Zealand is set to be axed amid a challenging media and economic climate with about 24 job losses, according to a report in The New Zealand Herald on Thursday. Pictured: Hosts Jesse Mulligan, Kanoa Lloyd and Jeremy Corbett
The move will see about 24 job losses in total from the network’s Three HQ, based in the North Island city of Auckland.
The report also confirmed The Project New Zealand would not be screened on Thursday, to allow staff to digest the shock news.
The Three network pays a weighty licensing fee for the use of The Project brand, with the axing expected to free-up funds for a cheaper news show.
‘We have commenced consultation to discontinue The Project on Three from the end of the year,’ they began. ‘Our primary focus is to support our people as we work through this process.’ Pictured: Jesse and Kanoa
The Project New Zealand is currently hosted by Jesse Mulligan and Kanoa Lloyd, along with a round of panel guests.
The show was launched in February, 2017.
New Zealand networks have faced numerous cutbacks this year, as challenging economic conditions plague the market.
Meanwhile, The Project Australia has also faced years of speculation it will be axed, amid ever-declining ratings and heavy criticism it has a left-wing slant.
However during Ten Upfronts earlier this month, Ten network committed to another year of the current affairs show, saying it will be back for 2024.
The move hasn’t stopped talk the show could be bumped into a later timeslot to make way for a revamp of popular gameshow, Deal or No Deal.
The Project Australia has meanwhile faced years of speculation it will face the axe after dismal ratings and heavy criticism it has a left-wing slant. Pictured are hosts Waleed Aly and Sarah Harris
Insiders recently leaked news to Woman’s Day magazine that Ten is hoping to move The Project from its current 6.30pm position in the schedule to 9.30pm.
At one time Channel 10’s flagship current affairs show, things have certainly taken a turn for the once serious-minded show.
Ratings have been steadily fallen over 2022-2023, shedding one-third of its viewers from its national audience over the last 18 months.
The show also lost most of its star power after high-profile exits including Carrie Bickmore, Peter Helliar, and Lisa Wilkinson.
The Project also suffered from a loss of star power after a number of high-profile resignations including Carrie Bickmore, Peter Helliar and Lisa Wilkinson. Pictured with Waleed Aly (second, left)
