Network Ten announced production changes for its 5 o'clock news bulletins in South Australia and Western Australia.
From Monday 31st January 2000, the Adelaide 5pm News bulletin will be produced in a local format using Adelaide editorial resources and the Melbourne newsroom facilities. Similarly, the local Perth bulletin will be produced using WA-based editorial staff and Ten's Sydney studios.
Both local bulletins will continue to be produced with absolute autonomy. The Ten newsreaders for Adelaide, George Donikian and Nikki Dwyer will be based in Melbourne and the Perth presenters Greg Pearce and Christina Morrissy will be based in Sydney. They will continue to be supported by local, on-the-ground reporters and crew. The weather and sports presenters in Perth and Adelaide will also to be based in their respective markets.
Ten's General Manager of News and Current Affairs, David White said the changes would not affect the amount of quality of local news coverage. The aim is to avoid duplication of expensive studio technology and make efficient use of the upgraded Melbourne and Sydney studios.
"There will be no reduction in local news coverage as a result of the changes," Mr White said. "Adelaide and Perth will continue to produce a local 5pm bulletin with absolute autonomy. Adelaide and Perth news line-up produces based in Sydney and Melbourne respectively will manage the WA and SA bulletins independently of Sydney and Melbourne programming."
White said that priority will be given to relocating staff into new positions locally or across the Network. However, Ten is working closely with staff that are affected by the changes in the news area enabling a planned transition of operation.
Network CEO John McAlpine said the new changes were part of Ten's long term strategy to upgrade technical standards across the Network for the introduction of digital television.
Mr McAlpine said the changes would have no impact on news services in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.
