Seven discontinues Murder Uncovered, Studio Ten axes Robert McKnight
The Ten and Seven Networks have announced a series of redundancies, with Studio 10’s executive producer Robert McKnight leaving Ten and Seven discontinuing its documentary series Murder Uncovered.
Seven’s decision to cull the program comes three weeks after the network flagged $25m worth of job cuts in a two year plan to reduce $105m in operating costs.
The crime program, hosted by Michael Usher, was a strong performer with its premiere last season attracting 957,000 metro viewers.
Craig McPherson, Seven’s director of news and public affairs said it was a “tough call” to make in “tough times”.
“Murder Uncovered set the benchmark in the true crime genre thanks to an extraordinarily talented team. I wish each and every one of them, the very best. It was a great programme and I thank them all for their work,” McPherson said.
A day ago, The Australian reported Seven had also axed its Platform 7 team.
At the same time, Studio 10’s Robert McKnight has been asked to leave Ten after four and a half years.
McKnight joined Ten from Nine in July 2013, and originally worked with former Sunrise producer Adam Boland, who left the show due to ill health.
In a post on Twitter, McKnight indicated to followers stress had been a large part of the role.
Sad to say I no longer work @channelten. It’s been a difficult 4.5 years with a lot of stress (and I can handle stress… most of the time). Time to open a coffee shop!
— Robert McKnight (@rob_mcknight) November 20, 2017
According to TV Tonight, a note to staff said McKnight always knew his passion would be his downfall.
“When Adam Boland broke down, I was working 15 hours a day to keep Wake Up and Studio 10 on air. The pace has always kept up but I believe I have given my all,” he said.
“Recently, I was very close to a breakdown (let’s be honest, I was going through a breakdown) which led to my 4 weeks off. While that was a good opportunity to recharge, the ongoing pace of our under resourced show has shown the strains once again.
“Unfortunately, I am not Ten material. I have been informed my services are no longer required. I am not going to spin a BS line that I resigned, I’ve always been a pretty straight up guy.”
Mumbrella has approached Ten for comment.