TEN sacks Head of Publicity
TEN has sacked its network Head of Publicity, Jo'an Papadopoulos, who has been with the network for a decade.
- Published by David Knox
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TEN has sacked its network Head of Publicity, Jo’an Papadopoulos, after she returned from an overseas holiday, The Australian reports.
Papadopoulos has worked for the network for a decade, and was appointed Head of Publicity in 2006. She is well-regarded in the industry, having worked closely with former Chief Programming Officer David Mott who resigned last week.
Last year a number of publicists departed TEN including in Perth and Adelaide under Lachlan Murdoch’s cost review, whilst the department has since come under the portfolio of director of corporate and public communications Neil Shoebridge.
In July a TEN memo indicated, “Publicity will continue to work closely with Programming. The reporting change has been made to streamline communication about Network TEN, and introduce greater consistency and a clearer strategic focus in how we present our programs and talent to the market.”
Jo’an Papadopoulos is understood to be negotiating a financial settlement with the network.
41 Responses
And the purge continues…
I believe that Ten’s new publicity strategy involves the network signing up to eHarmony in and effort to find an audience.
Steviep: I disagreed with Mr. J’s view that a show had not launched successfully on TEN for years and said so. He has now clarified his criticism was not intended to be personal and I accept that. Making calls about who I am or am not mates with is based on your assumptions. I speak with many in the industry. It does not make me a mate.
It must be tough over at Ten right now. I am sure Jo will go onto bigger and better things anyways. David, after the big hoo-har over Peter Everett leaving Ready Steady Cook a year ago and people saying they wouldn’t watch, what have the ratings been like? Are people still watching the show with Colin Lane as the host?
I don’t know if regional viewers are ever counted in the ratings, but as one who watches commercial TV through Prime, WIN and Southern Cross, I wonder why TEN (SC) persists in aiming its programs towards teens to mid 20s.
What is known is that regional viewers tend to be older, so if we are counted they’re missing out on an awful lot of viewers. Judging by the overkill of advertising, they must be rating a motza here in the sticks! And why aim for the younger set anyway, when they tend to not watch TV much, they have so many other distractions.
@Krispy and @moops… You sure IWS was shown in the UK?? The UK has had other similar series in the past like “Any Dream Will Do” and “How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria”. The latter won an Emmy and various other awards. And then there is “I’d Do Anything” which is similar. Don’t think any of those series are currently running.
David your reply to Mr J is wrong. You are telling your reader and follower his view isnt consider. Everyone is aloud a view and you are mates with alot of these ch10 people so your biased. DavidMott for PM.
ten miss AFL
If David Mott has left after many years at TEN there must be more to that story. Since Lachlan Murdoch has taken over the station has gone from good to pathetic.
Mr Murdoch has stuffed TEN
David, don’t you think Murdochs reign so far has made some strange resources decisions? Has anyone asked why has Lachlan invested in TV at this time.
Jo is a consummate professional who always achieved so much more publicity and buzz than; the networks position, her budget or the shows she promoted, should have a right to have received. She was a trojan worker for TEN and the fact that they cant spin her departure in any way is testament that there isn’t anyone left there who can tell a Publicity story – so dumb. But good luck Jo am sure you will land somewhere that respects your skills and your energy.
David, you would have dealt with her a lot and as with all of us who know Jo Pap and have enjoyed working with her I am sure you will confirm that while she could be tough she was loyal, smart and forthright. I understand there was a question on her productivity and performance as to why she was removed – look forward to that one being proven!
TEN are destroying the one thing that has worked for them for so long in the industry, a genuine feelgood sense whereby all in the community want the little network that could, to succeed,. This desire to be part of a TEN project and help them succeed, as much as your own show, came from the people and a culture that Motty and the team worked hard to maintain. Its being beaten to a pulp.
TEN have rocks in their heads. Seriously sacking the one person who has been great for TEN. TEN for all i care can dig its own grave after this. I sort of feel for the staff that remain at TEN because it seems no one is safe.
Ten are in a huge hole as has been said They need to plan for 2013 to sell advertising. As people have said some of the new shows would rate ok on 7 & 9. They need to attract new viewers. The need to buy two afl games each weekend from 7 for 2013 and need to get talking with Shaun mecalif about a rove like show for 2013. They need a flagship personality and show they can build veiwers for other shows. They have to get rid of Henry and persist with breakfast
Scape goat anyone? There’s been some brilliant publicity achieved over Jo’s years. Can’t blame her or her department for what has happened. People higher up not understanding the audience…. people who might have popped by recently with wads of cash but no real knowledge of what TEN is…? hmmmm!