Ten Updates News Strategy with Spotify Launch

Network Ten’s latest current affairs program is redefining the traditional news format by launching at the same time on TV, YouTube and Spotify.

Network Ten’s latest current affairs program is redefining the traditional news format by launching at the same time on TV, YouTube and Spotify. The goal is to grow a younger and more digitally focused audience, even as the network struggles to maintain momentum in free-to-air ratings.


The Australian broadcaster, which has consistently lagged behind competitors in the evening news slot, has introduced “10 News+” to replace its long-running talk show. Taking an unconventional approach, the program airs live on YouTube and is released on Spotify as a complete video and audio podcast within minutes of its TV broadcast. This move is being called a first of its kind in the industry.


This shift marks a major change in Ten’s strategy. Owned by Paramount, the network is moving away from chasing traditional scheduling control and toward a more flexible platform-neutral model. Previous attempts to compete directly with Seven and Nine’s 6pm news programs failed to gain traction. By embracing digital platforms and on-demand access, Ten hopes to reach a wider audience beyond the traditional living room viewership.


The Spotify partnership is not driven by payment. There is no exchange of money and the current focus is on exposure, with ad-free content for now. Spotify is highlighting the program as part of its push into video and is promoting it alongside other news content to boost discovery. Although there is no monetisation at this stage, both companies are open to including advertising in the future depending on audience growth.


This change aligns with a broader trend in the media industry. Traditional TV networks are under pressure from shrinking ad revenues with $600 million lost from the TV ad market between 2022 and 2024. With some signs of audience recovery in 2025, Ten’s move toward flexibility across platforms could improve its relevance among younger viewers and help generate future revenue opportunities.