EXCLUSIVE: As The Project wrapped up its final week on air, the word “heart” resonated throughout its South Yarra Como building. For host Waleed Aly, the show always had its heart in the right place. Founding producer Craig Campbell saw it as a program that delivered heart and made viewers feel something about the news. Even the publicity team described it as the beating heart of the network.
For 16 years, The Project, with its mission to have “News Delivered Differently,” brought a lighter touch to current affairs, launching at a time when shows like A Current Affair and Today Tonight were dominated by consumer stories and neighborhood disputes. The Project broke the mold by inviting comedians to the desk, barely surviving its first year on air. It showcased stories often ignored by primetime TV, such as spending nights with paramedics, unraveling oil disasters, and advocating for organ donation campaigns.
A Legacy of Advocacy and Empathy
The Project supported numerous causes, from marriage equality to disability awareness. It raised significant funds for various campaigns, including more than $3.5 million for children facing life-threatening conditions. Waleed Aly’s editorials on events like the Christchurch attack resonated deeply with audiences.
“Empathy plays a big role,” Craig Campbell acknowledged. “I wanted people to feel something. The big thing we used to have up on our walls: ‘What does the story make you feel?’ That’s the question I’d often ask in a morning meeting.”
“We’ve been incredibly grateful that these people have shared their stories with us, over the years, by highlighting someone’s journey, or the challenge in front of them.” — Craig Campbell
Waleed Aly, who joined as a host in 2015, emphasized the show’s genuine care for people. “Whatever it did, whatever triumphs or mistakes or whatever it went through – its heart was generally in the right place,” he said.
Challenges and Controversies
The Project’s success was not without challenges. The show became a lightning rod for political perceptions, especially during the pandemic. Despite never being found in breach of balanced reporting by ACMA, it faced criticism and division.
Chris Bendall, Executive Producer since 2018, commented, “I think The Project has ended up in the middle of a culture war. A lot of people that write about the show have nefarious motivations for doing so.”
“When certain media outlets write about The Project, they know it drives traffic.” — Chris Bendall
Shifting perceptions were difficult to overcome, and the show’s demise might reflect these challenges. Sarah Harris noted the impact of “cancel culture” on live television, making it less explosive and more cautious.
The show also faced a high-profile defamation lawsuit involving presenter Lisa Wilkinson, which contributed to negative perceptions. “The coverage around the court case certainly didn’t help,” Bendall admitted.
The Economics of Television
The evolving landscape of television and advertising revenue also played a role in The Project’s closure. Waleed Aly highlighted the financial challenges faced by Free to Air networks.
“It’s a big production … costs, not actually by most conventional TV models, but probably by the model of TV that is going to prevail from here on.” — Waleed Aly
Craig Campbell pointed out, “Every year, our budget came down and our fees never went up. So you know that the economics of it all was, there’s less money in Free to Air.”
The Project’s Lasting Impact
The legacy of The Project is complex, yet its impact on Australian television is undeniable. Sarah Harris described it as a trailblazing show that set high production standards and broke new ground.
“I feel like I’ve been a fan for longer than I’ve been a host. It’s broken new ground. It has been a glossy, slick show.” — Sarah Harris
Chris Bendall emphasized the importance of respectful discourse in news delivery. “The idea that we’re News Delivered Differently, I think sometimes people got caught up in the mechanism and the mechanics of delivering the news,” he said.
Craig Campbell, the show’s conceptual architect, expressed pride in its achievements. “I think we made a difference. I really genuinely do. I think we let people have a laugh,” he reflected.
The Project’s final live broadcast aired at 6:30 pm on Friday, marking the end of an era for a show that redefined how news could be presented with heart and humor.
