The Project host Michael Hing says he ‘understands’ criticism of Channel 10 program: ‘Some people think it’s this leftist communist propaganda show’

The Project panelist Michael Hing has said he ‘understands’ why the Channel 10 current affairs program has been subject to criticism over the years. 

The comedian joined Channel 10’s flagship current affairs show in December 2022, and spoke to Sydney Morning Herald on Friday ahead of his upcoming comedy show Long Live The Hing. 

Briefly touching on his opinion of the program, Hing said: ‘After 10 years, everyone knows about The Project. Some people think it’s this leftist communist propaganda show. Other people think it’s this racist, alt-right show.’

‘There’s been a real variety of panellists and guests and hosts, so I can understand the criticism that people have of it not agreeing with their values,’ the former Triple J announcer added. 

The Project, which is produced by Rove McManus’ production company Roving Enterprises, has been accused of ‘going woke’ in recent years thanks to an increase in left-leaning news coverage. 

The Project panelist Michael Hing (left, with co-host Georgie Tunny) has said he ‘understands’ why the Channel 10 current affairs program has been subject to criticism over the years.

Last year, OzTAM ratings revealed Channel 10’s flagship current affairs program had lost almost a third of its audience since 2011.

The struggling show saw its metro ratings plummet to an all-time low of just 367,000 last year.

That’s a 30 per cent decline from its five-city audience of 538,000 a decade earlier.

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The comedian joined Channel 10’s flagship current affairs show in December 2022, and spoke to Sydney Morning Herald on Friday ahead of his upcoming comedy show Long Live The Hing

In 2021, a leading TV commentator claimed Channel 10 is losing viewers because of The Project.

Rob McKnight, a former 10 executive who now runs industry website TV Blackbox, said the views expressed on The Project don’t resonate with everyday Aussies.

He told Daily Mail Australia that despite its slick production and top-tier talent, The Project is ‘very woke, and that doesn’t connect with mainstream Australia.’ 

‘There’s been a real variety of panellists and guests and hosts, so I can understand the criticism that people have of it not agreeing with their values,’ the former Triple J announcer said. (L-R: The Project’s Sam Taunton, Waleed Aly, Sarah Harris) 

McKnight explained: ‘My take is that most Australians are centre-right in their politics which is why talkback radio does so well.

‘But The Project skews too far to the left and doesn’t reflect Betty from Bankstown or Irene from Ipswich. It really feels inner Melbourne and not relatable.’

He said the presenters are all ‘great talent’, but at some point the show just ‘stopped connecting’ with the mainstream – ‘and that kills any brand’. 

Long Live The Hing special airs on Thursday, September 28, at 8.30pm on 10. 

In 2021, a leading TV commentator claimed Channel 10 is losing viewers because of The Project. Pictured (L-R): Tommy Little, Peter Helliar, Hamish Macdonald,  Carrie Bickmore, Waleed Aly, Lisa Wilkinson and Gorgi Coghlan