Dave, Charlie and Carrie: now getting up half an hour earlier

Network Ten announced today that as of Monday 31st October, The 7PM Project will move to 6.30pm weeknights.

And there’ll be twice as much Project to enjoy, with the show being extended to an hour.

As part of the move, we'll be losing the '7PM' from our title, to become The Project. We'll probably auction off the 7PM bit on eBay or something.

“The move to expand The Project ... reflects our belief that this type of contemporary, informative, fast-paced, funny, yet relevant news offering is what best connects with our audience,” said David Mott, the network's Chief Programming Officer.

“The Project resonates with our viewers and they're hungry for more of the team's fresh take on the day's events.”

Unfortunately this move also means that 6.30 with George Negus will come to an end on October 28.

“We’re incredibly proud of George and our 6.30 team, both in front of the cameras and behind the scenes,” said Mr Mott.

“6.30 has been a high quality, credible, and thought provoking news program for the network.

“The decision to discontinue 6.30 was a commercial one and in no way reflects on the quality of George, the program or the team. We are grateful to George for establishing and steering this bold experiment over the last 10 months.”

The silver lining for us is that our beloved ‘Neegs’ will return to the Project desk as a regular panellist, as part of an ongoing news role with the network.

“Though sadly 6.30 has come to an end, I’m looking forward to getting back with my mates at The Project,” said the moustachioed TV legend.

“They’ve also broken new ground with their irreverent approach to what’s going on around us, it’s my kind of tongue-in-cheek program.”

"Since its premiere in 2009, The Project has firmly established itself in the television landscape as the place where journalists, commentators, news makers and funny people come together to work out what the hell is going on in this world we all share," said a network publicity statement that was all about us.

"Informative, relevant and funny, The Project takes pride of place as the No. 1 regular weeknight news service for Australia's 16-39 year olds and has redefined the way Australians watch news."

If our hosts Charlie, Carrie and Dave have any reservations about putting up with each other for half an hour longer each day, they're not showing it.

“TEN has given us more time and we’re not going to say no. Carrie, Hughesy and myself have always got something to say and whether or not the world needs to hear it we’re just glad to have the extra half hour to say it,” Charlie said, on behalf of the team.

Our ensemble of regulars, including Jennifer Byrne, Kris Smith, John Hewson, Tom Gleeson, Steve Price, Tracey Curro, Steve Vizard, Waleed Aly, Meshel Laurie, Lehmo and Dr Chris Brown, will continue to bring their insights and opinions to the desk.

And with any luck, the longer show might mean Sam Mac will actually get to give us his Metro Whip Around report from Perth at the end of a Friday show.

Tonight: Catch the 7PM Project in its original timeslot under its original name while you still can!