Channel Ten's head of programming David Mott has quit, taking the fall for the network's disastrous performance in the ratings this year.

Mott's departure follows a succession of ratings stumbles for commercial TV's youngest network, including the very costly and embarrassing failure of Everybody Dance Now after just three episodes.

Ten's performance in 2012 has been its worst in recent memory and its post-Olympic schedule is in shambles with flat launches for key shows including I Will Survive, Don't Tell the Bride and a revamped Can of Worms.

But television ratings are a dangerous mistress and while network programmers generally take the blame when things go wrong, a large portion of the responsibility for Ten's decline must be shared by those who are left behind.