After more than 20 years sitting at the Today show desk, the Nine Network is faced with replacing Karl Stefanovic. But with the news transpiring so quickly, we wonder who will fill that seat?
Karl’s $2 million per year contract with Nine was scheduled to end in 2026. With six months remaining in the year, it is unknown if Nine has preplanned who will take over his position.
The Today show has its presenters on a pinnacle as they ultimately influence its success on free-to-air television. So, it is possible Karl’s replacement could be a familiar face.
A natural replacement could be Tom Steinfort, who had been filling in for Karl during his trip to the United Kingdom. Previously, he has worked as a reporter on 60 Minutes and as a Nine news correspondent in the US and Europe. However, he currently co-presents on Nine News Melbourne with Alicia Loxley, and has been a positive impact on the ratings since replacing Peter Hitchener.
It is possible the network could outsource from its other programs. David Campbell has hosted Today Extra since 2011, however, is more known for his singing talents on stage. The 52-year-old is well versed in the entertainment industry given his father is Jimmy Barnes. David has also previously worked with Today co-host Sarah Abo for the Christmas special, Carols by Candlelight.
The Australian have claimed Nine is eyeing off Brenton Ragless, a long-time presenter at the company and the current co-host of Adelaide’s 6pm Weekday News Bulletin. According to reports, he was previously considered for Karl’s Today job when he was fired in 2018, only to return a short while later.
Additionally, Nine is preparing to bid farewell to Sarah, who will be going on maternity leave in August to welcome her first baby with husband Cyrus.
When the news of Karl’s departure was confirmed, Sarah and her fellow Today show presenters addressed the news.
“Look, we know there has been a lot of speculation about Karl’s future with the show – today, we wanted to confirm to you that Karl will not be returning to the Today show or to Nine,” Sarah said, visibly emotional.
“Karl has of course woken up with Today for 21 years, so this is a huge change for our viewers and for us … he is our mate and our colleague, and he will be missed. Two decades is a long time.”
They weren’t the only ones emotional over his farewell – or lack thereof. Speaking on his podcast with Piers Morgan, Karl was visibility upset that he didn’t have the opportunity to say goodbye to the viewers.
“Sarah’s one of my dearest friends, I love her so much,” he said, speaking of his former co-host. “It’s so intimate, breakfast TV. But I’ve not got to say goodbye to the audience. For me not to have that dialogue is upsetting for me. It’s painful.”
