The hunt is now on to find Karl Stefanovic’s successor for the Today show, and one big frontrunner has been revealed.
The 51-year-old wrapped up his more than two-decade-long career at the network on Friday, which came after his independent podcast featured an interview with far-right activist Tommy Robinson.
Stefanovic had been at Nine for nearly 25 years, with 21 of those being on the breakfast program, and he’s one of the network’s biggest names.
So, whoever sits in his chair next will have big shoes to fill, and there have been a few names tossed around for his replacement.
Media commentator Jo Casamento told Yahoo Lifestyle that Tom Steinfort would be her pick for the coveted spot.
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“He’s already part of the Today family, viewers know him, and he’s a polished live broadcaster,” the host of Plus One Podcast and UNSW journalism and social media teacher said.
“If Nine is looking for continuity and stability after such a turbulent week, he’s the obvious internal candidate.”
Steinfort has been at Nine for nearly 20 years and has been filling in for Stefanovic while he’s in the UK this week. He’s currently the co-presenter on Nine News Melbourne and a 60 Minutes reporter.
Tom Steinfort (right) has been filling in for Stefanovic this week on the Today show and currently hosts the 6pm Melbourne bulletin.
(Channel 9)
According to betting agency Sportsbet, Steinfort is in second place at the time of writing at $2.75 odds.
Nine’s political reporter Charles Croucher is leading the pack at $1.83 odds.
Jo told Yahoo Lifestyle that he also “makes a lot of sense” to fill the spot as he’s one of the “most respected journalists” in the Nine newsroom and brings enormous credibility.
“The only question is whether Nine wants to lean further into hard news or whether breakfast television still needs that lighter touch and natural chemistry that Karl brought,” she added.
“Which is why David Campbell would be great. He’s part of the Nine family, he has viewer rapport, people love him, he’s fun and fabulous, it’s just whether he would want the gig as he has so many other things going on.”
Campbell is currently the co-host of Today Extra, which airs right after the Today show every morning, and he’s at $11 odds.
Charles Croucher (left) and David Campbell (right) have emerged as some of the frontrunners to replace Karl Stefanovic.
(Channel 9/Instagram/David Campbell)Who else could take over Karl Stefanovic’s spot on the Today show?
The rest of the list on Sportsbet’s website is a who’s who of Nine’s and Australia’s biggest names.
Rodger Corser is third on the list at $6, followed by 9News Queensland presenter Joel Dry at $10.
Nine’s finance editor Kris Kohler isn’t far behind at $11 each, and former Channel 9 darling Clint Stanaway and Nine’s sport reporter Felix von Hofe are on $12 odds.
Amongst the litany of in-house talent, there are also some Aussie stars that are apparently in the race.
Robert Irwin is toward the upper-end of the pack at $15 odds, radio star Andy Lee is on $23, vet and former I’m A Celeb host Chris Brown is chasing $31, as is divisive UK presenter Piers Morgan.
Robert Irwin and Julia Morris have appeared as possible successors to Karl Stefanovic on the Today show.
(Channel 10)
Former Sunrise star David Koch, Kyle Sandilands, Rove McManus, Julia Morris, Abbie Chatfield, and Dave Hughes also appear on the list, but toward the back of the pack.
“There’s another name missing from the betting entirely: Michael Atkinson,” Jo added.
“He’s been steadily promoted by Nine, hosts Weekend Today, fills in on the main show and ticks the internal promotion box.”
Jo explained to Yahoo Lifestyle that, considering Stefanovic’s contract was rumoured to be more than $2 million, Nine might focus on in-house talent to avoid “shopping for an expensive external star”.
“Promoting someone from within is not only cheaper, it’s also less risky. It’s certainly going to be interesting,” she said.
Michael Atkinson (centre) has been called an underdog who could replace Karl Stefanovic on the Today show.
(Instagram/Today)Stefanovic’s successor won’t be an “overnight” decision
The media commentator warned you shouldn’t hold your breath for a quick announcement.
She added that Today show viewers will likely see a range of presenters in the coming days and weeks.
Jo Casamento said there are plenty of in-house Channel 9 stars who could replace Karl Stefanovic, but the decision won’t be immediate.
(Instagram/@Jo.Casamento)
“I don’t think this decision will be made overnight,” Jo said.
“Breakfast television is all about chemistry.
“I’d expect Nine to road-test a few combinations, monitor audience reaction and take their time before locking in a permanent host.
“They’re not just replacing Karl Stefanovic – they’re deciding what the next era of Today looks like.”
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