Karl takes aim at Sunrise no-show
TODAY host Karl Stefanovic has slammed the decision of breakfast TV rivals Sunrise not to relocate to the Gold Coast for the Logie Awards, which take place at The Star in Broadbeach on Sunday July 1.
Next month’s event will be the first time the Logie Awards has been held on the Gold Coast, making the switch from Melbourne after 30 years.
The Today Show will host their post-Logies show from the awards venue as per usual, but Seven have decided not to relocate Sunrise to the Gold Coast for its coverage.
It’s understood that the Sydney-based panel will instead be doing live crosses to Edwina Bartholomew and Sam Mac.
Stevanovic – who previously criticised the decision to move the Logie Awards from Melbourne – was scathing in his criticism of his rivals, accusing them of failing to support the local TV industry.
“I hear our opposition isn’t coming this year, they’re too good to support the local industry – to support their own network colleagues who are lucky enough to be nominated for their hard work. Plain too good,” he said yesterday.
“We don’t want you there anyway. You’re all boring – except for Grant Denyer, I like him.
“To the hard-working men and women in the TV industry, I want to say: The Today Show loves you and supports you. We look forward to celebrating with you – and celebrating … all the way until our show starts.”
Stefanovic also criticised actor Hugo Weaving’s claim that the Logie Awards “are just promotional tools for TV channels themselves”.
“Hugo, the Logies are recognition for the hard work of those who work in a great industry. An industry that entertains all Australians,” he said.
“It survives and thrives on people like you promoting it. People’s jobs depend on it.
“So you aren’t coming to the Logies? No worries. You don’t want to thank a producer, a camera operator, or someone who paid for your show to be made and paid your wage, Hugo?”
Stefanovic had previously threatened to boycott the Logie Awards if they were moved from Melbourne, saying they would be a “huge, huge loss” for Victorian capital.
However he later backtracked, saying it will be “fun and great” to have the awards on the Coast.
A spokesperson for the Seven network said it will have a major presence on the Coast, despite the decision to keep Sunrise in Sydney.