Karls’ NOT GOING ANYWHERE
DESPITE A RATINGS SLUMP, THE TODAY HOST’S ALARM IS STILL SET FOR AN EARLY WAKE-UP
Karl Stefanovic has never been one to shy away from his critics. And while speculation is mounting that the popular host is about to exit Today
after 17 years, sources assure New Idea that the dad of four isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
Although Today has taken a tumble in the ratings – it recently slipped into third place behind ABC’S News Breakfast and Channel 7’s reigning morning-show champion, Sunrise – Karl is confident that he and Allison Langdon, his co-host of two years, have what it takes to bounce back.
“Karl is the sort of bloke who would never bail out on a sinking ship. Being behind in the ratings makes him and Ally only want to work harder to get back on top,” a close source reveals to New Idea.
“It’s sink or swim for the pair. That being said, knowing their tenacity and professionalism, they’ll pull out all stops to bring back their valued viewers who might’ve temporarily wandered over to other networks.”
With Lisa Millar and Michael Rowland at the helm, ABC’S News Breakfast notched up a surprise win over Today five days in a row.
“It sent alarm bells ringing over at Nine,” claims the source. “Some pundits believe audiences have searched out the best place for their election coverage, [but] Nine is banking on many of them returning once it’s all over.”
Love him or hate him, it’s fair to say Karl, 47, is Aussie TV royalty. In 2011, he won the TV Week Gold Logie for Most Popular Personality.
Still, it seems betting agencies have other ideas!
Karl’s possible departure has attracted plenty of interest, with online bookies opening the markets with Karl at $1.20 to leave the show this year, and $2.70 to stay (at press time).
“He sure knows how to get everyone talking!” reveals our insider. “There’s still some hesitancy to make any major changes right now to the current Today line-up, even though Charles [Croucher] is ready to take over the reins.
“When Karl was dumped in 2018, he vowed never again … it was a very low point in his life. But knowing his drive and fortitude, Karl will do everything he can to be number one [again]. Only then will he be satisfied that his job is done.”
‘THE RATINGS MAKE HIM WANT TO WORK HARDER’