Channel 9 has addressed speculation that Karl Stefanovic’s contract with the network is under threat, amid reports suggesting a potential succession plan is being considered for the Today show.
Stefanovic, who has been a central figure on the programme for more than two decades, was the subject of recent commentary in The Australian, which claimed the network was engaged in a “not so secret” plan to eventually refresh the show’s lineup.
However, a spokesperson for Channel 9 denied suggestions that Stefanovic’s role was in jeopardy, telling Yahoo Lifestyle the presenter would continue in his current position.
“We’re incredibly proud of our Today team and the work they’ve been doing in an already busy 2026 and delighted that, as announced at the Nine Upfronts back in October, Sarah [Abo] and Karl continue to lead the incredible Today team in what will be a big year full of headlines and events that affect the lives of our viewers,” the spokesperson said.
Stefanovic began his career with the Nine Network in 1994 as a cadet reporter at WIN in Rockhampton and Cairns. After working in New Zealand and at Channel 10, he returned to Channel 9 in 2000 as a reporter and back-up presenter for 9News in Brisbane.
In 2005, he succeeded Steve Liebmann as host of Today, a role he held until 2018. During that period, he co-hosted alongside Tracy Grimshaw, Jessica Rowe, Lisa Wilkinson and Georgie Gardner.
In 2019, the network trialled on all-female hosting lineup with Deborah Knight and Georgie Gardner.
The Australian report suggested potential successors to Stefanovic could include Tom Steinfort, Nine’s 6pm Brisbane bulletin host Joel Dry or Sunrise presenter Matt Shirvington.
Despite Channel 9 publicly backing its current lineup, the newspaper also reported that Stefanovic may be open to stepping away from the program following the launch of his own podcast.
The Karl Stefanovic Show premiered in late January, with Pauline Hanson appearing as the inaugural guest, followed by UFC star Alexander Volkanovski.
Stefanovic previously returned to Today in 2020 alongside Allison Langdon, who remained with the programme until she was replaced by Sarah Abo in 2023.
Ahead of the podcast’s debut, Stefanovic said the format would allow him to explore a wider range of personal interests.
“I have such a broad spectrum of things that I’m curious about,” he told news.com.au.
“I don’t know what it’s about, because I don’t know what I’m about, you know, on any particular day.”
One Channel 9 source told The Australian the decision to launch a podcast had caused internal confusion.
“It’s all gone down like a lead balloon here.
“Surely, we should be saying, ‘Hey, any chance you might want to tee up all these amazing interviews for the show that still pays you $2 million a year?’”
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