Viewers' outraged as Nine drops Peter Stefanovic: "Wrong brother"
Aussie viewers have vented their frustration over news Peter Stefanovic has left Channel Nine after 15 years, saying the “wrong brother” had been dropped.
The announcement of Peter’s departure came last night, following recent reports that he would lose his hosting gig for Weekend Today.
Nine Network fans were quick to respond on social media, with many saying that embattled Today host Karl Stefanovic should’ve been given the flick instead.
One viewer wrote: “Would prefer Pete over Karl any day.”
Another added: “The wrong brother has left the building… The Nine Network really need to pay attention to the water cooler talk happening in the nation … Australia is over Karl. It’s time for a new look Today.”
The shock announcement comes days after Nine denied a Daily Telegraph report that Peter was being replaced on Weekend Today due to poor ratings and the controversy surrounding the Ubergate scandal.
While travelling in an Uber with his wife Sylvia Jeffreys, Peter was overheard having a speakerphone conversation with his brother Karl, complaining about Nine and their colleagues.
In a statement released by Nine, a spokesman said the decision between Channel Nine and the veteran reporter was mutual.
“Peter has decided to explore new opportunities and is looking forward to spending weekends with his wife,” they said.
“He has been a respected member of the Nine News team and Weekend Today, and we wish him all the best for the future.”
Peter said he had “an amazing time at Nine being a foreign correspondent, news reporter and covering some amazing stories for 60 Minutes”.
“I’ll miss my friends at Nine very much. It has been a huge privilege to work alongside so many great people,” he said.
Peter’s departure comes a fortnight after Today’s executive producer Mark Calvert stepped down following a year of struggling ratings.