‘We didn’t think it was a statement’: Today boss reveals the REAL reason why Channel Nine chose Deborah Knight to replace Karl Stefanovic
History was made when Deborah Knight was announced as the replacement for Karl Stefanovic on Today, making the program a completely female-helmed show.
And Channel Nine’s new director for morning television Steven Burling, has now revealed why the network chose to replace Karl Stefanovic, 44, with a female host on the Today show.
Speaking to The Sydney Morning Herald, he revealed that the move was neither a ‘statement’ nor influenced by gender.
‘We didn’t think it was a statement, we didn’t think it was time to have a female duo’: The real reason Channel Nine chose Deborah Knight (right) was chosen to replace Karl Stefanovic (left) on Today
‘We didn’t think it was a statement, we didn’t think it was time to have a female duo hosting Today,’ he told the publication.
He added that the decision was made purely because Deborah and Today co-host Georgie Gardner, 48, make a great team.
‘The rationale for us for two female hosts is simply having the two most capable people at the desk as part of our core team.
‘The rationale for us for two female hosts is simply having the two most capable people at the desk as part of our core team:’ Channel Nine’s new director for morning television Steven Burling revealed that the move was neither a ‘statement’ nor influenced by gender
‘It was about having our dream team who we wanted sitting there.’
Deborah will soon step into the coveted job as co-host of the Today show after Karl Stefanovic was unceremoniously dumped from the top spot.
On Saturday, the mother-of-three told admitted it was bitter sweet replacing Karl, and described him as ‘a great mate’.
Replacement: Deborah will soon step into the coveted job as co-host of the Today show after Karl Stefanovic was unceremoniously dumped last year
The pair previously worked alongside each other as US correspondents and after Lisa Wilkinson, 59, vacated the position in 2017, Karl and Deborah briefly co-hosted the popular breakfast show together.
Deborah will join Georgie in leading the new era of the Today show.
The duo will work alongside Melbourne newsreader Tom Steinfort and sports presenter Tony Jones on Monday January 14.
Dream team: Deborah will join Georgie Gardner (right) in leading the new era of the Today show alongside Melbourne newsreader Tom Steinfort and sports presenter Tony Jones on Monday January 14