Embattled Today host Karl Stefanovic could leave the breakfast show in the coming days, Channel Nine staff predict, as the network ‘clears house’.
‘Everybody in the newsroom’ has been talking about the rumoured departure of the network star after his lavish wedding to Jasmine Yarbrough in Mexico, sources told Daily Mail Australia on Wednesday.
Karl’s possible exit comes after his brother Peter Stefanovic left the company to ‘explore new opportunities’ and Today’s executive producer Mark Calvert ‘stepped down’ from his role.
It’s over? Embattled Today host Karl Stefanovic could leave the breakfast show in the coming days, Channel Nine staff predict, as the network ‘clears house’. Pictured in February 2018
Meanwhile, there has been widespread speculation about possible new roles for Today’s entertainment reporter Richard Wilkins and newsreader Sylvia Jeffreys.
Nine has denied Wilkins is leaving the program, but veteran reporter Peter Ford claims ‘the plan is for Richard to focus primarily on Today Extra next year’.
Well-placed sources at Channel Nine are suggesting that Nine’s decision not to renew Peter’s contract ‘begs the question’ whether Karl will be next out the door.
Last hurrah? Sources told Daily Mail Australia ‘everybody in the newsroom’ has been talking about the rumoured departure of the network star after his wedding to Jasmine Yarbrough in Mexico. Pictured in Los Cabos on December 8
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Channel Nine and Karl Stefanovic’s representatives for comment.
On Tuesday, Nine confirmed Peter’s departure from the network – with a former executive later claiming his exit was part of a ‘cost reduction’ strategy.
In recent weeks, the broadcaster has experienced some major shake-ups amid a spate of high-profile departures and rumoured upcoming exits.
Departures: It comes after Karl’s brother Peter Stefanovic (left, in 2011) left the network to ‘explore new opportunities’ and Today’s executive producer Mark Calvert ‘stepped down’
In early December, Today’s executive producer Mark Calvert left the program, announcing he was ‘stepping down’ after ‘five rollercoaster years’.
His resignation came after ratings for the breakfast show reached a 12-year low in September, and following rumours of ‘tension’ between him and Karl Stefanovic.
For months, Karl has been the subject of speculation he could be axed from the Today show in 2019 after two years of declining ratings.
Moving on: In early December, Today’s executive producer Mark Calvert (right) left the program, announcing he was ‘stepping down’ after ‘five rollercoaster years’
Boys’ club: It remains to be seen whether Karl’s friendship with Nine executive Steven Burling, who has replaced Calvert as Today’s executive producer, will save his hosting job. The two men are pictured with Ashley and Jessica Hart in NYC in 2015
In September, Nine chief executive Hugh Marks revealed that Karl’s job was safe for now, but said that everyone on the show – ‘especially Karl’ – needed to lift their game.
However, in the wake of Peter’s departure, talk again turned to to how secure Karl’s future on the struggling breakfast show really is.
Rumours have persisted for months that the beleaguered TV personality may be on his way out due to negative headlines surrounding his personal life.
Today’s ratings are rapidly dwindling and Karl himself has acknowledged the breakdown of his marriage to Cassandra Thorburn and subsequent relationship with a younger woman – shoe designer Jasmine Yarbrough – has damaged his image.
Fans: ‘You should’ve sacked Karl!’
After Nine announced that Peter Stefanovic would be leaving the network, viewers expressed rather strong feelings about the decision on social media.
‘Channel Nine have boned the wrong Stefanovic. Peter gone, Karl stays. How could they get it so wrong just before Christmas?’ one person tweeted.
Another wrote: ‘Peter Stefanovic – great news. Now just get rid of the Idiot Brother and we may be watching Nine again’.
‘Hopefully his brother to follow,’ read a similarly barbed comment.
‘Hopefully his brother to follow’: After Nine announced that Peter Stefanovic would be leaving the network, viewers expressed strong feelings about the decision on Twitter
In March, Peter and Karl were embroiled in the Ubergate scandal after their private phone conversation in a taxi was leaked to New Idea magazine.
During the conversation, Peter complained about his role on Weekend Today and the Stefanovic brothers also criticised Nine staffers and executives.
‘I hate working news, I’m dying on the inside and it makes me feel horrible,’ the Uber driver allegedly overheard Peter telling his older brother.
‘The life is draining out of me. I’m so much better than this and can do so much more, it’s the worst four days each week and I should be doing more.’
New relationship: Karl’s romance with Jasmine Yarbrough – whom he married in Mexico earlier this month – has been a major turn-off for female viewers. Pictured together at the 2018 Logies
An insider told Woman’s Day in March that the scandal could cost Peter his job, as he was ‘far more replaceable’ than his brother Karl.
However, in September, it was reported that despite Karl’s contract at the station, believed to be worth almost $3million and not expiring until the end of 2020, he was ‘likely to be replaced in the New Year’.
‘Top-level sources at Channel Nine’s Willoughby studios say the embattled Today host is officially “gone”,’ the Daily Telegraph alleged at the time.
Incoming? The apparent frontrunner to take Karl’s job is Adelaide newsreader Brenton Ragless (pictured), who is currently filling in for his newly-married colleague
Despite Nine previously backing Karl for 2019, speculation about his future has continued to grow over the past fortnight, with multiple reports claiming he is facing the chop.
The apparent frontrunner to take Karl’s job is Adelaide newsreader Brenton Ragless, who is currently filling in for his newly-married colleague on Today.
Reports in both The Australian and The Advertiser on Monday suggested that Brenton, 42, could end up permanently filling Karl’s spot if ratings don’t improve next year.
Meanwhile, questions over the future of Today newsreader Sylvia Jeffreys, who is married to Peter Stefanovic, were also raised on Tuesday.
Entertainment reporter Peter Ford claimed the 32-year-old journalist will be replaced by Tracy Vo, a presenter with Channel Nine’s Perth news team.
Ford tweeted: ‘As I reported yesterday there is also a plan to also “redeploy” @SylviaJeffreys and @Tracy_Vo is favourite to move east.’
Tracy, who is currently based in WA, celebrated 10 years at the network last year.
The Vietnamese-Australian reporter spent five years in the Sydney newsroom before returning to Perth in 2012 to care for her parents.
What’s next? Meanwhile, questions over the future of Today newsreader Sylvia Jeffreys, who is married to Peter Stefanovic, were also raised on Tuesday
Tracy began her journalism career in radio, reporting for Western Australia’s 6PR Radio and Curtin FM 100.1.
She moved from Perth to Sydney in 2004 after nabbing the role of breakfast editor and newsreader at local radio station 2SM.
Over the next few years Tracy made the transition to television, working for the likes of Sky News, Channel 10 and eventually the Nine Network.
Returning to Sydney? Entertainment reporter Peter Ford alleged on Monday that the 32-year-old will be replaced by Tracy Vo (pictured), a presenter with Channel Nine’s Perth news team
In an interview with 9Honey last year, Tracy referred to Sylvia as one of her closest friends from her days at Nine in Sydney.
Meanwhile, even the future of beloved entertainment guru Richard Wilkins came into question earlier this week, with Nine being forced to deny rumours he’s set to depart.
In a statement to the Sydney Morning Herald on Monday, a spokesperson said: ‘Richard is a valued member of the Nine and Today family. He will remain with Today in 2019 and beyond.’
Daily Mail Australia understands that it’s likely Richard will be ‘transferred’ to Today Extra over the coming months.
Safe for now? Even the future of beloved entertainment guru Richard Wilkins came into question earlier this week, with Nine being forced to deny rumours he’s set to depart