Channel Nine has reportedly been plunged into back-to-back crisis meetings following the decision to bring Samantha Armytage onto the Today show as a summer fill-in co-host.
The network’s move has sparked outrage among long-time staff, with insiders alleging the decision has created tension behind the scenes and left many feeling snubbed.
Sam, 48, is set to join Karl Stefanovic for a week and a half during the holiday season, temporarily replacing Sarah Abo.
While Nine insists the move is purely seasonal, speculation is rife that it could be a trial run to see if Sam is the right fit to join Today permanently.
The fallout from the decision has been significant.
‘There have been crisis meetings back-to-back since Sam was signed,’ a source told Woman’s Day.
Channel Nine has reportedly been plunged into back-to-back crisis meetings following the decision to bring Samantha Armytage onto the Today show as a summer fill-in co-host. Pictured last month
The network’s move has sparked outrage among long-time staff, with insiders alleging the decision has created tension behind the scenes and left many feeling snubbed. (Pictured: Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo)
‘The big bosses did not listen to the team when they objected to Sam coming on board.’
Meanwhile, a well-placed source tells Daily Mail Australia that Nine has a strategic reasoning behind Sam’s appointment.
‘Let’s not pretend this isn’t about ratings,’ they said.
‘If Sam manages to pull Today out of the shadow of Sunrise, even for a week, the network will see it as a win. For Sam, it’s about proving she’s still the queen of breakfast TV.’
One major source of resentment at her new network is the perception that Nine’s existing talent has been overlooked.
Many insiders were reportedly blindsided by Sam’s signing, particularly after she was chosen to host The Golden Bachelor, despite others at the network vying for the role.
‘There is no harder slap-down than to put your hand up for hosting The Golden Bachelor and virtually be told you’ve got the gig, only to then read in the newspapers that Sam is their surprise pick,’ the insider claimed.
The tension reportedly extends to Today’s regular hosts.
Sam, 48, is set to join Karl Stefanovic for a week and a half during the holiday season
Sarah, 39, was allegedly upset earlier this year when she learned Sam was being considered as her temporary replacement during a leave period.
That plan was shelved after Sarah pushed back, with Nine opting for Sylvia Jeffreys as a ‘safer option.’
This time, however, Sarah appears to have accepted the decision, though insiders claim it hasn’t been easy.
‘If Sam wants it that much, she can have it,’ a colleague reportedly said, adding that Sarah is resigned to the fact that Sam is being given prime opportunities at the network.
Channel Nine and Samantha Artmytage have been approached for comment.
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