Channel Nine finally addresses rumours of ‘tension’ between Today’s Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo
Channel Nine finally addresses rumors of ‘tension’ between the Today show’s Karl Stefanovic and his co-presenter Sarah Abo over a ‘$700,000 pay gap’
Channel Nine has denied rumors of “tension” between the Today show’s Karl Stefanovic and his co-host Sarah Abo over their reported “$700,000 pay gap.”
It was reported last week that Stefanovic earns $1.5 million a year for his hosting duties, while Abo takes home $800,000 a year.
The rumors about the wage gap are said to have caused ‘tension’ between Stefanovic and Abo.
That’s what Nine’s morning television director, Steven Burling, told me News.com.au on Wednesday, the rumors are “not even remotely correct.”
‘The salary figures of our network talent that were published in various media last week were not even remotely correct. Anyone watching Today can confirm that there is absolutely no tension on set,” said Mr Burling.
Channel Nine has denied rumors of ‘tension’ between the Today show’s Karl Stefanovic and his co-host Sarah Abo over a ‘$700,000 wage gap’
“We couldn’t be happier with our talented line-up of Karl, Sarah, Brooke, Alex and Tim who work well and have a great time – end of story.”
On Monday, New Idea claimed that tensions between the Today show co-hosts, Karl and Sarah, are rising.
“The news about Karl’s high paycheck is terrifying to say the least… Some are wondering why she isn’t more evenly matched with Karl,” a source reportedly said.
“If you were Sarah, would you stay and smile every day knowing full well that you get paid so much less than your male counterpart for doing the same job? I imagine she’s probably disappointed.’
It was reported last week that Stefanovic earns $1.5 million a year for his hosting duties, while Abo takes home $800,000 a year
It comes after Channel Nine’s highest-paid stars were revealed – and Lego Masters presenter Hamish Blake topped the list with his eye-watering seven-figure salary.
The comedian, 41, is said to earn a whopping $2 million for hosting the reality show.
Closely followed by Hamish is presenter Karl, 48, and his former co-host Allison Langdon, 43, who moved to A Current Affair early this year.
The couple would take home a cool $1.5 million a year for their hosting duties.
Scott Cam, 60, would also earn the same salary for being the face of the popular renovation show The Block.
Other high-earning presenters include The Hundred host Andy Lee and Under Investigation host Liz Hayes.
Both would take home between $1 million and $1.2 million for their presenting duties.
The rumors about the pay gap have led to ‘tension’ between Stefanovic and Abo, reports New Idea
Meanwhile, Sydney newscaster Peter Overton, 57, also made the list with a salary between $900,000 and $1 million.
And Sophie Monk, 43, would earn the same amount for her work on the popular reality dating series Love Island.
However, the salary of a seasoned Channel Nine presenter remains a secret.
It is unknown what Hot Seat host Eddie McGuire, 60, earns as the veteran host also works behind the scenes on several shows as a producer.
Nine’s director of morning television Steven Burling told News.com.au, the rumors are ‘not even remotely correct’