Channel Nine staff furious rising star journalists got passed over for lucrative Today hosting gig – as big wigs give the spot to a doctor instead
Ambitious young reporters at Channel Nine are reportedly furious with the network for passing them on for a lucrative Today hosting gig during the summer holidays.
The breakfast show often tests the mettle of rising stars during its six-week non-rating period, while regular presenters Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo go on leave.
However, last Christmas and New Year’s Eve some newcomers were left bewildered when they were sought out for the fill-in role in favor of Dr Nick Coatsworth, reported The Daily Telegraph on Sunday.
Dr. Nick made his name as deputy chief medical officer during the COVID-19 pandemic.
An infectious disease expert, he was often seen fronting news cameras to give his expert opinions on vaccines and lockdowns during the outbreak.
Now he’s been spotted on Today in the top spot alongside journalist Lara Vella and newsreader Maggie Raworth, but some Nine staffers aren’t too happy about his addition to the team.
Ambitious young reporters at Channel Nine are reportedly furious with the network for passing them on for a lucrative Today hosting gig in favor of Dr. Nick Coatsworth. Pictured with substitute Lara Vella
‘Dr. Nick is an awkward host and not a favorite with producers behind the scenes,” the insider said.
“He’ll never get a guest role in the future, so people are wondering why he’s been given a coveted position since there’s no shortage of contenders willing and able to jump in.”
Another source said: ‘Summer is a time for experimenting, but some would say Nine might be doing it too much.’
They further added that it is good practice to “mentor younger staff and bring out the leaders of tomorrow,” but Dr. Nick ‘isn’t’.
Daily Mail Australia has approached Nine for comment.
Other holiday hosts who have taken over the lucrative hosting gig from Karl, 50, and Sarah, 39, include Alison Piotrowski and Gavin Morris, as well as former Sunrise presenter Samantha Armytage and weatherman Dan Anstey.
This isn’t the first time Nine has faced backlash for its decision to keep Dr. Nick to fill in for Karl while the experienced presenter goes on Christmas holiday.
Some Today stars were reportedly unhappy during the 2023 summer holidays when Dr. Nick got the gig for the first time.
Dr. Nick made his name on TV as deputy chief medical officer during the COVID-19 pandemic
According to The Australian At the time, “a lot of people were up in arms” about the decision to put the medical professional in the guest chair.
Karl’s co-host Sarah was replaced by regular Today show reporter Mia Glover during the recent Christmas break.
Dr. Nick has made several television appearances over the years as an infectious disease expert.
He currently presents the television show Do You Want To Live Forever? with Tracy Grimshaw
Dr. Nick is married to Dr. Rebecca Pearson, a lung transplant physician, with whom he shares three children.