Today’s Karl Stefanovic ‘thinking about his future’ at Channel Nine as rival network bloodbath unfolds
Channel Nine’s Karl Stefanovic is keeping a close eye on the drama unfolding at rival network Seven, according to a new report.
The Today show host has ‘considered his future’ as shake-ups and staff changes take place among his colleagues, particularly rumors that much-loved journalist Mark Ferguson will be ‘shuffled’ as weeknight newsreader – a claim Seven has denied.
Both Stefanovic, 49, and co-star Sarah Abo, 38, are aware that Nine is ‘always open to new faces’ Women’s Day.
“Of course, Karl, and to a lesser extent. Sarah, always thinking about their future. Today, the ratings lag behind Sunrise,” an alleged insider told the publication.
“There’s always a chance that Nine could say, ‘If the others are moving and shaking, maybe it’s time for us to do the same,'” she added.
Channel Nine’s Karl Stefanovic is keeping a close eye on the drama unfolding at rival network Seven, according to a new report. Both Stefanovic, 49, and co-star Sarah Abo, 38, are aware that Nine is ‘always open to new faces’, claims Woman’s Day. Both shown
Karl and Sarah could join forces to negotiate future deals, the magazine claims.
“It wouldn’t be a surprise if Karl negotiates a package deal with Sarah this time. They both know they are on to something good with each other,” the alleged insider added.
Ny Breaking Australia has approached Channel Nine for comment.
It comes after the Channel Seven staff massacre took a turn last week, days after reports claimed Mark Ferguson would be ‘shuffled’ as the weekday newsreader.
News Corp previously reported that seven bosses were “warming” to the idea of replacing 58-year-old Ferguson with the network’s weekend team, Michael Usher and Angela Cox.
However, a Seven insider has since told Ny Breaking Australia that this is not the case.
“Of course, Karl, and to a lesser extent. Sarah, always thinking about their future. Today, the ratings lag behind Sunrise,” an alleged insider told the publication
It comes after Channel Seven’s staff massacre took a turn last week, days after reports claimed Mark Ferguson (pictured) would be ‘shuffled’ as the weekday newsreader
Instead, the source is reliably informed. Seven bosses are ready to rob Usher, leaving Cox to present the Friday and Saturday evening bulletins solo.
Executives hope to “save money and increase gender balance” with Cox as a one-woman show on weekends.
The insider also believes that, contrary to previous reports, Ferguson remains safe in his role.
‘Mark [Ferguson] is the ultimate professional and beloved in the newsroom,” the Seven source said.
“It would be suicide to replace Mark now, and it would be courageous for a new news boss – who has no television experience – to replace the 6pm reader as his first move,” they added.
Seven denied the claims when contacted by Ny Breaking Australia.
Rumors of the overnight commotion in the news come as the Channel Seven carnage continues in the wake of Bruce Lehrmann’s sex and drugs allegations on the network’s flagship current affairs show Spotlight.
Seven confirmed last month that then-news director Craig McPherson – partner of Dancing with the Stars presenter Sonia Kruger – had suddenly left his role as network director of news and public affairs after nine years in the role.
In the month of April alone, the network lost McPherson, general manager James Warburton, commercial director Bruce McWilliam and Spotlight executive producer Mark Llewellyn.