Could Karl Stefanovic make the move to Breakfast radio in 2020?

Former Assistant Editor
Image: Nine

Karl Stefanovic‘s axing from Nine’s Today after almost 14 years has left many wondering; what next for the eccentric TV host.

His contract with Nine is still valid through to the end of 2019 but beyond that the future is uncertain.

The extent of his commitments with the network between now and the end of the year are also in limbo, though it appears he’ll likely continue as host of reality show This Time Next Year (the second season of which is set to return in the first half of the year).

So could Karl be transformed from a divisive television host into a radio shock jock? Industry reports suggest he was strongly sounded out by SCA for 2DayFM and Triple M Sydney Breakfast.

There’s little doubt he has a strong male appeal, which for over a decade worked well alongside a strong female presence on morning television.

Perhaps he could perform a similar function as Eddie McGuire does on Triple M Melbourne Breakfast.

Or would he could work better on a format like WSFM or smooth?

On the other side of the equation, Karl’s value to Nine still high enough that they’d be unlikely to let him leave without a fight.

The full new lineup for the Today show was announced last week, with Deb Knight replacing Karl to form a formidable female duo with Georgie Gardner.

Former triple j Breakfast journo Brooke Boney will also join the show, replacing Richard Wilkins.

The new lineup announcement was not particularly well received by viewers on social media, so Nine may want to keep Karl around as a backup in case things go sour.

News Corp reported in 2017 that Karl’s yearly salary was in the vicinity of $2 million a year, with potential bonuses taking it closer to $3 million depending on how Today did in the ratings.

With the recent merger between Nine and Fairfax, maybe Nine could use him on Macquarie Radio?


If Karl makes the jump to radio, where might he land? Let us know in the comments.

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Recent comments (21)
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Richard
9 Jan 2019 - 1:22 pm

Zanda nice idea why didn’t one of the networks think of that.

Ian
9 Jan 2019 - 1:30 pm

He would be very good with Amanda keller on WSFM more contemporary

JASON ANDREW TOPPIN
9 Jan 2019 - 2:38 pm

2GB HAD KRL AS A FILL IN IN THE PAST IT LOOKS AS THOUGH HE WILL BE ON 2GB WHEN FILLING IN FOR ALAN JONES.

George
9 Jan 2019 - 2:53 pm

Karl fm !

Ben
9 Jan 2019 - 2:57 pm

Yawn

Richard Smethurst
9 Jan 2019 - 5:45 pm

Karl will succeed and do well with whatever path he chooses.
He a fantastic broadcaster, as we all already know.
Would rather him stay with the Today Show to be perfectly honest.
Dislike the Ch7 version of Today.

Ken Watson
9 Jan 2019 - 6:13 pm

s

Sharon
9 Jan 2019 - 7:27 pm

Oh No….not with that monotone voice. I’d go to sleep.

Agnes Mitchell
9 Jan 2019 - 8:08 pm

No more Karl Stefanovic , please give us a break from him and the other Stefanovic …

Teresa
10 Jan 2019 - 6:11 am

Karl back on the today show. Thats where he belongs.

Cherie Crossingham
10 Jan 2019 - 7:04 am

Karl was great on the Today show he made the show i think the show will be boring without him..as for his private life its no ones business. Who hasn’t a relationship breakdown..Good luck to Karl tv or radio the ratings will sore..he has intelligence, looks and knows how to have a laugh..

Rosalie
10 Jan 2019 - 8:02 am

Don’t want to lose dickie and should have had brenton

Anna Trad
10 Jan 2019 - 9:29 am

We miss karl on the “Today Show” he truly made it full of entertainment. Chanel 9 really don’t know what their doing some things should just be left alone. Lisa Wilkinson, karl, Silvia, Richard & Tim made that show work…

M
10 Jan 2019 - 12:12 pm

If Nine buys out Macquarie Radio Network, they should relaunch Magic as a DAB+ station in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. Would provide some good competition for Smooth and Easy Hits.

They could also get rid of NTS (which hardly has any listeners outside of Sydney) and launch a DAB+ rock station as an alternative to Triple M.

If Nine were to also squeeze in a 5th DAB+ station, a male-skewed Old School station focusing on Dance/Soul/Urban (similar to Kisstory in the UK) with songs only from 90s, 00s, would give listeners an up-beat alternative to Oldskool hits.

Nine could leverage some of its star personnel, into filling the daytime announcer schedules on these new stations. It would be great for listeners and for Nine.

JASON ANDREW TOPPIN
10 Jan 2019 - 1:15 pm

SINCE NINE ENTERTAINMENT HAS TAKEN OWNERSHIP WITH MACQUARIE MEDIA LIMTED BOTH RICHARD WILKINS & KARL STEFANOVIIC WILL END UP AT 2GB

Karen whitfield
10 Jan 2019 - 2:52 pm

Too many stephanovics on 9 . Axing of team right decision -too stale. New appointments could have been better for sure. 7 without Koch better by far . More energy.

Geoff
10 Jan 2019 - 6:02 pm

Really is this news …….who cares

Damien
10 Jan 2019 - 6:19 pm

If anything, Karl will replace Deb Knight as a 2GB fill in while still on contract to Nine. There will have to be a shake up there soon as Alan Jones is getting very close to his use by date. One would imagine that would see Steve Price move to breakfast, leaving Karl to do nights. This would also allow him to continue to file investigative reports for 9 News/60 Mins.

Richard Wilkins is contracted to Nova for Smooth, I can’t see them letting him go given their dominant position.

Chandy Crawford
10 Jan 2019 - 7:04 pm

Today Show not the same without Karl. Holds his own in interviews and he is a true larrikin. You are a legend mate.

Barry
10 Jan 2019 - 10:42 pm

Karl should do a Morning Show on sky with Dicky and Timmy and Sylvia. Ch9 and Today are GONE

Ian
16 Jan 2019 - 7:31 am

Karl won’t go to radio he will end up at Seven next year. Nines loss.

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