After more than 20 years commanding the Today show desk, the Nine Network is suddenly faced with the monumental task of replacing Karl Stefanovic. With the veteran anchor’s sudden departure transpiring at lightning speed, a massive vacuum has opened up in morning television, leaving millions of viewers wondering exactly who will step into his shoes.
Karl’s lucrative $2 million per year contract with Nine was originally scheduled to run through 2026. With just six months remaining in the year, it remains highly uncertain if network executives had preplanned a succession strategy, or if they are actively reacting to an unprecedented crisis. Because Today show presenters sit on a cultural pinnacle—ultimately dictating the commercial success and ratings of free-to-air television—Nine is heavily expected to lean on a familiar face to stabilize the ship.
Adding to the network’s immediate headache, Nine is also preparing to temporarily bid farewell to co-host Sarah Abo, who will be stepping away on maternity leave in August to welcome her first child with husband Cyrus.
When the news of Karl’s permanent exit was verified, an emotional Sarah Abo addressed the audience directly alongside her remaining co-presenters.
“Look, we know there has been a lot of speculation about Karl’s future with the show – today, we wanted to confirm to you that Karl will not be returning to the Today show or to Nine,” Sarah said, visibly fighting back tears. “Karl has of course woken up with Today for 21 years, so this is a huge change for our viewers and for us … he is our mate and our colleague, and he will be missed. Two decades is a long time.”
Karl Stefanovic attends the Nine 2025 Upfronts at Carriageworks on October 24, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Credit: Don Arnold/WireImage)
The abruptness of the departure left Karl himself deeply wounded. Speaking on a high-profile podcast appearance with Piers Morgan, Stefanovic expressed deep sorrow over his lack of a proper on-air send-off.
“Sarah’s one of my dearest friends, I love her so much,” he shared, reflecting on his time with Abo. “It’s so intimate, breakfast TV. But I’ve not got to say goodbye to the audience. For me not to have that dialogue is upsetting for me. It’s painful.”
As Nine desperately hunts for a permanent successor, the distinct profiles of the top candidates—and how they structurally differ from Karl’s legendary, unfiltered broadcasting style—have officially come to light.
Tom Steinfort: The Calculated News Heavyweight
Tom Steinfort has long been viewed as a natural heir to the morning television throne, having recently filled in at the desk during Karl’s high-profile broadcast assignment in the United Kingdom. Steinfort boasts an incredibly impressive journalistic pedigree, having sharpened his teeth as an investigative reporter for the network’s flagship 60 Minutes program, alongside extensive stints as Nine’s dedicated foreign correspondent across both the United States and Europe. He currently co-presents the powerhouse Nine News Melbourne bulletin alongside Alicia Loxley, where he has directly driven a massive positive surge in the ratings since taking over from television legend Peter Hitchener.
How he differs from Karl: Where Karl Stefanovic was defined by his unpredictable, highly emotive, and often controversial larrikin humor, Steinfort brings a measured, iron-clad journalistic authority to the screen. He represents a pivot toward elite news credibility, favoring meticulous interrogation over comedic banter—a shift that could attract viewers craving a more grounded breakfast news format.
David Campbell: The Versatile Entertainment Kingpin
If Nine decides to outsource talent from its sister lifestyle programs, Today Extra host David Campbell stands out as an elite option. Having hosted the mid-morning show since 2011, the 52-year-old is a deeply trusted network staple. However, Campbell’s talents extend far beyond traditional telecasting; he is theater royalty, widely celebrated for his powerhouse vocal abilities on stage. As the son of Australian rock legend Jimmy Barnes, Campbell possesses an innate, multi-generational connection to the Australian entertainment industry. Crucially, he already shares an effortless, proven on-screen chemistry with Sarah Abo, having previously co-hosted the network’s iconic Carols by Candlelight Christmas broadcast alongside her.
How he differs from Karl: Campbell possesses all of Karl’s natural charisma and showmanship but channels it through a distinctly polished, warm, and theatrical energy. While Karl’s humor often carried a sharp, provocative edge, David’s style is inherently unifying and family-friendly, offering an undeniable charm that could seamlessly soften the morning timeslot.
Brenton Ragless: The Consummate Professional and Rising Frontrunner
According to authoritative industry reports from The Australian, Nine executives are heavily eyeing Brenton Ragless as the ultimate strategic choice. Ragless is a highly revered, long-time presenter within the corporate network, currently serving as the anchor for Adelaide’s vital 6pm Weekday News Bulletin. Interestingly, this is not Ragless’s first brush with the breakfast hot seat; network insiders reveal he was the primary candidate considered to take over Karl’s Today role when Stefanovic was sensationally axed by management back in 2018, before his subsequent reinstatement. Ragless further elevated his national profile by leading Nine’s stellar on-the-ground reporting during the 2024 Paris Olympics.
How he differs from Karl: Ragless represents the antithesis of the chaotic “shock-jock” energy that occasionally plagued Stefanovic’s later years. Known for his flawless delivery, deep community connection, and unwavering reliability under pressure, Ragless offers a sense of steady, trustworthy calm. As network executives seek to rebuild the Today brand around stability and prestige, Ragless is rapidly emerging as the safest, most strategically sound option to permanently claim the morning crown.