Is Radio On The Horizon For Karl Stefanovic?

The speculation wheel is turning once again amongst media industry circles around just what will be the next career move of Nine’s Karl Stefanovic.

After Stefanovic parted ways with the Today show in December (following a 14-year stint), the focus was on who would replace him rather than what his next move would be.

We got an answer just the other day on who will now sit beside Georgie Gardner at the Nine breakfast show table, while Stefanovic has been defending himself over some interesting Instagram activity following the new Today show team announcement.

However, despite remaining on contract with Nine until the end of the year and gearing up to record the second season of This Time Next Year next month, the TV larrikin will surely be thinking about what’s on the horizon in 2020.

Fellow trade title Radio Today speculated yesterday the possibility of Stefanovic switching codes and going the radio route.

B&T reckons this speculation certainly has merit, and to add more weight, we’ve been told by an industry insider that they wouldn’t be surprised to see the ex-Today host making the move to the airwaves.

While the radio networks have settled on their hosting line-ups for 2019, the cut-throat nature of the industry could see some spots open up on a brekkie or drive show if ratings goals aren’t realised.

Triple M’s Mike Fitzpatrick told B&T: “Karl is a talent and has done a great job at Today. However, as I’ve previously said, we have secured Lawrence Mooney as our host of Triple M Sydney breakfast and we’re committed to building that show into a success for the future.”

An ARN spokesperson told B&T it has no plans to hire Stefanovic, while NOVA Entertainment declined to comment.

Also, let’s not forget that Nine – Stefanovic’s employer – is now the majority shareholder of Macquarie Media, thanks to its merger with Fairfax Media. Furthermore, the company has confirmed its interest in buying the outstanding shares in the radio network.

That would put controversial 2GB shock jock Alan Jones – who isn’t getting any younger at 75 years of age and whose past 12 months were filled with apologies and lawsuits (which you can read about here, here and here) – under the watchful eye of Nine.

Could Stefanovic fill the enormous shoes of Jones, should he retire/depart the station in the near future?

Nine declined to comment to B&T, while Macquarie Media CEO Adam Lang couldn’t be reached for comment.

Advertise with us

Please login with linkedin to comment

karl stefanovic Radio Today