Following the news of US bureau chief Robert Penfold’s exit from the role, rumours have begun circulating that tip former Today host Karl Stefanovic as his replacement.
Yesterday, Nine revealed veteran Australian journalist Robert Penfold, 68, had stepped down as Nine’s US bureau chief, igniting rumours Stefanovic may be up for the gig.
Rumours have been circulating that Stefanovic wanted to relocate to the US as Nine’s correspondent when a Nine ‘insider’ allegedly told New Idea back in 2017 he was eyeing Penfold’s job.
B&T contacted Nine, who denied the rumours were true.
However, despite Nine’s protestation otherwise, the move would make sense for both Stefanovic and the TV network.
Stefanovic is reportedly on a near $2m a year contract, which B&T understands runs out at the end of the year.
Moving Stefanovic across to the US would help Nine reposition the presenter as a serious journalist and get him out of the limelight after a year of plenty of on-air troubles.
Failing that, perhaps a move to radio might be on the horizon for Stefanovic. Earlier this year, fellow trade title Radio Today speculated the possibility of Stefanovic switching codes and going the radio route.
B&T believes this speculation certainly has merit, and we were told by an industry insider that they wouldn’t be surprised to see the ex-Today host making the move to the airwaves.
Stefanovic was axed as Today co-host last December while on his honeymoon with his new wife.
He remains with Nine, however, and will appear as the host on This Time Next Year, which will air in the next few months.
For now, only time will tell what Stefanovic’s next big move will be.
