Since Karl Stefanovic‘s two decade reign on the Today Show abruptly ended in June, 9Network has finally unveiled its new Today hosting ensemble for 2027. Sylvia Jeffreys and Tom Steinfort will take the reins, replacing Stefanovic and Sarah Abo—who Nine announced yesterday was stepping away from the role.
Jeffreys and Stefanovic bring a collective four decades of experience in journalism and television presenting to the role. Both trusted and familiar to audiences, they have held some of the biggest roles in Nine, including 60 Minutes, 9News, Today, and Today Extra.
“I’ve had the pleasure of being part of the Today family for nearly 15 years and it’s always felt like home. It’s an honour to continue the legacy of this programme, to be welcomed into the homes of our audience, and to steer the show into a new era alongside Tom,” Jeffreys said in a press release.
“Australians turn to Nine when big stories break and we are fully committed to bringing our audience the trusted news, entertainment and great Aussie characters that Today is famous for. We are excited to launch straight in.”
Steinfort added: “I never thought I’d be this pumped to be getting up at 3am every day, but it’s a privilege to be part of such an iconic show. Where else can you be grilling the Prime Minister one minute, then making an absolute goose of yourself the next?!
“And I’m thrilled to be doing this alongside Sylvia – she’s a brilliant broadcaster, a great mate and a lot of fun. We have an incredible team around us, and such a loyal audience…I can’t wait to get stuck in.”
The appointments mark a new dawn for Today, and signal a shift in the program’s format, pace, and commercial integrations which will be unveiled at the Nine 2027 Upfront this afternoon.
“Today has an important role in helping set the news agenda and is often the first interaction our audience has with Channel 9 and 9Now each day. So while audience viewing behaviour is shifting, our research tells us that above all they want breakfast hosts who are knowledgeable, warm, trustworthy and entertaining – and Sylvia and Tom bring that in spades,” said executive director news and current affairs, Fiona Dear.
“When Sylvia and Tom have hosted the show over the past few months, our viewers consistently share their positive feedback – and that has been a huge factor in these appointments. Both are incredibly deserving of these positions and we know they will successfully steer the show into its new era.”
With Jeffreys joining Today, Nine has also revealed that Belinda Russell will permanently join David Campbell as host of Today Extra. Russell is a familiar face to the Today Extra audience, having regularly stepped in to co-host the program over many years.
With Steinfort’s appointment, Nine also announced that Alicia Loxley will continue hosting 9News Melbourne’s 6pm weeknight bulletin.
“The strength and depth of talent we have across Nine is showcased in this new hosting lineup and those who have stepped in as guest hosts for Today over the past few months. This is an exciting new era for morning television at Nine. There is no doubt we are Australia’s most talked about breakfast show and we will keep that conversation going as we deliver a show that our audience trusts to keep them informed and entertained each day,” said director of morning television, Steven Burling.
Sylvia and Tom will be on air from 5.30am tomorrow, 18 September.
