Crisis at Nine: Who Will Save Today?
Nine’s leadership is scrambling to replace Karl Stefanovic on Today, but insiders warn that the network’s chronic indecision poses the real threat to the breakfast show’s survival.
The task falls to a five-member casting committee with wildly different views on what constitutes success and credibility. Not only must they replace Stefanovic, but they also need a maternity cover for co-host Sarah Abo, who is expected to depart this month. Replacing two established anchors simultaneously is a high-stakes gamble, made worse by Nine’s failure to groom clear successors during a period of collapsing ratings and low staff morale.
The committee consists of five senior executives: CEO Matt Stanton, streaming/broadcast head Amanda Laing, television director Michael Healy, news director Fiona Dear, and morning TV director Steve Burling. However, staff confidence is low, pointing to reports that board chairman Peter Tonagh had to step in to sack Stefanovic as proof of executive paralysis.
Here is how the decision-makers stack up:
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CEO Matt Stanton: Currently in London negotiating NRL broadcast rights, Stanton is focused heavily on the bottom line and Nine’s struggling share price. Insiders expect him to try and cap talent salaries below $1 million, likely deferring creative choices to his team.
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Amanda Laing: A former lawyer focused on digital and streaming platforms, Laing managed the fine print of Stefanovic’s exit. If she influences the talent search, sources suggest she may favor poaching ABC names like Leigh Sales, Michael Rowland, or James Glenday.
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Michael Healy: As head of television, Healy favors headline-grabbing “noisemakers.” A staunch Stefanovic defender, he may push for Samantha Armytage to cover Abo’s leave, or even attempt a stunt reunion between Armytage and former Sunrise host David Koch. Other targets could include Liz Hayes, Sonia Kruger, or Jackie “O” Henderson.
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Fiona Dear: The national news boss may back safe, conventional choices like Melbourne newsreader Tom Steinfort (currently filling in) and Jayne Azzopardi, rather than making a bold development play.
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Steve Burling: The morning TV director is highly supportive of political editor Charles Croucher, while also viewing Steinfort, Azzopardi, and Today Extra hosts David Campbell and Sylvia Jeffreys as reliable fallback options.
OG Cast Eyed for Real Housewives of Melbourne Return
Foxtel and Binge are planning to bring back original stars Gina Liano, Jackie Gillies, Lydia Schiavello, and Gamble Breaux for the long-awaited sixth season of The Real Housewives of Melbourne.
The network had previously considered completely recasting the show with high-profile business figures like Alex Fevola and Booby Tape founders Bianca and Bridgett Roccisano. Instead, producers at ITV are in talks with the original fan favorites.
The production has shifted to ITV following the closure of original producer Matchbox Pictures. However, because ITV is based in Sydney, the crew will commute to Melbourne to shoot. This decision has caused some behind-the-scenes tension, as local Melbourne production stalwarts feel snubbed despite delivering the franchise’s most successful seasons. The revival will be helmed by Chloe Baker, a veteran executive producer of The Voice and Love Island.
Conman Podcast Who the Hell is Hamish? Set for TV
Paramount 10 and Jungle Entertainment have greenlit a television adaptation of the hit podcast Who the Hell is Hamish?. Jungle Entertainment, known for Mr Inbetween, is currently handling pre-production.
Originally written and hosted by Greg Bearup for The Australian, the podcast detailed the exploits of Hamish McLaren (born Hamish Watson), also known as the “Bondi Swindler.” Over three decades, McLaren posed as a financier, barrister, and elite athlete to scam victims out of millions.
His victims included fashion designer Lisa Ho, who lost $850,000 from her superannuation before initiating the 2014 legal proceedings that bankrupt him. McLaren was arrested in 2017 and sentenced to 16 years in prison. Following a sentence reduction, he was released last month after serving nine years.
Rob Waterhouse Recovering in Italy After Health Scare
Prominent bookmaker Rob Waterhouse is recuperating after a sudden medical episode hospitalised him in London two weeks ago.
The health scare forced the veteran bookmaker to miss the final two days of Royal Ascot, costing him his betting stand at the event. Ten days later, Waterhouse and his trainer wife, Gai, are recovering in Taormina, Sicily. They are joined by their daughter Kate, son-in-law Luke Ricketson, and grandchildren, who are concurrently celebrating Kate and Luke’s 14th wedding anniversary.
