Channel Nine is reportedly preparing one of the biggest shake-ups in the history of Today, with a major overhaul that could cost two of the breakfast show’s most recognisable faces their jobs.
As the network searches for a new direction following Karl Stefanovic’s departure, insiders claim a sweeping relaunch is under consideration—one that could relocate the program to Melbourne and dramatically reshape both its on-air team and identity.
A Secret Plan to Reinvent Today
According to reports, Nine executives are seriously weighing a proposal to move Today from Sydney to Melbourne as part of a large-scale relaunch expected to begin in 2027.
The reboot would reportedly centre around current co-host Sarah Abo, who was raised in Melbourne, with the move designed to give the struggling breakfast program a fresh identity following the end of the Karl Stefanovic era.
Although the idea may seem bold, it is not entirely new.
Former Nine chief executive Sam Chisholm first proposed relocating Today more than 20 years ago, shortly after Stefanovic’s early years on the program. Now, as ratings continue to slide, the concept is said to have returned to the top of Nine’s agenda.
Richard Wilkins and Danika Mason Facing Uncertain Futures
If the proposed overhaul goes ahead, it may not only change where Today is produced—it could also reshape who appears on screen.
Veteran entertainment editor Richard Wilkins, one of the show’s longest-serving personalities and a close on-air ally of Karl Stefanovic, is reportedly among those whose future is being reviewed.
Sports presenter Danika Mason is also believed to be facing uncertainty as executives consider a broader restructuring of the program.
However, Mason’s own circumstances may influence her next move. She recently announced she is expecting her first child with fiancé and former NRL player Liam Knight, leading some insiders to speculate she may already be preparing for time away from the program.
Nine Searching for a Fresh Identity
Industry insiders believe the current format is no longer working.
One television executive argued the program has become too heavily centred around a single dominant personality, leaving the rest of the cast struggling to establish their own presence.
According to the source, the relaunch would require the entire presenting team—including Sarah Abo—to be reintroduced to viewers with a new image and renewed focus if Nine hopes to compete more effectively with Sunrise.
The upcoming maternity leave of Sarah Abo has also created what some insiders describe as a rare opportunity to rebuild the show almost from scratch.
Ratings Pressure Continues to Mount
The reported overhaul comes as Today continues to trail rival breakfast program Sunrise.
Recent audience figures show Sunrise attracting around 456,000 national viewers, compared with approximately 226,000 for Today, widening the gap between Australia’s two biggest breakfast television programs.
Supporters of the Melbourne relocation argue that moving away from Sydney could help distinguish Today from its biggest competitor while signalling the beginning of a completely new chapter.
Karl Stefanovic’s Exit Changed Everything
The discussions follow the unexpected departure of Karl Stefanovic after controversy surrounding an interview with far-right figure Tommy Robinson, which was uploaded to his podcast before later being removed.
Channel Nine subsequently confirmed that Stefanovic could not continue working for the network while also hosting the podcast.
Despite having around six months remaining on a contract reportedly worth more than $1 million, the veteran presenter is believed to have reached a confidential six-figure settlement with Nine following his exit.
Sarah Abo Now at the Centre of Nine’s Future Plans
While Karl Stefanovic’s departure marked the end of one era, insiders say Sarah Abo has emerged as the network’s preferred figure to lead the next.
Throughout their four years presenting Today together, Abo and Stefanovic developed a close friendship, with colleagues describing their chemistry as genuine both on and off screen.
Sources say Stefanovic supported Abo through some of the most difficult periods of her personal life, including her fertility struggles and miscarriages, while Abo remained one of his strongest supporters inside the newsroom.
That history has made the circumstances surrounding Stefanovic’s departure all the more emotional for those who worked alongside them.
The Biggest Shake-Up in Years?
While Nine has yet to confirm any changes, the reported Melbourne relocation and potential on-air reshuffle suggest Australia’s longest-running breakfast program could be preparing for its most dramatic transformation in decades.
Whether that includes farewelling respected figures like Richard Wilkins and Danika Mason remains uncertain—but for now, two of the show’s most familiar faces are reportedly waiting to learn what the future holds.
