Channel Nine’s Secret Today Overhaul Could Put Two Familiar Faces at Risk

Channel Nine is reportedly considering one of the most dramatic transformations in the history of Today, with a sweeping relaunch that could affect the futures of two of the breakfast program’s best-known presenters.

Following Karl Stefanovic’s departure, the network is believed to be examining a plan that would relocate the show from Sydney to Melbourne, rebuild its on-air team and give the long-running program an entirely new identity from 2027.

Nine Revisits a Bold Melbourne Plan

At the centre of the reported shake-up is a proposal to move Today’s production base to Melbourne.

The revamped program would reportedly be built around Sarah Abo, who grew up in the Victorian capital and is now being viewed as a key figure in Nine’s plans for the post-Stefanovic era.

Although relocating one of Australia’s most established breakfast shows would represent a significant change, the idea has been discussed before.

Former Nine chief executive Sam Chisholm reportedly suggested moving Today to Melbourne more than two decades ago. With the show continuing to face ratings pressure, that once-abandoned proposal is said to have returned to serious consideration.

Supporters of the move believe a Melbourne base could help separate Today from its Sydney-centred image and create a clearer point of difference from its long-time rival, Sunrise.

Richard Wilkins and Danika Mason Face Uncertainty

The proposed overhaul may involve more than a change of location.

Veteran entertainment presenter Richard Wilkins is reportedly among the prominent figures whose position could be reviewed as Nine considers reshaping the show’s line-up.

Wilkins has been one of the network’s most recognisable personalities for decades and shared a close professional relationship with Stefanovic throughout their years on screen together.

Sports presenter Danika Mason is also believed to be facing uncertainty amid discussions about a broader restructuring.

Mason recently announced that she is expecting her first child with her fiancé, former NRL player Liam Knight. Her pregnancy may naturally lead to a period away from television, although Nine has not publicly confirmed how this could affect her long-term role on the program.

For now, both presenters remain closely associated with Today, but reports surrounding the potential relaunch have raised questions about whether they will form part of its next chapter.

A Search for a Completely New Identity

Television insiders reportedly believe that minor changes will not be enough to reverse Today’s fortunes.

One industry source suggested the program had become too dependent on one dominant personality, making it difficult for other presenters to develop equally strong identities with viewers.

With Stefanovic no longer at the centre of the show, Nine now has an opportunity to rebuild the format around a broader presenting team.

The proposed relaunch could involve reintroducing the entire cast—including Abo—with a refreshed image, clearer roles and a different style of presentation.

Abo’s expected maternity leave has also reportedly created a rare window for Nine to review almost every part of the program before unveiling a new-look version.

Ratings Gap Adds Pressure on Nine

The discussions come as Today continues to trail Seven’s Sunrise in the national breakfast television ratings.

Recent figures cited in reports placed Sunrise at approximately 456,000 national viewers, while Today attracted around 226,000.

The sizeable gap has intensified pressure on Nine to make meaningful changes rather than rely on smaller adjustments to the existing format.

Relocating to Melbourne could allow the network to present the overhaul as a genuine new beginning, rather than simply replacing Stefanovic and continuing with the same structure.

However, such a move would also involve considerable logistical challenges and potentially require major changes behind the scenes as well as on screen.

Karl Stefanovic’s Departure Accelerated the Changes

Nine’s search for a new direction follows Stefanovic’s sudden departure from the network after more than two decades as one of its most recognisable stars.

His exit came after controversy surrounding an interview with far-right activist Tommy Robinson that appeared on Stefanovic’s podcast before later being removed.

Nine subsequently indicated that Stefanovic could not continue in his network role while also pursuing the independent podcast project.

Despite reportedly having around six months remaining on a contract worth more than $1 million, Stefanovic is believed to have reached a confidential six-figure settlement with the network.

His departure brought an abrupt end to one of the longest and most influential eras in Australian breakfast television—and left Nine facing the difficult task of rebuilding the program without the personality who had defined it for so many years.

Sarah Abo Emerges as the Face of the Future

While Stefanovic’s exit created uncertainty, Abo is reportedly being positioned at the centre of Nine’s future plans.

The pair developed a strong friendship during their four years presenting Today together, with colleagues describing their connection as genuine both in front of the cameras and away from the studio.

Stefanovic reportedly offered support to Abo during deeply challenging moments in her personal life, including her fertility struggles and miscarriages. Abo, in return, was understood to have remained one of his most loyal supporters within the newsroom.

That personal history made Stefanovic’s departure especially emotional for those who had witnessed their partnership develop.

Abo now faces the challenge of helping guide the program through a period of enormous change while also preparing to step away temporarily for maternity leave.

Is Today Preparing for Its Biggest Reinvention Yet?

Channel Nine has not officially confirmed the reported Melbourne relocation, the proposed 2027 relaunch or any changes involving Wilkins and Mason.

Nevertheless, the scale of the discussions suggests the network may be considering far more than a simple presenter replacement.

A new city, a rebuilt cast and a completely different identity could transform Today into a program that looks and feels markedly different from the one Australian viewers have known for decades.

Whether familiar figures such as Richard Wilkins and Danika Mason will remain part of that future is still unclear.

But behind the scenes, Nine appears to be preparing for a decision that could reshape not only the show’s line-up—but the entire direction of Australian breakfast television.