SYDNEY, NSW. — It is no secret that Nine Entertainment needs to replace Karl Stefanovic ASAP – and now, a very unexpected frontrunner has finally emerged.
Sports presenter James Bracey has emerged as the shock frontrunner to take over from Karl Stefanovic on Today.
A source with intimate knowledge of the unfolding situation told news.com.au that NRL reporter Bracey has been officially approached by high-level Nine executives, who think he has what it takes.
“An increasing number of people see James Bracey as the answer at Nine,” the source explained.
The 41-year-old has a stellar reputation in the hallways of Nine and is a reliable host who has shown he can easily handle live television.
“Not one person from the CEO to the cleaner has a bad word to say about him,” the source added.
It’s no secret that Nine needs to find new talent ASAP for its breakfast show after unexpectedly losing both its star hosts in recent weeks.
Stefanovic and Nine recently parted ways after his podcast, The Karl Stefanovic Show, caused major friction. Now, Sarah Abo has also gone on early maternity leave due to health concerns.
And while GTV-9’s Today might get thrashed by HSV-7’s Sunrise in the ratings, it is known internally as a “cash cow” because it punches above its weight when it comes to advertising revenue.
Bracey emerged as the frontrunner to take on the Today Show because he has such a good internal reputation at Nine.
Nine also appears to have taken note of the genius move by Seven to hire sprinter Matt Shirvington to host Sunrise.
“Seven has proven with Shivington that you don’t need to hire a political correspondent, and Bracey’s a polished host,” the source said.
What could make the deal tricky is that the NRL and the Nine Network have finally finalised a record-breaking $5.3 billion broadcast deal, so there will be internal conversations about whether Bracey can balance his NRL coverage with his duties on Today.
At this point, everyone wants a piece of Bracey.
