Today show boss praises Karl Stefanovic’s ‘unique’ appeal

A Channel Nine executive has revealed exactly why he decided to re-hire Karl Stefanovic, just one year after booting him amid poor ratings. 

Speaking to the Sun-Herald on Sunday, Nine’s morning TV chief Seven Burling said Karl’s appeal among viewers is undeniable, and that he is truly ‘close to unique’ compared to other local presenters. 

‘He’s entertaining, he’s empathetic, he’s fun. A lot of people would like to have a beer with him,’ Mr Burling said of Karl, who hosts Today with Allison ‘Ally’ Langdon. 

‘I don’t want to sound frivolous at all – we’re a news program at our heart. But we should be able to switch gears at a moment’s notice,’ he added.

Labelling Today’s 2019 ratings as ‘disappointing’, Mr Burling said he hopes the program can build 10 per cent of the market share in 2020.  

Karl and Allison have made no secret of their desire to topple their rivals at Sunrise this year.  

In a Nine promo for the revamped Today show, the pair joked about their ‘competitive’ approach to news.

‘Well, it’s just you and me now, Ally. How do you think we should position?’ Karl asked his co-host as they chatted in the dressing room.

He added, ‘The Today show with Karl and Ally?’ to which Allison laughed and replied: ‘The Today show with Ally and Karl?’

Karl then jokingly suggested that their TV partnership would be more successful with his name at the start.

In another promo, Allison poked fun at Karl’s one-year absence from breakfast television by saying: ‘Remember how to set your alarm, Karl?’

‘Not really,’ he replied, looking slightly pained before smiling for the camera. 

Karl and Allison are joined by Perth newsreader Tracy Vo, weatherman Tim Davies and former Sunday Night reporter Alex Cullen, who will present sport.

Brooke Boney will continue her role as entertainment reporter when the new team debuts on January 6.