Channel Nine has announced a reshuffle of its Today show presenting team, with Danika Mason confirmed as the new sports presenter on the flagship breakfast programme. Mason replaces Alex Cullen, who was axed after accepting a $50,000 payment from billionaire Adrian Portelli.
Mason, 33, currently a presenter on Wide World of Sports and sideline reporter for Nine's NRL coverage, described the role as a 'dream come true'. She will join Sarah Abo, Karl Stefanovic, Jayne Azzopardi and Tim Davies on the Today desk.
In a separate move, US correspondent Alison Piotrowski has been appointed co-host of Weekend Today, replacing Danika Mason. She will join Clint Stanaway, Lizzie Pearl and Dan Anstey on the weekend programme. Piotrowski said she was excited to be returning to Australia after four years reporting from North America.
The changes follow the departure of Alex Cullen, who was suspended and later left the network after accepting a cash gift from Portelli. The Block entrepreneur had offered $50,000 to the first media personality to use his new nickname 'McLaren Man' on air, which Cullen did during a live broadcast.
Nine's investigation found that Cullen's actions breached the journalism code of ethics, which prohibits accepting cash or gifts that undermine journalistic independence. Cullen had been with the Today show for five years.
