Channel Nine has officially announced Michael Atkinson as the new co-host of Weekend Today, confirming the appointment on Friday. The Queensland-based father of three will join existing presenter Alison Piotrowski on the weekend edition of the popular breakfast television program.
Replacing a Veteran Presenter
This significant appointment follows the departure of veteran Channel Nine presenter Clint Stanaway, who left Weekend Today and the network in September last year after an impressive 25-year tenure. Stanaway revealed his decision in a personal statement, citing an overwhelming workload that he sought to reduce for better work-life balance.
'It's been a huge workload juggling both television commitments and my role on the Melbourne Nova breakfast team over the past couple of years,' Stanaway explained. 'I have developed a genuine passion for radio broadcasting and have decided to prioritise this medium moving forward, while simultaneously striving to achieve a healthier equilibrium between professional responsibilities and personal time.'
Major Today Show Overhaul in the Works
Meanwhile, Channel Nine is reportedly preparing for a future beyond current Today show host Karl Stefanovic, with network executives quietly orchestrating a substantial format shake-up. According to insider sources speaking to Media Diary, succession planning for Stefanovic's eventual departure is being actively 'war-gamed' at the highest levels within Nine's North Sydney headquarters.
Some senior executives are advocating for a radical transformation of Today's long-established format, arguing that the program must be completely dismantled and reconstructed from the ground up if it hopes to seriously compete with Channel Seven's dominant Sunrise in the ongoing ratings battle.
Stefanovic's Two-Decade Tenure
This potential overhaul comes as Stefanovic approaches more than twenty years at the helm of Australia's second most-watched breakfast show. Despite being paired with numerous high-profile co-hosts throughout his tenure – including Jessica Rowe, Lisa Wilkinson, Allison Langdon and most recently Sarah Abo – Today has consistently trailed behind Sunrise in viewer ratings under his leadership.
Atkinson's Controversial Comments on Crime
In a separate development, the newly appointed Weekend Today host has previously expressed unconventional views regarding criminal punishment. During a January broadcast, Atkinson engaged in discussion with Queensland Premier David Crisafulli about an individual accused of severing a telecommunications cable just hours before an approaching cyclone was expected to impact the state's far northern regions.
'I reckon it's the lowest act any human could possibly do,' Premier Crisafulli stated during the exchange. 'During disaster events, reliable communications are absolutely vital. What that individual did by attempting to steal copper and cutting that essential cable placed thousands of residents in Townsville's northern suburbs at serious risk.'
Atkinson wholeheartedly agreed with the Premier's assessment, proposing his own unusual punitive measure: 'I reckon you'd be within your rights to zip tie them to a palm tree on the coast as the cyclone crosses the coastline, Premier.'
Viewer Reactions to On-Air Comments
An observant viewer captured this exchange and uploaded the clip to TikTok, commenting: 'This news presenter is wild for saying this. Someone was stealing copper in Townsville and knocked the phone lines out.' The viewer also noted co-host Lara Vella's visible reaction to Atkinson's suggestion.
Reactions to Atkinson's comments were decidedly mixed across social media platforms. Many viewers responded positively, with one supporter writing: 'This presenter is the bomb, he needs his own time slot. Have been loving the holiday presenters, they're light and hilarious.'
Another viewer echoed this sentiment: 'That's the most Australian thing I have heard this year.' A third comment summarised the prevailing approval: 'Love the humour – we need more of this! Also, I agree, zip tie for sure!'
However, not all responses were favourable. Some critics condemned the Nine presenter, with one stating: 'Mainstream media trying to incite violence and encourage vigilante behaviour.' Another detractor added: 'That presenter was playing out some kind of personal fantasy live on national television.'
