Karl Stefanovic has confirmed that a radio career is likely in his future, offering revealing comments at the annual creative summit Cairns Crocodiles while speaking to television executive Maz Farrelly on Wednesday.
The 51-year-old Today show host stated: 'I probably will do radio, and I will more than likely just dip my toe in the water to see if I like it before I even thought about going to do breakfast radio.' He added, 'I want exposure, I want to see what radio is like.'
Stefanovic clarified his current priorities: 'I will continue doing TV, and this show (The Karl Stefanovic Podcast) right now is my biggest priority outside of my commitments for Channel 9 because I just think there's so much room for growth.'
Rumours have been circulating that Stefanovic will soon abandon his $3 million per year contract at Channel Nine and head for radio. Insiders revealed last month that a fresh new line-up for Today is underway. According to The Australian's Media Diary column, the Today show host has 'signed a memorandum of understanding' with radio giant ARN, paving the way for a potential switch once his current Nine contract expires in December.
There has been speculation that he could fill the slot left open by the cancellation of The Kyle and Jackie O Show. The report suggests Karl is already eyeing a major name to join him behind the microphone, with former Project host Carrie Bickmore tipped as a possible co-host. Bickmore currently fronts a national drive program on the Hit Network.
A major reason he could flee his high-profile television role, an insider has revealed, is simply the hours. Media commentator Andrew Mercado told Yahoo Lifestyle last month that the 5:30am starts, which require Karl to be up as early as 3:30am, have begun to grate. 'It could be that Karl is at that point now where he wants to have a regular nine-to-five job,' Mercado said.
Stefanovic recently launched his own YouTube podcast. He announced the news on Instagram last month, sharing a clip of himself hard at work in a recording studio. 'So, I have some pretty exciting news. I have this curious beast that lives inside my head, and I'm about to unleash that beast,' he said. The TV personality reassured fans that as the project is entirely his own, he'd have full freedom over how the show is run.
Karl began his role on the Today show in 2005 but was later sacked following a ratings slump that coincided with intense media scrutiny of his personal life. He made his return to the Today show in early 2020, joining Allison Langdon at the desk.
