Today host Karl Stefanovic as unpopular as ever, survey claims
Today show host Karl Stefanovic has made his way back to breakfast television — but it seems like viewers are not happy about it after a rival network commissioned a survey to test his popularity — and the results were flattering. READ CHANNEL 9’S RESPONSE
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Nine brought him back onto the Today program hoping he could save the sinking ship, however new research has revealed Karl Stefanovic is more unpopular than ever before.
A study commissioned by a rival network and leaked to this column surveyed more than 3500 television viewers and found almost 40 per cent were “negative” towards Stefanovic and 30 per cent of his own Today viewers are reportedly “feeling burnt out” or “negative” towards him.
Nine last night scoffed at the opposition’s claims, saying Today’s ratings are up 10 per cent year on year in total people.
“The show has won the last four weeks in Brisbane. On Friday, the Today was the most watched breakfast show on the east coast, Melbourne and Brisbane,” the spokesman said.
“We are — as are viewers — happy to wake up with Ally and Karl.”
The new research, which was conducted in July, comes as Sunday Confidential understands the father-of-four is preparing to ink a new contract with Nine — one which will see him realise his ambition to remain as host of Today.
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It is believed negotiations between Nine executives and his new agent Mark Morrissey have resulted in the 45-year-old taking a pay cut, as have many of his fellow television hosts.
Sources say executives are keen to keep Today’s current line-up as is, after it went through so many changes throughout 2019 and early 2020.
“They have made some ground since announcing the new line-up of Karl and Ally (Langdon) in 2019 and don’t want to see the ratings further slide,” one insider said.
The survey comes as Seven’s Sunrise continues to dominate the breakfast TV market, with the No.1 brekkie program having won every week and day of 2020.
Originally published as Today host Karl Stefanovic as unpopular as ever, survey claims