Party coming to an end for Wilkins as axe looms over Today stars
Karl Stefanovic isn’t the only jock facing an uncertain future at Today. As Nine bosses swing into action to repair the breakfast show and arrest collapsed ratings, their eye has fallen on serial party boy Richard Wilkins.
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Karl Stefanovic isn’t the only jock facing an uncertain future at Today.
As Nine bosses swing into action to repair the breakfast show and arrest collapsed ratings, their eye has fallen on serial party boy Richard Wilkins, the program’s entertainment reporter.
Wilkins has been telling mates he’s feeling secure in his role now his former segment producer, Steve Burling, has been installed to run the show.
“They’re old mates. Burling has always had a great relationship with Dickie,” one insider said last week.
But close sources say Burling’s first test of character will be to axe Wilkins, now 64.
“He’s had a golden run. He’s been at Nine for over 30 years — and he’s partied for most of them,” one pal said.
Wilkins has crossed the Pacific and Atlantic oceans more times than most — and has been criticised for being one of the softest-touch interviewers in the business.
The infamous Romeo is also believed to be under review at his weekend morning show at Smooth FM radio.
As new boss of Today, Burling has his work cut out.
He must manage what now looks like the certain departure of host Karl Stefanovic — who has one year left on his $3 million-a-year contract having cost $15 million over five years — a hefty investment given Nine CEO Hugh Marks, the guy who signed him to that contract, is now on a reported $65 million cost-cutting blitz.
Georgie Gardner, too, is a problem for Burling, with audiences slow to warm to the well-regarded newsreader.
With Calvert, Stefanovic and serial party concierge Wilkins gone, the culture should improve — leaving Burling focused on the monster task ahead.
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