Today beaten in ratings by rival Sunrise
The new-look Today failed to fire with viewers yesterday, falling to a new low and soundly beaten in the ratings by rival Sunrise. It was bad, but new host Deb Knight says she’s not worried.
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The new-look Today failed to fire with viewers yesterday, falling to a new low and soundly beaten in the ratings by rival Sunrise.
Nine’s breakfast show, hosted by Georgie Gardner and Deb Knight, averaged 197,000 viewers across the five capital cities and 311,000 nationally.
That was the show’s worst result in a decade – below the 299,000 viewers five-city in September which sparked talks of Karl Stefanovic’s demise.
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Sunrise, with David Koch and Sam Armytage which averaged 266,000 viewers across the capitals and 427,000 nationally.
Knight told The Daily Telegraph’s Confidential team that worrying about ratings was for other people to do.
“My job is just turning up and being me,” Knight said.
“I try to limit the impact that the chatter and the white noise has on me. You’ve just got to focus on the job at hand.
“I am trying to focus on getting this right and enjoy the ride as much as I can rather than be intimidated by it.”
The first day result has to be considered a major disappointment because a new hosting team usually brings a ratings spike for a program – not a fall.
Nine bosses had spoken of resetting the beleaguered show come January 14 by beaming it live from the Australian Open in Melbourne.
Yesterday’s edition of Today also featured new team members – news presenter Tom Steinfort, sports presenter Tony Jones and entertainment reporter Brooke Boney.
Long-time entertainment reporter Richard Wilkins, who will now share duties with Boney also appeared on the show.
A Nine spokesman said that “everyone is happy” with yesterday’s result, noting that viewing figures fluctuate over summer.
Karl Stefanovic was dumped from Today in mid-December.
Yesterday’s show received a lukewarm response from viewers who said the result lacked spark.
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