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Confirmed: News, sport & weather faces for Today Show

Updated: Nine confirms Alex Cullen, Tracy Vo, Tim Davies to join Karl Stefanovic & Allison Langdon in 2020.

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Alex Cullen, Tracy Vo, Tim Davies

Earlier:

There are whispers Nine is close to announcing further cast changes for the Today show for 2020, with Tracy Vo as news presenter, Alex Cullen as sports presenter and Tim Davies as weather presenter.

That would see them join Karl Stefanovic and Allison Langdon next month.

If confirmed, it would almost surely mean Tom Steinfort, Deb Knight and Stevie Jacobs are out. While Knight recently announced a new radio role, a complete refresh during the silly season could also be seen as the show’s second bloodbath in less than a year.

Tracy Vo is currently a Perth-based presenter and reporter for Nine News and has been with the network since 2007. She has been a political reporter, field producer, medical and general reporter, covering stories on Nelson Mandela, Schapelle Corby’s release & Malaysian Airlines flight MH370.

Tim Davies has been weather presenter on Weekend Today. He joined Nine in 2014, and has worked as a producer and reporter with Nine News, a presenter with Nine News Early Edition, a fill-in host for Today Extra and Weekend Today. He previously worked at Weekend Sunrise, The Morning Show & Sunrise and The Kyle & Jackie O Show.

Alex Cullen began with Nine late last month after 9 years as a reporter on Sunday Night. He has previously been a sports presenter at GWN7 & Seven News and sports producer for Sunrise.

That would leave the entertainment role to be confirmed for 2020, with Brooke Boney and Richard Wilkins having shared duties in 2019.

TV Tonight was first to tip Stefanovic & Langdon as a breakfast duo in October, ahead of Nine formally announcing the news last month.

Update: Nine has confirmed.

Director of Morning Television Steven Burling said: “Ally and Karl are quite simply two of the best news broadcasters in the country. Both have reported from conflict zones, they are more than comfortable going toe-to-toe against our most formidable politicians and quite honestly they’re who you’d turn to in times of breaking news, be it here in Australia or anywhere in the world. Importantly though, Ally and Karl also know how to have a good laugh, they both have an infectious, self-deprecating sense of humour that I believe will appeal to viewers and the rest of the on-air team.

“We’ve brought together a team that Australia will love waking up with in 2020. As one of Perth’s most recognisable news presenters, Tracy will anchor the news bulletins; Tim has resonated with viewers presenting weather on weekends, balancing light hearted segments with the sometimes dire forecasts covering bushfires and weather disasters. Alex Cullen is a trusted voice on Australian television and we welcome him to Today, where his recent fill-in stints have won over viewers. And Brooke will continue the great work of delivering entertainment news and interviewing some of the world’s biggest stars.”

On Weekend Today Rebecca Maddern will join Richard Wilkins as hosts. Lara Vella will present news and cover Jayne Azzopardi while she’s on maternity leave. Lauren Phillips will present weather.

Rounding out the morning programming will be Today Extra, hosted by David Campbell and Sylvia Jeffreys. Belinda Russell will cover Sylvia while she’s on maternity leave.

Elsewhere Tom Steinfort will re-join 60 Minutes for reporting duties, while Stevie Jacobs will be leaving Today to pursue other interests. Deb Knight will host Afternoons on 2GB/4BC, and Georgie Gardner will present weekend news in Sydney.

The new line-up begins Monday January 6.

19 Responses

  2. What does Channel 9 see in Brooke Boney that the viewers apparently do not? I have read a lot of feedback on a number of forums since this lineup was released, and I am hard pressed to find a favourable comment about her.

  5. I’m always happy to see Perthonalities get bigger, better gigs so good luck to Tracy Vo. However this entire line-up for me is a return to the bland Nine of old. Absolutely nothing special at all and not enough for me to even try Today 2020.

  8. Just remember this – everyone employed by Nine and its associated companies thinks Karl is one of the best broadcasters in the country. Everyone else in Australia is certain that Karl is a buffoon.

    1. @trustno1 – I trust you! I remember when Karl was a journo doing stories for the 6pm news, and he was amazing. I was excited when he moved to Today. I think he started out really well, but the early mornings began to have an impact and the crazy came in. Lack of sleep will do that.

      1. Im from melb, agree Deb is a gem, will miss her on tv, will listen to her on iheartradio… however bring on steve price on network 10 for pricey live at 630pm, then 7pm project

  13. I am surprised that Stevie Jacobs may be saying goodbye. I really think they should keep the familiar face of Dickie on the desk for entertainment. Maybe send Brooke out to do interviews or something. Not keen on her at all or Allison Langdon for that matter.

  14. Oooh interesting. I thought they were only getting rid of Georgie. I thought Deb was staying. Hope they don’t get rid of Stevie Jacobs he’s always good value. I like Tracey Vo, she’s often on the chat room on nine news now.

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