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Today show denies host tension

“The salary figures for our network talent published last week in various outlets were not even remotely correct."

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Media reports this past week made claims about the salaries of Today show hosts Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo.

“Today‘s Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo rocked by pay scandal,” New Idea suggested, which in turn was based on estimates of $1.5m / $850,000 by The Australian.

As is nearly always the case, journalists are not privy to talent salaries. Even publicists are not usually across this level of detail which is between managements and agents.

But as UK press stories have shown this week, there’s nothing like a bit of morning TV gossip behind the scenes.

Nine’s director of morning television Steven Burling has since strongly denied reports of tension on-set, while also claiming the reported salaries were “not even remotely correct”.

“The salary figures for our network talent published last week in various outlets were not even remotely correct. Anyone who watches Today can confirm there’s absolutely no tension on set,” he told news.com.au.

“We couldn’t be happier with our talented line-up of Karl, Sarah, Brooke, Alex and Tim who are working well and having a great time – end of story.”

The Today producer recently defended the show’s performance against Sunrise ratings.

“The story published today is total fabrication and a distortion of the old-fashioned and out of date overnight ratings system.”

4 Responses

  2. Seems to be a lot of media reports about Today in this regard. Never really hear similar reports about Sunrise.
    I have noticed that while Sunrise continues to be the market leader, the margin is very much closer in recent times.
    Every single person involved in production of an entertainment product has to justify their salary, and in television that is measured by attracting advertising dollars which is tied to the consumer – viewers.
    This entire reporting is disingenuous and unreliable because it doesn’t take into account all the factors involved.

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