KARL QUITS TV FOR GOOD!

The new dad could land a plum radio job, with Nine bosses struggling to save iconic morning show Today

Talkback king Alan Jones’ shock announcement that he was retiring from his $4 million-a-year 2GB breakfast radio job last week delivered an opportunity for Today host Karl Stefanovic to switch to radio and another massive paycheque.

Nine’s $3 million men have long considered a jump and see himself perfectly placed to fill the afternoon drive slot left vacant by TV and radio star Ben Fordham, 43, who will take on Alan’s coveted job.

BETTER PROSPECTS

“Karl’s been hinting to Nine since they took over Macquarie Radio that he’s open to getting off Today and the early mornings in favor of a cushy radio drive slot,” one network exec confirms.

“He’s just become a dad again, and it’s far more civilized working from 3 pm to 6 pm Monday to Friday than having to get up at 3 am every day. His old mate Ben has spruiked for years what a great wicket he’s on, and Karl’s done the sums and likes what he sees.”

“We’re 99 per cent sure Karl has already got the 2GB drive slot, but Nine will make him do both Today and 2GB until the end of the year when they will reassess what happens to Today,” another source reveals.

Karl’s comeback to Today, which he co-hosts with Allison Langdon, hasn’t been the success execs had hoped for, languishing in the ratings, even beaten by ABC News Breakfast.