Ben Fordham addresses calls to be Karl Stefanovic’s Today show replacement
The 2GB radio presenter has slammed the rumours he will replace Karl Stefanovic on the Today Show.
Ben Fordham has addressed calls for him to be parachuted into the Today show as Karl Stefanovic’s replacement.
Karl’s 21-year-long tenure at Channel Nine came to an end last month after his independent podcast featured an interview with far-right British activist Tommy Robinson.
A poll of more than 3,800 Yahoo Lifestyle readers found 54 per cent were not happy Stefanovic left the breakfast program, and the network is now racing to find the person who will fill those big shoes.
There has been no shortage of names put forward, both within Nine’s talent pool, and popular external stars, including the 2GB radio host.
But Ben has shut down the idea.
“It’s not a job I want, and nobody at Channel Nine has spoken to me about it,” Ben told 2GB at the weekend.
He spoke out after Peter Meakin, former head of News and Current Affairs at Seven, Nine and Ten, put Ben’s name forward.
“He’s got a personality and he’s colourful and he works hard,” Peter told the ABC.
He admitted it will be tough to find someone with as much gravitas as Karl, as you want someone who can handle hard-hitting interviews as well as someone with a “bit of colour and excitement”.
“Karl himself has said that some of the people in television these days are ‘beige’ and he’s right,” Peter added.
That’s why he thought Ben would be that perfect balance, especially considering he worked on the Today show up until 2014.
But the radio host revealed who he’d pick for the empty seat.
“I’m flattered that people like Peter Meakin are putting my name forward, but I’d be betting on someone else. If it was me, I’d be thinking long and hard about James Bracey,” Ben told 2GB.
James has been with Nine for the last decade as a sports presenter and reporter, and has also filled in for Karl on Today in the past.
Today show host Karl Stefanovic departs Nine ‘immediately’
Who is the most likely to fill Karl Stefanovic’s spot on the Today show?
There will be plenty of people within Nine who will likely be vying for the role, but the network has to pick someone with the right skills and on-screen chemistry.
Media commentator Jo Casamento told Yahoo Lifestyle that Tom Steinfort would be her pick for the coveted spot.
He’s been with Nine for nearly 20 years, and is currently the co-presenter of Nine News Melbourne.
“He’s already part of the Today family, viewers know him, and he’s a polished live broadcaster,” the host of Plus One Podcast and UNSW journalism and social media teacher said.
“If Nine is looking for continuity and stability after such a turbulent week, he’s the obvious internal candidate.”
Other possible candidates within Nine include Today Extra co-host David Campbell, political reporter Charles Croucher, Rodger Corser, who is the host of game show The Floor, Nine Queensland presenter Joel Dry, finance editor Kris Kohler, and former Channel 9 darling Clint Stanaway.
“Promoting someone from within is not only cheaper, it’s also less risky. It’s certainly going to be interesting,” Jo said.
“I’d expect Nine to road-test a few combinations, monitor audience reaction and take their time before locking in a permanent host.”