“WHAT TIME DO YOU CALL THIS?”: Today’s New Sports Presenter Michael Atkinson Makes a Major Blunder on His First Day Replacing Danika Mason
Channel Nine’s Today has moved quickly to fill the vacancy left by Danika Mason — but her replacement, Michael Atkinson, has already had an unexpectedly awkward introduction to his new role.
The familiar face, who previously co-hosted Weekend Today, officially stepped into the weekday sports presenter position on Monday. However, his first morning did not go entirely to plan, after he reportedly missed the programme’s first three sports bulletins before sprinting into the studio more than an hour after the usual 5.30am start.
His co-hosts wasted little time teasing him about the late arrival, turning what could have been a tense moment into an amusing exchange on air. Yet his debut comes at a significant moment for the breakfast programme, which has recently farewelled several familiar faces.
A Late Arrival That Didn’t Go Unnoticed
Michael appeared on the weekday programme to take up his new position following Danika’s departure, but the morning began with an unexpected twist.
According to the report, he missed the first three sports updates before making his way into the studio, where his fellow presenters immediately questioned his timing.
“What time do you call this, my friend?” Sylvia Jeffreys asked.
Michael responded with a joke that drew on his previous role.
“I call this Weekend Today time,” he said.
He then explained the reaction he had when he saw cameraman Isaac at the sports desk.
“I woke up and I saw cameraman Isaac on the sport desk and I thought, this show’s in trouble,” he added.
Despite the teasing, Michael described taking on the new position as a “pleasure”. The light-hearted exchange offered viewers an early glimpse of the dynamic between the new sports presenter and the weekday team.
The Familiar Face Taking Over From Danika Mason
Michael’s appointment follows Danika’s emotional announcement that she would not return to Today after her maternity leave.
The sports presenter revealed her decision on Friday, telling co-hosts Tom Steinfort, Sylvia Jeffreys and Jayne Azzopardi that balancing her growing family with her demanding career had become increasingly difficult.
“I am going on maternity leave as we are probably all aware, but I have had to make the decision of what I am going to do when I come back next year,” she explained.
“Obviously juggling all my NRL commitments, the Today show and a new baby as well, something had to give. So I have made the pretty tough decision. So, when I return next year, I won’t be coming back to the show.”
Danika, who has been a regular on the Channel Nine breakfast programme for two years, said she had loved her time with the team and praised the programme’s audience and behind-the-scenes crew.
Her colleagues expressed their sadness at the news, making clear how much she would be missed.
Why Danika’s Next Chapter Will Still Involve Sport
Although Danika is stepping away from Today, she has indicated that she does not intend to leave sports reporting behind.
The presenter, who is expecting her first child with NRL player Liam Knight, recently revealed that she plans to return to the sidelines to cover the NRL next year.
Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, she said she would not travel to Las Vegas for the obvious reasons but expected to be back for the opening round in Australia.
Danika also joked that her daughter might eventually accompany her to some matches, particularly interstate games. Her mother had already offered to help, she said.
Reflecting on the response to her departure announcement, Danika revealed that her phone had been “blowing up” with messages of support.
She also spoke candidly about the demands of her previous schedule, which could involve working six days a week, early-morning television appearances and travelling to cover sporting events before going back on air late at night.
With a baby on the way, she said, something had to change.
Another Change for a Breakfast Show in Transition
Michael’s arrival marks another adjustment for Today, which has experienced a series of high-profile departures and presenting changes in recent months.
Long-serving weatherman Tim Davies said goodbye to viewers last month after seven years on the programme. Sarah Abo also left the show in September, following her maternity leave earlier in the year.
Karl Stefanovic’s departure in June had already marked a major change for the breakfast programme. His exit followed controversy surrounding an interview with far-right figure Tommy Robinson on his podcast, The Karl Stefanovic Show.
Last month, Sylvia Jeffreys and Tom Steinfort were confirmed as the replacement weekday hosting team, bringing a new presenting partnership to the programme.
Now, with Danika’s exit and Michael’s move into the sports role, another familiar part of the Today line-up has changed.
Can Michael Settle Into His New Role?
Michael is not a complete newcomer to the programme. His experience as a Weekend Today co-host means he is already familiar to many viewers, giving him a foundation as he takes on the weekday sports desk.
His first morning, however, provided a less-than-smooth start — and a moment his colleagues were quick to turn into a joke.
Whether the awkward arrival becomes little more than an amusing first-day story remains to be seen. For now, Michael has stepped into a role left vacant by a presenter whose emotional farewell made clear how much she valued her time on the show.
As Today continues to reshape its line-up, all eyes will be on how the new team settles in — and whether Michael’s next appearance runs a little more to schedule.