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Karl Stefanovic may be eyeing a move to radio, according to a new report.
With the Today Show host's contract with Nine Entertainment expected to expire at the end of the year, Stefanovic has 'had informal talks' with radio network ARN about a possible move to FM, The Sydney Morning Herald reported on Thursday.
With KIIS FM's The Kyle and Jackie O Show imploding this week, leaving Jackie 'O' Henderson's seat beside host Kyle Sandilands vacant, Stefanovic's chat with the network has piqued the interest of media insiders.
Stefanovic has appeared on The Kyle and Jackie O Show in the past, and is known to be friendly with Sandilands, with the pair sharing a friendly on-air chemistry.
While there is no suggestion at this time that Stefanovic is set to join Sandilands' top-rated breakfast program, the slot beside the radio kingpin is bound to be attractive to prospective co-hosts.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported that no deal has been reached between Stefanovic and ARN at this time, and both ARN and Nine declined to comment.
Karl Stefanovic may be eyeing a move to radio, according to a new report. Pictured with Karl Sandilands
Last year, it was reported that Stefanovic is on a $2.8 million a year contract with Nine.
However, in June, it was claimed that the Today Show host was offered a multi-year deal by Channel Nine, raising that amount to $3 million per year.
It's unclear if Stefanovic accepted that offer, but it's pennies compared to the pay packet Sandilands takes home.
Sandilands and his former co-host Henderson signed a 10-year deal with Australian Radio Network (ARN) in 2023.
They were paid a reported $200 million in that landmark negotiation and earned approximately $47,000 per episode.
KIIS FM's parent company ARN announced on Tuesday that Henderson's $100 million contract has been terminated after she told executives she 'cannot continue to work with Mr Kyle Sandilands' following his harsh comments on-air that left her in tears.
Several high-profile Australian celebrities are being name-dropped as potential replacements for Henderson after she sensationally quit.
The frontrunner is veteran presenter Sophie Monk, 46, whose extensive TV and radio career includes frequent guest appearances on the KIIS FM show.
Stefanovic has appeared on The Kyle and Jackie O Show in the past, and is known to be friendly with Sandilands, with the pair sharing a friendly on-air chemistry. Pictured interviewing Karl Sandilands on The Kyle and Jackie O Show for a 60 Minutes segment
With KIIS FM's The Kyle and Jackie O Show imploding this week, leaving Jackie 'O' Henderson's (left) seat beside host Kyle Sandilands vacant, Stefanovic's chat with the network has piqued the interest of media insiders
Sophie has developed a reputation for her down-to-earth nature, cheeky banter and a willingness to not take things too seriously.
These qualities make her a prime candidate for filling Jackie O's shoes, should Kyle return to the hosting gig following his two-week suspension.
And fans online seem to agree, as many have since flocked to social media to call for Jackie to be replaced by Sophie.
'Really hoping for The Kyle and Sophie Show. They have awesome chemistry!' one person wrote.
'Put Kyle and Sophie Monk together. Kyle also makes Australian Idol better,' added another.
Other potential candidates to replace Jackie could include several veteran radio stars, including Amanda Keller, Chrissie Swan and Fifi Box, or even reality TV stars looking to make a career change.
It has also been speculated that should Sandilands not return to the program, KIIS FM will bring on a new duo of breakfast stars to fill the spot.
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