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Today Show ratings in 'freefall' as Channel Nine faces backlash over Karl Stefanovic's exit

From ABC Australia · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • The "Today Show" ratings have dropped 9% since host Karl Stefanovic's departure, falling to an average of 278,000 viewers.
  • Media analyst Peter Meakin suggests the decline is due to audience backlash over Stefanovic's controversial interview with Tommy Robinson and his subsequent dismissal.
  • "Sunrise" remains the dominant breakfast program with 441,000 viewers, while "Today" perennially ranked second even with Stefanovic.

Channel Nine's "Today Show" is experiencing a significant ratings slump, with average viewership dropping 9% since the departure of long-time host Karl Stefanovic. The program's audience has fallen to 278,000 viewers, down from 305,000 in the seven weeks prior to Stefanovic's break.

Media analyst Peter Meakin believes the ratings decline reflects audience dissatisfaction with the network's decision to part ways with Stefanovic. He suggests viewers are "punishing" Channel Nine for removing him, particularly after his controversial interview with far-right activist Tommy Robinson. Meakin noted that Stefanovic's contract ended after he posted an episode of his podcast featuring Robinson, though he defended the interview itself.

I think they're being punished for getting rid of Karl. And I'm not sure that they've got an easy solution when it comes to his replacement.

— Peter MeakinMedia analyst Peter Meakin explains the drop in "Today Show" ratings following Karl Stefanovic's dismissal.

"I think they're being punished for getting rid of Karl," Meakin told ABC News. "And I'm not sure that they've got an easy solution when it comes to his replacement." Meakin added that Stefanovic has many supporters whose outrage over his treatment is causing them to switch off the "Today Show."

I think it's people turning off because they're outraged at the way Karl's been treated.

— Peter MeakinMeakin suggests audience anger over Karl Stefanovic's dismissal is driving down "Today Show" viewership.

Meakin also pointed out that the "Today Show" historically struggled against its rival, "Sunrise," even when Stefanovic was hosting. "It's not as if every year Karl was there was a triumph for the Today Show, because it perennially ran second," he said. "Sunrise" continues to lead the breakfast television market with an average of 441,000 viewers, while ABC News Breakfast follows with 230,000.

While Stefanovic's past antics may have endeared him to some viewers, Meakin speculated that his "recent conduct" might have alienated key advertisers, leaving the network in a precarious position. He suggested that the station would have been "petrified" about the potential impact on advertising revenue.

It's not as if every year Karl was there was a triumph for the Today Show, because it perennially ran second.

— Peter MeakinMeakin reflects on the "Today Show's" historical performance relative to its main competitor.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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