They say a picture tells a thousand words and for Nine execs, this shot of their biggest stars screams one thing – crisis.
From blows to ego to uncertain futures and employees wondering if they’ve made a huge mistake, Channel Nine are grappling with a number of woes.
Is it all as it seems for Nine’s smiling stars?
(Image: Media Mode)Alison Langdon’s headed to Today
She joins a long list of candidates but Alison Langdon, 40, appears to be adding further pressure on Today hosts Deborah Knight and Georgie Gardner, as reports ramp up that she is set to take over in 2020. Adding insult to injury, she’s rumoured to be joined by former host Karl Stefanovic!
Alison Langdon, David Campbell, and Jayne Azzopardi.
(Image: Getty)Reality bites for Jayne Azzopardi
Despite her popularity, Jayne Azzopardi couldn’t keep Married At First Sight’s spin-off series Talking Married from getting the axe. Some have speculated Jayne, 35, and her co-host Shelly Horton were no match for the show’s stars.
David Campbell’s caught in the middle
He’s been a steady fixture on Today Extra for years, but sources insist Richard Wilkins’ gigs on Thursday and Friday have unsettled 46-year-old David Campbell. He is feeling “understandably wary” about his future, given Richard’s wide appeal and endless talk of a network shake-up.
David Campbell and Sonia Kruger.
(Image: Getty)Sonia Kruger’s Muslim remarks
In 2016, Sonia Kruger shocked viewers when she called for stricter border security for Muslims entering the country. Years later, the 54-year-old’s comments still haunt the network and her popularity among fans has not recovered.
Richard Wilkins’ budget blow
Woman’s Day’s insider reveals TV veteran Richard Wilkins, 65, is struggling with the new world order. “He’s been used to flying first class around the world for big celeb interviews,” our source says, adding that Dickie is struggling to accept budget cuts after 25 years in the industry.
Steve Jacobs poses with Richard Wilkins.
(Image: Getty)Steve Jacob’s AVO hell
Today’s weatherman Steve Jacobs, 52, caused a headache for Nine when a very public split with his then-wife Rose made headlines last year. Stevie landed in hot water after Rose took out an AVO (since lapsed) against him when the two were living in Vanuatu.
Third-wheel Tom Steinfort
After the drama that spelled the end of Karl’s time at Today, the show’s first all-female line up was met with praise. But newsreader Tom Steinfort, 35, has been branded as a “third wheel” by fans on social media who feel the 60 Minutes star isn’t adding much to the now embattled program.
From left: Deborah Knight, Tom Steinfort and Georgie Gardner.
(Image: Getty)Lonely Georgie Gardner on the outs
She managed to survive Karl’s scathing remarks following 2018’s Ubergate scandal, and while Georgie Gardner, 49, prevailed, our source says she cuts a lonely figure at Nine. “She’s an absolute lone wolf – she doesn’t socialise or talk to anyone.”
WATCH: Hughesy jokes about the Ubergate scandal at the TV WEEK Logie Awards. Story continues after video…
Georgie Gardner.
(Image: Getty)Deborah Knight’s a ticking time bomb
Replacing Karl was never going to be easy, but not even experienced journalist Deborah Knight, 46, could have foreseen the ratings disaster that has befallen on Today. An insider insists, “Deb never wanted that job. She didn’t want it to look like she was taking his role from him.”
Deborah Knight.
(Image: Getty)A big mistake for Brooke Boney
A source exclusively tells Woman’s Day Brooke Boney has struggled with her change from radio to TV. And with viewers quick to critique the 32-year-old for her views and interview skills, insiders say she often “wonders if she made a mistake”.
