Today's Karl Stefanovic 'thinking about his future' at Channel Nine as rival network bloodbath unfolds
Channel Nine's Karl Stefanovic is keeping a keen eye on the drama unfolding at rival network Seven, according to a new report.
The Today show host has been 'thinking about his future' as shakeups and staffing changes occur among his peers, particularly rumours that beloved journalist Mark Ferguson will be 'shafted' as the weeknight newsreader - a claim Seven has denied.
Both Stefanovic, 49, and co-star Sarah Abo, 38, are aware Nine 'are always open to new faces' claims Woman's Day.
'Naturally, Karl, and to a lesser extent Sarah, are always thinking about their futures. Today lags in the ratings behind Sunrise,' an alleged insider told the publication.
'There's always the chance that Nine could say, "If the others are moving and shaking, maybe it's time we do the same,"' they added.
Channel Nine's Karl Stefanovic is keeping a keen eye on the drama unfolding at rival network Seven, according to a new report. Both Stefanovic, 49, and co-star Sarah Abo, 38, are aware Nine 'are always open to new faces' claims Woman's Day. Both pictured
Karl and Sarah may join forces to negotiate future deals, the magazine alleges.
'It wouldn't be a surprise if this time around, Karl does negotiate a package deal with Sarah. They both know they're onto a good thing with each other,' the alleged insider added.
Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Channel Nine for comment.
It comes after Channel Seven's staffing bloodbath took a twist last week, days after reports claimed Mark Ferguson will be 'shafted' as the weeknight newsreader.
News Corp previously reported Seven bosses had 'warmed' to the idea of replacing Ferguson, 58, with the network's weekend team, Michael Usher and Angela Cox.
However, a Seven insider has since told Daily Mail Australia this is not the case.
'Naturally, Karl, and to a lesser extent. Sarah, are always thinking about their futures. Today lags in the ratings behind Sunrise,' an alleged insider told the publication
It comes after Channel Seven's staffing bloodbath took a twist last week, days after reports claimed Mark Ferguson (pictured) will be 'shafted' as the weeknight newsreader
Instead, the source has been reliably informed Seven bosses are set to axe Usher, leaving Cox to present the Friday and Saturday night bulletins solo.
Executives hope to 'save money and boost the gender balance' with Cox as a one-woman show on weekends.
The insider also believes that, unlike prior reports, Ferguson remains safe in his role.
'Mark [Ferguson] is the ultimate professional and loved in the newsroom,' the Seven source said.
'It would be ratings suicide to replace Mark now, and it would be brave for a new news boss - who has no television experience - to replace the 6pm reader as his first move,' they added.
Seven denied the claims when approached by Daily Mail Australia.
The rumoured nightly news shake-up comes as the bloodbath continues at Channel Seven in the wake of the Bruce Lehrmann sex-and-drugs allegations that hit the network's flagship current affairs show Spotlight.
Seven confirmed last month that then-news director Craig McPherson - partner to Dancing with the Stars host Sonia Kruger - had suddenly left his position as network director of news and public affairs after nine years in the job.
In the month of April alone, the network lost McPherson, managing director James Warburton, commercial director Bruce McWilliam, and Spotlight executive producer Mark Llewellyn.
