The Today show is in the midst of reshuffling its presenting lineup following the unexpected departure of Alex Cullen.
The long-time presenter was let go after accepting a $50,000 payment from The Block billionaire Adrian Portelli, which led to a wave of controversy.
Now, two experienced female Channel Nine journalists—Roz Kelly and Danika Mason—are reportedly the front-runners to fill the role left vacant by Cullen.
Who Are the Top Contenders?
Roz Kelly, an established sports presenter for 9News Sydney, is being hailed as the “obvious first choice” to step into Cullen’s shoes.
Kelly, who currently presents sports updates on Friday and Saturday evenings, has built a solid reputation over the years, gaining popularity and recognition from viewers.
However, sources close to the situation suggest Kelly might hesitate to take on the full-time breakfast role due to her family commitments. Kelly is married to South African cricketer Morne Morkel, who is frequently away for work, and they have two young children. Balancing a demanding live TV role with her family responsibilities could pose a challenge, especially with her husband’s frequent travel to India for his coaching job with the national cricket team.
“She’s polished, and the viewers already know her and love her. But she has two young sons, and her husband travels a lot,” a source explained to Daily Mail Australia. “Her life is finely balanced right now, so she may not be too keen to take on all the pressures of live television five days a week.”
While Kelly’s name is widely discussed, another journalist in the running is Danika Mason. Mason, a dynamic and energetic presenter, is also seen as a strong contender to take over Cullen’s position. According to sources, Mason’s high energy and work ethic make her an ideal fit for the fast-paced environment of the Today show. “Danika is an absolute live wire, and she’s a hard worker who throws herself into every challenge with everything she’s got,” a source shared.
Mason’s loyal following, particularly among NRL fans, is another advantage. As the ratings for Sunday night shows, including sports coverage, begin to ramp up, Mason’s fan base could prove beneficial for the network.
The Departure of Alex Cullen
Cullen’s exit from Today was made public last month when co-hosts Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo addressed his absence. Stefanovic confirmed that Cullen and Channel Nine had mutually agreed that he would part ways with the network following an internal review of the incident involving Portelli’s $50,000 payment.
The scandal began when Portelli, frustrated with his long-standing nickname “Mr. Lambo,” offered a reward to the first person who would use his new nickname, “McLaren Man,” live on air. Cullen, eager to oblige, used the nickname during a segment, only to later receive a large sum from Portelli as promised. This led to a backlash, with accusations that the gesture violated journalistic ethics by accepting personal benefits in exchange for on-air promotion.
Despite the controversy, Portelli later clarified that Cullen had intended to donate the money to charity, a claim supported by the transfer of $50,000 to organizations such as the Salvation Army and RSPCA. However, the damage had already been done, and Channel Nine decided to sever ties with Cullen.
What’s Next for Today?
With both Roz Kelly and Danika Mason seen as the top contenders, Today viewers can expect a decision in the near future regarding who will fill Cullen’s spot. While Kelly brings experience and familiarity, Mason’s vibrant persona and dedicated fan base make her a compelling choice. For now, the Today team continues to move forward, with co-hosts Stefanovic and Abo keeping the show on track while the network evaluates its options.
In the meantime, Alex Cullen has been replaced temporarily by Clint Stanaway, who has been covering sports live from Melbourne during Nine’s coverage of the Australian Open. As for Cullen, he has shared moments from his family life on social media, posting heartwarming birthday tributes to his twin daughters and son. Fans have voiced their support for him, hoping that the situation will resolve quickly, with many expressing a desire for his return to television.
While the drama surrounding Cullen’s exit continues to unfold, Channel Nine faces the challenge of deciding who will be the best fit to join the Today desk in the long run. With both Kelly and Mason offering distinct strengths, the decision will likely be an important one for the network as it works to maintain its position as a leading morning program in Australia.
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