A major shake-up has been confirmed at Today following the sudden departure of sports presenter Alex Cullen.

Channel Nine has officially announced Danika Mason as his replacement, stepping into the role alongside co-hosts Sarah Abo and Karl Stefanovic.

Mason, who has built a strong reputation in sports journalism, is no stranger to the network. 

She is widely recognized for her work on Wide World of Sports and as a sideline reporter for Nine’s NRL coverage. 

Her promotion to the Today show solidifies her as a rising star within Australian broadcasting.

Alex Cullen’s Controversial Exit

The announcement of Mason’s appointment comes just weeks after Cullen was abruptly axed from the Today show due to controversy surrounding a payment he accepted from businessman Adrian Portelli. The situation arose when Cullen mentioned Portelli’s new self-proclaimed nickname, “McLaren Man,” live on air—a move that ultimately cost him his position.

Portelli, a well-known entrepreneur often associated with luxury cars, had grown tired of being referred to as “Mr. Lambo.” In an attempt to rebrand himself, he publicly offered a $50,000 reward to the first media personality who used his new moniker on air. Cullen seized the opportunity and, shortly after, Portelli shared a screenshot of what appeared to be a bank transfer confirming the payment to the journalist.

However, the transaction quickly sparked backlash. Accepting monetary rewards in exchange for on-air mentions is widely considered a breach of journalistic ethics. According to the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance’s code of conduct, journalists must not accept gifts or financial incentives that could compromise their independence or impartiality.

Following an internal investigation by Channel Nine, Cullen was suspended from his role, and it was later confirmed that he would not be returning to the network.

On-Air Announcement and Farewell

Cullen’s exit was addressed live on Today by Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo. The pair delivered a heartfelt message about their former colleague, acknowledging his contributions to the show over the past five years.

“As most of you are well aware, our colleague Alex Cullen has not been on air with us this past week,” Stefanovic told viewers. “There has been widespread reporting on the circumstances surrounding this, and what I can say is that last night, Alex and Nine agreed that he would finish with the network.”

He went on to express admiration for Cullen, calling him a great friend and valued member of the team. “Alex has, of course, been part of the Today family for five years now. He’s always ready with a smile and a laugh, and without hesitation, speaking for all of us here, we can say that we are going to miss him terribly.”

He also extended well wishes to Cullen’s family, adding, “Alex is a terrific fella, what you see is what you get, and he has been a great mate to all of us over these years. We wish Alex, his wife Bonnie, and his beautiful kids all the very best for the future.”

Danika Mason Steps Into the Spotlight

With Cullen’s departure now official, attention has turned to Danika Mason, who is set to take over his role on Today. Having been a prominent figure in sports reporting for several years, Mason was seen as a frontrunner for the position, with many insiders backing her as a top contender.

She was up against another experienced sports journalist, Roz Kelly, for the role. However, Mason ultimately secured the position, bringing fresh energy and expertise to the breakfast program.

Mason’s extensive background in sports coverage, particularly her work on Nine’s NRL broadcasts and Wide World of Sports, has made her a familiar face to audiences. Her transition to Today is expected to bring a renewed focus on sports discussions within the show’s format.

What’s Next for Today?

The changes at Today signal a new chapter for the program, which continues to evolve with its rotating team of presenters. Mason’s addition to the lineup alongside Stefanovic and Abo marks a fresh direction for the morning show, and viewers will be keen to see how she settles into her new role.

Meanwhile, Cullen’s departure serves as a reminder of the importance of journalistic integrity in broadcasting. While the controversy surrounding his exit was unexpected, it has paved the way for new opportunities and a fresh face at the Today desk.

As Mason prepares to step into her new position, all eyes will be on her as she makes her debut in one of Australia’s most-watched morning programs.

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