Rodger Corser Emerges as Surprise Contender to Replace Karl Stefanovic at Nine

Nine is reportedly considering a major overhaul of its struggling breakfast program Today, with actor and television host Rodger Corser emerging as a surprise contender to replace Karl Stefanovic.

The proposed changes could go far beyond appointing a new co-host. According to television insiders, the network is also revisiting a long-discussed plan to relocate the program from Sydney to Melbourne and rebuild it around Sarah Abo from the beginning of 2027.

Nine Considers a Major Today Show Reboot

Nine is continuing its search for a new leading presenter following Stefanovic’s departure, while also examining how the program can close the ratings gap with Seven’s dominant breakfast show, Sunrise.

One proposal reportedly under consideration would involve moving Today to Melbourne and introducing significant changes to its presenting team, production structure and overall identity.

The idea of relocating the program is not new. Former Nine chief executive Sam Chisholm is said to have proposed a similar move around two decades ago, during the early years of Stefanovic’s tenure.

With Stefanovic now gone and Abo preparing to take maternity leave, insiders believe Nine has a rare opportunity to reconsider almost every aspect of the program.

Nine declined to comment on reports that a Melbourne relocation was being considered.

Sarah Abo Could Remain Central to Nine’s Plans

Under the proposed Melbourne model, Abo would reportedly remain a key figure in the program’s future.

The journalist is originally from Melbourne and has an established background in serious news reporting, potentially making her well suited to anchor a refreshed version of Today from the Victorian capital.

However, her impending maternity leave means Nine may need to introduce an interim presenting arrangement before making any permanent decisions.

Tom Steinfort, who co-anchors Nine’s Melbourne evening news bulletin, has been mentioned as one possible future partner for Abo.

Former Weekend Today presenter Clint Stanaway could also be considered for a news or sports role, while Melbourne-based music journalist Zan Rowe has reportedly been discussed as a potential entertainment contributor.

Rodger Corser Tipped as a Possible Replacement

The most unexpected name linked to Stefanovic’s former position is Rodger Corser.

Corser is best known for his acting work in Nine dramas including McLeod’s Daughters, Underbelly and Doctor Doctor. More recently, he has moved into television presenting through programs such as The Traitors Australia and Nine’s game show The Floor.

Nine television director Michael Healy is reportedly a strong supporter of Corser and has been looking for further opportunities for him since bringing the actor back to the network in 2024.

After Network 10 chose not to commission another season of The Traitors Australia, Corser joined Nine to host The Floor. The program premiered in 2025 and returned for another short season the following year.

There has been no official confirmation that The Floor will receive another season, potentially leaving Corser available to explore a more permanent presenting role.

Although he does not have the traditional background of a breakfast television journalist, his long relationship with Nine, broad audience recognition and hosting experience could make him an appealing option as the network searches for a fresh direction.

Richard Wilkins and Danika Mason Could Face Reviews

A major rebuild could also place several established Today personalities under pressure.

Veteran entertainment reporter Richard Wilkins, who has worked closely with Stefanovic for many years, is reportedly among the presenters whose positions could be reviewed.

Wilkins was previously moved away from the main program after Stefanovic’s first departure in 2018, before later returning to a prominent role within Nine’s morning television coverage.

Sports presenter Danika Mason has also been named in reports about a possible reshuffle. Mason recently announced that she is expecting a child with her fiancé, former NRL player Liam Knight.

Any decision to move production to Melbourne would likely require Nine to reconsider numerous on-air and behind-the-scenes positions.

Why Melbourne Could Appeal to Nine

Relocating Today could help the program establish a clearer identity after Stefanovic’s departure.

Both Today and Sunrise currently broadcast from Sydney, and a Melbourne base could give Nine’s program a point of difference while strengthening its connection with Victorian audiences.

Industry data cited in the original report suggests Melbourne has a larger television audience than Sydney, potentially giving Nine access to hundreds of thousands of additional viewers.

The network will also be mindful of previous media expansions into Melbourne that struggled because they were viewed as overly Sydney-focused. A genuinely Melbourne-based breakfast program could help Nine avoid making the same mistake.

However, the proposal would come with financial and logistical challenges.

Nine has been attempting to reduce production costs by sharing staff, facilities and resources across Today, Today Extra and Weekend Today. Moving one of those programs interstate could make that strategy more difficult and expensive.

Nine Faces a Difficult Ratings Battle

The proposed overhaul comes as Today continues to trail Sunrise in the national breakfast television ratings.

Figures included in the report showed Sunrise attracting approximately 456,000 viewers, compared with around 226,000 for Today as of June 30.

That gap presents a significant commercial problem for Nine because breakfast television remains an important source of advertising revenue.

Stefanovic’s departure may allow the network to rebuild the program around a more balanced presenting team. However, television executives believe the remaining hosts will also need to be repositioned so audiences see the new version of Today as a genuine fresh start rather than the same program with a different lead presenter.

A Familiar Face for a Completely New Today?

No final decision has been announced, and Rodger Corser remains only one of several possible candidates being discussed.

Nevertheless, his emergence as a contender suggests Nine may be willing to look beyond traditional news presenters as it attempts to revive the program.

Whether the network chooses Corser, Steinfort or another candidate, the next appointment is unlikely to be a simple replacement for Stefanovic. Nine appears to be considering a much broader transformation involving the show’s location, cast and identity.

After years of struggling to catch Sunrise, the biggest question may no longer be who replaces Karl Stefanovic—but how much of the old Today show will remain when the rebuild is complete.