Drama in the newsroom: Are tensions rising between Today show's Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo over a shocking $700,000 pay gap?
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It has been widely reported for some time now that Karl Stefanovic is one of the highest earners on the Channel Nine team. Ever since he took the helm of the Today show back in 2005, Karl has been at the centre of the drama, consistently pushed forward as one of the faces of the network.
And it's been a tough task for the Nine Network to find the perfect match to sit beside the charismatic host.
The role has seen a constant rotation of talented co-hosts coming and going, but it appears that current co-host Sarah Abo has seemingly emerged as Karl's best on-screen partner to date.
However, a rumoured $700,000 pay gap discrepancy between the two television hosts could spell trouble for the popular brekkie show. A recent expose in a major Sydney newspaper revealed the alleged salaries of the pair.
According to the report, Karl rakes in an impressive $1.5 million per year, while Sarah's earnings sit at $800,000. Although both salaries might seem like more than enough for most of us, insiders at New Idea suggest that the significant disparity between the two could brew tension within the team.
A concerned network insider confessed, 'The news of Karl's big pay cheque is anxiety-inducing, to say the least.'
They continue to question the rationale behind the salary differences, saying, 'Yes, Sarah is new to breakfast television, but she is not new to Nine. Some are wondering why she isn't being more equally matched [with Karl].'
Putting themselves in Sarah's shoes, the source adds, 'If you were Sarah, would you stay and put on a smile every day knowing full well you're being paid so much less than your male counterpart for doing the same job? I can imagine she's likely disappointed.'
Those familiar with the history of the Today show will remember that in 2017, Karl's previous co-host, Lisa Wilkinson, left the show in a storm of controversy over an unresolved gender pay dispute.
Lisa had demanded an equal salary with Karl but had been turned down by the network. The fallout was unpleasant, with Lisa reflecting later that she felt 'very expendable' and 'humiliated.'
Naturally, New Idea insiders are suggesting that Nine does not want to repeat the past. 'There's just no way Nine are going to want a repeat of all that,' says a source, further emphasising that the ratings race between Today and rival Channel Seven's Sunrise is the top priority.
'Audiences are a priority, not putting out fires over who earns more money.'
The wage debate within the network follows recent revelations about the salaries of Channel Nine's best-paid stars. Topping the list is Lego Masters host Hamish Blake, who earns an astounding $2 million for his role in the reality show.
Karl, along with former co-host Allison Langdon, who now presents A Current Affair, reportedly earns $1.5 million per year. In addition, popular personalities, including The Block's Scott Cam, The Hundred host Andy Lee, and Under Investigation presenter Liz Hayes, are believed to collect between $1 million and $1.2 million for their respective gigs.
As the drama surrounding the Today show's salary differences unfolds, let's hope it doesn't take away from the duo's chemistry that has helped make the show a morning mainstay.
We'd love to hear your perspective on this, members! What are your thoughts on the gender pay gap? Do you think it's fair for Karl to earn more under any circumstance, or do you believe in equal pay for Sarah? We value your opinions, so please share them with us in the comments section below!
And remember, this is just a discussion; there is no need to get personal if you disagree with someone else’s perspective. Be kind and respect that you won’t always see eye to eye with one another!
And it's been a tough task for the Nine Network to find the perfect match to sit beside the charismatic host.
The role has seen a constant rotation of talented co-hosts coming and going, but it appears that current co-host Sarah Abo has seemingly emerged as Karl's best on-screen partner to date.
However, a rumoured $700,000 pay gap discrepancy between the two television hosts could spell trouble for the popular brekkie show. A recent expose in a major Sydney newspaper revealed the alleged salaries of the pair.
The latest buzz within the Nine newsroom is that there's a rumoured $700,000 pay gap between Karl and co-host Sarah Abo. Credit: Instagram.
According to the report, Karl rakes in an impressive $1.5 million per year, while Sarah's earnings sit at $800,000. Although both salaries might seem like more than enough for most of us, insiders at New Idea suggest that the significant disparity between the two could brew tension within the team.
A concerned network insider confessed, 'The news of Karl's big pay cheque is anxiety-inducing, to say the least.'
They continue to question the rationale behind the salary differences, saying, 'Yes, Sarah is new to breakfast television, but she is not new to Nine. Some are wondering why she isn't being more equally matched [with Karl].'
Putting themselves in Sarah's shoes, the source adds, 'If you were Sarah, would you stay and put on a smile every day knowing full well you're being paid so much less than your male counterpart for doing the same job? I can imagine she's likely disappointed.'
Those familiar with the history of the Today show will remember that in 2017, Karl's previous co-host, Lisa Wilkinson, left the show in a storm of controversy over an unresolved gender pay dispute.
Lisa had demanded an equal salary with Karl but had been turned down by the network. The fallout was unpleasant, with Lisa reflecting later that she felt 'very expendable' and 'humiliated.'
Naturally, New Idea insiders are suggesting that Nine does not want to repeat the past. 'There's just no way Nine are going to want a repeat of all that,' says a source, further emphasising that the ratings race between Today and rival Channel Seven's Sunrise is the top priority.
'Audiences are a priority, not putting out fires over who earns more money.'
The wage debate within the network follows recent revelations about the salaries of Channel Nine's best-paid stars. Topping the list is Lego Masters host Hamish Blake, who earns an astounding $2 million for his role in the reality show.
Karl, along with former co-host Allison Langdon, who now presents A Current Affair, reportedly earns $1.5 million per year. In addition, popular personalities, including The Block's Scott Cam, The Hundred host Andy Lee, and Under Investigation presenter Liz Hayes, are believed to collect between $1 million and $1.2 million for their respective gigs.
As the drama surrounding the Today show's salary differences unfolds, let's hope it doesn't take away from the duo's chemistry that has helped make the show a morning mainstay.
We'd love to hear your perspective on this, members! What are your thoughts on the gender pay gap? Do you think it's fair for Karl to earn more under any circumstance, or do you believe in equal pay for Sarah? We value your opinions, so please share them with us in the comments section below!
And remember, this is just a discussion; there is no need to get personal if you disagree with someone else’s perspective. Be kind and respect that you won’t always see eye to eye with one another!
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