The corridors of Channel Nine have been buzzing with discontent as ambitious young reporters grapple with the network's decision to overlook them for the TODAY hosting gig during the summer holiday.

The role, which becomes available when regular hosts Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo take their leave, is seen as a golden opportunity for rising stars to shine in the spotlight and prove their mettle.

However, many feel that the decision to keep the spot filled by familiar faces, rather than giving newcomers a chance has sparked frustration and feelings of being sidelined. Some even argue that this missed opportunity could hinder their career growth, leaving them questioning their prospects at the network.


The six-week non-ratings period has traditionally been a testing ground for the network's emerging talent.

However, this past Christmas and New Year's Eve, the coveted seat was filled not by an up-and-coming journalist but by Dr Nick Coatsworth, a figure who became familiar to many Australians as a deputy chief medical officer during the COVID-19 pandemic.


Dr Coatsworth's transition from the medical front to the media's front row has been met with mixed reactions.

His expertise in infectious diseases and calm demeanour in front of news cameras during the pandemic earned him a degree of public trust.

Dr Coatsworth’s leap to hosting the TODAY show alongside journalist Lara Vella and newsreader Maggie Raworth has left some of his Channel Nine colleagues less than thrilled.


The decision has sparked a wave of frustration among the network's young reporters, who feel they have been unfairly passed over.

'Dr. Nick is an awkward host and not a favourite with producers behind the scenes,' revealed one insider.

‘He is never going to get a hosting role in the future, so people are scratching heads as to why he has been given a coveted position, given there is no lack of contenders [who are] more than willing and able to jump in.’

Another source expressed their concern, noting that while summer is a time for experimentation, there is a fine line between trying new things and overlooking the development of the network's future leaders.

‘Summer is a time to experiment, but some would say perhaps Nine does it too much.’ the source said.


They pointed out that mentoring younger staff and promoting internal talent is essential, and Dr Coatsworth, despite his credentials, does not fit this mould.

The controversy is not new to Channel Nine. During the 2023 summer break, when Dr Coatsworth first took on the hosting role, some of the TODAY show stars had a similar dissatisfaction.

The Australian reported that the decision had caused considerable unrest, with 'plenty of noses out of joint.'

It's worth noting that other holiday hosts who have stepped into Karl and Sarah's shoes include Alison Piotrowski, Gavin Morris, former Sunrise host Samantha Armytage, and weatherman Dan Anstey.

The choice to bring in Dr Coatsworth, who also presents the television show Do You Want To Live Forever? with Tracy Grimshaw, is a departure from this pattern.


Dr Coatsworth, married to Dr Rebecca Pearson, a lung transplant physician and father to three children, has undoubtedly made his mark on television as a medical expert.

However, whether his expertise translates to the dynamic and often unpredictable world of morning television hosting remains.

Channel Nine has been approached for comment, but there has been no official response to the internal backlash.
How do you feel about professionals from one area, such as medicine, crossing over into media roles traditionally filled by career journalists? Is this a refreshing change, or does it undermine the development of dedicated media professionals? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.