Who will win the ultimate ratings war? Meet Sunrise's new host Matt Shirvington taking on Today's Karl Stefanovic!
- Replies 21
For many Aussies, there’s no better way to start the day than to warm up a cup of hot coffee or tea once you hear the familiar voices of your favourite morning news program – especially if it gets you pumped up and energised for the day ahead.
At the Seniors Discount Club, it's no surprise that we like keeping up-to-date on the news, the cheeky banter between hosts, the fun celebrity interviews, and the colourful segments on food, health and finance segments.
Not only is it where exciting conversations get started, but it's now the ultimate battleground for a TV ratings war – especially for morning news players Sunrise and Today.
When previous Sunrise host David ‘Kochie’ Koch decided to hang up his suit and bow out of a 21-year reign, it stirred up the all-important question: Who will take his place, and how will they fare against their rival breakfast show?
According to reports, Kochie’s successor Matt Shirvington has what it takes to bring Sunrise to new heights and out-rate rival Karl Stefanovic.
The rivalry between these two shows has continued for decades, and while the two have gone head-to-head for a long time, Sunrise has been the reigning champion for over 19 years.
But could this all soon be about to change?
Matt, a former Olympian and network darling, is gearing up for his new role as Natalie Barr’s new co-host. As they prepare to take on this new challenge, they must also take on the task of continuing Sunrise's nearly two decades-long dominance over its rival show, Today.
While David Koch leaves a big legacy behind, experts are confident Matt Shirvington has what it takes to keep Sunrise on top.
Veteran media analyst Steve Allen of independent media agency Pearman Media believes that the former Aussie sprint star is more ‘relatable’ than his Today counterpart, Karl Stefanovic.
According to him, Matt is a fitting successor to Koch mainly due to the fact that both men are ‘genuinely relatable’ and don't appear inclined to personal life dramas like Karl. Matt is set to debut in his new role on June 12.
While undoubtedly charming, Karl Stefanovic has had his fair share of personal life controversy, which has followed him into the public eye.
Allen points out that ‘[Stefanovic] doesn't always seem to be authentic. It seems he is always papering over something naughty that he has done. Hardly a year goes by that Karl isn't involved in some snafu’.
‘He's always attending silver spoon social events and seeking out an A-list posse of friends,’ Mr Allen adds.
These tendencies may be a bit of a turn-off for viewers who are looking for more relatable content in the morning.
In comparison, Allen praises Shirvington for his down-to-earth demeanour, stating that he 'doesn't seem like the kind of person who is interested in that world’.
‘He might not be all that urbane, but he is certainly relatable,’ Mr Allen explained.
And a few of our members also agree with this statement.
When news broke out that Kochie was getting replaced (which you can read here), many of you agreed that Matt Shirvington was the man who should take his place.
Member @Rosie said: ‘I think Matt Shirvington would be a great replacement for Kochie.’
Member @Jude01 said: ‘I think Matt Shirvington is definitely the best fit with Natalie Barr, and the other Matt is a great fit with Weekend Sunrise and goes very well with Monique…’
And member @ColMack said: ‘I think it is time to Go Kochie and time to go Nat – fresh, younger faces are needed. Yes, Matt Shirvington would be a good replacement Monday to Friday.’
The stakes are undoubtedly high for both networks, but one thing is for sure - with Matt Shirvington and Natalie Barr at the helm, Sunrise will be doing its best to keep its loyal fanbase and even attract new viewers.
Today, the hosting combination of Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo, may step up their game to turn the ratings in their favour, which could result in fierce competition between the two shows. Sunrise has already achieved an unbeaten 22-week run to start the year, so the pressure is definitely on!
So, how do you think this ultimate ratings war will play out? Will Sunrise continue its dominance under Matt’s new leadership, or will Today finally take the crown? Let us know in the comments below!
At the Seniors Discount Club, it's no surprise that we like keeping up-to-date on the news, the cheeky banter between hosts, the fun celebrity interviews, and the colourful segments on food, health and finance segments.
Not only is it where exciting conversations get started, but it's now the ultimate battleground for a TV ratings war – especially for morning news players Sunrise and Today.
When previous Sunrise host David ‘Kochie’ Koch decided to hang up his suit and bow out of a 21-year reign, it stirred up the all-important question: Who will take his place, and how will they fare against their rival breakfast show?
According to reports, Kochie’s successor Matt Shirvington has what it takes to bring Sunrise to new heights and out-rate rival Karl Stefanovic.
According to an industry expert, Matt Shirvington can out-rate Karl Stefanovic. Credit: Today Show
The rivalry between these two shows has continued for decades, and while the two have gone head-to-head for a long time, Sunrise has been the reigning champion for over 19 years.
But could this all soon be about to change?
Matt, a former Olympian and network darling, is gearing up for his new role as Natalie Barr’s new co-host. As they prepare to take on this new challenge, they must also take on the task of continuing Sunrise's nearly two decades-long dominance over its rival show, Today.
While David Koch leaves a big legacy behind, experts are confident Matt Shirvington has what it takes to keep Sunrise on top.
Matt is said to be more ‘relatable’ than Karl. Credit: Sunrise
According to him, Matt is a fitting successor to Koch mainly due to the fact that both men are ‘genuinely relatable’ and don't appear inclined to personal life dramas like Karl. Matt is set to debut in his new role on June 12.
While undoubtedly charming, Karl Stefanovic has had his fair share of personal life controversy, which has followed him into the public eye.
Allen points out that ‘[Stefanovic] doesn't always seem to be authentic. It seems he is always papering over something naughty that he has done. Hardly a year goes by that Karl isn't involved in some snafu’.
‘He's always attending silver spoon social events and seeking out an A-list posse of friends,’ Mr Allen adds.
These tendencies may be a bit of a turn-off for viewers who are looking for more relatable content in the morning.
In comparison, Allen praises Shirvington for his down-to-earth demeanour, stating that he 'doesn't seem like the kind of person who is interested in that world’.
‘He might not be all that urbane, but he is certainly relatable,’ Mr Allen explained.
And a few of our members also agree with this statement.
When news broke out that Kochie was getting replaced (which you can read here), many of you agreed that Matt Shirvington was the man who should take his place.
Member @Rosie said: ‘I think Matt Shirvington would be a great replacement for Kochie.’
Member @Jude01 said: ‘I think Matt Shirvington is definitely the best fit with Natalie Barr, and the other Matt is a great fit with Weekend Sunrise and goes very well with Monique…’
And member @ColMack said: ‘I think it is time to Go Kochie and time to go Nat – fresh, younger faces are needed. Yes, Matt Shirvington would be a good replacement Monday to Friday.’
The stakes are undoubtedly high for both networks, but one thing is for sure - with Matt Shirvington and Natalie Barr at the helm, Sunrise will be doing its best to keep its loyal fanbase and even attract new viewers.
Today, the hosting combination of Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo, may step up their game to turn the ratings in their favour, which could result in fierce competition between the two shows. Sunrise has already achieved an unbeaten 22-week run to start the year, so the pressure is definitely on!
Last edited:
.png){kind=icon}
