Danika Mason Departs Today Show Amid Host Departures
The sports reporter announced her decision to not return after maternity leave, joining a string of recent exits from the Channel Nine breakfast program.
Danika Mason has confirmed her departure from the Today show, tearfully announcing on Friday morning that she will not return after her maternity leave.
Mason, who is expecting her first child with NRL star Liam Knight, cited the difficulty of juggling her rugby league commitments, the breakfast program, and a new baby as the reason for her decision.
Her exit follows a series of high-profile departures from the show, including longtime weatherman Tim Davies, who bid farewell after seven years in September. Former co-hosts Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo also left the program earlier this year.
Davies' final broadcast featured emotional tributes from colleagues and surprise visits, including from his original producer. Stefanovic's departure in June reportedly stemmed from a controversial interview for his podcast, which led to a network decision that he could not continue at Nine while hosting the show. Reports suggest Abo's support for Stefanovic also contributed to strains with Nine executives.
Stefanovic was unexpectedly removed from his hosting duties, despite expectations that he would remain until the end of the year. Nine confirmed Abo's departure in September, although she had reportedly been offered another position. In her farewell, Abo described motherhood as a "new chapter" and expressed gratitude to viewers and her colleagues.
Sylvia Jeffreys and Tom Steinfort were announced last month as the new hosting team for the Today show.