Danika Mason Latest Star to Depart 'Today Show' Amid Network Shake-Up

Sports reporter Danika Mason is reportedly preparing to leave the Australian breakfast program 'Today,' marking the latest exit from the Channel Nine show. Mason, 35, who is expecting her first child with NRL player Liam Knight, is expected to announce her departure on Friday morning, according to The Daily Telegraph.

Her reported exit follows a wave of departures from the program this year, including longtime weatherman Tim Davies and former co-hosts Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo. Mason has been a regular fixture on the 'Today Show' since last year, and her departure is believed to be permanent, not just for maternity leave.

On Thursday, Mason shared a social media post highlighting her baby bump alongside presenter Sylvia Jeffreys, with the caption 'large and in charge.'

Last month, Tim Davies bid an emotional farewell to viewers after seven years with the show. During his final broadcast, Davies was surprised with visits from former producer Gerry Campbell, Qantas staff, and members of the Australian Girls Choir. He became emotional as he thanked his colleagues for their support.

Former co-host Sarah Abo also departed in September. Reports suggest Abo expressed disappointment to Nine executives regarding the handling of Stefanovic's termination before beginning her maternity leave in July. Stefanovic's own exit in June followed a controversial interview he conducted for his podcast, 'The Karl Stefanovic Show,' with far-right figure Tommy Robinson. The interview was briefly available on YouTube before being deleted amid backlash.

Nine reportedly informed Stefanovic that he could not continue working at the network while also hosting his podcast, leading to his abrupt removal from 'Today,' despite expectations he would remain until the end of the year. According to News Corp, Abo's support for Stefanovic further strained her relationship with Nine.

Nine later confirmed Abo's departure, despite reportedly offering her another role. In her farewell statement, Abo described motherhood as the start of a new chapter and thanked viewers, stating, 'Without you, there is no Today show.' She also expressed her fondness for her colleagues, noting that the demanding early starts were more manageable when the team felt like family, and that she would miss them dearly.

Sylvia Jeffreys and Tom Steinfort were confirmed as the new hosting team for 'Today' last month.