Sarah Abo's Departure From Nine Linked to Loyalty to Karl Stefanovic
Journalist reportedly clashed with network executives over co-host's termination, leading to strained relationship and eventual exit.
Sarah Abo's tenure at Nine has reportedly concluded due to her loyalty to former co-host Karl Stefanovic. Abo, 39, is understood to have expressed her dissatisfaction with how Nine handled Stefanovic's termination in June. Sources claim she made her feelings known to senior executives in the weeks leading up to her maternity leave.
Stefanovic was removed from the breakfast program, Today, after an interview with far-right figure Tommy Robinson for his podcast, "The Karl Stefanovic Show." The interview, initially uploaded to YouTube, was later deleted following a backlash. Nine subsequently stated that Stefanovic could not continue with the network while hosting his podcast.
According to News Corp, Abo was unhappy with Nine's handling of Stefanovic's dismissal and conveyed her disappointment to management before her leave. This support for her co-host is believed to have further strained an already difficult relationship with the network, which reportedly felt the Stefanovic-Abo partnership was not meeting expectations.
Abo's departure was confirmed by Nine earlier this month, despite reports of the network offering her an alternative role. Speculation suggests Abo may move to rival network Seven upon her return from maternity leave. The Daily Telegraph reports that Abo is being considered for a significant reshuffling within Seven's Melbourne newsroom. One source suggested she might be given her own weekend program with a timeframe to improve ratings, potentially leading to a weeknight role if successful. Another Nine source indicated that Seven could recruit Abo to strengthen its Melbourne newsroom, noting her popularity with Melbourne viewers.
Nine is preparing for a new hosting lineup on Today, with Sylvia Jeffreys and Tom Steinfort set to take over. The new-look program is scheduled to begin on September 18.
Abo announced her departure from Nine last week, describing motherhood as the start of a "new chapter." She expressed gratitude to viewers for allowing her into their homes and acknowledged the support of her colleagues, describing the Today team as family. She also reflected on her work with Nine, including her contributions to "60 Minutes," and called her experience of motherhood her "greatest achievement."