Karl Stefanovic’s Absence from Today Show Amid Salary Negotiations as Charles Croucher Co-Hosts with Sarah Abo

Where’s Karl Stefanovic? Today Show Host Absent Amid Salary Drama
By Kinta Walsh-Cotton, Showbiz Reporter

[Image: Karl Stefanovic on the Today show set]

Nine’s Today viewers were surprised Tuesday when Karl Stefanovic, 51, was notably absent from the breakfast show. Charles Croucher stepped in to co-host with Sarah Abo, but the pair did not address Stefanovic’s disappearance on air.

A spokesperson for Nine confirmed to Daily Mail Australia that Stefanovic is “on annual leave and will be returning next week.” The host’s wife, Jasmine, added fuel to speculation by sharing a cryptic Instagram photo of a dimly lit beach scene early Tuesday. The image showed a man (possibly Stefanovic) and a dog by the water, though it’s unclear if it was him.

[Image: Charles Croucher and Sarah Abo hosting the Today show]

Stefanovic’s absence follows reports of a lucrative new contract negotiation with Nine. In June, The Australian revealed he was offered a $3 million-per-year deal, up from his previous $2.8 million salary. Sources claimed the network scrambled to meet his demands after he threatened to walk away. The deal starkly contrasts with co-host Sarah Abo’s reported $800,000 salary, highlighting a significant gender pay gap.

Rival breakfast shows also pale in comparison: Seven’s Sunrise hosts Natalie Barr and Matt Shirvington collectively earn $2 million annually.

[Image: Jasmine Stefanovic’s Instagram post of a beach scene]

Stefanovic’s career has weathered storms before, including the 2018 “Ubergate” scandal, which temporarily sidelined him. His return to Today in 2020 marked a comeback, but his high earnings continue to spark debate.

Nine has yet to comment further on his contract. For now, fans await Stefanovic’s return—and answers about equity behind the scenes.

Published: 06:30 BST, 30 September 2025 | Updated: 06:33 BST, 30 September 2025

Images: (1) Karl Stefanovic hosting; (2) Croucher and Abo on air; (3) Jasmine’s beach snapshot.