Danika Mason has been appointed the new sports presenter for Channel Nine’s Today show.
Mason, one of the network’s most prominent rugby league figures, will replace former sports presenter Alex Cullen after he was stood down by Nine – the publisher of this masthead – for accepting a cash prize in return for comments made on air.
Mason, who is in Las Vegas for Sunday’s NRL season-opening fixtures at Allegiant Stadium, will join Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo on the morning line-up.
Mason will continue to work on Nine’s rugby league coverage, including a revamped Freddy and The Eighth with Brad Fittler and Andrew Johns, which will move from the network’s digital platform to television in 2025.
Nine’s Director of Morning Television, Steven Burling, said: “Danika has filled in many times on Today and has a fantastic rapport with the entire hosting team. We’re pleased to see her bringing a wealth of experience and passion for sports to our viewers.”
Mason will also remain an integral part of Nine’s NRL match coverage, juggling her commitments in a prominent dual role.
James Bracey, Danika Mason, Andrew Johns and Brad Fittler at Allianz Stadium.Credit: Brook Mitchell
“I’m truly honoured and so excited to be joining Today,” Mason said. “It’s been a dream of mine since I was a kid, waking up every morning to watch the show as I set my sights on a career in sports broadcasting.
“It’s also a full-circle moment for me at Nine because, just 10 years ago, my first-ever job at the network was producing sport for Today. I’m also very grateful that I’ll still be working with the Wide World of Sports crew on the footy every week throughout the NRL season.”
As part of Nine’s revamp of Today, award-winning journalist and former US Correspondent Alison Piotrowski has been appointed the new co-host of Weekend Today, joining Clint Stanaway, Lizzie Pearl and Dan Anstey on the desk.
The Herald’s travel expenses to Las Vegas have been partly funded by the NRL.
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