“No-one saw this coming”.

It’s a tough economic climate out there – anyone who’s anyone knows that. But while the vast majority of the country continues to pray for more rate cuts and relief as the cost of living keeps skyrocketing, it seems the same cannot be said for Channel Nine’s golden boy, Karl Stefanovic.

And this time, even his colleagues, many of whom he calls his very best mates, are finally seeing red.
Karl Stefanovic potential pay rise has reportedly upset people at the Nine Network. (Credit: Getty)

How much does Karl Stefanovic reportedly make?

Last week, The Australian reported that Karl, 50, has all but signed on the dotted line for a $3-million-a-year deal with Nine.

The multi-year contract would reportedly see the Today host pocket a tidy pay rise, after he was believed to have signed a $2.8 million a year deal back in 2022.

Whether or not the $3 million speculation is accurate, Karl’s reported new deal would bring him an amount many will only dream of.

It comes after months of speculation the morning show host was in fierce negotiations with the network, and was threatening to walk if they did not meet his demands.
There is allegedly a large pay gap between Today hosts Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo. (Credit: Backgrid)

How much does Sarah Abo reportedly get paid?

What’s even more staggering is that it follows endless reports that fellow Nine stars, including names like Richard ‘Dickie’ Wilkins, Peter Overton and more, are facing drastic pay cuts, with Nine Entertainment flagging their desire to slash costs earlier this year.

“No-one saw this coming, especially poor Sarah [Abo]who is absolutely gutted that Karl has gazumped her,” a network insider told New Idea. Sarah, Karl’s co-host on Today, is reportedly earning a comparatively measly $800,000 a year.

“Sarah is the sort of person who never throws her toys out, but her patience is wearing thin. Karl reportedly demanding $3 million a year over the next three years is downright unfair,” the source added. “Hundreds of redundancies have already happened where so many good people have lost their jobs – meanwhile Karl is out there openly negotiating another eye-watering deal.

“Some of Nine’s biggest stars have been forced to take hefty pay cuts. They won’t be happy reading that Karl is banking on the big bucks yet again.”
Karl Stefanovic and Richard Wilkins have worked together for many years. (Credit: Getty)

How much does Richard Wilkins earn?

One such friend who might be seeing red is Karl’s mate Dickie, 71. The entertainment editor and co-host of Weekend Today began his career at the network in the late 1980s, and has long been best mates with Karl.

Dickie was believed to still be in Malta for his pal Delta Goodrem’s wedding when news broke of Karl’s deal last week.

While the status of Dickie’s salary is unknown, it’s safe to say he would feel disappointed if Karl has indeed secured a rise, while he faces a chop.

“It’s just plain unfair if it is the case, because Dickie is one of the nicest blokes and hardest working in the industry,” New Idea’s network source said.
Karl Stefanovic and Richard Wilkins have worked together for several years. (Credit: Newspix)

Are Karl and Richard Wilkins friends?

Indeed, when Karl first left Today in 2018, Dickie paid an emotional tribute to his mate.

“I’ve had the honour and pleasure, and pressure sometimes, of working alongside him almost every day over that time,” he said of Karl’s then 14-year tenure.

“I can tell you from the heart that there is nobody who has worked harder for this show than Karl.”

Now, however, Karl could be facing some harsh backlash. His frequent holidays with wife Jasmine and young daughter Harper (who also often tags along on his work trips) are regularly scrutinised too.

“There’s a belief at Nine that Karl is invaluable when it comes to wheeling him out with advertisers, and that he can be put anywhere when it comes to the big events like US elections and royal weddings,” our source explains.

“But if this new deal is true, then get ready for the fireworks because there’s a lot of people at Nine who will feel like Karl’s got his own way again – and are ready to say enough is enough!”