Tom Steinfort has emerged as a significant contender for the permanent co-host position on the Today show, following a week of strong viewer engagement and positive feedback during his guest stint. The seasoned Nine journalist, aged 41, stepped into the role alongside co-host Samantha Armytage, marking the latest in a series of presenters being evaluated for the vacant seat left by Karl Stefanovic.
Steinfort’s Impact on Today Show Ratings
During Steinfort’s week on the Today show, national viewership figures saw a notable increase. On Wednesday, the program attracted 756,000 viewers, a rise from the 696,000 viewers who tuned in the previous Wednesday when Michael Willesee Jr. was co-hosting. This upward trend continued into Thursday, with Today drawing 722,000 viewers, up from 686,000 in the comparable slot the week prior. While these figures indicate a positive shift, the Today show still faces a considerable challenge in closing the gap with its main competitor, Seven’s Sunrise, which consistently draws over one million viewers nationally.
Industry and Viewer Reactions
An industry insider commented on Steinfort’s performance, suggesting he had successfully demonstrated his suitability for the role. “This week was much more of a comfortable watch,” the insider told The Daily Telegraph. “Tom is a great pick, he has a strong work ethic. He is good… His wife is from Sydney, they could easily pack their bags.”
Viewer response on social media also indicated strong approval for Steinfort. Comments included:
- “I absolutely love love love Tom!! He has so much charisma, I’d love for him to take over from Karl.”
- “I have to say I watched this on the telly yesterday and thought Sam & Tom have great chemistry!”
This positive reception from both industry professionals and the viewing public has bolstered Steinfort’s standing in the ongoing search for a permanent co-host.
Steinfort’s Extensive Broadcast Experience
Steinfort is no stranger to the Today program or breakfast television. His previous roles within Nine Network include serving as the newsreader for Today during the 2019 season, when Deborah Knight and Georgie Gardner were at the helm. He later transitioned to become a prominent reporter for the investigative journalism program 60 Minutes. Additionally, Steinfort has experience co-hosting Weekend Today, making his return to the weekday breakfast slot a familiar territory.
Ongoing Co-Host Search
Nine Network’s evaluation process for the co-host position is continuing. Following Steinfort’s stint, Samantha Armytage will be succeeded by Sylvia Jeffreys, a co-host from Today Extra, as the network explores various on-air pairings. This strategy allows Nine to assess different chemistries and presenting styles before making a final decision.
Veteran reporter Joel Dry is also reportedly among the candidates being considered for the co-hosting role, with potential opportunities for him to co-host alongside the Today team in the future. The network’s search remains open as they continue to weigh their options to find the best fit to replace Karl Stefanovic.
Conclusion
Tom Steinfort’s recent guest appearance on the Today show has significantly strengthened his candidacy for the permanent co-host role. The combination of improved ratings, positive industry feedback, and favorable viewer reactions marks a successful chapter in his audition. As Nine Network continues its comprehensive search, Steinfort has demonstrably made a compelling case for his return to weekday breakfast television, though the competition for the coveted position remains active.
