Danika Mason Replaces Alex Cullen as Today Show Sports Presenter
Image credits: Picture David Clark
Danika Mason has been named the new sports presenter for Channel Nine's Today show, replacing Alex Cullen who was stood down after accepting a $50,000 payment from Melbourne entrepreneur Adrian Portelli. Mason, a well-known rugby league figure, will join Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo on the morning line-up, bringing a wealth of experience and passion for sports to the show. She 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.
Mason's appointment comes after a month-long search for Cullen's replacement, with several candidates testing for the role, including Olympians Ellie Cole and Cate Campbell, and Nine sport reporter Zac Bailey. Mason, who joined Nine in 2012 as a newsroom intern, has worked her way up to become one of the network's most prominent rugby league figures, and has a fantastic rapport with the entire hosting team. She will also remain an integral part of Nine's NRL match coverage, juggling her commitments in a prominent dual role, and will continue to report on Sunday afternoon footy and Thursday nights on the sideline for Wide World of Sports.
The news of Mason's appointment has been welcomed by the NRL's influential top brass, with whom she has a strong relationship. Mason will be reporting from Las Vegas for the NRL's season-opening fixtures at Allegiant Stadium, alongside Stefanovic, who will also be covering the event. The network's Director of Morning Television, Steven Burling, has expressed his pleasure at seeing Mason bring her experience and passion for sports to the show, and Mason herself has stated that she is truly honoured and excited to be joining the Today team, having dreamed of working on the show since she was a kid.
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 changes to the show's line-up are expected to bring a fresh perspective and new energy to the program, with Mason's appointment being seen as a key part of this revamp. Mason's experience and expertise in sports broadcasting will be a valuable asset to the show, and her ability to connect with audiences will be crucial in maintaining the show's popularity.
The list of candidates who tested for the role of sports presenter on Today includes:
- Roz Kelly, Nine weekend sports newsreader
- Ellie Cole, Olympian
- Cate Campbell, Olympian
- Zac Bailey, Nine sport reporter
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