Last week it seemed that Nine’s long-running discussions about how to make good use of Karl Stefanovic and his watertight $3 million contract were finally resolved, after it was announced the axed Today presenter had landed a gig on Sydney talkback radio station 2GB.
And while the new role is undoubtedly the first major step to a comeback for Karl, 44, Woman’s Day can exclusively reveal he’s being loaded up with another high-profile job by the network, which is hellbent on making sure they “get their pound of flesh”.
“Nine has a master plan for Karl,” says a well-placed TV insider, who explains that the father-of-three is gearing up to make a return to 60 Minutes. What’s more, the career move is said to have been orchestrated by an unlikely ally – 2GB broadcaster Ray Hadley.
Karl is gearing up for a return to 60 Minutes.
(Image: Channel Nine)Formidable Friend
“The only reason Karl has a lifeline [with the network] is because of Ray – the one person who no one ever expected would back him,” says the source. “He’s very close to the Nine bosses and has been pivotal in Karl’s comeback.”
The insider maintains that Ray, 64 – who is one of 2GB’s highest paid presenters and has a six-figure contract with Nine – has some serious clout over the network, and sees himself as somewhat of a mentor to Karl.
“Ray is on the blower every day to Nine bosses,” the insider says, adding that those conversations are infuriating some of the 60 Minutes team, who are all but resigned to the fact that Karl is coming back.
Time Apart
But the conditions surrounding Karl’s back-to-work plan are bound to cause some conflict at home with wife Jasmine Yarbrough, 35.
While the couple are believed to have told friends they’re keen to start a family, Karl’s new TV schedule will mean long trips away from home – and less quality time with Jasmine.
“There are rules and boundaries in place – he won’t be gallivanting across the globe doing celebrity yarns, but there’s talk he’ll have to head overseas to cover the harder news stories in the coming weeks,” explains the insider.
WATCH: How Karl Stefanovic and Jasmine Yarbrough fell in love. Story continues after video…
Karl’s new job will mean he’ll spend less time at home with his wife.
(Image: Getty)Not only that, Karl is also thought to be the new pick to replace 2GB’s top hosts during their summer break, meaning he’ll have to sacrifice his own two-month annual summer holiday.
But after effectively being out of work since being axed from Today in December last year and trying to repair his reputation after the Ubergate scandal, Karl is in no position to be picky when it comes to his employment.
“Jasmine gets that if Karl loses his job, she loses her lifestyle, so if it means giving up their summer holiday, that’s something she has to accept,” says the source. “However, I don’t think Karl involves her in any of his business decisions – he plays his cards very close.”
According to a source, Karl doesn’t involve Jasmine in his business decisions.
(Image: Getty)