Why Channel 7 is happy that Ally Langdon left her role on The Today Show
Channel 7 is secretly happy at the changes their competition Channel 9 has done to the breakfast show.
The broadcaster announced that Ally Langdon will leave her role on The Today Show to replace Tracy Grimshaw as host of A Current Affair.
60 Minutes reporter Sarah Abo will take over Ally’s place next to Karl Stefanovic in the new year.
But now insiders are saying that this change will see Channel 7 continue to beat Channel 9 in the breakfast TV show ratings.
“They’ve weakened their position in the real battleground. Anyone can host A Current Affair, but breakfast TV is a different game,” a Seven insider told Diary.
However, this is not the case from Channel 9’s perspective because of veteran Sunrise reporter David “Kochie” Koch limiting his workload in the new year.
Earlier this year, it was unclear whether or not Kochie will remain the face of Sunrise alongside Nat Barr.
But he was able to successfully negotiate more flexibility to spend more time with his family.
“After 20 years, I've felt I needed more flexibility in my life with my wife Libby and my business interests,” he told The Australian in October.
“So when I mentioned leaving to Seven, (CEO) James (Warburton) very kindly asked me whether we could work together on a plan that I wanted, which also kept my connection to the network and my focus on Sunrise.”
His decision is the only comfort that Channel 9 have at winning the breakfast show ratings after a very long time.
“Kochie leaving marks a huge opportunity for Today - there is no denying that,” a Nine insider said.
“He is a breakfast TV behemoth. He has underpinned Sunrise's dominance for two decades.
“The idea of a breakfast TV landscape without him gives Today clear air for the first time in 20 years and there is a real sense of opportunity here.
“It means Karl will now be the most senior presence on either show... and that could resonate with viewers.”
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