Long-time Nine presenter Danika Mason will step into the role of sports presenter on The Today Show following the departure of Alex Cullen over a $50k gift controversy.
Mason is already a familiar face for Nine viewers, thanks to her work 9News, The Sunday Footy Show, NRL on Nine, and Wide World of Sports.
The announcement was made during the show’s broadcast today, with Mason in Las Vegas with host Karl Stefanovic for the NRL.
When asked by co-host Sarah Abo how she was feeling, a clearly elated Mason replied: “I’m so excited for what’s to come”.
Nine’s director of morning television, Steven Burling, said: “Danika has filled in many times on Today and has a fantastic rapport with the entire hosting team. We’re pleased to see her bringing a wealth of experience and passion for sports to our viewers.”
Danika Mason
Since joining Nine in 2012, Mason has reported on major sporting events, including the State of Origin, NRL Grand Finals, and the Australian Open, bringing live updates and in-depth analysis to audiences.
Speaking about her appointment, Mason said in a statement that it was a “full circle moment for her”.
“Just 10 years ago, my first-ever job at the network was producing sport for Today,” she said.
“I’m truly honoured and so excited to be joining Today. It’s been a dream of mine since I was a kid, waking up every morning to watch the show as I set my sights on a career in sports broadcasting.
“I’m also very grateful that I’ll still be working with the Wide World of Sports crew on the footy every week throughout the NRL season,” she said.
Mason’s appointment comes just over a month after her predecessor, Cullen, stood down from his role after controversy erupted over his acceptance of a $50,000 gift from billionaire Adrian Portelli.
Alex Cullen
At the time Today host Stefanovic confirmed Cullen’s departure on-air, describing him as a “terrific fella” and praising his five years with the team. “We’re going to miss him terribly,” Stefanovic said, wishing Cullen and his family all the best.
The drama began after Portelli, eager to ditch his “Lambo Guy” label, offered the cash to the first TV journalist to call him “McLaren Man.” Cullen took the bait during a lighthearted exchange on Today with Karl Stefanovic last Friday, only to face disciplinary action from Nine soon after.
The network immediately sidelined the host, releasing a statement to the media saying they were arranging for the money to be returned to Portelli, adding they were taking the matter “very seriously”.
Pictured: Danika Mason