Gen Z TikTok Star Set to Replace Karl Stefanovic!

may soon leave an empty chair on the Today show. 

And as rumours heat up that the breakfast television host is heading for radio, talk has turned to who may replace him. 

Industry chatter has turned to Gen Z star Chaad Hewitt, who has made a name for himself on , where he has almost 500,000 followers. 

The 21-year-old has appeared in guest reporting roles on Today before, and has long been eyed as a future star for the show. 

Chaad was 'hand-picked' by Karl and is 'primed' for the role, a report in New Idea magazine claimed this week. 

'Nine is looking for young talent with built-in fans who actually know their way around a viral trend. That's the new reality,' a source told New Idea.

'You can't blame the bosses for thinking outside the box. With Today still chasing Sunrise in the ratings, it's time to try something new.' 

Karl's future at Channel Nine is under fresh scrutiny, with reports claiming the veteran presenter is weighing up a shock move into commercial radio.

According to The Australian's Media Diary column, the Today show host has 'signed a memorandum of understanding' with radio giant ARN, paving the way for a potential switch once his current Nine contract expires in December.

The report suggests Karl is already eyeing a major name to join him behind the microphone, with former Project host  tipped as a possible co-host. 

Bickmore currently fronts a national drive program on the Hit Network.

ARN's newly appointed chief executive Michael Stephenson is also said to be targeting a string of high-profile Australian media identities as part of a broader talent overhaul, including , Ray Hadley, and Erin Molan.

Speculation around Stefanovic's future was further fuelled by entertainment reporter Peter Ford, who shared a bold prediction during a segment on 3AW Breakfast.

'It's certainly been common talk within the industry for a couple of months now - Karl was only signed to a new one-year contract this year,' Ford said.