Karl Stefanovic Addresses Radio Career Speculation

Karl Stefanovic has  

The 51-year-old Today show host gave some very telling comments at the annual creative summit, Cairns Crocodiles, as he spoke to television executive Maz Farrelly on Wednesday.

'I probably will do radio, and I will more than likely just dip my toe in the water to see if I like it before I even thought about going to do breakfast radio,' Karl said.

'I want exposure, I want to see what radio is like,' he continued.  

'I will continue doing TV, and this show (The Karl Stefanovic Podcast) right now is my biggest priority outside of my commitments for Channel 9 because I just think there's so much room for growth.'

Rumours have run rife that will soon abandon his $3 million per year contract at Channel Nine and head for radio.   

Insiders revealed last month that a fresh new line-up for Today is underway.

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.

There has been talk that he could potentially fill the slot left open by the cancellation of The Kyle and Jackie O Show.  

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

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

A major reason he could flee his high-profile television role, an insider has revealed, is simply the hours.

Media commentator Andrew Mercado told Yahoo Lifestyle last month that the 5.30am starts, which require Karl to be up as early as 3.30am, have begun to grate. 

'It could be that Karl is at that point now where he wants to have a regular nine-to-five job,' Mercado told the publication.