Channel Seven’s ‘private delight’ at Allison Langdon’s departure from Nine’s Today

The newest Today show host, Sarah Abo, has been described as a “secret weapon” in the ratings war against Sunrise.

But sources within the ranks of Seven say Allison Langdon’s move to A Current Affair spells disaster for the embattled breakfast programme.

According to Media Diary, Sunrise bosses believed Allison’s electrical chemistry with co-host Karl Stefanovic finally posed a real threat to ratings juggernaut Sunrise.

Sources within the ranks of Seven say Allison Langdon’s move to A Current Affair spells disaster for the embattled breakfast program. Pictured: Allison Langdon on the set of A Current Affair

With Langdon gone, Seven’s bosses are reportedly confident that Nine has dashed his chance to overtake Seven in the breakfast ratings.

“They have weakened their position on the real battlefield. Anyone can host A Current Affair, but breakfast TV is a different game,” an insider said.

Meanwhile, Nine’s confidence in the new pairing of former 60 Minutes presenter Abo and Stefanovic is reportedly high, due to one important factor – the imminent departure of Sunrise veteran David Koch.

60 Minutes’ Sarah Abo (right) will replace Langdon as co-host of Nine’s Today Show, along with current host Karl Stefanovic (left).

Koch, who has personally overseen ratings dominance for Seven’s breakfast show for 20 years since he started as a backup host in 2002, will begin reducing his workload in 2023 and fully step down by the end of 2024.

The popular TV veteran, who is seen internally at Seven as Sunrise’s “backbone” and “ratings powerhouse”, is understood to have negotiated greater flexibility in his schedule and will reduce his working hours until his contract expires.

“After 20 years, I feel like I need more flexibility in my life with my wife Libby and my business interests,” Koch told The Australian in October.

With Langdon gone, Seven’s bosses are reportedly confident that Nine has dashed his chance to overtake Seven in the breakfast ratings

“When I mentioned the move to Seven, (CEO) James (Warburton) very kindly asked me if we could work together on a plan I wanted that also kept my connection to the network and my focus on Sunrise.”

However, the prospect of a ‘cook-free’ future is a welcome relief for Nine, as network insiders say Today could finally top breakfast ratings thanks to ‘clean air for the first time in 20 years’.

“Kochie’s departure represents a huge opportunity for Today – there’s no denying it,” said a Nine insider.

Meanwhile, Nine’s confidence in the new pairing of former 60 Minutes presenter Abo and Stefanovic is reportedly high, due to one important factor – the imminent departure of Sunrise veteran David Koch. Pictured: Natalie Barr and David Koch on the set of Sunrise

“He’s a giant on breakfast TV. He has underpinned Sunrise’s dominance for two decades.

“The idea of ​​a breakfast TV landscape without him is clear for the first time in 20 years and there is a real sense of opportunity here.

“That means Karl will now be the longest-serving presence on both shows … and that could resonate with viewers.”

It’s crucial that Abo and Stefanovic find the right chemistry, though, as producers are happy to give the new couple several months — even up to a year — to settle down.

“It’s at this stage that you get a sense of whether it’s really working. But Koch’s departure will certainly be a priority.”

Koch (left, late ’90s with Natalie Barr) was an unlikely choice when he was promoted to co-host Sunrise in 2002 – but he held that role for two decades and is credited as a key factor in Channel Seven’s shows ratings success