Channel Nine Identifies Karl Stefanovic's Potential Successor in Rising Star Chad Hewitt
Industry insiders have disclosed that the Nine Network may already be preparing its next golden boy to eventually replace veteran Today show anchor Karl Stefanovic upon his retirement. While Stefanovic, aged 51, reportedly intends to remain at the breakfast television desk for several more years, network executives are said to be proactively developing contingency plans to fill his prominent position.
Chad Hewitt Makes Strong Impression on Nine Network Executives
According to sources speaking to Daily Mail, emerging reporter Chad Hewitt has generated significant positive attention from higher-ups at the network due to his confidence, appearance, and charismatic on-screen presence. "Channel Nine is absolutely behind Chad," an insider revealed, noting that the 21-year-old actor and model is being "groomed" for Stefanovic's coveted anchor chair.
The source elaborated that Hewitt's work as a roving reporter has been "phenomenal", describing him as confident, natural, and remarkably popular with viewers. Behind the scenes, network bosses are reportedly delighted with his rapid ascent and have already begun assessing audience reception to him assuming more substantial roles.
Network Conducts Audience Testing with Overwhelmingly Positive Results
"They've been quietly polling long-term viewers and the response has been overwhelmingly positive," the source claimed. "People are ready for a fresh face and Chad is winning fans left, right and centre." In fact, comparisons between Hewitt and Stefanovic, who has anchored Today for over two decades, are now openly discussed within the network's corridors.
The insider recounted an incident during a recent segment filming where a Channel Nine executive casually remarked, "Chad is the next Karl," adding that this was stated aloud rather than whispered, indicating it is very much an open plan. Much like Stefanovic's early career trajectory, Hewitt's warm personality, confidence, and effortless rapport with everyday Australians are distinguishing him as a standout talent.
Diverging Timelines Between Anchor and Network
While Stefanovic himself reportedly believes he has at least another five years remaining at the Today desk, insiders suggest the network's transition timeline may be more accelerated. "Karl thinks it's five-plus years away," the source revealed. "But Channel Nine executives see the transition happening sooner rather than later."
However, the insider emphasized that Stefanovic is not being forcibly ousted from his lucrative role. "Karl is still hugely respected and loved," they explained. "But networks always plan ahead and Chad is clearly the future." With Hewitt's popularity continuing to surge across Nine's various platforms, many believe it is only a matter of time before he appears more regularly in a front-and-centre capacity.
Hewitt's Background and Career Trajectory
Chad Hewitt was born on the Gold Coast in 2004 to parents Callie and Paul Hewitt, who also have an older daughter named Parker. His mother, originally from the United States, works as a department head at a private school in Queensland, while his father, from London, serves as the CFO for a global corporation. His sister pursues a modeling career in southeast Queensland, while Hewitt is forging his path in television and acting, having previously attended Trinity College London and the prestigious Southport School on the Gold Coast.
The source highlighted that Hewitt's career path is mirroring Stefanovic's almost precisely, evolving from a favoured roving reporter to a potential breakfast television monarch. "Everything about this feels intentional," the insider added. "Channel Nine has found their next star and they're making sure he's ready." Daily Mail has contacted both Nine and Chad Hewitt for comment on these developments.
