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Lisa Wilkinson leads stars congratulating Deborah Knight on Today show role

Nola Ojomu

Stars such as Lisa Wilkinson have shared their joy after it was confirmed Deborah Knight has replaced Karl Stefanovic on Today.

The former Today show co-host had nothing but kind words for Deborah as she prepares to take the helm alongside Georgie Gardner, with Tom Steinfort stepping in to replace Sylvia Jeffreys as Today newsreader.

“Warmest congratulations to the fab new team just announced for @thetodayshow of @georgiegardner9 @deborah_knight @tomsteinfort and @tonyjones9,” she wrote alongside a newspaper clipping of the news.

Former <em>Today</em> show co-host Lisa Wilkinson had nothing but kind words for Deborah and Georgie. Photo: Instagram
Former Today show co-host Lisa Wilkinson had nothing but kind words for Deborah and Georgie. Photo: Instagram

“I sincerely wish them all the very best in the Breakfast TV wars ahead. But as my media studies student daughter noted to me, why oh why oh why, in the reporting of the new team do the ages of the women need to be pointed out, while the ages of the men are clearly regarded as irrelevant?”

She concluded: “Similarly, Deb being a mum-of-three is considered significant, but Tony being a dad isn’t? I don’t understand. And we obviously have a long way to go when it comes to #genderequity.”

Meanwhile Erin Molan also shared a message on her Instagram account.

View this post on Instagram

Warmest congratulations to the fab new team just announced for @thetodayshow of @georgiegardner9 @deborah_knight @tomsteinfort and @tonyjones9 . I sincerely wish them all the very best in the Breakfast TV wars ahead. But as my media studies student daughter noted to me, why oh why oh why, in the reporting of the new team do the ages of the women need to be pointed out, while the ages of the men are clearly regarded as irrelevant? Similarly, Deb being a mum-of-three is considered significant, but Tony being a dad isn’t? I don’t understand. And we obviously have a long way to go when it comes to #genderequity.

A post shared by Lisa Wilkinson (@lisa_wilkinson) on Jan 5, 2019 at 4:20pm PST

Last month Karl Stefanovic was dumped from Today. Photo: Channel Nine
Last month Karl Stefanovic was dumped from Today. Photo: Channel Nine

“So proud of and happy for my beautiful friend @deborah_knight. She inspires me every day with her resilience, her work ethic, her passion and ultimately – her performance,” she wrote. ” She is insanely talented but incredibly humble.”

She added: “I can’t wait to see her, the equally amazing @georgiegardner9 and one of the best young (thank me later Tom) journalists going around @tomsteinfort – joined by the legendary @tonyjones9 @ross_greenwood @richardwilkins plus @boneybrooke who I’m sure will be a brilliant addition! Bring on 2019!!!”

Tom Steinfort joins the team as newsreader. Photo: Channel Nine
Tom Steinfort joins the team as newsreader. Photo: Channel Nine

Further changes at the network include previously announced new appointment, Brooke Boney as entertainment reporter, while Weekend Today will see David Campbell host alongside Allison Langdon, Jayne Azzopardi and Clint Stanaway.

As for Today Extra which airs straight after the brekkie show, David Campbell will continue hosting with Sonia Kruger for three days a week, while Richard Wilkinson will join Sonia on Thursdays and Fridays.

The new Today hosting team will kick off their duties from January 14.

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