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

A major reason the Today show host, 51, could flee his high-profile television role is simple, an insider has revealed – the hours.

Media commentator Andrew Mercado told Yahoo Lifestyle this week 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.

‘As you get older, I think it really knocks your body around to be doing those sorts of hours.’

Stefanovic’s future at Channel Nine has been under scrutiny, with reports claiming the veteran presenter is weighing up a shock move into commercial radio.

Rumours are rife that Karl Stefanovic (pictured) will soon abandon his $3 million per year contract at Channel Nine and head for 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 Carrie Bickmore 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 Ben Fordham , Ray Hadley, Samantha Armytage 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.

‘I’d be surprised if Karl actually sees the year out, to be honest.’

The television star recently launched his own YouTube podcast.

A major reason the Today show host, 51, could flee his high-profile television role is simple, an insider has revealed – the hours

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He announced the news on Instagram last month, sharing a clip of himself hard at work in a recording studio.

‘So, I have some pretty exciting news. I have this curious beast that lives inside my head, and I’m about to unleash that beast,’ he said.

The TV personality reassured fans that as the project is entirely his own, he’d have full freedom over how the show is run.

Karl began his role on the Today show in 2005 but was later sacked following a ratings slump that coincided with intense media scrutiny of his personal life.

He made his return to the Today show in early 2020, joining Allison Langdon at the desk.