General News
12 August, 2025
Karl Stefanovic at his best as investment pays off
The Today show crew brought plenty of energy on Friday morning for their live broadcast.
Today show host Karl Stefanovic says he was blown away by the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo after spending the weekend in the Outback city with his family after filming on Friday morning.
The Far North Queensland product said it was great to be away from the city.
“I looked up at the stars and I could actually see them,” he said.
“I just love it here and to get up (to Mount Isa) and showcase it to Australia was something that I’ve wanted to do for nearly two decades.”
Credit where it’s due, Karl and his co-host Sarah Abo, along with weather presenter Tim Davies and entertainment wiz Richard Wilkins, brought the right energy with them and put on a show for a national audience.
There was no shortage of enthusiasm from the cast as they sank beers with locals at the Isa Hotel on Thursday evening before a 3.30 alarm went off the next morning to get them prepared for four hours of filming at Buchanan Park.
Karl said he hoped Mount Isa came off in a positive light after a lot of negative national media due to copper mine closures and the threat of the copper smelter shutting down for good.
“It’s been a terrible time. I reckon for me to be able to bring national importance to it ... it’s wonderful for Australia to see it,” he said.
“I’ve had so much positive feedback from everyone. Parents have said they want to go on a trip up here and get their kids off the iPads.”
Channel 9 was paid $50,000 to appear in Mount Isa, with half of the funds covered by the rodeo, and the other half paid by Mount Isa City Council.