Peter Stefanovic Breaks Silence on Karl’s Next Chapter as News24 Ushers in a New Era
As Sky News Australia prepares to relaunch as News24, veteran broadcaster Peter Stefanovic will become the first presenter to welcome viewers into the network’s next chapter.
But ahead of that milestone, it was his heartfelt comments about brother Karl Stefanovic—and where he believes Karl’s journey is heading—that attracted just as much attention.
“Honestly, I don’t think he’d have time… but wherever he goes, I’ll be watching keenly.”
Peter Stefanovic opens up about Karl’s future
With speculation continuing over Karl Stefanovic’s next career move following his departure from Today, Peter was asked whether the brothers could one day reunite on screen.
Rather than fuelling the rumours, he smiled as he downplayed the possibility.
“I don’t know whether that would happen because he’s pretty busy.”
Peter pointed to Karl’s packed schedule, explaining that his brother is now focused on producing multiple podcast episodes each week while travelling extensively.
“He’s pumping out his podcast now, doing up to five episodes a week and travelling the world.”
Even so, Peter admitted he’ll continue following Karl’s next chapter closely.
“Honestly, I don’t think he’d have time, but wherever he goes, I—like you—will be watching keenly.”
A historic morning as Sky News becomes News24
While speaking about his family, Peter is also preparing for a major milestone in his own career.
On Monday morning, he will host the first-ever edition of First Edition under Sky News Australia’s new identity, News24.
The timing carries extra meaning.
As the network enters its new era, Peter is also celebrating 24 years in television news.
Laughing at the coincidence, he said:
“Maybe it’s written in the stars.”
He added that being part of an expanding news organisation is especially exciting at a time when many traditional media companies are scaling back.
More than a new name
According to Peter, the transition to News24 represents far more than a simple rebrand.
The network is introducing a broader digital strategy that includes:
- A new mobile app.
- A redesigned website.
- Expanded international reporting through a dedicated London bureau.
Drawing on his own experience as a foreign correspondent, Peter said he is particularly excited to see the organisation strengthen its international coverage.
The story that felt closest to home
Over more than two decades in journalism, Peter has reported from conflict zones including Ukraine and Gaza, as well as covering the devastating 2010 Haiti earthquake.
Yet he says one assignment affected him more deeply than many overseas deployments.
Covering the Bondi Junction attack in Sydney proved especially difficult because it happened only minutes from where he lives.
“I’ve done those sorts of events overseas before, but there’s always been a personal buffer because it wasn’t home.”
“This was literally in the next suburb from where I live.”
He recalled members of the public approaching him while the coverage was still unfolding live, thanking the network for its reporting during an incredibly traumatic day.
Why Peter still believes in traditional journalism
Having started his career at WIN Television in Rockhampton in 2002—when stories were still edited on videotape—Peter has witnessed journalism transform dramatically.
Although news now moves faster than ever through smartphones and social media, he believes professional journalism remains indispensable.
“I still back what we do in terms of accuracy and offering our audience a more balanced view.”
He admitted there was something “pure and romantic” about the slower pace of newsroom life in earlier years, but also embraces the speed and immediacy of today’s digital reporting.
‘We’ll still be doing the journalism we’re famous for’
Despite the new branding, Peter insists viewers should not expect the network’s editorial mission to change.
“We’ll still be doing the journalism we’re famous for.”
He said News24 will continue covering politics, business, weather, sport and major interviews with the same commitment audiences have come to expect over the past three decades.
A family built around the newsroom
Journalism remains very much a family affair for the Stefanovics.
Peter’s wife, Sylvia Jeffreys, hosts Today Extra, while Karl continues building his media career through new projects.
Rather than competing, Peter says each family member serves a different audience.
“There’s not really that rivalry.”
“We’re all pretty supportive of each other as we navigate the trials and tribulations.”
As News24 prepares to launch a new chapter, Peter may be stepping into the spotlight—but his warm words about Karl offered a reminder that, behind the headlines, family support remains just as important as professional success.
