Sunrise hosts take a cheap shot at Today anchor Karl Stefanovic for his campaign to help small businesses during the coronavirus pandemic
Sunrise weatherman Sam Mac launched a Healthcare Heroes campaign on Thursday to recognise medical professionals’ hard work during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Gold Logie-nominated presenter is using his platform to offer shout-outs to nurses and doctors who are risking their lives to help those infected with COVID-19.
But his thoughtful gesture was tarnished somewhat when he chose to take a swipe at Channel Nine’s Today show live on air.
Scroll down for video
‘Imitation is the greatest form of flattery’: Sunrise weatherman Sam Mac took a swipe at Today show host Karl Stefanovic for ‘copying’ his coronavirus campaign on Thursday
During the live cross, Sam read aloud supportive messages for medical staff that had been submitted by grateful members of the public.
Sam had previously offered free promotion to small businesses affected by COVID-19 as part of a segment called Plugapalooza last week.
He told hosts David Koch and Natalie Barr: ‘We did Plugapalooza last week, Healthcare Heroes this week. You can see it next week on the Today show as well!’
David and Natalie burst into laughter back in the Sunrise studio.
Is that really necessary? Sunrise hosts Natalie Barr (left) and David Koch (right) chuckled as Sam joked that his latest campaign would be appearing on the Today show next week
‘That’s did surprise us… Anyhow. Imitation is the greatest form of flattery,’ David said before moving on to another news story.
Sam’s comment was in reference to Today host Karl Stefanovic announcing his own segment, Karl’s Classifieds, on Wednesday.
Not unlike Plugapalooza, Karl’s Classifieds is an initiative to promote Australian businesses doing it tough amid coronavirus shutdowns and social-distancing measures.
Kind: On Wednesday, Karl Stefanovic (left) launched his Karl’s Classifieds initiative to promote businesses doing it tough amid coronavirus shutdowns and social-distancing measures
‘We did it!’ Sam had previously offered free promotion to small businesses affected by COVID-19 as part of a segment called Plugapalooza last week
While the two campaigns are indeed similar, Sunrise’s decision to take a cheap shot at Today when both shows are trying to help the community is a little mean-spirited.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Channels Nine and Seven for comment.
As of late Thursday morning, there are 2,675 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Australia, including 11 deaths.
Pandemic: As of late Thursday morning, there are 2,675 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Australia, including 11 deaths