Today show weatherman Steve Jacobs makes shock career announcement after his burger joint failed: ‘This is going to be an epic adventure’

Former Today show weatherman Steven Jacobs has revealed a surprising career move.

The television veteran, 58, has announced he will be joining Australian-founded news platform, LeadStory.

The web and mobile app, which launched in 2021, is the brainchild of former Channel Seven news reporter Cam Price and co-founder Cheyne Wallace.   

The TV news on demand service has content deals with the likes of CNN, CBS, CNBC, Deutsche Welle and Channel 10.

The company has also struck a deal with streaming service Samsung TV Plus.

Mediaweek reports that Jacobs will take the reins of the platform’s travel offering, working in front of the camera as a presenter, and also behind it as co-producer. 

Jacobs told Mediaweek he brings experience and a long networking history to the role.

‘I’ve got lots of contacts in the travel space from my many years at the Today show,’ he said.

‘I’m going out to market and to my contacts and bringing in partners from the travel industry. 

‘Plus, these are really interesting travel stories that have actually got some backbone to them.’

Jacobs also took to Instagram on Thursday to break the news to his fans.

‘I’m super excited to be joining the team at LeadStory. This is a groundbreaking Australian media company with channels around the world,’ he wrote.

‘I will be presenting news-led editorial stories based around travel, lifestyle and motoring. Stay tuned. This is going to be an epic adventure.’ 

The post was met with enthusiasm by  friends and followers, including singer Tina Arena.

‘Yes, very excited for you,’ the Chains hitmaker wrote.

Channel Nine veteran Deborah Knight also chimed in with: ‘Great appointment. Well done Stevie.’ 

Jacobs’ tenure as the on-location weather presenter for Today kicked off in 2005 when he took over from Sami Lukis.

He announced he was leaving the show in 2016 to spend more time with family before taking the weather reins on Weekend Today in 2017. 

He returned to his Today weather presenting role in January 2019, before being replaced by Tim Davies in December of that year.

Jacobs then dipped his toe into radio waters, presenting a networked breakfast show for 2UE from April 2020 to January 2022.

In September 2024 he took on a presenting role at Sky News Weather. 

Jacobs’ career announcement comes after a failed foray as a restaurateur.

In December 2023, Jacobs partnered with Tony Gosden to open a Bonditony’s Burger Joint in the Sydney suburb of Enmore.

However, the venture proved to be short-lived with the venue shuttered by December 2024 amid tough times for the hospitality industry due to the cost-of-living crisis.

‘Thanks for all the support,’ a sign on the venue’s door read. ‘Gonna go back to one store…less stress. love Tony and Steve.’

Bonditony’s original Bondi location is still operating.