When popular Australian journalist Karl Stefanovic announced he would be launching his own podcast, we expected witty banter and sharp questions. However, his interviews have instead cost Karl his role at Nine.
The network confirmed his contract had been terminated on June 26.
“Nine Entertainment and Karl Stefanovic have agreed that it is no longer possible for him to continue hosting Today at the same time as his independent podcast. While Karl and Nine had previously agreed he would leave Today at the end of this year, they have subsequently decided he will leave the Network immediately,” an official statement read.
Channel Nine, however, seemingly shared a separate email to its staff this same morning by executive director for news and current affairs, Fiona Dear.
“Protecting freedom of speech is at the core of 9News and Current Affairs,” she said, according to the ABC. “We have a rich history of interviewing controversial figures, and journalists have an obligation to ask difficult questions.
“Part of what makes us tick is trying to understand why people are the way they are, or think the way they think. We welcome open debate and challenging norms with constructive, balanced arguments.
“As journalists, we play a critical role in society to question, challenge, and hold people to account regardless of where they come from or which political party or views they represent.”
Karl’s departure was also addressed on the Today show, with his co-host Sarah Abo – who is preparing to go on maternity leave – becoming emotional as she stated, “We know this is a huge change for our viewers. He is our mate, and he is our colleague, and it goes without saying that Karl’s presence will be missed.”
Shortly after the annuncement, the broadcaster shared an video to The Karl Stefanovic Show YouTube stating he was now “free” and “truly independent.” Karl continued to thank those who have supported him these past two decades.
“So, here’s what I believe in: the public deserve to hear perspectives… so on my show I’ve spoken to people who have different perspectives, I know that winds some people up,” he said.
“Sometimes I agree with everything a guest says, sometimes I don’t. But importantly you get to make up your mind.”
“Freedom of speech, here and around the world, is what this show is about. You don’t have to listen to my show, you have the power.”
The termination of Karl’s contract came shortly after sharing an interview with far-right British activist Tommy Robinson on Tuesday June 23, only to be deleted 12 hours later on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Instagram.
Tommy is a divisive anti-immigration and anti-Islam voice in the UK, and co-founded the far-right English Defence League movement. He has been convicted of contempt of court, using a false passport, fraud, assault, and has been jailed.
The Today show host told Tommy he admired his “courage” in “trying to stand up for what you believe in right,” as per The Sydney Morning Herald.
The Karl Stefanovic Show, which has no affiliation to Nine, has featured a number of figures for an “unfiltered” discussion on Australia’s political state, myths and men’s health. Some of his interviewees include Anthony Albanese, Pauline Hanson, Barnaby Joyce, and John Howard.
The SMH alleged that Nine executives believe Karl’s recent behaviour was a “dare” for the network to cut ties and pay out the remainder of his contract, worth allegedly more than $2 million per year and due to expire at the end of 2026.
It appeared this episode was the final straw as Nine began negotiating terms for Karl to leave the network, according to SMH, a masthead of Nine.
“Nine is taking this matter seriously,” a spokesperson said. “The Karl Stefanovic Show is a completely independent production. Nine has no involvement, including in the guest selection and other editorial processes.”
After the episode aired, activist group Mad F***ing Witches announced its intention to launch a campaign against Karl, titled #KancelKarl. This same group has applied pressure against Alan Jones and Kyle Sandilands, both controversial characters in media.
“If you want Karl gone from Nine, we truly need your help,” the group wrote on X.
Meanwhile, One Nation’s Pauline Hanson has shown her support of the episode and subsequently republished the episode on X with the caption: “It looks like they’re trying to sack my good friend Karl Stefanovic for this video with Tommy Robinson.”
Currently, Karl is visiting the UK with Australian politician Barnaby Joyce. One Nation has quickly seized the opportunity for publicity, an alternate media researcher told ABC.
“They are essentially using Stefanovic’s podcast as a platform to capitalise on gains in the polls and apparent increasing mainstream appeal,” Finley Watson from La Trobe University said.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
