After 20 years at the helm of the Today show, Karl Stefanovic’s career at Channel Nine has allegedly come to a swift end following a controversial interview on his podcast.
In January 2026, the breakfast program host launched his podcast titled The Karl Stefanovic Show, promising “fun” and “unfiltered” interviews across politics, sport, business, and culture.
His first interview was with One Nation’s Pauline Hanson – this should have set the tone for the type of podcast Karl was hosting. But 51-year-old was the loveable larrakin on Today, not many expected this.
Why is there controversy around Karl Stefanovic?
The controversial episode in question is the one with far-right British activist Tommy Robinson, shared across all platforms on June 23 – only to be deleted 12 hours later.
Tommy has been convicted of contempt of court, fraud, assault, using a false passport, and has been jailed. His divisive anti-immigration and anti-Islam messages has caused shockwaves in the UK.
Karl told Tommy he admired his “courage” in “trying to stand up for what you believe in right,” as per The Sydney Morning Herald, a masthead of Nine.
The SMH have alleged negotiations are underway with Nine intending to remove Karl from the network.
Karl Stefanovic’s initial podcast announcement:
Karl announced he would be launching a podcast, independent from Nine, in January 2026, noting there were many subjects he was curious about.
“I have some pretty exciting news,” he began.”I am free and independent to talk to the people I’m curious about.”
”A few decades on the telly has given me a very good bulls**t metre – and an eye for a bloody great story. This show will be the people I know you want to hear from too – across politics, sport, business and culture.
“Unfiltered. Unscripted. Uncensored. I’ll go there. Why not? No spin. Lots of fun.”
Where to watch The Karl Stefanovic Show?
The Karl Stefanovic Show will be available to watch on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Instagram.
