In Short:
– Karl Stefanovic likely hosts Today show for last time after Nine executives cut ties due to podcast controversy.
– Nine is discussing Stefanovic’s exit terms amid ongoing criticism, with potential legal counsel involved in the separation.
Karl Stefanovic has likely hosted the Today show for the last time, as Nine executives announced their decision to cut ties with him.The move follows Stefanovic’s promotion of right-wing activist Tommy Robinson on his independent podcast, raising concerns within the network.
Stefanovic’s departure
Network executives are discussing the terms of Stefanovic’s exit as he is currently on leave in London.
All parties expect to enlist legal counsel to formalise the separation, as Stefanovic still has six months and over $1 million remaining on his contract.
Concerns about potential impacts on advertising and shareholder sentiments prompted Nine to distance itself from Stefanovic’s podcast content.
The situation worsened when Stefanovic showcased his controversial interview with Robinson, in which he failed to challenge Robinson’s views on immigration.
Stefanovic later deleted the interview from his channels after raising concerns but did not receive a specific request from Nine to do so.
The deletion, however, drew further attention, especially after One Nation’s Pauline Hanson reposted the interview, claiming it showcased an unjust attack on Stefanovic by Nine.
Hanson’s comments included criticism of the network’s management decisions and defence of Stefanovic’s stance in the interview.
It looks like they’re trying to sack my good friend Karl Stefanovic for this video with Tommy Robinson!
Deb Knight was a huge flop for Channel 9 and while she was busy grilling me over One Nation’s polling Channel 9’s ratings were in the toilet.