Few figures have been more synonymous with Nine than Karl Stefanovic, but that long-running relationship has now come to an end.
TV Blackbox understands the broadcaster has been sacked by the network following controversy surrounding a podcast interview with British far-right activist Tommy Robinson, ending a more than two-decade tenure at Nine.
The decision follows intense scrutiny surrounding an interview with Robinson on Stefanovic’s podcast, The Karl Stefanovic Show, which was later removed from online platforms following widespread backlash.
The development comes while Stefanovic is on two weeks’ leave from Today and is believed to still be in the United Kingdom, where he recorded the now-removed interview with Robinson.
9News Melbourne co-anchor Tom Steinfort has been filling in during his absence, with Stefanovic understood to have been scheduled to return to the program next Monday.
Multiple sources have confirmed to TV Blackbox that Stefanovic has been sacked by Nine following the fallout from the podcast interview, with the development also being reported by other media outlets.
When contacted by TV Blackbox, Nine would not confirm Stefanovic’s departure with a spokesperson reiterated the network’s earlier position, stating:
“The Karl Stefanovic Show is a completely independent production. Nine has no involvement, including in the guest selection and other editorial processes. However, Nine is taking this matter seriously.”
When asked directly whether Stefanovic had been sacked, the spokesperson declined to comment further, responding:
“Nothing to add beyond that statement.”
Stefanovic’s departure marks the end of a tenure spanning more than two decades at Nine, where he fronted programs including Today, 60 Minutes and A Current Affair. The move also comes just days after he received a Logie nomination for Most Popular News or Public Affairs Presenter.
The departure continues a period of significant on-air change surrounding Today, following Karl Stefanovic’s high-profile removal from the program in 2018 and subsequent return, Ally Langdon’s move to A Current Affair, Alex Cullen’s controversial exit from the network and Clint Stanaway’s departure from Weekend Today.
The controversy may also place ARN under the spotlight, having only recently launched a new podcast hosted by Stefanovic and Eddie McGuire, adding to a growing list of high-profile talent-related challenges facing the broadcaster.
*This article will be updated.
I love this. But have they just made him a martyr for the right against ~mainstream media~?
He was fired, not executed. Who cares, most his views are Boomers waiting for their doctors appointments.
Good riddance of an arrogant grub too big for his shoes. He should have been kicked a long time ago.
Karl is about to dump on the woke Left mainstream media which has muzzled him from voicing his conservative views. He is about to become a powerful asset to Pauline and her fight against the Communist Labor Party.
Yes agreed
A disappointing devisive and unconscionable action from someone in the public arena. It appears to be a self serving but very dangerous promotion of views that will hurt innocent individuals and groups in ways that I hope stefanovic would not want to occur, but will. Bad job Karl !
He looked like he was in love with this scrawny runt. Karl is a wanna be Hegseth. I think that he would love being cruel.
Go woke,go broke channel 9. The Today Show will now be simulcast on community radio while it’s on life support…
The left loves to silence and destroy people for “wrong think” while constantly calling others fascists and pretending to be oppressed. This is actually very scary no matter what you think of Karl. Guess the only guests you can have on your podcast from now on are the same ten cunts who are on every podcast. How boring.
Tosser
Millions must go. Based Karl.
Oh thank goodness.
Brendan James yellow dot is happy 🙄
Good news today.
Dallas Goldburg why?
Pathetic.
Great news
Curt Schuurman why?
He couldn’t care less
Ah the theya the theya the theya, That’s All Folks !!!
He came
Back once he can do it again
Grant Slaap only cos they asked him
Grant Slaap his brother was kicked out and ended up at Sky news lol
Hope he sues thier arses for breach of contract .
Good riddance
how many times did Nine dump Karl? 😂
Whoa. And Yayyy.
How dare you stupid channel 9
Lmao 🤣
Bye dipshit
Not sure I will watch without him…
Rachael Walton I’m Gunna start watching
Rachael Walton I wouldnt watch him, he is so up himself. He was good in the beginning but became too cocky.
TV news is dead especially 7 news full of bullies and sexual harassing staff
Hahahaha. Paul Canning
Join in with Kyle Sandilands Fans
Good
Based on Kyle, the average payout is 10% of what is left on your contract
Great news ! Someone has finally woken up and took charge of
Career in politics?
Or just another publicity stunt? Can’t wait to see Today, tomorrow 🤣
So many bitter people in the comments… wow
I’ll watch his podcast before I watch the today show
He is a great host and great interviewer and a great person. Nine is making a mistake and will lose lots and lots of viewers. Bad decision 9.
No sad loss.
Tom Steinfort tomorrow?
God riddens dumb ass!
Play with matches……you’re likely to get burnt…..