"Stefanovic signed a one-year contract with Nine in December 2025."
Contract and Departure
Karl Stefanovic, a presenter for the Nine Network for nearly 25 years, has left the network. His departure occurred on Friday, concluding a tenure that included 21 years on the Today show. Stefanovic signed a one-year contract with Nine in December 2025. While Nine previously stated that Stefanovic's weekly radio commitment would not affect his Today show role, the network confirmed his exit following the podcast controversy.
The Long Weekend Radio Show
Stefanovic and Eddie McGuire were scheduled to co-host a three-hour weekly show titled The Long Weekend on ARN Media's Gold network. The show, airing Fridays from midday to 3pm AEST, was set to launch on June 19 and run until December. It was to be broadcast on radio and streamed on Nine's 9Now and Stan platforms, as well as ARN's iHeartRadio. ARN CEO Michael Stephenson described the program as part of a cross-platform content strategy.
Cancellation and Reaction
Stefanovic did not appear on the scheduled Friday broadcast. ARN Media confirmed that McGuire hosted the program alone. The program's future is currently under review. An ARN spokeswoman stated that Stefanovic's association with the company was limited to the weekly show, and that his external media activities were undertaken in a personal capacity, not representing ARN's views.
"The controversy stems from interviews conducted with UK activist Tommy Robinson."
Podcast Controversy
Stefanovic launched an independent podcast in January 2025. The podcast attracted over 7.9 million listeners and 49.5 million views across YouTube and Spotify in its first three months. It focuses on Australian politics and has featured guests including Kyle Sandilands, Pauline Hanson, and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The controversy stems from interviews conducted with UK activist Tommy Robinson.
Potential Today Show Replacement
With Stefanovic's departure, a replacement process for the Today show co-host position is underway. Media commentator Jo Casamento identified Tom Steinfort as her preferred candidate. Steinfort has been at Nine for nearly 20 years and has been filling in for Stefanovic. According to Sportsbet, Charles Croucher leads betting odds at $1.83, with Steinfort at $2.75. Other potential candidates mentioned by commentators include David Campbell, Rodger Corser, Michael Atkinson, and Samantha Armytage.
Background and Related Context
- ARN Media reported a $22 million revenue loss as companies pulled advertisements over content on the now-cancelled Kyle and Jackie O Show.
- ARN faces lawsuits from Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson seeking compensation after their contracts were terminated.
- Samantha Armytage publicly expressed support for Stefanovic, stating he is "very good at what he does," but did not confirm interest in the Today hosting position.
- Channel Nine is undertaking a major restructure of its news division, with 20 positions to be cut.