Karl Stefanovic Leaves Channel Nine After 21 Years

The departure of the veteran Today show co-host, effective immediately, follows controversy over an interview with far-right activist Tommy Robinson.

Departure Announcement

Karl Stefanovic, co-host of Channel Nine's Today show for 21 years, has left the network effective immediately. The departure, announced on November 8, 2024, was mutually agreed upon by Stefanovic and Nine Entertainment.

The network stated that it was no longer feasible for Stefanovic to continue hosting the program while producing his independent podcast, The Karl Stefanovic Show. This timeline was accelerated from a previously agreed-upon plan for Stefanovic to leave at the end of 2024.

The Interview and Immediate Aftermath

The departure followed significant controversy over an interview Stefanovic conducted on his podcast with Tommy Robinson, a British far-right activist. The interview was published in late July 2024.

Key Details from the Interview

• A promotional clip posted on social media showed Stefanovic with his arm around Robinson. In the clip, Robinson asked Stefanovic to finish the sentence "Keir Starmer is a…," and Stefanovic responded "wanker."
• Stefanovic praised Robinson's "tenacity" and "courage."
• The interview covered topics including immigration, Islam, and Australian politics.
• Robinson praised Australian Senator Pauline Hanson for her support.

Removal and Reaction

The interview and promotional material were removed from YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Instagram within approximately 12 hours of release. The decision to remove the content was not made by YouTube.

As of the latest reports, the promotional clip remained on Stefanovic's X (formerly Twitter) feed. Senator Pauline Hanson later reposted the full interview on her YouTube channel.

Network and Staff Responses

Nine Entertainment initially stated that the podcast was an independent production and that the network had no involvement in guest selection or editorial processes. Following the controversy, a Nine spokesperson said the network was "taking this matter seriously."

• Internal Reactions: Multiple Nine journalists expressed concern about the company's reputation. Staff members told management they felt the podcast content undermined their journalism and put them at risk.
• Public Statements: Independent MP Sophie Scamps stated that "Nine needs to seriously consider its association with Stefanovic." Senator Matt Canavan defended Stefanovic, arguing journalists should not lose jobs for interviewing controversial people. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stated that Robinson would not receive a visa to enter Australia.

Stefanovic's Career and Exit

Stefanovic had been with Channel Nine for 26 years, including 21 years as co-host of the Today show. He was the network's highest-paid presenter, with a reported annual salary of A$2.8 million.

Departure Statement

Nine Entertainment stated: "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."

In a farewell video posted on his podcast's YouTube channel, Stefanovic said, "I'm free, truly independent," and defended his choice of interviewees. He thanked viewers for their support.

Co-Host Reactions

• Sarah Abo, Stefanovic's co-host, told viewers: "Karl has of course woken up with Today for 21 years so we know this is a huge change for our viewers and of course for us... He is our mate and he is our colleague, and it goes without saying that Karl's presence will be missed."
• Richard Wilkins said: "Karl and I have been brothers in arms on this on a daily basis, but we'll retain our friendship."

Background on the Podcast and Previous Incidents

The Karl Stefanovic Show podcast was launched in late January 2024. It was described by Stefanovic as unfiltered, unscripted, and uncensored, and was produced independently of Channel Nine, though Nine approved its launch. The podcast company, 123 Podcast Pty Ltd, was registered in February 2026.

In February 2024, Stefanovic apologized for his role in encouraging Australians to get the COVID-19 vaccine during Nine's messaging campaign, expressing regret for not questioning the science more. Sources reported that Nine executives had warned Stefanovic multiple times about his podcast content prior to the Robinson interview.

Tommy Robinson's Background

Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, co-founded the English Defence League, a far-right anti-immigration group. He has a criminal record including convictions for assault, public order offenses, fraud, stalking, mortgage fraud, using a false passport, and contempt of court. He has been condemned by UK prime ministers. He was recently detained by British police under counter-terrorism laws and had his phones seized.

Wider Reactions

• Bec Judd, a former Nine employee and weather presenter, unfollowed the network and the Today Show on Instagram. In a statement, she said: "I believe in freedom of speech and balanced news reporting. No matter what side of politics you sit on, everybody deserves the right to their opinion, even if you don't agree with it."
• Lisa Wilkinson, former Today co-host, shared a satirical social media video about Stefanovic's departure. In her caption, she referenced her own contract dispute with Nine in 2017, which became part of the gender pay debate in Australia.
• Media analyst Steve Allen said the interview did not align with Channel Nine's brand image.

Additional Context: Stefanovic's Removal in 2018

Stefanovic was previously removed from the Today show in 2018 following leaked audio of him making critical comments about colleagues and management. He returned to the role in 2020.