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.
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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.
Karl Stefanovic interviews British far-right activist Tommy Robinson on an episode of The Karl Stefanovic Show podcast that was later removed from online platforms (image – The Karl Stefanovic Show)
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.
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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.
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