Karl Stefanovic is reportedly set to resign from the Nine Network following late-night discussions concerning the backlash from his interview with British far-right activist Tommy Robinson. The interview, published on Stefanovic's YouTube podcast "The Karl Stefanovic Show" on Tuesday, was removed hours later after facing widespread criticism.
Sources confirmed Stefanovic's departure from Nine on Wednesday evening, indicating the decision was partly aimed at "defusing a major advertiser boycott." Stefanovic, who is currently on a two-week leave in London, was informed by the network that they "wanted to part ways." He is expected to depart immediately.
Stefanovic, a long-standing figure at Nine for approximately 25 years, has six months remaining on his 12-month contract, valued at over $1 million. Reports suggest he is seeking a full payout for the remainder of his contract, drawing parallels to the exits of former Nine radio personalities Alan Jones and Ray Hadley. Some reports also indicate Stefanovic is seeking an early release from his contract to explore other media opportunities.
The interview with Robinson, which touched on subjects including Islam, immigration, and Australian politics, vanished from various podcast platforms by Wednesday morning. Activist group Mad F extastering} Witches (MFW), known for launching advertising boycotts against media figures, announced a campaign against Stefanovic over the podcast.
Prior to Stefanovic's reported resignation, a Nine spokesperson stated that the podcast was an independent production with no affiliation to the network, but that Nine was treating the matter seriously. "The Karl Stefanovic Show is a completely independent production," the spokesperson said. "Nine has no involvement, including in the guest selection and other editorial processes. However, Nine is taking this matter seriously."
Pauline Hanson, a supporter of Stefanovic, uploaded the removed interview to her own YouTube channel, accusing the Nine Network of attempting to dismiss the "Today" show host. Hanson criticized Nine's management and presented the interview as a warning about immigration and extremism, arguing that Stefanovic was highlighting critical issues for Australians.
Tommy Robinson, the subject of the interview, has been a prominent figure in right-wing activism in the UK for nearly a decade and has a criminal record that includes convictions for violence, public order offenses, contempt of court, stalking, and harassment of journalists, as well as financial and immigration fraud.
Stefanovic launched his podcast in January and has featured interviews with various right-wing personalities, including Pauline Hanson, Barnaby Joyce, Sean Bell, former Liberal prime ministers Tony Abbott and John Howard, and Coalition figures Alex Antic, Matt Canavan, and Jacinta Nampijinpa Price.