Nine has denied reports that it is considering withdrawing television host Karl Stefanovic's Logie nomination for the Ray Martin Award for Most Popular News or Public Affairs Presenter. The network spokesperson told the Daily Mail that the claim is "incorrect."
Stefanovic, 51, recently departed the network following a controversial interview with far-right activist Tommy Robinson. The interview was uploaded to Stefanovic's podcast, The Karl Stefanovic Show, and later deleted after widespread backlash. Nine stated that they and Stefanovic had mutually agreed it was no longer possible for him to host the "Today" show concurrently with his independent podcast.
While Stefanovic was originally slated to leave "Today" at the end of the year, the decision was made for him to leave the network immediately. Stefanovic had between $1 million and $1.5 million remaining on his 12-month contract. He is reportedly consulting lawyers regarding a potential wrongful dismissal claim against Channel Nine, drawing parallels to a previous contract dispute involving radio host Kyle Sandilands.
Stefanovic has been a nominee at the Logies multiple times, winning the Gold Logie and the Silver Logie for Most Popular Presenter in 2011. Other nominees for the Ray Martin Award this year include Sarah Abo and Ally Langdon of "A Current Affair," Michael Usher of "7News," Sarah Ferguson of "7:30 Report," and David Speers of "Insiders."