Today show stars remained silent on Thursday morning regarding the sudden resignation of colleague Karl Stefanovic. Co-host Sarah Abo and fill-in host Tom Steinfort made no mention of Stefanovic's absence from the program during their broadcast, which covered current affairs as usual. This occurred the day after Nine confirmed the 51-year-old former co-host's exit from the network.
Stefanovic's departure followed backlash over his interview with British far-right activist Tommy Robinson on The Karl Stefanovic Show. The interview, which had been published on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and the show's YouTube channel, mysteriously vanished from these platforms by Wednesday morning. Activist group Mad F***ing Witches (MFW) had also launched a campaign against Stefanovic for the interview.
Petition to "Save Karl Stefanovic"
A petition seeking to "save Karl Stefanovic" has gained traction since his resignation from Nine. Posted on the Revive Australia website, the petition had garnered 6,036 signatures as of Thursday evening. It calls on the Australian media to "Respect Karl Stefanovic's right to conduct interviews and speak to controversial figures" and argues that Australian viewers are capable of listening, judging, and deciding for themselves.
The petition also urges a rejection of "activist pressure campaigns that try to punish media figures for speaking to the wrong person" and calls for the defense of the right of presenters, journalists, and broadcasters to ask questions without fear. "Protect a media culture where difficult conversations can still happen in the open," the petition states.
Revive Australia's stated aims include making necessary arguments speakable again, creating space for leadership where silence has been enforced, supporting campaigns that shift what is possible, and connecting Australians prepared to act.
Network Decision and Contractual Details
Nine confirmed Stefanovic's departure on Wednesday evening, with The Sydney Morning Herald reporting that the decision was partly made to "defuse a major advertiser boycott." Stefanovic, who is currently on two weeks' leave in London, was informed by the network that they "wanted to part ways." The Australian had previously reported that Stefanovic had "almost certainly" appeared on the breakfast show for the last time. A source told the Daily Mail on Wednesday evening that Stefanovic was indeed "gone."
Sources indicated that the network was involved in "11th hour closed-door meetings" in Sydney on Wednesday to decide the television host's fate. Both sides are expected to involve their respective lawyers to formally draw up a legal deed outlining the terms of Stefanovic's departure. Stefanovic, a long-time Nine personality for approximately 25 years, has six months and over $1 million remaining on his current 12-month contract.