Veteran broadcaster Karl Stefanovic is finding a new audience through his independent podcast, achieving new ratings records just weeks after his departure from Channel Nine. His latest interview with Piers Morgan has garnered over 320,000 views on YouTube in a matter of days, and his channel has amassed approximately 172,000 subscribers.
This digital success comes as rival breakfast program Sunrise continues to widen its lead over Nine's "Today" show, which reportedly experienced one of its weakest ratings weeks in years following Stefanovic's exit. On a recent day, Stefanovic's interview with Morgan attracted a larger online audience than the 268,000 Australians who tuned into "Today."
Stefanovic's departure from Nine followed a controversial interview with British far-right activist Tommy Robinson, which ultimately led to his exit from "Today" and the dissolution of a planned radio partnership. He has since been a prominent figure in media discussions.
Several of his recent podcast interviews have exceeded the 200,000-view mark on YouTube, indicating significant viewer interest in his current career path. However, media insiders suggest that sustaining this early momentum may present a challenge as the initial publicity surrounding his Nine exit and controversial interviews fades. The podcast's upcoming guests are expected to be more mainstream in an effort to broaden its appeal and attract advertisers who may have been hesitant following its launch.
While "Today" averaged 252,000 viewers compared to "Sunrise's" 449,000 in a recent week, school holiday viewing patterns can influence these figures. Media observers note that the podcast's strong initial performance has likely been amplified by the intense publicity surrounding Stefanovic's departure from Nine. The key question for his independent venture will be whether audiences remain engaged once the curiosity factor subsides.
Despite criticism over the Robinson interview, Stefanovic has continued to secure speaking engagements, and industry sources suggest growing interest in a potential memoir. He is reportedly not planning to attend the upcoming TV Week Logie Awards next month, where he is nominated for a Silver Logie, having had no communication from Nine since his departure.