Pauline Hanson, leader of the One Nation party, has extended a job offer to television personality Karl Stefanovic, stating there is a role for him within her political organization. This offer comes after Stefanovic's departure from his role as host of Channel Nine's "Today" show.
Hanson criticized Channel Nine, calling the network "bloody stupid" for parting ways with Stefanovic. She asserted that the network has "gone so far to the left" and that his dismissal represents a significant mistake. "Hey, guess what, Karl? I'm looking for someone in my office. I want some advisers in my office," Hanson said. "So, Karl, come and apply for a job with me. We'll have a great time. We'll put them all on notice and we'll get the country back on track."
Stefanovic's exit from Channel Nine follows controversy surrounding a podcast episode on his YouTube channel, "The Karl Stefanovic Show." The episode featured an interview with British far-right activist Tommy Robinson, discussing topics such as Islam, immigration, and Australian politics. The interview was removed from Stefanovic's channel shortly after its upload due to widespread backlash.
Hanson had previously supported Stefanovic by uploading the removed interview to her own YouTube channel. She accused Channel Nine of attempting to "sack" the "Today" host over the video. Hanson also commented on the network's performance, stating that "Channel Nine's ratings were in the toilet" and criticized its management.
"It looks like they're trying to sack my good friend Karl Stefanovic for this video with Tommy Robinson!" Hanson wrote on the social media platform X. She further argued that Stefanovic was attempting to bring attention to issues Australians need to confront, such as immigration and extremism, drawing parallels to the situation in the United Kingdom.
The Sydney Morning Herald confirmed Stefanovic's departure from Nine, reporting that the decision was partly made to "defuse a major advertiser boycott." Stefanovic, who is currently on leave in London, was informed that the network "wanted to part ways." Stefanovic has been with Channel Nine for approximately 25 years, with six months remaining on his current contract, reportedly valued at over $1 million.