Karl Stefanovic, Channel Nine's highest-paid presenter, is reportedly leaving the network after interviewing and embracing UK far-right activist Tommy Robinson on his independent podcast. The Sydney Morning Herald, part of the Nine stable, reported late Wednesday that Stefanovic would depart, though Nine has declined to comment.
Executives held crisis meetings on Wednesday to discuss Stefanovic's future, amid fears that advertisers could be targeted by online activists unhappy with his roster of right-wing guests. Stefanovic, who took two weeks leave from the Today show to record podcasts in the UK, filmed himself walking with his arm around Robinson, who has led recent nationalist demonstrations in the UK.
The interview was removed from YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts by Wednesday morning, and the promo was deleted from Stefanovic's Instagram. Nine initially stated the podcast was independent but later said it was 'taking this matter seriously.' Stefanovic, paid $2.8 million annually, was nominated for a Logie award on Monday for his Today show role.
In the deleted Instagram clip, Stefanovic called UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer a 'wanker' alongside Robinson. One Nation leader Pauline Hanson defended Stefanovic, claiming Nine was trying to sack him. Independent MP Sophie Scamps called on Nine to reconsider its association with Stefanovic.
