Karl Stefanovic leaves Nine immediately after Today exit brought forward following Tommy Robinson podcast
Karl Stefanovic’s two-decade run at Nine has come to an immediate end following a revised agreement with the network.
Karl Stefanovic’s two-decade career at Nine has come to an abrupt end, with the veteran television presenter exiting the network immediately following weeks of turmoil surrounding his independent podcast.
The Today host’s departure was confirmed on air on Friday morning after Nine and Stefanovic reached an agreement to bring forward his previously planned exit from the network.
In a statement released shortly afterwards, Nine said the pair had mutually agreed it was no longer workable for Stefanovic to continue hosting the breakfast program while producing his independent podcast.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“Nine Entertainment and Karl Stefanovic have agreed that it is no longer possible for him to continue hosting Today at the same time as his independent podcast,” the statement read.
“While Karl and Nine had previously agreed he would leave Today at the end of this year, they have subsequently decided he will leave the network immediately.”
Stefanovic’s departure follows intense scrutiny over his interview with far-right British activist Tommy Robinson, which triggered widespread backlash and sparked questions about his future with the network.
Former co-host Sarah Abo fought back tears as she announced Karl Stefanovic’s departure from the Today show on Friday morning.
“Karl will not be returning to the Today show or to Nine,” she told viewers.
Filling in during Stefanovic’s absence, Tom Steinfort explained the decision had been made because of the veteran broadcaster’s independent podcast.
“As you know, he has been presenting a podcast project independently of Nine for the last few months and it’s been decided he will be injecting all of his energy and attention into that and doing both is no longer possible,” he said.
The hosts acknowledged the announcement would come as a shock to viewers, with Abo, her voice shaking, describing Stefanovic as “a mate” and saying his presence on the program would be deeply missed.
More to come...
