Karl Stefanovic to break silence on ‘tumultuous’ TV exit in new interview with Eddie Mcguire

Karl Stefanovic will front an exclusive tell-all interview with Eddie McGuire next week, where he is expected to address the “most tumultuous few days of his career” following his shock departure from Nine.

Eddie McGuire revealed the interview on his GOLD FM The Long Weekend show on Wednesday, telling listeners Stefanovic would speak publicly about the fallout after a turbulent week in television.

McGuire said Stefanovic would be back on air with him next week for the exclusive conversation, but ruled out any immediate appearance.

“Karl has finished his suite of interviews in London for his podcast and is now on vacation,’’ McGuire said.

“Next week he will speak to me exclusively on The Long Weekend about the most tumultuous few days of his career.”

McGuire also confirmed Stefanovic would not be joining this week’s program as he remains overseas.

“Karl asked to take leave because of the intense negotiations and reactions to his controversial podcast with Tommy Robinson on his independent podcast The Karl Stefanovic Show,’’ he said.

During the broadcast, McGuire also played reactions from Stefanovic’s Today show co-host Sarah Abo and fill-in host Tom Steinfort, and read out statements from ARN management.

He told listeners Stefanovic’s exit from Nine had been finalised in a deal “closed in the early hours of this morning”, ending a decades-long association with the network.

“They have come to an agreeable settlement after 30 years on Nine as a reporter, foreign correspondent, Today Show host and for more than 20 years he’s been in that position,’’ McGuire said.

“He’s hosted major events from sport to politics and to even natural disaster fundraisers, he’s been one of TV’s most versatile performers.

“His move into podcasting meant his position as a free to air host on the Today Show was no longer tenable and the departure date was brought forward and the deal was closed in the early hours of this morning.”

It comes as Stefanovic broke his silence today declaring he is “free” and “truly independent” while defending his commitment to giving Australians access to differing viewpoints.

The former TV host, who says he isn’t right-wing and is just right, took to X to thank trillionaire Elon Musk for creating a platform where free speech was protected.

“Free speech is important. Thanks @elonmusk for this platform,” Stefanovic posted on X.

The post came after Stefanovic took to most platforms to share a link to his YouTube channel, which is monetised, rewarding him for views, to confirm he was “free”.

In a video shared hours after Nine confirmed his immediate exit, the veteran broadcaster thanked viewers for their support across more than two decades on free-to-air television and reflected on the emotional days following his departure.

“I’m free, truly independent,” Stefanovic said.

“I didn’t get the chance to thank my free-to-air audience for 21 great years, so thank you for riding the ups and downs, you have my thanks and you have all of my love.”

He also had a heartfelt message for his former colleagues, singling out Today co-host Sarah Abo.

“To my colleagues, I’ll ring you privately. But Sars (Sarah Abo), look after everyone for me. I know they will miss me desperately.”

Stefanovic also thanked supporters who had contacted him since news of his departure broke.

“To my audience on this show, thank you for your messages over the last couple of days, it has really meant everything to me.”

The television veteran admitted the past few days had been difficult but insisted he was looking ahead.

“It wasn’t easy this last couple of days, but we roll on.”

Stefanovic also used the video to explain the philosophy behind his independent podcast, saying he believed Australians should hear a range of perspectives and make up their own minds.

“Here’s what I believe in. The public deserves to hear perspectives. This country was built by hard-working Aussies from all around the world and they were bound by the same values but very different experiences.”

“So on my show I’ve spoken to people who have different perspectives and I know that winds people up.”

“Sometimes I agree with everything a guest says and sometimes I don’t. But more importantly, YOU (the viewer) get to make up your mind.”

“Freedom of speech is what this show is about.”

Stefanovic ended the video by admitting he was unsure what came next.

“Honestly, I don’t know what I am going to do. But I’ll figure it out.”

With a wink to the camera, he jumped to his feet, performed a playful heel kick while barefoot and ran out of frame.

The video came just hours after Nine announced Stefanovic would leave the network immediately, bringing forward his previously planned departure following controversy surrounding his independent podcast.

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.

“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.