One of Australia’s biggest TV presenters, Karl Stefanovic, will reportedly leave his job amid backlash over his podcast project after an interview with British far-right activist Tommy Robinson.
Stefanovic became a household name as the long-time host of breakfast programme Today, but local media say Nine Entertainment is negotiating his exit from the network.
For years Australia’s highest-paid news presenter, Stefanovic in January launched his own independently produced podcast in which he sat down with a string of controversial figures.
This week’s interview with Robinson was pulled offline within hours as viewer and advertiser fallout grew in Australia.
Nine – one of Australia’s two major commercial broadcasters – would not confirm his departure to the BBC, but on Wednesday distanced itself from its star’s recent work.
“The Karl Stefanovic Show is a completely independent production. Nine has no involvement, including in the guest selection and other editorial processes. However, Nine is taking this matter seriously,” a spokesperson said.
His impending exit was first reported by The Australian, and confirmed by the Sydney Morning Herald, a masthead owned by Nine. His contract was due to expire at the end of the year.
Representatives for Stefanovic – who is currently on leave and in London – have been contacted for comment.
The 51-year-old has been under pressure over his podcast for months, due to guest selection and his own comments on issues like alleged war crimes in Afghanistan, “woke” culture and vaccinations.
During his 55-minute chat with Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, Stefanovic said he admired his “tenacity” and “courage” in “trying to stand up for what you believe is right”.
In a video promoting the episode, Stefanovic also threw his arm around Robinson and referred to outgoing UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer with an offensive term.
Local media have reported that journalists at Nine have raised concerns about Stefanovic’s project on the firm’s editorial brand, and that advertisers have also expressed displeasure.
Stefanovic had survived multiple scandals to helm the Today show for the better part of two decades.
He has made headlines for appearing drunk on air after an awards show – saying he did not realise he had not sobered up yet – and apologised on air after he was caught disparaging his co-host in an Uber.
He stepped down in late 2018 amid poor ratings and intense coverage of his personal life but returned a year later.
Over his career, Stefanovic built a public persona as a larrikin – a lovable rogue figure – and won Australian TV’s top award, the Gold Logie, for most popular presenter in 2011.
By BBC News
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