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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.<\/b><\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
This week’s interview with Robinson was pulled offline within hours as viewer and advertiser fallout grew in Australia.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Representatives for Stefanovic – who is currently on leave and in London – have been contacted for comment.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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”.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Stefanovic had survived multiple scandals to helm the Today show for the better part of two decades.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
He stepped down in late 2018 amid poor ratings and intense coverage of his personal life but returned a year later.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n