Network says it was ‘no longer possible’ for Stefanovic to host Today, days after Today host interviewed far-right activist on independent podcast
Karl Stefanovic is leaving Nine immediately, the network said in a statement on Friday.
It was presented as a joint decision by the broadcaster and network, however it follows days of controversy after the highly-paid Today presenter used his independent podcast series to interview British far-right activist Tommy Robinson.
“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,” a Nine Entertainment spokesperson said.
“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.”
In an internal email sent to staff, seen by Guardian Australia, Nine’s chief executive officer Matt Stanton said “you would have seen a lot of media reporting around Karl Stefanovic and his future here at Nine”.
“We’ve … announced this morning that after more than 20 years it’s the right time for Karl to move on from Today and from Nine,” the email said.
“Karl has been a fixture on our screens for over two decades, so we know this is a significant change for our viewers and all of us here at Nine, however it’s the right time to make it.”
More details to come.
Source: Guardian - World News
