Overview
- Nine and Karl Stefanovic agreed Friday that he would leave the network immediately after an episode of his independent podcast featuring far‑right activist Tommy Robinson prompted intense backlash.
- The 55‑minute interview was removed from Stefanovic’s YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcast feeds within a day and was later reposted by figures including Pauline Hanson.
- Stefanovic posted a farewell video declaring he was “free, truly independent,” said he will continue his podcast, and is scheduled to speak next week in a sit‑down with Eddie McGuire.
- Nine CEO Matt Stanton told staff the timing was right and executives finalised exit terms after crisis meetings, while Today colleagues made an emotional on‑air farewell.
- Negotiations continue over the financial and contractual fallout, with reports that a roughly $1 million remaining contract balance is unresolved and possible legal or commercial consequences for Nine and Stefanovic.