Karl Stefanovic exits Nine after 26 years
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The news: Karl Stefanovic has officially announced his departure from the Nine network, after hosting the Today show for nearly 21 years.
The context: Nine Entertainment has published a statement on its website confirming Nine and Stefanovic have agreed it is no longer possible for him to continue hosting Today while running an independent podcast.
Although both parties had previously agreed he would step down at the end of this year, they have subsequently decided he will leave the network immediately.
In an email to staff, Nine chief executive Matt Stanton acknowledged the exit marks a significant change for viewers.
The sudden departure follows Stefanovic hosting controversial British far-right figure Tommy Robinson on his independent podcast earlier this week. The episode was taken down after less than 12 hours. Robinson has been denied an Australian visa twice and holds multiple criminal convictions.
Stefanovic first joined Nine in 2000, growing to become one of the most prominent faces on Australian television.
What they said: “He is our mate and he is our colleague, and it goes without saying that Karl’s presence will be missed. Two decades is a long time,” Today host Sarah Abo said.
“We’ve spoken to a lot of people over the past few days who have varying emotions. They’re upset, they’re angry, they’re sad this is all happening and we all wish that it wasn’t ending like this, and we could say goodbye to you Karl, our friend, in a different way,” she added.
The source: Nine
