Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has alluded to Karl Stefanovic’s podcast’s dramatic disappearance, and clash with his employer, Nine, suggesting the Today host ventured too close to the edges of mainstream media debate.
Nine Entertainment is expected to cut ties with Stefanovic, the highest-paid man on Australian television, after he interviewed and UK far-right identity Tommy Robinson.
Robinson, 43, whose real name is Stephen Christopher Yaxley-Lennon, espoused many controversial and extreme opinions in the episode. Less than 24 hours later, most evidence of the interview vanished from the internet.
A little context for why that happened: Robinson co-founded the English Defence League group. He has convictions for assault, mortgage fraud, using a false passport and contempt of court. Robinson was jailed in October 2024 after he ignored a court order not to repeat lies about a Syrian refugee, who later sued him for defamation – and won.
In the fallout since, Nine Entertainment shareholders have made their displeasure known about Stefanovic, who is paid $2.8m annually, hosting a ‘neo-nazi’.
Indeed, everyone has an opinion on the podcast and ensuing chaos; from One Nation Leader Pauline Hanson yesterday to our very own Prime Minister today.
Speaking at a Committee for Economic Development of Australia event at Parliament House, Guardian Australia reported Albanese said he would avoid the heated debate and speculating on the consequences for all parties, but had a warning for Australians; most likely specifically, Stefanovic.
“Look at what’s happened …” the PM said.
“You go down that road and you go further and further out on the edges of what is mainstream political debate in this country, and you know, I think that can have an impact.”
View this post on Instagram
Karl Stefanovic’s fate with Nine after Tommy Robinson podcast
Nine is expected to end its contract with the Today show and podcast host Stefanovic, Mediaweek reported on Thursday morning.
This was after executives held crisis meetings on Wednesday night to consider the future of the increasingly conservative personality.
Late on Wednesday, it was rumoured and reported that Stefanovic would leave Nine altogether.
Nine issued a statement saying: “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.”
The ‘matter’ was the problematic podcast with right-wing activist Tommy Robinson, which Stefanovic published to YouTube earlier this week. It then ‘mysteriously’ disappeared less than 24 hours later.
In the episode of The Karl Stefanovic Show, Robinson claimed an uprising is in progress in Australia, declared he “loves” Pauline Hanson and declares he’s causing a “f***ing earthquake” in the UK.
Making his support clear, Stefanovic noted during the interview that authorities “want to eliminate your voice” and told Robinson admiringly, “I can’t believe you’re alive.”
READ MORE: Karl Stefanovic podcast with Tommy Robinson vanishes as Hanson blames Nine
READ MORE: Pauline Hanson in full ‘teacher mode’ at National Press Club
Main image: Anthony Albanese speaks during the Committee for the Economic Development of Australia State of the Nation conference at Parliament House on Thursday. Image: from Guardian Australia. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP