Karl Stefanovic has broken his silence following his exit from Nine, posting a video to YouTube in which he declared himself “free, truly independent” and framed his departure as a stand for freedom of speech.
The video, uploaded by Stefanovic to his independent podcast, The Karl Stefanovic Show’s YouTube channel, is his first public statement since Nine confirmed he would leave the Today show immediately – a departure brought forward from its originally scheduled end-of-year timeline after the network said it was no longer possible for him to host Today while running his independent podcast.
‘You have the right to hear from different voices’
In the video, Stefanovic offered an emotional farewell to his free-to-air audience and colleagues before defending the editorial direction of his podcast.
“I didn’t get the chance to thank my free-to-air audience for 21 great years, so thank you for riding the ups and downs. You have my thanks, and you have all of my love,” he said.
Addressing his Today colleagues directly, Stefanovic singled out co-host Sarah Abo: “Sares, look after everyone for me. I know they’ll miss me desperately, especially Halos and Isaac and Abby and Timmy.”
He also acknowledged the difficulty of the past week. “It wasn’t easy these last couple of days, but we were all on.”
Stefanovic then turned to the controversy that precipitated his exit, defending his decision to platform a range of guests – including British far-right activist Tommy Robinson, whose interview on Stefanovic’s podcast sparked crisis meetings at Nine and was wiped from YouTube within 24 hours of publication.
“On my show, I’ve spoken to people who have different perspectives. I know that winds some people up. Sometimes I agree with everything a guest says, sometimes I don’t, but importantly, you get to make up your mind,” he said.
“You have the right to hear from different voices. Freedom of speech here and around the world is what this show is about. You don’t have to listen to my show. You have the power. You are smart enough to make up your own mind.”
Stefanovic also confirmed the podcast would continue, thanking existing sponsors and calling for new ones.
“I want to thank our sponsors who stood by us, who believe in the freedom of speech that we’re talking about, who are proud to stand by us, to stand by you. I hope other proud sponsors join the show shortly.”
He closed the video with characteristic candour: “Thanks, legends. Honestly, I don’t know what I’m going to do. But I’ll figure it out.”
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READ MORE: Karl Stefanovic exits Nine immediately over podcast conflict
Nine confirms immediate exit
Nine confirmed Stefanovic’s departure in a statement, saying both parties had agreed it was no longer tenable for him to host Today while running an independent podcast.
“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,” the network said.
In an internal email to staff, Nine CEO Matt Stanton acknowledged the volume of media coverage surrounding the exit and framed the departure as the right call for both parties.
“After more than 20 years it’s the right time for Karl to move on from Today and from Nine,” Stanton wrote. “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.”
In an internal email seen by Mediaweek, Nine Director of News and Current Affairs Fiona Dear acknowledged the strain on the Today team and signalled further announcements on the show’s future were imminent.
“I am acutely aware how challenging this has been, particularly for our Today Show team,” Dear wrote. “We’ll share more on our plans for the Today Show very soon.”
The fallout also extended to ARN, where Stefanovic co-hosts weekend radio show The Long Weekend.
ARN distanced itself from the podcast controversy, with a spokesperson telling Mediaweek his external activities are “undertaken in a personal capacity and are entirely separate from the network.”
Stefanovic will not appear on the show this week, with sources telling Mediaweek he stood aside to allow all parties time to “review the situation.”
