Well, this might just be the most drawn-out striptease in Australian media history.
Karl Stefanovic has once again hinted at a possible move into radio while (bet you know what’s coming) stopping short (surprise) of confirming ongoing speculation linking him to ARN Media.
Speaking candidly during an on-stage interview at Cairns Crocodiles with Maz Farrelly, the Today host said podcasting and long-form content had become a major priority outside of his commitments to Nine Network.
“I probably will do radio, and I will more than likely just dip my toe in the water to see if I like it before I even think about going to do breakfast radio,” Stefanovic told the crowd.
“I want exposure, I want to see what radio is like. I will continue doing TV, and this show (his podcast) right now is my biggest priority outside of my commitments for Channel Nine because I just think there’s so much room for growth.”
The Karl Stefanovic Show
We’ve seen this show before
Just last week, former Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce openly questioned Stefanovic about the speculation during an appearance on The Karl Stefanovic Podcast.
Joyce asked the television host whether he was “going to grow a set and tell us you’re going to leave Channel Nine?”
Stefanovic sidestepped the question, replying: “I’m not an elected official. I’m a paid-up employee, and I love it.”
After the conversation briefly shifted to Joyce’s own political future, the former Nationals leader again returned to the topic, asking: “What’s happening with Channel Nine?”
Stefanovic again declined to engage directly with the rumours, saying he was “gainfully employed” and “very happy there”.
Joyce responded: “oh, you bullsh*t artist”.
ARN rumours continue to swirl
Speculation about Stefanovic’s future first emerged earlier this year in a report by The Australian’s Steve Jackson, which claimed the presenter had signed a memorandum of understanding with ARN Media following a meeting with CEO Michael Stephenson.
According to the report, Stefanovic was expected to move once his current television contract expires in December.
Industry sources previously told Mediaweek that the speculation aligned with earlier internal discussions about Stefanovic potentially joining ARN, although details of any prospective role remain unclear.
When approached by Mediaweek at the time, Nine denied the reports.
Main image: Karl Stefanovic