‘I’m free’: Karl Stefanovic exits Nine immediately after podcast backlash

Karl Stefanovic will leave Nine Entertainment "immediately", ending his 21-year run as host of Today following backlash over his independent podcast interview with UK far-right activist Tommy Robinson.

In a brief statement sent to media early Friday morning, the company said Stefanovic and the network had agreed it was no longer possible for him to continue hosting Today while also running his independent podcast.

“Nine Entertainment and Karl Stefanovic have agreed that it is no longer possible for him to continue hosting Today at the same time as his independent podcast,” Nine said.

“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.”

SEE MORE: Stefanovic’s exit is part of a much bigger media problem

Stefanovic has since issued his own statement, saying he was now “truly independent”.

“On my show, I’ve spoken to people who have different perspectives, I know that winds some people up,” he said.

He thanked existing sponsors and made an appeal for more.

“I hope other proud sponsors join the show shortly. We’re looking for them. Honestly, I don’t know what I’m going to do, but I’ll figure it out.”

The move follows widespread criticism of Stefanovic’s interview with Robinson, which was later removed from his podcast and social channels.

In a tearful statement live on air, Stefanovic’s co-host Sarah Abo told viewers the Today team had hoped to farewell him differently.

“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 that this is all happening, and we all wish that it wasn't ending like this and that we could, yeah, say goodbye to you, Karl, our friend, in a different way,” Abo said.

“I think everyone here who's worked with Karl for any period of time knows just how hard he does work, and this show has always been foremost in his mind. Obviously, there are other projects that he's got on the go at the moment, and that's his focus now.”

Abo went on to say Stefanovic had “woken up with Today” for 21 years.

“We know this is a huge change for our viewers, and of course for us, not just here on the desk, but behind the scenes, because there's a big team that puts this beautiful show together for you every day,” Abo said.

“He's our mate, and he's our colleague, and it goes without saying that Karl's presence will be missed. Two decades is a long time.”

With the Nine fallout comes questions about Stefanovic’s recently announced radio deal with ARN Media.

The Guardian Australia has reported that Stefanovic will not appear on his scheduled Friday afternoon radio show with Eddie McGuire, The Long Weekend, after the threat of an advertising boycott led to the contract being reviewed.

Stefanovic signed with ARN Media to co-host The Long Weekend nationally on Gold FM just weeks ago, but that now hangs in limbo. 

ARN told The Guardian that McGuire will host the show alone this week, but did not comment on the future of the program.