Nine breakfast show host and Gold Logie winner Karl Stefanovic has agreed to be removed from the network, effective immediately. This comes after many crisis talks over his independent podcast series.
In a statement released early this morning by Nine, the channel described Stefanovic’s departure as a mutual decision. The presenter had six months and $1m remaining on his contract.
“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,” a Nine spokesman said in the statement.
“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.”
In a separate email to staff, Nine CEO Matt Stanton noted Stefanovic’s long-standing reign on Today, which he first joined in 2005 after replacing predecessor Steve Liebmann alongside then co-host Tracy Grimshaw.
“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,” he said.
Stefanovic’s departure follows reports that Nine extended his Today contract by just 12 months while negotiating a pay cut of more than $500,000 in return for allowing him to independently host his own podcast.
Since then, concerns have reportedly grown within the network that Stefanovic was using his editorial independence to distance himself from Nine after more than 25 years with the broadcaster.
Stefanovic addressed his departure in a social media video, saying he finally felt “free” after more than two decades on the Today show. He expressed his disappointment that he could not share the news to his loyal viewers.
“So I’m free. Truly independent,” he said. “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. To my colleagues, I’ll ring you privately, but to everyone there, I look forward to seeing you soon.
“To my audience on this show, thank you for your messages over the last couple of days. It has really meant everything to me.
“It wasn’t easy this last couple of days, but we roll on.”
Stefanovic said he would continue tackling contentious issues — and interviewing controversial figures — on his podcast, arguing that audiences could decide for themselves whether they wanted to watch his content.
“Here’s what I believe in. The public deserve to hear perspectives. This country was built by, you know, hardworking Aussies from all around the world, and they were bound by the same values, but very different experiences,” he said.
“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.”
Source: The Australian
