Karl Stefanovic is set to be dropped from his radio show, just days after he was dropped from Nine, the ABC can reveal.
Stefanovic co-hosted The Long Weekend, an ARN Media radio show that launched last month, with Eddie McGuire.
Stefanovic’s radio shutdown followed an interview with far-right extremist Tommy Robinson on Stefanovic’s independent podcast, which generated significant backlash before it was pulled.
Nine confirmed on Friday that its star presenter had also left the network “with immediate effect”.
The fallout included Stefanovic’s friendly interview with Mr Robinson, who has multiple criminal convictions and has twice been refused a visa to Australia.
An episode of far-right figure Tommy Robinson for Stefanovic’s podcast was quickly removed after backlash last week. (Attached: The Karl Stefanvoik Show.)
Long Weekend with Carl and Eddie airs on ARN Media’s Gold FM on Friday afternoons and is published as video episodes on 9Now, one of Nine Entertainment Co.’s streaming services.
ARN Media, Stefanovic and McGuire have reached out to ABC for comment.
Stefanovic defends ‘legitimate interview’
On Wednesday night, Stefanovic released a new episode of his podcast featuring Piers Morgan, recorded two hours after announcing his departure from Nine.
“Well, a week has passed. Firstly, I just wanted to thank you all for all your wonderful messages of support,” he said at the beginning.
In the podcast he said he viewed his interview with Mr Robinson as a “legitimate interview” and defended freedom of speech.
“To be honest, I’m a little confused and my first thoughts go to my family. I think it’s really hard for families to hear things like that.
“I can’t say goodbye on air.”
Stefanovic posted the message on his YouTube channel on Wednesday. (Attached: YouTube)
Speaking to Morgan, Stefanovic said he told Nine he was leaving the Today Show “two or three months ago”.
The interview took place on a yacht and they bonded over being fired from breakfast.
Piers Morgan left ITV’s Good Morning Britain in 2021 due to comments he made about Meghan Markle.
They also discussed claims that an advertising boycott played a role in Stefanovic’s departure from Nine.
Radio dumping occurred after Stefanovic went on vacation
McGuire took over the program alone last Friday.
“Karl requested a leave of absence due to tense negotiations and the backlash to his controversial podcast with Tommy Robinson,” McGuire said on the show.
McGuire read a statement from ARN Media on air last Friday. (Supplied by: 9Now/ARN Media)
McGuire also read a statement from ARN Media saying Stefanovic’s podcast does not represent the views of the network.
“His media activities, including his podcasts, are conducted in a personal capacity and are completely separate from the network, which we do not control,” McGuire read.
“They do not reflect ARN’s views, editorial standards or agenda.”
Stefanovic was criticized by a number of media pundits for not rebutting Mr Robinson’s controversial statements and making friendly comments like: “God, I love you.”
Following the announcement, Nine’s director of news and current affairs, Fiona Deer, emailed staff.
“As journalists, we play a critical role in society by asking questions, challenging and holding people accountable, no matter where they come from or what political party or views they represent,” she said.
It also comes days after Kyle Sandilands left ARN Media, settling a dispute with the network following an on-air altercation with former co-host Jackie “O” Henderson.
Sandilands accepted $12 million to settle a wrongful termination claim.
Jackie O also filed legal proceedings seeking $82 million in damages. This case is still ongoing.