Karl Stefanovic has reportedly resigned from Nine, bringing an abrupt end to his long-running tenure at the network following days of intense scrutiny over his controversial podcast interview with British far-right activist Tommy Robinson.
Nine’s own newspapers have reported on Thursday that the veteran Today host had tendered his resignation, just days after backlash erupted over the independently produced interview with Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon.
The reported departure follows claims that Nine executives had entered negotiations with the breakfast television star over his exit after concerns about the fallout from the interview intensified.
Nine-owned newspapers reported on Wednesday that the network had been “negotiating terms” for Stefanovic’s departure following the controversy, which is understood to have prompted internal discussions at the highest levels of the company.
It has also been reported that senior executives held emergency meetings on Wednesday to consider Stefanovic’s future as the final months of his contract approached. His current deal is reportedly worth almost $3 million annually and is due to expire at the end of the year.
According to multiple reports, Stefanovic is expected to leave the network immediately, although Nine is yet to publicly confirm the timing or terms of any departure.
The controversy stems from Stefanovic’s independently produced podcast, which Nine has repeatedly stressed operates separately from the network and is not subject to its editorial oversight.
A network spokesman previously told The Nightly, “Nine is taking this matter seriously.”
“The Karl Stefanovic Show is a completely independent production. Nine has no involvement, including in the guest selection and other editorial processes.”
The Nightly has contacted Nine for a comment.
More to come...
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