Karl Stefanovic’s new podcast is pulling a larger audience than Today, just weeks after his dramatic departure from Channel Nine.
The broadcaster was removed from Nine’s Today program last week after controversy surrounding a podcast interview with British activist Tommy Robinson.
Days later, ARN also ended its arrangement with Stefanovic, scrapping plans for him to continue hosting a weekend radio program alongside Eddie McGuire.
Despite those setbacks, early audience figures suggest Stefanovic has retained a substantial following.
His recent interview with British broadcaster Piers Morgan has generated more than 320,000 views since being released on Wednesday night.
The figure is higher than the audience recorded by Today on the same day, which attracted 268,000 viewers.
While television ratings and online video views measure different audiences, the figures indicate there is significant interest in Stefanovic’s content following his departure.
His YouTube channel has accumulated about 172,000 subscribers and several interviews have attracted audiences well into six figures.
The audience growth comes after Stefanovic spoke publicly for the first time about the circumstances surrounding his departure.
Appearing on his own podcast from France, he became emotional while discussing the fallout from the Robinson interview and the impact it had on his family.
“I thought Tommy Robinson was a legitimate interview for us to pick up,” Stefanovic told Morgan.
“What’s happening on the right, what’s happening on the streets, and you know, (Robinson) came in, and we did it. I put it up on air, and then a couple of days later – boom.”
The interview also included a discussion about the effect the controversy had on his wife, Jasmine.
“Just my wife, because she puts up with a lot,” he said.
“Her finding out this stuff and having to deal with me, because I’m a lot, and I’m in the public a lot.
“I really do work hard, and I’m away a bit, and she knows what I’m trying to do with this podcast.”
Industry attention has also turned to the ratings performance of Today since Stefanovic’s departure.
Sunrise has opened a sizeable lead over its rival breakfast program this week, with Seven’s long-running show averaging 449,000 viewers compared with Today’s 252,000.
Stefanovic’s online success has not yet answered the question of whether a digital venture can replace the income once generated through television and radio.
The veteran broadcaster reportedly earned a multimillion-dollar salary at Nine.
He also recently signed a radio agreement with ARN worth about $200,000 annually before that arrangement was terminated.
Sources familiar with the podcast project say Stefanovic is the only member of the team to have made a direct financial investment in the venture.
Other contributors are involved through alternative arrangements.
Attention is now turning to where the podcast goes next.
According to the Daily Telegraph, future guests are expected to be more mainstream as the show attempts to broaden its appeal and reassure potential advertisers following recent controversy.
There is also speculation Stefanovic’s next chapter could extend beyond podcasting.
Publishing industry figures are understood to be monitoring developments closely, with reports suggesting multiple publishers have expressed interest in a potential memoir.
One source claimed discussions involving a book proposal had generated significant attention.
At the same time, reports of changes to Stefanovic’s management arrangements have been dismissed.
Sources insist long-time manager Sharon Finnigan remains involved and continues to advise him following his departure from Nine.
There has also been speculation about a possible future partnership with radio star Kyle Sandilands after internet domains linked to the names “Kyle and Karl” were registered through Sandilands’ company.
Sources familiar with the situation maintain Stefanovic had no involvement in registering the domains.