Karl Stefanovic’s hidden message to Channel Nine bosses as fans praise no-holds-barred podcast

The Today Show host, who has fronted the breakfast program for over twenty years, is said to have triggered an internal alarm among senior executives with his eponymous podcast, The Karl Stefanovic Show, due to his wide-reaching interviews and choice of high-profile, divisive guests.

Now, Stefanovic has seemingly hit back at the rumours with a subtle choice in accessory. 

The 51-year-old took to his podcast’s Instagram on Sunday to broach the topic of global fuel shortages following the conflict in the Middle East, talking to his followers about the price of diesel while at Melbourne Airport.

However, it was Stefanovic’s hat that spoke louder than words.

Donning a black cap with the words, “zero f***s” emblazoned on the front, Stefanovic appeared to send a clear message to Nine bosses about his controversial podcast.

“That hats really suits you mate!” one fan wrote in the comments section, while another penned: “I need that hat.”

A third chimed in: “Love that hat.”

Fans also commented on how Stefanovic had seemingly cast off the shackles imposed on him by Nine with his independely-funded podcast.

“Why don’t you take this approach with guest selection and hard line questioning on these very issues and thoughts on the Today show and use any clout you have there ????” asked ex-Collingwood AFL player Mark Orval.

“Or does that impact government Ad spend for CH9 so you have to do what the bosses say?”

“Thank you Karl for finally showing us your true self… bloody love it,” wrote another listener.

The longtime breakfast host launched his self-funded podcast venture in January, promising to “unleash his inner beast” through a variety of candid discussions. 

Since then, Stefanovic has been joined by a number of well-known guests, including One Nation leader Pauline Hanson, radio shock jock Kyle Sandilands, neurosurgeon Dr Charlie Teo and even Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. 

In just two months, the project has already attracted a large audience of listeners, while also racking up over 68,000 subscribers on YouTube and 161,000 followers on Instagram. 

But earlier this month, word spread that Channel Nine was in a “state of pure panic” over the show.

“There’s been some high-stakes crisis meetings to discuss the trajectory of Karl’s podcast and vodcast venture, and what it means for Today,” an insider told New Idea. 

According to the source, the network’s unease is mostly due to the type of guests being invited on the show. 

“He (Karl) is building an ark … with some very opinionated guests boarding,” they said.

The insider further claimed that Stefanovic’s decision to finance the podcast himself hints at a new level of independence for the longtime Nine star. 

“[It signals] a man willing to risk it all… Many of his mates believe he is no longer worried about what comes next. He’s just doing what he loves.”

Skynews.com.au has reached out to Stefanovic for comment.