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<\/p>\nChannel Nine has confirmed star presenter Karl Stefanovic is leaving the network “effective immediately”.<\/p>\n
It follows an interview with far-right extremist Tommy Robinson on Stefanovic’s independent podcast, which prompted significant backlash before it was taken offline.<\/p>\n
In a statement, Channel Nine said it was no longer possible for him to continue with the Today show while hosting his independent podcast.<\/p>\n
“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,” it said.<\/p>\n
In an additional email to staff, Nine’s executive director for news and current affairs, Fiona Dear, said she was “acutely aware of how challenging” the situation had been.<\/p>\n
She said plans for the Today show would be shared “very soon”.<\/p>\n
It is not clear if Channel Nine will pay out the remainder of its contract with Stefanovic, which was due to expire at the end of this year.<\/p>\n
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At midday on Friday, Stefanovic was not on air for The Long Weekend, his ARN radio show with Eddie McGuire.<\/p>\n
McGuire announced to the audience that Stefanovic had asked to take leave from the show amid the backlash over his interview with Mr Robinson.<\/p>\n
In a statement read out by McGuire, ARN said Stefanovic’s podcast did not represent the network’s views.<\/p>\n
“His external media activities, including his podcast, are undertaken in a personal capacity and are entirely separate from the network, which we have no control over,” he said.<\/p>\n
“They do not represent ARN’s views, editorial standards, or programming.”<\/p>\n
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Karl Stefanvoic and Eddie McGuire host ARN’s The Long Weekend. (Supplied: ARN)<\/p>\n
Stefanovic’s response<\/p>\n
In a video posted to X, Stefanovic thanked the Today show audience for “riding the ups and downs” and told his colleagues he would contact them privately.<\/p>\n
“It wasn’t easy these last couple of days, but we roll on,” he said.<\/p>\n
He said the public deserved to hear “different perspectives”.<\/p>\n
“On my show, I’ve spoken to people who have different perspectives. I know that winds some people up,” he said.<\/p>\n
“Sometimes I agree with everything a guest says, but sometimes I don’t.”<\/p>\n
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The broadcaster’s departure was also addressed on the Today program.<\/p>\n
“Look, we know there has been a lot of speculation about Karl’s future with the show. This morning, we want to inform you that Karl will not be returning to the Today show, or to Nine,” Today co-host Sarah Abo said.<\/p>\n
“We know this is a huge change for our viewers,”<\/p>\n
“He is our mate, and he is our colleague, and it goes without saying that Karl’s presence will be missed.<\/p>\n
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