Breaking: Today show host Karl Stefanovic to leave Channel Nine, network confirms

Today show host Karl Stefanovic to leave Channel Nine, network confirms Fri 26 Jun 2026 at 6:13am Channel Nine has told staff that star presenter Karl Stefanovic is leaving the network "effective immediately". The announcement came in an email to staff this morning. The broadcaster's departure was also addressed on the Today program. "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. Stefanovic has been at the network for 26 years. The announcement comes after Stefanovic hosted controversial UK-based anti-Islam activist Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, on his podcast The Karl Stefanovic Show. Divisive figure Robinson is one of the most divisive anti-immigration voices in the UK, co-founding the now-defunct far-right, anti-Islam protest organisation the English Defence League. He has been convicted of contempt of court, using a false passport, fraud, and assault, and previously served jail time. A promotional video for Stefanovic's podcast showed the television veteran with his arm around Robinson as they discussed the resignation of UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Robinson said, "Can I ask you a question? Keir Starmer is a …" "Wanker," Stefanovic finished. In the interview, Robinson made claims Australians were losing their culture, traditional values were under attack, and the mainstream media had been lying to its audience. Stefanovic, 51, did not endorse Robinson's views during the interview, but he said he admired his tenacity and courage. However, Robinson's views were not challenged either, with Stefanovic at one point saying to his interviewee, "God, I love ya." The interview was mostly pulled from Stefanovic's platforms but was later posted online by One Nation leader Pauline Hanson. Loading