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

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.

Abo, who is preparing to go on maternity leave from the show, became emotional during the announcement.

"We know this is a huge change for our viewers,"

"He is our mate, and he is our colleague, and it goes without saying that Karl's presence will be missed.

"It's a tough, tough day."

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.

'Challenging' situation

In an 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.

"Protecting freedom of speech is at the core of 9News and Current Affairs," she said.

"We have a rich history of interviewing controversial figures, and journalists have an obligation to ask difficult questions.

"Part of what makes us tick is trying to understand why people are the way they are, or think the way they think. We welcome open debate and challenging norms with constructive, balanced arguments.

"As journalists, we play a critical role in society to question, challenge, and hold people to account regardless of where they come from or which political party or views they represent."

Ms Dear said plans for the Today show would be shared "very soon".

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.

Stefanovic gave Robinson 'an unchallenged platform'

Former Nine News boss Peter Meakin on Thursday told 702 ABC Sydney that while he respected Stefanovic, the network had no option but to act on the "pretty unusual and unprofessional" interview with Robinson.

Mr Meakin said he had heard Stefanovic was enjoying podcasting and "getting increasingly sick of fronting the Today show", and that the falling-out with Nine over the interview brought the matter to a head.

"This is weird behaviour, and it can't be put down as good journalism or, you know, the idea that we should be championing Karl's right to free speech because he didn't actually say very much on my observations," Mr Meakin said.

"He mainly just gave Tommy Robinson an unchallenged platform."

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson, who has appeared on Stefanovic's podcast, said Nine would be "bloody stupid" to part with Stefanovic.

Nationals leader Matt Canavan defended Stefanovic, calling him a "very good journalist", and said journalists should not lose their jobs for talking to controversial people.

"Once again, the thought police have had a win and have been able to cancel someone for just giving air to controversial and contentious issues," he said.

"That's the bad news."

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke told the ABC that Robinson, who was previously barred from entry into Australia under the Coalition government, would also have visa applications rejected under the Labor government.

"He certainly wouldn't get a visa under me … the last thing we need in Australia is for the temperature to be raised by people who want to spread hatred given a louder voice," he said.

"There is a direct line between people who use dehumanising language and then when we end up seeing examples of violence."