Karl Stefanovic to leave Nine immediately following Today host’s podcast controversy

Karl Stefanovic is leaving Nine immediately, the network said in a statement on Friday.

It was presented as a joint decision, however it follows days of controversy after the highly paid Today presenter used his independent podcast to interview British far-right activist Tommy Robinson.

“Nine Entertainment and Karl Stefanovic have agreed that it is no longer possible for him to continue hosting Today at the same time as his independent podcast,” a Nine Entertainment spokesperson said.

“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.”

The Today show host’s departure was announced on the breakfast show he has hosted on and off for more than 20 years just after 6am by his co-host, Sarah Abo.

“We’ve spoken to a lot of people over the past few days, [who] have varying emotions,” a tearful Abo said. “They’re upset, they’re sad this is all happening, and we all wish it wasn’t ending like this and that we could say goodbye to Karl, our friend, in a different way.”

Stefanovic posted a farewell message on social media, saying “I’m free, truly independent” and defended his choice of podcast interviewees, though at the time of writing his interview with Robinson remained unavailable on YouTube.

For Nine executives the soft interview with Robinson, who has been a prominent figure on the far right in the UK for the best part of a decade, was a deal-breaker.

But Stefanovic told his Karl Stefanovic Show followers in the video that free speech is “what the show is about”.

“I didn’t get the chance to thank my free-to-air audience for 21 great years, so thank you for riding the ups and downs,” Stefanovic said, from a park bench in London. “You have my thanks and you have all of my love.

“So, here’s what I believe in. The public deserve to hear perspectives. This country was built by hard-working Aussies from all around the world and they were bound by the same values but very different experiences.

“So, on my show, I’ve spoken to people who have different perspectives. I know that winds some people up. Sometimes I agree with everything a guest says, sometimes I don’t. But, importantly, you get to make up your mind. You have the right to hear from different voices.

“Freedom of speech here and around the world is what this show is about. You don’t have to listen to my show. You have the power. You are smart enough to make up your own mind.”

In an internal email sent to staff, seen by Guardian Australia, Nine’s chief executive, Matt Stanton, said “you would have seen a lot of media reporting around Karl Stefanovic and his future here at Nine”.

“We’ve … announced this morning that after more than 20 years it’s the right time for Karl to move on from Today and from Nine,” the email said.

“Karl has been a fixture on our screens for over two decades, so we know this is a significant change for our viewers and all of us here at Nine, however it’s the right time to make it.”

The news and current affairs chief, Fiona Dear, told Nine’s journalists that the network believed in protecting freedom of speech but she also said that upholding the Nine brand “built on trust and respect” was vital.

“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,” Dear said.

“Protecting freedom of speech is at the core of 9News and Current Affairs. 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.

“I am acutely aware how challenging this has been, particularly for our Today Show team. If you need any support, myself and my leadership team are here for you.

“We’ll share more on our plans for the Today Show very soon.

“We’ve all worked tirelessly to build a news and current affairs brand built on trust and respect and we will always fight to uphold that.”