Breaking: ARN Media set to dump Karl Stefanovic from new radio show

Karl Stefanovic is set to be dumped from his radio show just days after he was ousted from Nine, the ABC understands.

Stefanovic had co-hosted The Long Weekend, an ARN Media radio show that launched last month, with Eddie McGuire.

Stefanovic's radio axing came following an interview with far-right extremist Tommy Robinson on Stefanovic's independent podcast, which prompted significant backlash before it was taken offline.

On Friday Nine confirmed their star presenter had also left the network "effective immediately".

There was fallout from Stefanovic's friendly interview with Mr Robinson, who has multiple criminal convictions and has been twice denied a visa to Australia.

The Long Weekend with Karl and Eddie is broadcast on Gold FM, owned by ARN Media, on Friday afternoons, and is published as video episodes on 9Now, one of Nine Entertainment Co's streaming services.

ARN Media, Stefanovic and McGuire have been contacted for comment by the ABC.

Stefanovic defends 'legitimate interview'

On Wednesday evening Stefanovic posted a new episode of his podcast with guest Piers Morgan, recorded two hours after the announcement of his departure from Nine.

"Well, it has been a week. Firstly, I just wanted to thank you all for all of your wonderful messages of support," he said at the start.

In the podcast, he said he viewed his interview with Mr Robinson as "a legitimate interview" and defended freedom of speech.

"To be honest, I'm a bit discombobulated, and for me, my first thoughts go to my family. I think those things are really hard for family to hear.

"I don't get to say on air goodbyes."

In the exchange with Morgan, Stefanovic said he told Nine he was leaving the Today Show "two or three months ago".

The interview took place on a yacht and the two bonded over being sacked from breakfast television.

Piers Morgan left Good Morning Britain on ITV in 2021 in the fallout from comments he made about Meghan Markle.

The two also discussed claims an advertising boycott played a role in Stefanovic's departure from Nine.

Radio dumping comes after Stefanovic took leave

McGuire fronted the program alone last Friday.

"Karl asked to take leave because of the intense negotiations and reactions to his controversial podcast with Tommy Robinson," McGuire said on the show.

McGuire had also read out a statement from ARN Media which said Stefanovic's podcast did not represent the network's views.

"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," McGuire read out.

"They do not represent ARN's views, editorial standards, or programming."

Stefanovic was criticised by a number of media experts for not pushing back on controversial claims made by Mr Robinson, and making friendly comments like, "God, I love you".

Nine's News and Current Affairs director Fiona Dear sent staff an email after the announcement.

"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," she said.

It also comes days after Kyle Sandilands departed ARN Media, settling a dispute with the network after an on-air spat with former co-host Jackie "O" Henderson.

Sandilands accepted $12 million to settle the wrongful termination claim.

Jackie O also launched legal proceedings, claiming $82 million in compensation. That case remains ongoing.