Karl Stefanovic, the former host of Channel Nine’s ‘Today’ show, recently shared an emotional account of his departure from the program, describing it as a ‘sacking’ and ‘firing’. In an interview with British journalist Piers Morgan aboard Morgan’s luxury yacht in France, Stefanovic became visibly upset when discussing the impact of his exit on his wife, Jasmine. The conversation, which aired on Stefanovic’s podcast, ‘The Karl Stefanovic Show’, saw the two media figures commiserate over their respective high-profile departures from breakfast television.
Emotional Fallout from ‘Today’ Show Exit
Stefanovic, 51, struggled to maintain his composure as he spoke about his wife’s support. “Just my wife…” he began, his voice trailing off. He elaborated on the difficulties she faces due to his public profile and demanding career. “She puts up with a lot. Her finding out this stuff and having to deal with me, because I’m a lot, and I’m in the public a lot.” He explained that while his wife understands his dedication to his podcast and other work, undertaken for the family’s benefit, it often means she is left to manage things alone.
“I really do work hard and I’m away a bit, and she knows what I’m trying to do with this podcast. So I’m doing this, and some radio, and I’m doing it for the family, but she’s on her own a lot,” Stefanovic said. “And for me to hear her upset, it was the hardest thing.”
Lightening the mood, Stefanovic then shared a humorous anecdote about his wife’s admiration for Morgan, joking about her “crush” on the interviewer and her interest in his opulent vessel. “She always crushes on you. I said, ‘You should see his yacht!’ And she said, ‘Thanks for the invite!'”
Concerns Over Public Connection
Beyond the personal impact, Stefanovic expressed deep concern about potentially losing his connection with the Australian public, a bond he has cultivated over 21 years on breakfast television. He described the warmth and familiarity he experiences when interacting with people across Australia, from remote towns to major cities.
“I can go into any place around Australia from Broome to Cairns to Launceston. I walk into a pub and every time someone yells out, ‘F***ing Karlos! Get a beer up ya!'” he recalled. “That bond for me, with real Australian people, is something that I don’t take for granted. It’s a great privilege, and it really is a great honour. I just don’t want to lose that and that is a little bit of what I worry about.”
Piers Morgan’s Perspective and Support
Piers Morgan offered Stefanovic strong encouragement, asserting that he should be free to interview whomever he chooses and urging him to resist what he termed ‘cancel culture’ and ‘mob rule’. Morgan suggested that those who believe in such tactics aim to destroy careers but ultimately fail.
“They believe cancel culture is a positive force for good. They believe they can destroy your career – they won’t, you’ll go onto bigger things,” Morgan stated. He added, “You are looking at someone who has a much bigger career because of what happened. I’ve been in your shoes, I know opportunities will come your way.”
Morgan, who himself was dismissed from ‘Good Morning Britain’ in 2021 following controversial remarks about Meghan Markle, drew parallels between their experiences. His departure followed a refusal to apologize for comments made about Markle’s interview with Oprah Winfrey, which had prompted over 41,000 complaints to the UK’s broadcasting regulator, Ofcom.
“I remember how I felt and it was a weird thing. I went for a little walk to clear my head and make a final decision, because it was literally apologise or you can’t come back. I was just like, I can’t,” Morgan recounted. “I’m actually the perfect person for you to be talking to hours after you’ve got this news, because I’ve been right where you are and in the moment, and it is very weird. I know that feeling. It’s an awful feeling.”
Regarding Stefanovic’s interview with Tommy Robinson, whom Morgan admitted he personally dislikes, the British journalist defended Stefanovic’s decision to platform the controversial figure. “He is at the centre of this enormous cultural moment in the UK over immigration. Even though a divisive, controversial figure, who I personally don’t like at all, I would have him on my show tomorrow,” Morgan said, deeming the interview “absolutely appropriate”.
Recent Career Setbacks and Potential Future Ventures
Stefanovic’s exit from ‘Today’ followed the termination of his radio show, ‘The Long Weekend’, which he co-hosted with Eddie McGuire on ARN’s Gold radio network. He had appeared on only two episodes of the program before controversy erupted over his podcast interview with Tommy Robinson. Sources indicated that ARN decided to end their association with Stefanovic, reportedly cutting ties with a contract valued at approximately $200,000 for the remainder of the year. McGuire is expected to continue the radio show without him.
Adding another layer to speculation about his next move, shock jock Kyle Sandilands has registered domain names such as ‘kyleandkarl.com.au’ and ‘karlandkyle.com.au’ through his company, King Kyle Group Pty Ltd. Similar domains, including ‘themorningmen.com.au’ and ‘morningmen.com.au’, were also registered in 2024, hinting at a potential collaboration between Sandilands and Stefanovic. A source close to the pair suggested that discussions about such a venture have been ongoing.
Reports also suggest that commercial television networks Channel 7 and Network Ten have privately ruled out hiring Stefanovic, with ‘The Australian’ newspaper alleging that a return to Australian commercial television is unlikely. Stefanovic’s departure from Channel Nine reportedly came after he was informed that the network wished to ‘part ways’ shortly after he uploaded, and subsequently deleted, the Tommy Robinson interview to YouTube. He had been on a two-week leave in London at the time.
Following his exit, Stefanovic posted a video online declaring his newfound freedom and independence, thanking his podcast listeners and emphasizing the importance of free speech. Channel Nine stated that Stefanovic could not continue with the network while hosting his podcast. It is understood that Stefanovic and Nine reached an undisclosed six-figure settlement regarding his termination, with Stefanovic having had six months and over $1 million remaining on his contract with the network, where he had been a prominent figure for approximately 25 years.
