Today show viewers have demanded answers after being left in the dark about the future of host Karl Stefanovic following the fallout from his controversial political podcast.
Stefanovic, 51, who is currently on two weeks’ leave in London, has been making headlines this week after publishing an interview with British far-right political figure Tommy Robinson.
Veteran Nine journalist Tom Steinfort has stepped into the role alongside co-host Sarah Abo while Stefanovic remains on leave, however Karl’s disappearance is yet to be addressed by the network.
As speculation mounted online, many fans turned to Nine’s social media pages seeking answers.
‘I’ve loved this show for years and I adore the Sarah/Karl duo. What’s going on? Where’s Karl?’ one viewer asked.
‘Is Karl gone or not? I want an official notice. I will go to morning radio and turn the TV off. Nine is weak if you don’t let him speak,’ another wrote.
Today show viewers have demanded answers after being left in the dark about the future of host Karl Stefanovic (pictured) following the fallout from his controversial political podcast
Nine journalist Tom Steinfort (left) stepped into the role alongside co-host Sarah Abo (right) while Stefanovic remains on leave, however Karl’s disappearance is yet to be addressed
‘When are we going to find out about Karl?’ a third questioned.
‘I’ll no longer be watching,’ protested a fourth.
Others suggested that Nine should address the elephant in the room rather than ignore it.
‘The silence is making everyone speculate,’ one viewer commented.
‘Just tell us where Karl is. It’s not that hard,’ added another.
Despite the growing curiosity, Nine made no mention of Stefanovic’s absence during Thursday’s broadcast.
The Today show host has been at the centre of backlash this week.
Stefanovic is understood to have been told by Nine executives that the network wanted to part ways almost six months before his contract was due to expire – after advertiser concerns.
Karl has spent more than 25 years at the network and has fronted Today for much of the past two decades, becoming one of Australia’s most recognisable media personalities.
‘I’ve loved this show for years and I adore the Sarah/Karl duo. What’s going on? Where’s Karl?’ one viewer asked
His early exit follows intense backlash over his independently produced podcast interview with Robinson, which discussed immigration, Islam and Australian politics before being swiftly removed online.
Nine previously stressed the podcast was produced independently and was not affiliated with the network, but confirmed it was taking the controversy seriously.
It comes amid reports Stefanovic is ‘set to resign’ in the coming days.
On Wednesday evening, The Sydney Morning Herald confirmed Stefanovic’s departure from Nine, indicating the decision was made in part to ‘defuse a major advertiser boycott.’
Stefanovic was told the network ‘wanted to part ways’. He is expected to depart immediately.
The TV star, who has been a Nine stalwart for some 25 years, has six months and over $1 million left to be paid on his 12-month contract.
According to sources, he is pushing for a full payout of the remainder of his contract – similar to the lucrative exits secured by former Nine radio heavyweights Alan Jones and Ray Hadley – despite their vastly different departure circumstances.
Sources also claim Stefanovic was seeking to be released from his contract as soon as possible to pursue other media opportunities.
