How Stefanovic’s epic miscalculation crossed a line for Nine

June 25, 2026 — 1:57pm

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At age 51, Karl Stefanovic was late to enter media entrepreneurship. Now in the back nine holes of his career, his decision to cash in on the brand built on 20 years as the Nine Network’s morning show host to launch an independent podcasting venture, was a gamble.

In theory Nine was probably OK with Stefanovic spreading his wings and amortising his brand across multiple platforms for self-enrichment.

But when Karl the podcaster’s persona - the one that happily snuggled up with extreme right-wing British activist Tommy Robinson - clashed with his persona as a breakfast television host watched by millions in middle Australia, an outcome involving tears was a no-brainer.

Stefanovic’s miscalculation is one for the books. It was a big swing or as one called it a “stumbling overreach.”

The Nine morning show audience was incensed - feeling that their cuddly........

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