A leaked email sent to Channel Nine staff has shed light on how the network’s bosses really felt about Karl Stefanovic and his podcast.
The letter was sent from Nine’s executive director for news and current affairs, Fiona Dear, who said she was ‘acutely aware of how challenging’ the situation was.
The email, sent from Nine’s executive director for news and current affairs, Fiona Dear, opens by informing staff that ‘Karl Stefanovic is departing Nine and his role on Today, effective immediately.’
It then quickly shifts into a defence of editorial principles, stating: ‘Protecting freedom of speech is at the core of Nine News 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 are.’
It goes on to emphasise editorial balance and standards, saying: ‘We welcome open debate and the challenging of norms with constructive, balanced arguments.’
A leaked email sent to Channel Nine staff has shed light on how the network’s bosses really felt about Karl Stefanovic and his podcast
‘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.’
The email also acknowledges the internal impact of the sudden change, particularly on staff working on Today, offering reassurance and support.
‘I am acutely aware of 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,’ she wrote, before confirming that employees will be kept abreast of plans for The Today Show going forward.
It comes as Stefanovic is reportedly talking to lawyers about pursuing Channel Nine for wrongful dismissal following his departure from the network.
On Friday, Stefanovic declared ‘I am free’ in a video to fans after it was announced live on air that he has left the Today show and Nine following the fallout from his controversial interview with Tommy Robinson.
His Today co-host Sarah Abo broke down in tears as she announced the news on Friday morning after mounting speculation about his future at the network.
Insiders have told news.com.au that Stefanovic hopes to take a leaf out of Kyle Sandilands’ book by suing his former employer for the balance of his contract – and possibly also for reputational damage.
The TV star, who has been a Nine stalwart for some 25 years, had six months and between $1 million and $1.5 million left to be paid on his 12 month contract.
Meanwhile, Stefanovic (left) is reportedly taking a leaf out of Kyle Sandilands’ (right) book by talking to lawyers about suing his former employer Nine for the balance of his contract – and possibly also for reputational damage
Sandilands previously made a bid to take legal action against his former employer Australian Radio Network during a separate contract standoff, after tensions escalated over his long-running radio deal.
At the time, the radio host was reportedly considering an $80million claim for the value of his contract after discussions around his position and future direction at the network broke down.
Sandilands was said to be considering a claim over the value of his contract after discussions around his position and future direction at the network broke down.
Legal letters were exchanged, and for a brief period it was understood he was prepared to pursue damages for what he believed was the remaining value of his agreement, as well as the manner in which negotiations had unfolded.
However, the matter never progressed to a full court battle. Instead, both sides ultimately reached a confidential commercial settlement, allowing Sandilands to continue his broadcasting career without prolonged litigation or further public escalation.
It was announced on Friday that Stefanovic would be leaving Nine following the fallout from his controversial interview with Tommy Robinson on his podcast, The Karl Stefanovic Show.
Abo broke down in tears as she said: ‘Look, we know there has been a lot of speculation about Karl’s future with the show. Today we wanted to inform you that Karl will not be returning to the Today show or to Nine,’ she said.
Fill-in host Tom Steinfort said it was ‘no longer possible’ for Stefanovic to work on both the breakfast show and his podcast, The Karl Stefanovic Show.
It was announced on Friday that Stefanovic would be leaving Nine following the fallout from his controversial interview with Tommy Robinson. His co-host Sarah Abo tearfully broke the news on the Today show
Shortly after the announcement, Stefanovic addressed his Today show fans in a video, believed to be filmed in a park in London, saying the last few days ‘hadn’t been easy’ but he was happy to be ‘truly independent’ at last
‘As you know, he’s been pursuing a podcast project independently of Nine for the past few months, and it’s been decided he’ll be injecting all of his energy and attention into that, as doing both is no longer possible,’ he said.
In a statement to The Daily Mail, Channel Nine said that they agreed with Stefanovic that he should leave the show ‘immediately’.
‘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,’ they 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.’
Shortly after the announcement, Stefanovic addressed his Today show fans in a video, believed to be filmed in a park in London, saying the last few days ‘hadn’t been easy’ but he was happy to be ‘truly independent’ at last.
Stefanovic was set to resign from Nine following late-night talks on Wednesday with the network over his interview with Robinson.
He uploaded a controversial chat with the British far-right activist to his YouTube channel podcast, The Karl Stefanovic Show, on Tuesday, only to delete it hours later after facing widespread backlash.
Stefanovic, who is on two weeks’ leave in London, was told the network ‘wanted to part ways’.
Meanwhile, group of Aussie football fans voiced their support for Karl Stefanovic while gathered in a California pub ahead of the Socceroos’ World Cup showdown against Paraguay
Stefanovic uploaded a controversial chat with British far-right activist Robinson (pictured) to his YouTube channel podcast, The Karl Stefanovic Show, on Tuesday, only to delete it hours later after facing widespread backlash
Meanwhile, Stefanovic’s departure from the Today show and Channel Nine has sent shockwaves across the globe, with Australian fans abroad sharing their dismay in a new viral video.
Video captured by Thomas McNally showed supporters breaking into chants of ‘We want our Karl back’ at San Pedro Square Market as Nine’s Washington correspondent Lauren Tomasi broadcast live from the fan hub before the match.
Onlookers laughed as they watched the scene unfold, with one man joking: ‘We don’t actually’.
The chants were not heard during Ms Tomasi’s 6am cross, in which she described a huge show of support for the Socceroos in California and said fans had completely filled the pub ahead of the crucial match.
She told viewers the Australian squad had been out stretching their legs earlier in the morning and appeared relaxed and prepared as anticipation built over the starting line-up.
During another live cross just after 7am, Ms Tomasi joked the crowd was becoming ‘very, very well hydrated’ in the California heat, adding that the atmosphere inside the pub had become so loud she had to step outside.
She also remarked that Australian supporters were ‘everywhere you look’ as fans gathered in force ahead of the game.
