James Packer, the former owner of Nine, has defended his friend Karl Stefanovic over a controversial podcast interview that sparked the TV presenter's explosive exit from Channel 9's Today show.

Packer, who has known Stefanovic for over a decade, described the Gold Logie winner's one-hour discussion with far-right British activist Tommy Robinson as 'not that bad'. The interview, which was recorded last week, was deleted by Nine after executives became aware of its contents.

'I didn't think it was that bad,' said Packer. 'In my time at Nine and certainly at the Nine newspapers, the old Fairfax newspapers, there's always been editorial independence. I think it's pretty hypocritical not to allow Karl editorial independence, especially on something I didn't think was that bad.'

Nine executives had become increasingly unhappy with Stefanovic's behaviour since he launched his independent podcast in January. The TV presenter was reportedly one of the highest-paid stars on the network, earning over $2 million per year.

In recent weeks, Stefanovic faced criticism for his association with controversial figures, including former TV chef Pete Evans and far-right activist Tommy Robinson. His apology in March for taking part in Channel 9's COVID-19 vaccine campaign also angered management.

Packer's comments in support of Stefanovic may be seen as a challenge to Nine's authority. The TV network has been trying to distance itself from the presenter's comments and actions.

Stefanovic's exit from the Today show marks the end of his near two-decade run as host. Management at Nine had become tired of his behaviour and saw the controversial podcast as the final straw.

Karl Stefanovic is a well-known TV presenter in Australia, having hosted the Today show since 2008. He has won numerous awards for his work, including the Gold Logie award for Most Popular TV Presenter.

The controversy surrounding Stefanovic's podcast interview and subsequent exit from the Today show has sparked a heated debate about editorial independence and free speech in the media industry. Critics have accused Stefanovic of promoting far-right views and undermining the credibility of Channel 9.

The drama surrounding Stefanovic's exit has also sparked speculation about the TV presenter's future. Sources close to the TV network have revealed that Stefanovic's contract was terminated last week, but the details of the agreement remain unclear.

Stefanovic has not spoken publicly about his exit from the Today show, but he has reportedly been in talks with Australian radio network ARN about hosting a new show.

### Key Facts

  • Karl Stefanovic hosted the Today show since 2008
  • Stefanovic's contract with Channel 9 was terminated last week
  • The TV presenter's podcast interview with Tommy Robinson was deleted by Nine
  • Stefanovic earned over $2 million per year from Channel 9
  • The TV presenter's association with controversial figures sparked criticism from Channel 9 executives
  • Stefanovic's apology in March for taking part in Channel 9's COVID-19 vaccine campaign angered management
  • Packer's comments in support of Stefanovic may be seen as a challenge to Channel 9's authority
  • The TV presenter's exit from the Today show marks the end of his near two-decade run as host
  • Stefanovic's podcast interview was recorded last week and deleted by Nine
  • The TV presenter has been in talks with Australian radio network ARN about hosting a new show