This week, The Today Show presenter and podcast host Karl Stefanovic published an interview with British far-right activist Tommy Robinson.
Soon after the podcast was uploaded, it was removed from YouTube, Spotify, and Instagram.
On Wednesday, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson posted the interview on her social media accounts, saying: “It looks like [Nine is] trying to sack my good friend Karl Stefanovic for this video with Tommy Robinson!”
So, what’s going on?
Background
Stefanovic has hosted Channel 9’s Today show since 2005 (aside from a one-year gap in 2019).
In January, he launched a video podcast called The Karl Stefanovic Show, where he provides commentary on politics and current affairs, and interviews public figures. It is independent from Nine.
The show’s description says it is: “Unfiltered. Unscripted. Uncensored.”
Stefanovic has hosted Hanson, former Prime Minister John Howard, and former TV host and vaccine skeptic Pete Evans.
Recent episode
This week, Stefanovic uploaded an interview with controversial far-right activist Tommy Robinson.
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has attracted attention for his anti-immigration, anti-Islam beliefs. He has been jailed for assault, contempt of court, using someone else’s passport, and mortgage fraud.
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After recent incidents of violence in the UK, Robinson has attended and encouraged anti-immigration protests.
On Tuesday, Stefanovic shared an interview promo on social media.
In the promo, Stefanovic called recently resigned UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer a "wanker".
Soon after the interview was uploaded, it was taken down from streaming platforms with no explanation. Google confirmed to TDA that the video’s removal from YouTube was not its decision.
The promo and a preview of the podcast are still on X.
On Wednesday, Hanson shared the interview to her social media, including the full podcast on her YouTube.
She called Stefanovic her “good friend,” adding: “The weak management of Channel 9 want to sack Karl over this interview.”
Response
Stefanovic has not publicly addressed the podcast’s removal.
“The Karl Stefanovic Show is a completely independent production,” a Nine spokesperson told AAP.
“Nine has no involvement, including in the guest selection and other editorial processes.
“However, Nine is taking this matter seriously.”
