Australia's highest-paid TV presenter faces backlash over Tommy Robinson interview

Australia's highest-paid TV presenter is reportedly set to lose his job after hosting British far-right activist Tommy Robinson on his podcast.

Karl Stefanovic is a household name in Australia as the long-time host of breakfast programme Today.

But featuring Robinson, the founder of the anti-Islamist English Defence League, appears to have been a step too far for the Channel Nine network.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Channel Nine bosses held crisis talks after the episode featuring Robinson went online on Tuesday.

It was no longer available on YouTube, Spotify or Apple Podcasts on Wednesday.

The podcast, The Karl Stefanovic Show, was an independent production not associated with Channel Nine.

The broadcaster is now negotiating terms for Stefanovic's departure, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.

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In a statement, Channel Nine said: "The Karl Stefanovic Show is a completely independent production. Nine has no involvement, including in the guest selection and other editorial processes.

"However, Nine is taking this matter seriously."

In the podcast, which runs for almost an hour, Stefanovic said he admired Robinson's "tenacity" and "courage".

As part of promotional photos and videos, the podcast host posed with his arm around Robinson on a London street.

Robinson was denied a visa to enter Australia for a speaking tour in 2019 due to his criminal record.

(c) Sky News 2026: Australia's highest-paid TV presenter faces backlash over Tommy Robinson interview