The reported axing of Australian TV host Karl Stefanovic after he conducted an hour-long interview with British activist Tommy Robinson has been heavily criticised online by right and conservative-leaning figures.
The podcast with Robinson—produced privately by Stefanovic—was uploaded to various platforms like YouTube and Spotify on June 23, but by June 24, had been removed.
It remains unclear whether the footage was removed by the platforms or by the Today Show host Stefanovic.
Yet Stefanovic now faces pressure for that program with reports he is negotiating his exit from Nine Entertainment, and also the cancellation of a scheduled appearance on radio program, The Long Weekend, co-hosted by fellow TV personality Eddie McGuire.
The news and entertainment show was launched in June by radio giant ARN’s Gold station and was set to stream on Nine’s platforms.
The Epoch Times has contacted Nine Entertainment for comment.
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In Australia, Nationals Party Leader Matthew Canavan said the dismissal should not have happened.
“But the good news is that, unlike in previous eras, people can’t be silenced now. Karl will just get bigger and more people will be able to access unfiltered views absent the controls that have stifled debate for too long.”
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson joked on Sky News that she had a job offer available for him.
“Hey, guess what Karl, I’m looking for someone in my office. I want some advisors in my office, so Karl, come and apply for a job with me,” Hanson said.
“We‘ll have a great time, we will put them all on notice and we’ll get the country back on track, mate.”
Former federal MP George Christensen said it showed how sensitive certain issues were to corporate entities.
“A veteran Australian broadcaster interviews a controversial figure, says something the corporate media class doesn’t like, and suddenly the suits move in.”
The situation has also drawn criticism from some Jewish Australian commentators.
Businessman Daniel Lewkovitz said there was inconsistency in how the network handled its hosts.
“You see she interviewed Nasser Mashni. A convicted violent kidnapper and terror supporter, who bashed a 15-year-old child and who has supported Hamas, repeatedly refusing to outright condemn Hamas’ mass murder of Jews on Oct. 7.
“Nine should also sack every producer who set up the interview. Or is that the image Nine wants?”
Activist and influencer Avi Yemini echoed a similar view.
“One interview with someone who’s anti-Islamic, and they nuked him. I thought the rule was: ‘If you want to know who rules over you, just look at who you’re not allowed to criticise.’”
