Karl Stefanovic Is JUMPING SHIP?! A Rival Network Just Made Him an Offer He Can’t Refuse — And Nine’s Bombshell Restructure Is the Reason Why!
Karl Stefanovic has been approached by a rival broadcaster after launching his podcast as his employer Nine announced a major restructure of its news division.
Karl Stefanovic has been in talks with a rival broadcaster following the huge success of his podcast, according to reports.
Rumours the Today show host would be leaving Nine began circulating after he signed a one-year contract in December 2025.
In January, the broadcaster launched his podcast, fuelling reports he is setting himself up for a career away from breakfast TV.
Now it’s been revealed Stefanovic was in talks to leave Nine after being offered a lucrative deal by ARN Media, well before the network sensationally terminated Kyle Sandilands and Jackie ‘O’ Henderson.
Karl Stefanovic has reportedly been in talks with a rival network following the huge success of his podcast.
Channel Nine is facing immense pressure to cut costs by 2027 and the network may not be able to offer Stefanovic a lucrative deal that can match other offers.
On Thursday, Nine confirmed a major restructure of its news division and every role is set to be impacted in some way while 20 positions will be axed entirely.
Executive director of news and current affairs Fiona Dear has informed all TV news staff they would be affected by the shake-up, with Sydney and Canberra newsrooms to be affected first.
It’s understood ARN chief executive Michael “Stevo” Stephenson, formerly the head of sales at Nine, reached out to Stefanovic after being impressed by the success of his podcast, according to News.com.au.
The podcast has received more than 7.9 million listeners and 49.5 millions views across YouTube and Spotify in its first three months.
After Sandilands and Henderson had their KIIS FM breakfast show axed, rumours circulated Stefanovic was in the running to land his own morning radio slot.
However, with interest in Stefanovic proceeding the infamous on-air spat that brought the shock jock and Henderson’s partnership to an end, it would suggest ARN could offer the TV host a drive-time show.
ARN may also consider capitalising on the success of Stefanovic’s podcast and offer him a deal that incorporates his new venture into their broadcasting offering.
Stefanovic’s podcast has primarily focused on Australian politics since it launched in January.
When he announced the new project, away from his role presenting the Today show, he promised to “unleash his inner beast” through “unfiltered and uncensored” conversations.
Since then, he has welcomed a number of big-named guests, including Kyle Sandilands, Pauline Hanson and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
It comes after an insider revealed Stefanovic was looking forward to saying goodbye to his early morning starts.
“At a certain age, people just go, ‘Why am I getting up at 3.30am in the morning?’” media commentator Andrew Mercado told Yahoo Lifestyle.
“And it could be that Karl is at that point where he wants to have a regular nine-to-five job.
“As you get older, I think it really knocks your body around to be doing those sort of hours.”