Stefanovic Embraces Right-Wing Podcasting After Nine Exit
Karl Stefanovic's departure from Nine Entertainment is accelerating his transformation from a morning television host to a right-wing podcast provocateur. The catalyst was an interview with far-right anti-Islam activist Tommy Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, a convicted criminal. The interview was initially removed from the internet within hours of publication but later re-emerged on One Nation leader Pauline Hanson's YouTube channel. This move is not an isolated misstep but part of a well-worn strategy that has helped far-right podcasting gain traction in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Building a 'Joe Bogan' Persona
Announcing his new podcast on Instagram in January 2026, Stefanovic, who co-hosted the Today program for two decades, promised “the people I know you want to hear from… across politics, sport, business and culture. Unfiltered. Unscripted. Uncensored.” He has jokingly referred to himself as “Joe Bogan,” a nod to Joe Rogan, host of The Joe Rogan Experience, which regularly tops podcast charts and was credited with swaying voters for Donald Trump in the 2024 US election.
Before Robinson, Stefanovic's podcast featured a range of right-wing figures, including multiple appearances by Pauline Hanson and Barnaby Joyce, as well as John Howard, Matt Canavan, Pete Evans, and former UK special forces soldier Ant Middleton. He also interviewed South Australian Labor Premier Peter Malinauskas. The tone is jocular and upbeat, mirroring American podcast “bros.” Freed from broadcast television's editorial constraints, Stefanovic swears freely and rarely challenges his guests, who monologue about culture war issues like immigration and “wokeism.” He flatters them, telling Middleton he would make a “great prime minister” and praising Robinson's “tenacity and the courage you're showing.” These are not traditional interviews but extended conversations that affirm and promote the guest's perspective.
Victim Narrative as a Key Feature
Right-wing podcasting is entrenched in the US, with a 2023 report finding these podcasts spread mis- and disinformation more readily than liberal counterparts, with Steve Bannon's War Room being the worst offender. Research by Dominic Knight and myself explains how Bannon appeals to listeners by appearing authentic and willing to suffer for a cause, as during his prison stint for contempt of Congress. This victim narrative is central to right-wing podcasting and appears regularly in Stefanovic's interviews. He exclaims to Robinson, “I can't believe you're alive,” and warns “they're gonna… keep coming at you.” He makes no attempt to fact-check, allowing Robinson to discuss his prison sentence without mentioning his contempt of court conviction for repeating false claims about a Syrian schoolboy.
The removal of the Robinson episode, combined with Stefanovic's exit from Nine, will only boost his profile as a right-wing culture warrior. The reasons for the takedown are unclear, but the controversy is already benefiting his brand.
Independent Media Ventures and Political Campaigning
Stefanovic is not alone in building a media brand after leaving legacy media. Examples include Ette Media, Lamestream, and Uncomfortable Conversations with Josh Szeps. In a highly concentrated media market, diversity is positive. However, Stefanovic's podcast differs due to its closeness to a political campaign machine that leverages the outrage economy of social media to advance a right-wing populist agenda. Following the Robinson interview, X (formerly Twitter) has been active, with One Nation capitalizing on the saga. Robinson has railed against Stefanovic's exit, and Elon Musk shared a post by Drew Pavlou, recently announced as “chief chaos correspondent” for Stefanovic's podcast, attracting millions of views.
The real danger lies in normalizing extreme, racist ideals that threaten Australia's social fabric. In the US, followers of white nationalist Nick Fuentes have pushed media figures like the late podcaster Charlie Kirk further right, helping to mainstream ethno-nationalism. Giving figures like Tommy Robinson a platform without scrutiny, couched in friendly conversation, risks fuelling xenophobia.
Political Risks and Financial Realities
While the attention benefits Stefanovic's brand, particularly as he presents himself as a victim and free speech champion, his gamble could backfire. Streamer Adin Ross, who interviewed Trump before the 2024 election, said he wished he never got into politics. Other American podcasters who supported Trump have expressed similar regrets. As an independent, Stefanovic's income will likely come from direct advertising and YouTube views. Experts warn it will be hard to match his previous Nine salary of A$2 million a year. However, the controversy is working: the re-published Robinson interview on Hanson's YouTube channel has over 443,000 views at the time of writing, far outpacing videos on his own channel. His post announcing the Nine exit has nearly 390,000 views just two days after posting, and he expressed hope for more sponsors.
For 20 years, Stefanovic crafted a persona as a larrikin morning television personality. His reinvention might suit the current populist surge, but if that surge subsides, he could find himself out in the cold with advertisers and the public alike.
