Karl Stefanovic fired from Today as TV executives reveal truth about his future

Three of Australia’s biggest TV bosses have weighed in on the sacking of Karl Stefanovic from the Today Show, revealing what his future holds.

Three of Australia’s biggest TV bosses have weighed in on the sacking of Karl Stefanovic from the Today Show, revealing what he might do next.

Former Nine CEO David Leckie, who was with the network for 23 years, launched a scathing assessment of Stefanovic in an interview with The Australian, admitting he would have also made the call to sack the once popular host after his lavish Mexican wedding with Jasmine Yarbrough.

“That wedding was a joke,” he told The Australian.

“He stuffed up with the wedding. If I was (Nine chief executive) Hugh Marks, I would have done the same.

“He’s ruined his brand. I don’t think he has any awareness about what he’s done. At the moment, he’s dead meat.”

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Karl was known to have a laugh on camera. Picture: Supplied

Despite this, Mr Leckie revealed Stefanovic was capable of making a comeback one day if he hits the road with 60 Minutes and redeems himself as a reporter.

“I don’t think he’s beyond rehabilitat­ion, but it’s a close thing,” Mr Leckie said. “It depends on him. 60 Minutes is screaming out for a Jana Wendt or a Ray Martin, becau­se it’s struggling right now. And Karl could be that figure. But he’s got to ­redeem himself.”

Two of the network’s former longstanding news and current affairs chiefs, Peter Meakin and John Westacott, also said Stefanovic needed to prove himself as a great journalist, covering important stories in order to connect with the public again.

Lisa Wilkinson paid tribute to her long-time co-host on Instagram.

“I’d get him to do some stuff that’s incredibly responsible and serious for 60 Minutes,” Mr Meakin said.

“But I think anyone who writes off Karl Stefanovic would be making a mistake.

“He’s been bribed to stay on Today for years. In a way, it’ll be a relief for him to leave it.

“It will be a reset for him. It’s a setback, but not the end of his career by any means. He’s a very likeable larrikin.”

Karl and Jasmine celebrating in Cabo ahead of their lavish wedding. Picture: Tristan Houghton

Mr Westacott said Stefanovic should follow in the footsteps of Liz Hayes, a 60 Minutes veteran who is regarded as one of the country’s best journalists.

“Karl’s a good TV talent, and he’s an experienced, competent reporter. Liz was a news reporter, spent time on Today Show, which taught her some skills, then she went back on the road. “Now she’s one of the country’s best reporters. It’s time for Karl to do the same.”

Nine’s Director of News and Current Affairs released a statement on Wednesday announcing Stefanovic's sacking, saying: “Nine and Karl Stefanovic have agreed it is time for him to step off the Today Show. Karl remains on contract with the network and will continue to host This Time Next Year, which records in February.

Jasmine and Karl on their wedding day. Picture: Supplied

“For over 14 years Karl has been at the centre of the Today Show bringing his unique personality and perspective to the day’s news and current affairs.

“An announcement on the new line up and format of the Today Show will be made in the coming weeks.”

Stefanovic is currently on holiday in Aspen, Colorado, with his shoe designer wife, saying in a statement: “For the last 14 years I’ve co-hosted the best show on television. I can’t thank Nine enough for the opportunity. I never in my wildest dreams thought I would be good enough to host this grand show for so long.

“Thanks to our viewers mostly, you are what matters most. It’s been a tough time. Thanks for hanging in there. I look forward to seeing you in another capacity at this great Network soon.”