‘Media ban’ follows Karl Stefanovic marriage breakdown

CHANNEL 9 is seemingly going to extreme lengths to protect its golden boy as he copes with his marriage breakdown.

CHANNEL 9 is seemingly going to extreme lengths to protect its golden boy Karl Stefanovic as he copes with his marriage breakdown.

The Courier-Mail believes the station has put a media ban on its major talent to ensure no one comments on Stefanovic’s split from wife Cassandra Thorburn.

The Today host’s separation went public when it was revealed that he had moved out to the family home last month.

An insider from Nine told The Courier-Mail that executives at the network were doing what they could to keep the Brisbane-born host’s personal life out of the headlines.

Previously organised interviews and photo shoots with key talent have been cancelled since the news of Stefanovic and Thorburn’s separation broke.

The media blackout is having flow-on affects for businesses and charities aligned with Nine talent.

Today Show hosts Sylvia Jeffreys, Karl Stefanovic, Lisa Wilkinson and Richard Wilkins. Pic: Lachie Millard

His Today co-host Sylvia Jeffreyspulled out of press for a local business on Friday.

While organisers blamed time constraints on cancelling the interview and shoot, The Courier-Mail believes Nine stepped in and shut down the press opportunity.

While the brekkie show was on the Gold Coast last week, the show’s talent were again not available for any press.

Sonia Kruger is also part of the rumoured media ban at the station.

The Today Extra host is not doing any press for the Cosmopolitan Women of the Year Awards, where she is one of the major nominees.

A Nine spokeswoman denied the claims.

Stefanovic has not directly addressed the marriage split on air.

Reports initially surfaced last month that Stefanovic had split from his wife of 21 years.

According to The Sunday Telegraph, the Today host is understood to have moved out of the home he shares with Thorburn and their three children.

Stefanovic has spoken of how Thorburn gave up a promising career at the ABC to raise their children, Jackson, 16, Ava, 11, and 10-year-old River.

Radio presenter Ben Fordham previously told Fairfax: “There’s no question that Cass is a crucial ingredient in Karl’s success.”

“I think she’s ambitious for him … because she wants the best for Karl and she knows how talented he is.”

Stefanovic caused a stir in 2011 when he won the most popular presenter Logie.

The severely jetlagged Today host, who raced back from covering the royal wedding to be at the awards show in Melbourne, angered viewers and women in the room with his risque acceptance speech.

Thanking his wife, he said: “She has been a great influence on my life and has also got the best arse I have ever seen.”

Originally published as ‘Media ban’ follows Karl Stefanovic marriage breakdown