By the time the prime minister sat down at the Lodge for a live chat on the Karl Stefanovic Show, Nine’s highest-paid journalist had already amassed over 50,000 YouTube subscribers on his new independent platform within just four weeks. His most popular videos, featuring guests with strong anti-immigration views, have each been watched nearly 300,000 times on YouTube and TikTok.
By Friday, the Karl Stefanovic Show had climbed to the second spot on Apple Podcasts overall, trailing only Mamamia Out Loud, and was number one in the news category. During Tuesday’s podcast with the Prime Minister, it quickly became evident what Stefanovic’s audience wanted—and it was not Anthony Albanese. The live comment stream was flooded with support for One Nation, mass deportations, and disdain for the government.
Riding the Right-Wing Wave
The success of Stefanovic’s podcast highlights a growing trend in media consumption: a shift towards platforms that offer right-wing perspectives through conversational interviews. Stefanovic, a household name from Channel Nine, where he reportedly earns $2.8 million as the face of Today, has shifted his focus to a more niche audience. His YouTube channel is filled with right-wing guests, drawing his largest audience yet.
Stefanovic sought approval from his bosses at Nine to launch the podcast, which seemed to be part of an exit strategy from mainstream broadcasting. Sources indicate that management agreed, provided his pay was reduced in line with Nine’s cost-cutting measures. He launched his solo project on Australia Day with One Nation leader Pauline Hanson, followed by interviews with Barnaby Joyce and Liberal shadow minister Jacinta Nampijinpa Price.
Audience Reaction and Controversy
One viewer commented, “Gotta admit, I’m not Karl’s biggest fan but I’m really enjoying his podcasts. He is actually listening to Aussies and what is important to us right now. Pauline, Barnaby. Great interviews. Keep it up.” Another wrote, “Great work Karl … You’re a patriot and we love you for it! … Reclaim Australia and vote for One Nation.”
However, the podcast has not been without controversy. During the live streams, there were numerous antisemitic and pro-neo-Nazi comments, which were later deleted. A video of the episode titled “‘Australians aren’t far right – Karl challenges the PM’” had 95,000 views on YouTube by Friday.
Following in Joe Rogan’s Footsteps
La Trobe University academic and alternative news media researcher Finley Watson suggests that Stefanovic’s channel builds on an established YouTube formula that caters to an audience seeking right-wing perspectives. “They present as ideologically centrist and fact-based, while tacitly endorsing the politics of parties such as Reform UK and One Nation,” Watson says.
Stefanovic’s style appears to echo that of Joe Rogan’s successful podcast, combining hard-right discussions with a relaxed interview style. His second interview with Big Chocky, a popular anti-immigration podcaster, along with former soldier Sam Bamford, was laden with conspiracy theories about 9/11, government cover-ups, and a so-called secret world elite.
“I love this country as you guys know, and I love all voices you know, and I love what you guys are doing,” Stefanovic told his guests during the podcast.
Comparisons and Criticisms
While Stefanovic has built a significant audience quickly, he is still overshadowed by other podcasters like former deputy prime minister John Anderson, who has 780,000 subscribers, and Avi Yemini, the Australian correspondent for Rebel News, with 927,000. His high profile and promotion through news site interviews and social media have contributed to his rapid audience growth, though some of his Nine colleagues believe he has been given too much freedom by those who pay his wages.
Nine declined to respond to questions from Guardian Australia regarding Stefanovic’s podcast and its implications for his role at the network.
The Future of Stefanovic’s Podcast
Stefanovic has signaled his personal views in an exclusive interview with news.com.au, criticizing “woke” culture for stripping the nation of its confidence and asserting that those who come to Australia must accept its laws and customs. “I love this country. I love waving flags,” he told political editor Samantha Maiden. “I love going to cricket or footy all day in the sun. I love celebrating this country for what it is—and it’s a great country.”
His producer, former Who editor Keshnee Kemp, has indicated that the podcast will focus on male-centric topics, covering masculinity and fringe theories. As Stefanovic continues to ride the wave of right-wing popularity, it remains to be seen how his podcast will evolve and what impact it will have on his career in mainstream media.
