Nine Entertainment negotiates Karl Stefanovic's exit

• Nine Entertainment is negotiating the exit of television presenter Karl Stefanovic following a controversial podcast episode.
• The media company faces potential consumer boycott campaigns from activist groups targeting its advertising revenue.
• The presenter plans to establish an independent digital media portfolio across multiple online platforms.

Nine Entertainment (ASX:NEC) is negotiating the departure of television host Karl Stefanovic, who has six months remaining on his contract.

This decision follows controversy over an interview uploaded to his independent podcast channel, which is currently ranked sixth in Australia.

The media company stated that it had no involvement in the guest selection or editorial processes of the independent production.

An activist group announced it is considering a consumer boycott campaign against the broadcaster following the episode.

Following the announcement, the Nine Entertainment share price was unchanged at $1.35.

The host has presented the company's morning television programme on and off for more than 20 years.

The broadcaster operates multiple media assets, including the Stan streaming service and various metro news publications.