Nine Removes The Long Weekend From Streaming Platforms Following Karl Stefanovic’s Departure

Nine has reportedly removed the recently launched radio program The Long Weekend from its 9Now and Stan streaming platforms following Karl Stefanovic’s high-profile exit from the network.

The veteran television presenter had been expected to co-host the three-hour weekly program alongside Eddie McGuire as part of an ambitious multi-platform partnership spanning radio and streaming.

However, the program now appears to be available exclusively through ARN’s Gold radio network, with Nine quietly stepping away from its digital distribution.

Nine’s Multi-Platform Plans Appear to Have Changed

When The Long Weekend was first announced, Nine streaming and broadcast managing director Amanda Laing said it made sense for a program featuring two of the network’s most prominent personalities to be promoted across 9Now and Stan.

Those plans now appear to have changed significantly.

According to the Herald Sun, the show has been removed from both streaming services, with only a June 26 instalment remaining accessible through Nine. In that episode, McGuire addressed Stefanovic’s absence amid the controversy surrounding his interview with British far-right activist Tommy Robinson.

Nine has not publicly explained the apparent removal, while requests for comment have reportedly been made to the network.

Stefanovic Appeared in Just Two Episodes

Stefanovic appeared in only two editions of The Long Weekend before leaving Nine after more than two decades with the broadcaster.

The 51-year-old’s departure followed intense criticism over the Tommy Robinson interview, which was published through his independent podcast, The Karl Stefanovic Show.

The fallout also marked the end of Stefanovic’s long-running role on Nine’s breakfast program Today, bringing a dramatic close to one of Australian television’s most recognisable partnerships.

His short-lived radio arrangement was reportedly worth approximately $200,000 for the remainder of the year.

Sources cited by the Australian Financial Review claimed ARN had decided to end its professional relationship with Stefanovic last month, although McGuire has continued presenting the program without him.

Eddie McGuire Continues Without His Former Co-Host

McGuire has remained behind the microphone with support from newsreader Georgia Love and anchor Toni Tenaglia.

Addressing listeners after Stefanovic’s departure, McGuire confirmed that his friend and former co-host would no longer be involved with the program.

He said Stefanovic would instead focus on the next chapter of his career and continue developing The Karl Stefanovic Show podcast.

McGuire also offered his former colleague a warm public farewell, describing their time together on the radio program as brief but memorable and wishing him well for the future.

Another Major Setback for Stefanovic

The removal of The Long Weekend from Nine’s platforms represents another setback for Stefanovic following his sudden departure from the broadcaster.

The program had initially been positioned as an important new project featuring two experienced Australian media personalities. Its presence across radio, 9Now and Stan was expected to help the show reach audiences beyond traditional broadcasting.

Instead, the project will now continue as a Gold FM radio production led by McGuire, while Stefanovic concentrates on building his independent podcast away from mainstream television.

The full impact of the controversy on Stefanovic’s future remains unclear. However, the quiet disappearance of The Long Weekend from Nine’s streaming platforms suggests the network is moving quickly to distance its programming from the former Today presenter.