Nine Entertainment is facing mounting pressure after One Nation leader Pauline Hanson accused the network of targeting Today show host Karl Stefanovic over an interview with controversial British activist Tommy Robinson, igniting a fresh debate about editorial independence, media bias and the future direction of Australia’s media giant who some claim has gone from being right wing under Packer ownership to Left Wing under their current management.

The controversy erupted after Stefanovic’s interview with Robinson, recorded in London for his independently produced podcast, was removed from YouTube, Spotify, Instagram and Apple Podcasts less than 12 hours after publication on Tuesday night.

Hanson responded by reposting the entire interview on her own channels, accusing Nine of attempting to distance itself from one of its highest-profile personalities.

“It looks like they’re trying to sack my good friend Karl Stefanovic for this video with Tommy Robinson,” Hanson claimed.

The dispute has intensified scrutiny of Nine’s internal culture and editorial direction, with critics arguing the broadcaster has shifted away from the more conservative traditions associated with its ownership during the Packer era to being “woke” and now leaning to the left influenced by their left wing journalists from the Melbourne Age and the Sydney Morning Herald.

Nine has publicly distanced itself from the podcast while confirming it is reviewing the matter.

“The Karl Stefanovic Show is a completely independent production.

Nine has no involvement, including in the guest selection and other editorial processes,” a spokesperson said.

“However, Nine is taking this matter seriously.”

The Australian reported that the interview has become the latest controversy surrounding Stefanovic’s independent media ventures, amid claims of growing tensions between the presenter and senior management.

The timing is particularly sensitive for Nine, which is preparing for a crucial battle to retain National Rugby League broadcast rights beyond 2027 while simultaneously navigating broader challenges across its television, streaming and publishing businesses.

Stefanovic, one of Australian television’s most recognisable personalities, is currently midway through a contract understood to have around six months remaining. Industry speculation has intensified over his long-term future at the network following a series of independent media projects that have attracted significant audiences outside Nine’s traditional platforms.

Since launching his podcast operation, Stefanovic has rapidly expanded output from two episodes a week to five, building a substantial following and generating significant media attention. He has also joined radio executive Eddie McGuire on ARN’s podcast The Long Weekend.

Currently on leave from the Today show while conducting interviews in the United Kingdom, Stefanovic is being replaced by Nine News Melbourne anchor Tom Steinfort.

The dispute has also revived debate over whether Nine’s editorial identity has evolved since its landmark acquisition of Fairfax Media.

Nine, once controlled by the late Kerry Packer and later James Packer, historically carried a reputation for reflecting more conservative viewpoints. However, the 2018 Fairfax merger transformed the company into one of Australia’s largest cross-platform media organisations, combining television assets with newspaper mastheads including The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.

Academic research published in PLOS One analysing more than 30 million news articles found evidence of editorial shifts following major media ownership changes, including the Nine-Fairfax merger.

Supporters of Nine reject claims the company has adopted a partisan political position, noting audience