Karl Stefanovic and Eddie McGuire join ARN Media for new multi-platform show amid Nine contract talks
Consensus Summary
Karl Stefanovic and Eddie McGuire have signed a deal with ARN Media to host *The Long Weekend*, a three-hour multi-platform show airing Fridays from June 19, 2026, on Gold radio, Nine’s 9Now and Stan, and as a video podcast. The move comes amid speculation about Stefanovic’s future at Nine, where his contract expires in December 2026, and ARN’s efforts to recover from $160 million in lawsuits by Kyle Sandilands and Jackie Henderson. ARN’s CEO, Michael Stephenson, a former Nine executive, framed the show as part of a strategy to shift from linear radio to premium cross-platform content, including distribution on iHeart and social media. Stefanovic’s independent podcast, featuring high-profile right-wing guests, has drawn attention to his potential departure from Nine, though the new show will not disrupt his existing commitments. Both broadcasters emphasized their long friendship and ambition to disrupt media norms, with McGuire calling it a ‘wonderful new chapter.’
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Karl Stefanovic and Eddie McGuire will host a three-hour show called *The Long Weekend* every Friday starting June 19, 2026, from midday to 3pm.
- The show will air live on ARN’s Gold radio network, Nine’s 9Now and Stan streaming platforms, and as a video podcast.
- ARN Media CEO Michael Stephenson is a former Nine executive who left 18 months ago and has since hired multiple Nine executives, including Kerri Elstub as chief content officer.
- Stefanovic’s contract with Nine reportedly expires in December 2026, with rumors of it being worth over $2 million annually.
- ARN faces $160 million in lawsuits from Kyle Sandilands and Jackie Henderson over their terminated contracts.
- Stefanovic launched *The Karl Stefanovic Show* podcast in 2026, interviewing figures like Pauline Hanson, Barnaby Joyce, and Matt Canavan.
- ARN will distribute *The Long Weekend* on social channels and the iHeart streaming platform globally.
- McGuire’s production company, JAM TV, will collaborate with ARN on a new sports-focused podcast for iHeart.
- Nine’s streaming executive Amanda Laing stated the show’s distribution on Nine’s platforms makes sense due to Nine’s commitment to audio content.
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Nine’s On Background column reported Stefanovic and McGuire were close to signing the deal before finalizing it.
- ARN lost $22 million in revenue after advertisers pulled ads from the Kyle and Jackie O Show due to its content.
- Nine’s January deal with pub and pokies baron Arthur Laundy’s family could open further collaboration with ARN.
- No unique details beyond SMH; identical content.
- Stefanovic negotiated with Nine for three years to launch his independent podcast.
- Stefanovic’s YouTube podcast has over 100,000 subscribers.
- ARN’s Stephenson called the show an example of ‘premium audio and video content’ across platforms.
- Stefanovic’s contract with Nine is rumored to be more than $2 million a year.
- ARN lost $22 million in revenue due to advertiser pullouts from the Kyle and Jackie O Show.
- Stefanovic’s podcast has featured interviews with Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, a Liberal shadow minister.
- ARN’s Stephenson described the show as ‘an excellent example of our strategy’ for cross-platform distribution.
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- The Guardian states ARN faces $160 million in lawsuits, while News.com.au and SMH mention $160 million in lawsuits but do not specify the exact total in other sources.
- News.com.au and Guardian mention ARN lost $22 million in revenue from advertiser pullouts, but SMH only notes the advertiser pullouts without specifying the revenue loss figure.
- Guardian states Stefanovic’s Nine contract is purportedly $2.8 million, while News.com.au and SMH mention over $2 million without specifying $2.8 million.
Source Articles
Karl Stefanovic and Eddie McGuire sign with Kyle and Jackie O’s old radio company and Nine
The veteran broadcasters will do a weekly three-hour-long show on ARN network Gold and Nine’s streaming platforms.
Karl Stefanovic and Eddie McGuire sign with Kyle and Jackie O’s old radio company and Nine
The veteran broadcasters will do a weekly three-hour-long show on ARN network Gold and Nine’s streaming platforms.
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Karl Stefanovic and Eddie McGuire sign radio deal as ARN fights to survive Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O saga
Network hires two of Nine’s biggest names to host The Long Weekend after losing $22m in revenue over the now-cancelled Kyle and Jackie O Show Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast ARN Media has added two of Nine’s biggest names, Eddie McGuire and Karl Stefanovic, to its radio stable as it fights to survive $160m in lawsuits from Kyle Sandilands and Jackie “O” Henderson. The network has hired McGuire and Stefanovic to h