'What a cop out': Fans fuming Today show didn't give Karl a proper send off

He’s spent the last 14 years as the co-host of one of the most-loved morning shows in the country and fans have been left fuming that Karl Stefanovic wasn’t given a proper send off by the Today show.

The 44-year-old, who is currently on honeymoon in Aspen, after marrying Jasmine Yarbrough in Mexico last week, was yesterday dumped from the Today show, after years of weathering criticism.

And despite his co-star, Richard Wilkins, delivering a heartfelt speech to camera in honour of the ‘fantastic, intuitive and intelligent journalist’, viewers couldn’t help but express their disappointment that Karl wasn’t there himself to be farewelled in style.

“Very sad Channel 9 don’t have Karl on air for them to say goodbye. What a cop out to announce it when Karl is off air you will be missed Karl,” one person said.

“Why does Channel 9 not give long serving host a proper send off?,” another person said.

“Pretty poor effort by ch9 & the TODAY show……1st you let Lisa go without a proper send off & now Karl!! Making Dickie do his tribute at 5:45am just shows the lack of respect you lot had for Karl……pretty disappointed,” another viewer said.

Entertainment reporter Richard Wilkins spoke about Karl’s hard work and long-standing career with the Today show on air this morning.

“I can tell you from the heart that there’s nobody who’s worked harder for this show than Karl,” Richard said.

“He is a fantastic, intuitive and intelligent journalist. I’ve always described him as an intoxicating mix of ‘world’s best broadcaster’ and naughty schoolboy.

“It’s no secret that the past year or so have been in many ways difficult times for Karl but I can say that every morning he has walked into this studio with energy and passion bringing ideas to make the show bigger and better.

“He always strived to deliver the best program he possibly could. Karl says that this is the best show on television and I couldn’t agree more.”

Richard went on to say that presenting the show is a ‘tireless gig and it comes with an enormous amount of scrutiny’.

Karl has been weathering media criticism since leaving his wife of more than 20 years just two years ago.

In a statement on Wednesday, he thanked his fans for sticking by him and revealed he’ll still be presenting on Channel Nine.

“For the last 14 years I’ve co-hosted the best show on television. I can’t thank Nine enough for the opportunity. I never in my wildest dreams thought I would be good enough to host this grand show for so long.

“Thanks to our viewers mostly, you are what matters most. It’s been a tough time. Thanks for hanging in there. I look forward to seeing you in another capacity at this great Network soon.”

Karl has been struggling to hold onto his ‘TV King’ crown ever since that Ubergate scandal earlier this year.

New Idea reported a conversation that occurred between him and younger brother Peter in a cab, where he was busted blasting his co-host Georgie Gardner.

Crisis talks were held on Wednesday over the future of the Today host following the abrupt exit of his younger brother, Peter Stefanovic, TheDaily Telegraph revealed

It was understood top level executives were called into meetings.

The future of several of the network’s other high profile breakfast TV talent remains unknown.

Sources told The Daily Telegraph that Peter’s departure was just the start of a major talent shake-up for the show both on weekdays and the weekend.

Peter, who is married to Nine news presenter, Sylvia Jeffreys, was most recently fronting Weekend Today and some 60 Minutes segments.

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