Hugh Riminton, national affairs editor at Channel 10, has penned a scathing critique of Karl Stefanovic's decision to platform Tommy Robinson, describing the former Today Show host's shift as a betrayal of his former self and a dangerous embrace of racism and conspiracy theories.
A likable larrikin turned far-right ally
Riminton recalls meeting Stefanovic early in his career, when he was a young journalist who had paid his dues in Rockhampton, Auckland, and Brisbane. 'He was immediately likable. A larrikin; funny but hard-working and serious about his craft,' Riminton writes. But now, Stefanovic's decision to interview Robinson and declare 'I love you' on his podcast has left many puzzled.
Riminton notes that even New South Wales Premier Chris Minns expressed fondness for Stefanovic, and Today Show co-host Sarah Abo had tears in her eyes when announcing his exit. 'The temptation is to see [Karl Stefanovic's] love-in with [Tommy] Robinson as based on a new commonality: they both see ordinary punters as a group to exploit,' Riminton argues.
Tommy Robinson's violent history
Riminton details Robinson's background as a football hooligan with criminal convictions for fraud and violence, a racist who conflates all Muslims with terrorism. Robinson has identified innocent people as sex offenders, leading to job losses and threats. Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson called him a 'rightwing thug.' Stefanovic, Riminton says, seemed uninterested in these facts.
Robinson is supported by far-right American billionaires, including Elon Musk, and has ties to Russian propaganda efforts. A BBC investigation found a Russian front organization promoted Robinson's profile. 'So much for this noble defender of England,' Riminton writes.
The storm of division
At a 'United The Kingdom' rally in London last September, Robinson bellowed, 'We are the storm!' Riminton questions who 'we' refers to: 'Putin's psy-ops merchants? Shadowy American billionaires? The people who backed Brexit and now profit politically from the huge rise in non-EU migration since?'
Riminton laments that Stefanovic's intelligence could have produced a fascinating interview, but instead he offered adulation. 'How has his compass shifted so far that he platforms a man who stirs up terrorist attacks on mosques?'
The profit motive behind far-right commentary
Riminton observes that Stefanovic's pitch for sponsors, claiming the show is about 'freedom of speech,' seems 'pompous, aggrandising and disingenuous.' Media analyst Tim Burrowes from Mumbrella notes that money in freelance political commentary is found on the far right.
ASIO boss Mike Burgess warned this week that the clickbait model drives anger, and there is a direct correlation between inflamed language and violence. 'I have always liked Karl. I have enjoyed his success. If he's now setting off to sell racists, thugs and conspiracy theorists, I hope he fails,' Riminton concludes.
