Karl Stefanovic has issued an important message to the “keyboard cowards” out there who have attacked Channel Nine and 2GB host Deb Knight

Having himself been the target of an unfathomable amount of online abuse, Karl opened up, revealing just how much of an impact it can have.

“They’re called keyboard warriors but I like to refer to them as keyboard cowards,” he says while hosting The Steve Price Show on 2GB and 4BC.

“Sometimes it can get you at the wrong time of day, or you’re having a tough week and you take real offence to it.

“There are people out there who aren’t used to it who are really going to be bullied.”

The former Today Show host goes on to say it’s not just social media trolls who need to be held to account.

“There are comments on certain newspaper sites as well.

“The Daily Mail is a disgraceful publication at times, with what they write.

“Don’t get me started on what they’ve done stories on me.”

Click PLAY below to hear Karl and Rita’s comments in full

Karl was joined by Rita Panahi who cops more than her fair share of online abuse for her strong opinions on issues.

She tells Karl it’s water off a duck’s back for her, but insists that isn’t the case for most.

“They’re just morons and cowards on social media.

“They would never dare say it to your face. They would not have the guts to even look at you if you saw them in person but they feel emboldened on Facebook or Twitter to spew this abuse because it doesn’t come with any consequences.

“I couldn’t give a stuff to be honest with you.”