David Koch announced his departure from Sunriseending a 21-year run on the Seven breakfast show.
Kochie will end in two weeks as the longest serving breakfast TV host in Australian history, having broadcast a record 16,000 hours of live TV across more than 5300 shows and around 50,000 interviews.
“I loved every single minute of my time at Sunriseand I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved over the past 21 years,” Kochie said. the best job in the world,” he told viewers this morning.
“What I will miss the most is working with the unbelievable Sunrise team, especially Nat, the Beretts and Dave Walters who have been with me pretty much the entire show. I think I spent more time with them than with my family and it was an absolute joy. i will miss the Sunrise spectators who energized me every single day.
“I also appreciate the support from Seven Network, from the President down, for allowing me to be myself, for their understanding when I’ve filled the boxes – which is more often than I’d like to admit – and for their constant encouragement and respect,” he said.
“I know I will miss him greatly, but it’s time for me to work during business hours, and for Libby and I to have a little more flexibility to enjoy our growing family, travel, and focus on our business interests. family to Pinstripe Media and the Ausbiz shopping channel. As everyone knows, I’m a finance nerd, so you’ll still see me pop up occasionally on RBA board meeting days or to cover other big financial news, but as a guest rather than a host.
“Making it 20 consecutive years as Australia’s most watched breakfast show is a great time to walk off stage with a huge sense of pride and gratitude. Thank you for the privilege,” Kochie said.
Seven West Media chairman Kerry Stokes AC said: “David has played a central role in turning the tide of Seven Network over the last two decades until we continue to dominate the ratings from the dawn with Sunrisea program he has been with since October 2002.
“I will personally miss David, as he is a complete professional and a wonderful human being, particularly in the way he has mentored so many people at Seven. I wish David and his wife Libby the best after what has been a rigorous work schedule, which has also included many pro bono roles in the sporting and charitable arenas.
Seven West Media managing director and managing director James Warburton said: “Kochie has been the king of breakfast TV for two decades, taking Sunrise at number 1 and helping to keep it there year after year. It’s a tremendous achievement, one he should be very proud of. But all good things come to an end and I admire and respect his decision to step away from Sunrise while he is at the top of his game.
“Kochie is the best team player and I will miss seeing him on screen every morning. Wishing him, Libby and the family all the best for the future and thanks from all to Seven.
A replacement has yet to be announced with big name names including Matt Shirvington, Chris Brown and Matt Doran.
This post updates.
