After a remarkable 21 years at the helm of Australia’s #1 brekky program Sunrise, David Koch has decided it is time to hang up his signature tie.
Kochie will step away from the Sunrise desk in two weeks as the longest-serving breakfast television host in Australian history, having broadcast a record 16,000 hours of live TV across more than 5300 shows and some 50,000 interviews.
Kochie shared the news first with Sunrise viewers and staff during this morning’s show.
“I have loved every single minute of my time at Sunrise, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved over the last 21 years,” Kochie said. “I’ve been privileged to experience so many adventures, to meet so many incredible people and to cover so many moments of history in the making. It really is the world’s best job.
“What I’ll miss most is working with the amazing Sunrise team, especially Nat, Beretts and Dave Walters who have been with me for virtually the entire time on the show. I reckon I’ve spent more time with them than my family and it has been an utter joy. I’ll miss the Sunrise viewers who have energised me every single day.
“I’ve also appreciated the support of the Seven Network, from the Chairman down, for allowing me to be myself, for their understanding when I’ve stuffed up – which is more often than I’d like to admit – and for their constant encouragement and respect,” he said.
“I know I’m going to miss it enormously, but it’s time for me to work business hours, and for Libby and I to have a bit more flexibility to enjoy our burgeoning family, to travel and focus on our family business interests in Pinstripe Media and the Ausbiz business channel. As everyone knows, I’m a finance nerd so you’ll still see me pop up every so often on RBA board meeting days or covering other big financial news, but as a guest rather than host.
“Coming up to 20 consecutive years as Australia’s most-watched breakfast show is a nice moment to exit stage left with an enormous 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 part in turning around the fortunes of the Seven Network over the past two decades to where we continue to dominate the ratings from dawn with Sunrise, a program he has been with since October 2002.
“I will personally miss David, as he is a thorough professional and a wonderful human being, particularly in the manner he has mentored so many Seven people. 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 sports and charity arenas.”
Seven West Media Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, James Warburton, said: “Kochie has been the king of breakfast TV for two decades, taking Sunrise to #1 and helping to keep it there year in, year out. It’s an extraordinary achievement, one that 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’s at the top of his game.
“Kochie is the ultimate team player and I’m going to miss seeing him on screen every morning. I wish him, Libby and the family all the very best for the future, and thank you from everyone at Seven.”
Network Director News and Public Affairs, Craig McPherson, said: “David is a true pioneer of Australian breakfast TV. Plucked from relative obscurity, what started as a most unlikely presenter soon became a unique success story that others simply could not counter or mimic, as is often the way. He excelled across all strands of the tapestry of live television, three-and-a-half hours day in, day out for a record-breaking 21 years.
“David is an ultimate flag bearer for Sunrise and for all those who work on the program. He never underestimated his role or got too carried away with it, which Australians warmed to. No task too small or too big, he’s been wonderful to work with. On behalf of all his colleagues across Seven’s News and Public Affairs domains, we salute a magnificent career. His legacy will be everlasting.”
Director of Morning Television, Sarah Stinson, added: “It is with mixed emotions we farewell Kochie. Sadness as one chapter closes, admiration as we reflect on his incredible innings and excitement to see what lies ahead. Passionate, committed, outspoken, but most importantly, kind and generous, David has never taken for granted the trust Australians afforded him to guide them through the highs and lows of life. With more time now for his other great loves – Libby, their four kids, eight grandkids and, of course, his beloved Port Adelaide footy team – we wish him nothing but the absolute best.”
Co-host and dear friend Natalie Barr, who has sat alongside Kochie for all his years on the show, said: “Sunrise wouldn’t be Sunrise without David Koch. For almost 21 years, I’ve sat at that desk with him and watched as he changed the way breakfast television was done in Australia. When they hired him, he said he’d do the job on one condition:
that he wouldn’t be a newsreader. And boy did we get the opposite of that. He’s cut through the PR and the spin and by being himself, got to the heart of every story he’s covered.
“It’s been one of the highlights of my life to sit with him and watch. And in the process, he’s become one of my best friends. He’s laid a foundation for a show that can now continue to shine – and cut through the spin – well into the future. Let’s do lunch Kochie… your buy!”
Kochie will co-host his final edition of Sunrise on Friday 9 June and viewers will be able to share in farewell celebrations as we thank him for his extraordinary contribution to the Australian television landscape over the past two decades. He will remain a valued part of the Sunrise family and the broader Seven Network.
Kochie’s successor on Sunrise has been appointed and will be announced next Monday.
