Sunrise host David Koch is leaving Sunrise

2023-05-29

David Koch’s secret talks with TV bosses are revealed as he sensationally QUITS Sunrise after 21 years – leaving distraught co-host Natalie Barr in tears live on air

David Koch has quit as host of Sunrise
He made shock announcement on Monday
His co-host Natalie Barr was left in tears

The details of Sunrise host David Koch’s private talks with Channel Seven bosses can be revealed after he shocked the television industry by announcing his exit from the top-rating breakfast show.

Koch, 67, the longest-serving breakfast TV anchor in Australian history, fought back tears on Monday as he revealed he was leaving the program after 21 years.

His announcement came as a surprise to many in the industry as he had only re-signed with Seven last October, and indicated at the time he would stay at Sunrise for at least another two years.

This contract renegotiation was reportedly overseen by Kerry Stokes, the billionaire chairman of the Seven Network, as well as the network’s CEO James Warburton.

However, Koch confirmed on 3AW radio this morning that his contract stipulated he would only continue to host Sunrise for another six months – with the remaining 18 months of his deal dedicated to unspecified ‘finance stuff’ at Seven.

An emotional David Koch announced he is leaving Sunrise after almost 21 years on the show

During his talks with Seven top brass last year, Koch expressed his interest in retiring and negotiated for ‘greater flexibility’ in his schedule – a request senior management was happy to accommodate.

‘After 20 years, I’ve felt I needed more flexibility in my life with my wife Libby and my business interests,’ Koch told The Australian’s Media Diary at the time.

‘So when I mentioned leaving to Seven, James very kindly asked me whether we could work together on a plan that I wanted, which also kept my connection to the network and my focus on Sunrise.’

It’s unclear if Monday’s announcement was part of the deal, with Seven confirming in a statement after Koch’s resignation that he would ‘remain a valued part of the Sunrise family and the broader Seven Network’.

Announcing his exit from Sunrise shortly after 8:15am this morning, Koch said: ‘I have loved every single minute of it and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved here over the last 21 years.

‘I started here before Facebook, before Instagram, before Twitter and iPhones. That’s how old I am. I’ve been privileged to experience so many great adventures, to meet so many different people and to cover so many moments of history in the making.’

A tearful Barr told her co-host: ‘The show would not be what it is today without you. It’s been an amazing ride and we’re going to celebrate that in the next two weeks.’

‘We are. My kids were writing a book on whether I cried or not,’ Kochie replied.

‘I was going so well until I saw Nat in the distance behind the camera. It’s been a very special relationship. Lots to celebrate in the next two weeks.’

Koch has been a familiar face on Australian television screens for over two decades after he first joined the Sunrise desk as a full-time anchor in 2002

Koch (pictured here with Barr in 1999) first joined the Sunrise team in the late 1990s

Koch, who first joined the Sunrise team in the late 1990s before being promoted to full-time anchor in 2002, will step away from Sunrise in two weeks’ time, saying he wants to enjoy more flexible work hours and spend time with his growing family.

‘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,’ said the veteran presenter, known to viewers as ‘Kochie’.

‘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.’

Koch has been a familiar face on Australian television screens for over two decades after he first joined the Sunrise desk as a full-time anchor in 2002.

He said he would miss working with the entire Sunrise team, but gave special shoutouts to Barr and other co-host Mark Beretta as well as producer Dave Walters.

A tearful Barr told her co-host: ‘The show would not be what it is today without you. It’s been an amazing ride and we’re going to celebrate that in the next two weeks’

‘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,’ he said.

Koch said he looked forward to having more time to travel and focus on his family business interests in Pinstripe Media and the Ausbiz business channel.

Seven West Media Chairman Kerry Stokes AC credited the host with ‘turning around the fortunes of the Seven Network over the past two decades’.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer James Warburton dubbed Kochie the ‘breakfast King’ who had helped take Sunrise to the number one show.

‘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,’ Mr Warbuton said.

‘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.’

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese responded to the news on Monday morning.

‘My best wishes to @kochie_online on his announced retirement after 21 years as @sunriseon7 host – a remarkable effort, you deserve the odd sleep in,’ he tweeted.

Kochie receives a hug from Morning Show co-host Kylie Gillies after his shock announcement

There are several contenders poised to fill the shoes of the breakfast host, with sports presenter and former Olympian Matt Shirvingto a frontrunner.

He has filled in for the father-of-four several times during holidays and his leave in 2022 – impressing viewers by taking to the role seamlessly.

Currently co-hosting Sunrise on Fridays in Kochie’s absence, Shirvingto has also reportedly gained the confidence of the Seven Network’s top brass.

Initially, it seemed Weekend Sunrise star Matt Doran was destined to succeed Kochie, but his car-crash $1million interview with British superstar Adele at the end of November has most likely taken him out of the race.

The reporter had flown to London to interview the chart-topping singer, 33, for the Seven Network – but admitted during the chat he hadn’t listened to her album.

An ‘offended’ Adele was then said to cut the interview, which Doran denied.

Kochie began his career in finance, working in various roles in banking and finance journalism

Sunrise veteran Mark Beretta is another strong contender following his successful stint filling in for Kochie during the Christmas holidays last year. He also has a good rapport with Natalie Barr after starring on the breakfast show for over a decade.

Kochie began his career in finance, working in various roles in banking and finance journalism. In 2002, he joined the Seven Network as the co-host of Sunrise, which dominated the ratings against Nine’s Today during his reign.

Outside of Sunrise, Koch is also involved in other media ventures and business interests. He has authored several books on personal finance and investment, and he provides financial advice through various platforms.

He has participated in numerous fundraising events over the years and helped raise awareness and funds for organisations like the Australian Cancer Research Foundation and the Fred Hollows Foundation.

The media personality has also been involved in programs aimed at improving financial literacy and education for young Australians.

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