David Koch puts Channel 9 in its place after Sunrise ratings win

Sunrise host David Koch has uncharacteristically weighed into the perennial Seven versus Nine Breakfast TV battle, taking aim at his chief rival.

Sunrise host David Koch has weighed into the contentious battle for the top breakfast program, saying figures showing Seven has now beaten Nine for 18 straight seasons should silence his competitor once and for all.

As the official survey ratings year concludes on Saturday, the Seven Network’s Sunrise has ranked No. 1 in its timeslot in 2021, marking 18 years at the top.

The 2021 win comes as Natalie Barr replaced Samantha Armytage as host in March.

Natalie Barr and David Koch remain the leaders in the battle for top spot on Breakfast TV. Picture: Julian Andrews.

‘Kochie’, who rarely weighs in on the perennial battle, said it’s a result which should be acknowledged and celebrated, before he had an uncharacteristic dig at his rivals over at Today.

“It is a real milestone and one we take a lot of pride in,” Koch, who has one year left on his Sunrise contract said.

“We are really grateful for the support and loyalty of our viewers who have allowed us into their households.

“We are very proud of what we achieve as a team so you get pretty annoyed when others
try and rewrite history when you know that they haven’t been No. 1 in 18 years.”

Kochie, who will celebrate 20 years at the helm of the program next year, said he plans on renegotiating an extension to his contract – unless executive producer Michael Pell has other plans.

2Karl Stefanovic and Alison Langdon want to reclaim the top spot for Channel 9. Picture: The Australian.

“I haven’t even really thought about it,” Koch said.

“You will have to ask Michael if he is going to push me out the door.

“I have always said I love this and it is a privilege to do this job and it is the best job in the world, and while I am still enjoying it and while the viewers are still happy for me to be there … I would love to stay.”

As would his co-host Barr, whose transition from newsreader to host was described by Pell as being “the smoothest transition I’ve seen”.

“Part of the reason for that was Nat is so familiar to our viewers and the numbers prove that,” Pell said.

“I don’t want to call her the queen of breakfast TV, but she kind of is.”

DESIGNERS REUNITED AT PARTY

Fashion lovers thought it might mean a reunion was in the works when the former Sass and Bide designers were photographed together, however it turns out it was just a birthday dinner.

Heidi Middleton and Sarah-Jane Clarke, the founders of one of the country’s most successful fashion brands, made their way to Justin Hemmes’ celebrity hotspot Mimi’s on Thursday night to celebrate Middleton’s birthday.

Sass and Bide founders Heidi Middleton and Sarah Jane Clarke at Mimi's this week. Picture: Supplied

Gushing fans commented on the post, with many declaring the pair, who are rarely seen together these days, as the ultimate fashion duo.

“Ultimate powerhouse. Iconic duo,” wrote Alana Digby.

“The two of you together is a match made in heaven,” added Cyra Marr.

While Janna B said: “The original S&B.”

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Originally published as David Koch puts Channel 9 in its place after Sunrise ratings win