David Koch quits Sunrise: Channel 7 host announces departure

Amid teary scenes on air as he broke the news, Sunrise host David Koch quit the show after 21 years. Then he took a call from the PM.

• David Koch’s outrageous moments

Sunrise host David Koch has quit Sunrise after 21 years with Channel 7’s flagship morning program, revealing his departure has been months in the planning.

Koch struggled to hold back the tears as he announced his departure live on air on Monday.

“I have loved every single minute of it and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved here over the last 21 years,” Koch, 67, told viewers on air.

“I started here before Facebook, before Instagram, before Twitter and iPhones.

“I’ve been privileged to experience so many great adventures, to meet so many different people and to meet so many different people and to cover so many moments of history in the making.”

David Koch announced his departure from Sunrise with a teary speech.

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph immediately after coming off air, Koch had to jump off the call as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese rang to offer congratulations.

“He just said, ‘it has been a remarkable career that you’ve been so influential in the media landscape, you tell it like it is, we’ve always enjoyed talking with you but we always know you will ask the questions that everyone wants answered’,” Koch recounted of the call.

Early days: David Koch with Melissa Doyle on Sunrise back in 2003. Picture: Supplied

“That is what I have tried to do. I am not a media player. I have a big family, that has always been my first priority and hopefully I have been able to connect with people.”

Koch said he had been planning the move for some time.

“We sort of planned it out from the end of last year,” Koch explained.

“I was happy to go at the end of last year and they said, can you do another six months just to settle it all down. I was very happy to do that.

Natalie Barr will need a new co-host after David Koch announced he was quitting the show. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

“If you are curious about what makes people work, this is the world’s best job, because you meet so many great people. For me, it is a job that I could only dream of doing and I am so grateful that I have been able to do it.”

Koch’s contract will see him remain with Seven for at least another 18 months.

“I will go back to probably my finance nerd roots, which I love,” he said.

“I feel it is the right time. I feel good about it. I know it is going to be a massive adjustment, I don’t underestimate that but I feel good it is the right time.”

Koch and wife Lib have four adult children and eight grandchildren, aged from 18 months to 15. The news means that from Friday, June 9, Koch will do away with the early morning wake-ups.

“No more 3.40am get-ups and working business hours, I think will be the highlight,” he said. “Also, I never want to retire ever. I will never retire. I always have to keep active and busy.”

On air, Koch’s co-host Natalie Barr was also in tears as she took in the announcement.

NSW premier Chris Minns described Koch as an Aussie “icon”.

“People have woken up with him for decades,” he said.

“I wasn’t aware he was retiring but I wish him the best and he’s probably earned a sleep in.”

‘AN AMAZING RIDE’

Koch said his time on Sunrise had been “an amazing ride”.

“My kids were running a book on when I’d cry. I was going so well until I saw Nat in the distance in the camera.”

The consummate professional host then turned to interviewing a Vietnam War veteran, who also thanked the “icon” ‘Kochie’ for his service.

The announcement comes after the Koch disappeared from his hosting chair in early April, days after hinting about his future as host.

The 67-year-old was notably absent from the chair while he was in Perth for a technology conference, and was replaced by fill-in host Matt Shirvington. He also took time off to travel to Melbourne to support Seven Network’s annual fundraiser the Good Friday Appeal, in aid of the Royal Children’s Hospital.

“Everything has to come to an end,” he told the Herald Sun when asked about his future.

Sunrise has long-dominated the breakfast morning show time slot. Picture: Julian Andrews

“I have been doing it (Sunrise) almost 21 years. I love it, I still have a passion for it, but I want a bit more flexibility in my life, for Lib and I to enjoy our lives and they (Seven) are happy to do that.

“Everything has to come to an end, but I have got the flexibility to do it on my terms and I am incredibly grateful that I have that opportunity.”

Koch signed a two-year contract extension with the network last year, which included a more flexible contract that included Fridays off.

Weather presenter Sam Mac broke the tension and tears with a live-cross from Vivid in Sydney.

“Kochie, what’s going on?” Mac said.

“I’ve just got back from a three weeks holiday. You could’ve said something off-air. According to the Daily Mail, you’ve quit 37 times in the last two years, so is this one real?”

“It is real,” Koch replied.

“I am going on holidays and I will not be back. I am a finance nerd, so you might see me be up on the Reserve Bank board meeting day, as a guest.”

Mac said that he is “genuinely sad,” calling Koch, “the heart of the show”.

It was a show full of tributes for Kochie, who was thanked not only by his Seven colleagues, but also the guests.

Robert Irwin, speaking from Australia Zoo, said: “Congratulations, it’s been an honour mate, on and off air. If you ever need a second job off-air mate, we’ve got you covered.”

Originally published as David Koch quits Sunrise: Channel 7 host announces departure