2GB radio host Chris O’Keefe quits radio show and journalism

Radio host and former TV political reporter Chris O’Keefe shocked listeners by quitting his show live on air.

2GB Drive presenter Chris O’Keefe will vacate his seat following a dismal two-year experiment in which the former political reporter failed to make inroads in the competitive timeslot.

Despite lifting slightly in the latest radio ratings survey released Thursday to a 7.4 share from a previous 6.8 in survey 7 and 5.9 in survey 6, O’Keefe has failed to capture and build an audience since being handed the plum role in November 2022.

O’Keefe announced his departure on his radio show on Friday revealing his plans to quit media and start a political advocacy company.

2GB Drive host Chris O’Keefe announced he was quitting radio and journalism.

“I’ll be wrapping up as the radio host on Drive at 6pm,” he said.

“It’s entirely my decision. Today is my last day and my last day in journalism,” he said, thanking his wife Fox Sports broadcaster Yvonne Sampson.

“What’s next? You know I love politics. I’m going to open my own media and political advocacy business.

“It’s been an absolute privilege every day I’ve worked in this job.

“I believe this is the best decision for me, the best decision for my family.”

O’Keefe thanked a roll call of 2GB executives and on-air talent including Sydney breakfast anchor Ben Fordham, who dialled in to O’Keefe’s last show and claimed the news had “blindsided” him.

Chris O'Keefe and Yvonne Sampson with their then newborn son, Henry

Chris O'Keefe announced on air today’s show would be his last. Picture: 2GB

He told listeners he had ‘some news to share. Picture: 2GB

Fordham, who had hosted the 2GB Drive until 2020 when he succeeded Alan Jones at breakfast, confirmed he encouraged O’Keefe to try his hand in the slot in 2023.

Plucked from Nine Sydney’s television news team in November 2022 to replace Jim Wilson, Seven News’ well-regarded former sports presenter, O’Keefe’s unlikely appointment was viewed by many as a consolation prize after he missed out on scoring the national prime time anchor role on A Current Affair to Ali Langdon, who that year relocated from Nine’s breakfast show Today.

O’Keefe replaced Jim Wilson, who announced he was stepping down as host of 2GB Drive in November, 2022, to pursue other opportunities with Nine television. Picture: Richard Dobson

The Sydney drive shift has long been a fierce ratings battleground battle dominated by ABC702’s Richard Glover who last month retired from radio after 26 years.

Glover is being replaced in 2025 by TV personality and Ten newsreader Chris Bath.

2GB is yet to announce a replacement for O’Keefe.

The news of O’Keefe’s departure came on the day long-time 2GB morning show host Ray Hadley signed off after two decades as the dominant voice on talk show radio in Sydney.