David Koch has announced that he is quitting Sunrise after hosting the program for 21 years. Source: Eva Rinaldi/Flickr
Daivd Koch, affectionally known as Kochie by his coworkers and Sunrise’s audience, has announced that he will be leaving Channel 7’s breakfast TV program after hosting it for 21 years.
Koch, 67, announced the news on Sunrise this morning.
“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,” Koch 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.”
Koch joined Sunrise in 2002, hosting the program with Melissa Doyle until her departure in 2013. During the period, the “Kochie and Mel” became household names, in Australia, ushering in a new era of breakfast television in Australia, with Sunrise becoming the highest rated program for its timeslot.
Samantha Armytage replaced Doyle after her departure in August 2013, before Armytage stepped down in 2021, with Natalie Barr taking the role of lead female host.
Koch will make history as the longest serving television host in Australia when his final show airs in two weeks. During his time, he has broadcast over 5,300 shows across more than 16,000 hours of live TV.
Throughout his time hosting, Koch has conducted approximately 50,000 interviews, ranging from prime ministers, celebrities and sports stars.
He has covered many historic stories during his time, including the Beanconsfield mine rescue, and most recently the coronation of King Charles III, and was nominated for two silver Logies in 2004 and 2005 for best TV presenter.
His announcement that he is leaving has led many to praise his time hosting Sunrise, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
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 ?
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) May 28, 2023
However, his tenure has not been without controversy — in 2013, he made an on-air comment that women should be “more discreet and modest” when breastfeeding in public.
The comment resulted in a peaceful protest of over 100 mums and their supporters to attend the Sunrise studio and breastfeed live on national television as part of the ‘Sunrise Nurse-in’.
Former Australian Olympic sprinter, Matt Shirvington has reportedly been tipped to replace Koch. However, Weekend Sunrise co-host Matt Doran is also believed to be in the running for the role on Australia’s most popular breakfast program.
David Koch’s final Sunrise show is set for Friday, June 9.
