“It’s Been A Privilege”: David Koch Departs Sunrise

After 5,300 episodes across nearly 21 years, Sunrise co-host David “Kochie” Koch has announced he is “[hanging] up the boots”.

The 67-year-old was holding back tears as he broke the news live on Monday morning’s show around 8am.

“Sixteen thousand hours of TV, it is now time to work in business hours and have a bit of flexibility to focus more on our big family and the family business. And frankly, my football club as well (Port Adelaide),” Koch said.

“So, after 20 consecutive premierships in the breakfast TV ratings game, I’m frankly finding it harder to get off the ground to take those marks and I think it’s time to bring in the next generation.

“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 will enter television history books as the longest serving breakfast show host, with his resignation coming after months of speculation stemming from a social media post he made celebrating his 20^th anniversary with Sunrise.

Seven Chairman Kerry Stokes said Koch played an integral role in Sunrise’s and Channel 7’s success.

“David has played a central part in turning around the fortunes of the Seven Network over the past two decades to where we continue to dominate the ratings from dawn with Sunrise, a program he has been with since October 2002,” he said.

“I will personally miss David, as he is a thorough professional and a wonderful human being, particularly in the manner he has mentored so many Seven people.”

Away from Sunrise, Koch and his wife Libby own Pinstripe Media, he is the executive chairman of AusBiz, Patron of the Koch Centre For Youth in Macquarie Fields and of course, the chairman of the Port Adelaide Football Club.

Koch’s last show will be on Friday, June 9.