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Sunrise's David Koch bids farewell: The end of an era for the king of breakfast TV
Join us in celebrating an extraordinary career that has shaped morning television in Australia.
Prepare to say goodbye to a familiar face on your morning television screens. After an incredible 21-year run, David Koch, affectionately known as Kochie, has made the tough decision to bid farewell to Australia's favourite breakfast program, Sunrise.
In just two short weeks, Kochie will step away from the Sunrise desk, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy as the longest-serving breakfast television host in Australian history.
With an astounding 16,000 hours of live TV, over 5300 shows, and an impressive 50,000 interviews, Kochie has truly left an indelible mark on the industry.
Having shared the news of his departure firsthand with loyal Sunrise viewers during this morning's show, the announcement will undoubtedly strike a chord with fans who have grown accustomed to his friendly and charismatic presence over the years.
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From his expert financial insights and lively debates to his heartwarming interviews and infectious sense of humour, Kochie has become an integral part of morning routines for countless Australians.
Whether he was tackling the latest news, championing important causes, or sharing his candid thoughts on trending topics, his impact has been felt far and wide.
As we pay tribute to David Koch and his remarkable contribution to Sunrise, we'll delve into his greatest moments, explore the controversies that sparked debates, and relive some of the show's most unforgettable times with Kochie at the helm.
From financial journalist to Sunrise host
David Koch's journey as the host of Sunrise began when he joined the morning show in 2002. Prior to that, he had established himself as a respected financial journalist and television presenter. His expertise in the finance industry and his engaging on-screen presence caught the attention of the Sunrise team.
Koch's natural charisma and ability to connect with viewers quickly made him a favourite among the audience.
Co-hosts
For a remarkable 14 years, David Koch and Melissa Doyle formed the original dynamic duo on Sunrise. Their on-screen rapport was a key factor in the show's enduring popularity and remarkable success.
Kochie has since shared the Sunrise desk with an exceptional roster of co-hosts. With each bringing their unique style and expertise, Samantha Armytage, Natalie Barr, and Edwina Bartholomew have all sat alongside Kochie, engaged in lively debates, shared laughs at his infamous dad jokes, and collectively fostered the dynamic atmosphere that has come to define the show's success.
Controversies
Kochie wouldn't be Kochie if he hadn't been involved in a little bit of drama along the way. From ambulance chasing to provoking the PM, here are some of his most talked about moments.
2006 Beaconsfield Mine collapse
In the midst of the Beaconsfield mine collapse disaster in early 2006, Kochie found himself embroiled in controversy. After two weeks of tireless efforts, miners Todd Russell and Brant Webb were finally freed. It was during this time that a footage emerged, capturing Kochie running and leaping into the back of one of the ambulances.
This footage caused quite a stir, with critics accusing the news presenter of getting too close to the situation. However, there's more to the story. As it turns out, Mr. Russell was actually a fan of the show and he called out for Kochie, who had formed a close bond with the miner's family.
Kochie defended his actions, at the time, asking “When the ambulance goes by and he tells you to come in and shake his hand, do you say ‘No, I’m going to ignore you’?”
Taking the p*ss out of the PM
In 2004, Koch shared an unsavoury viewer joke on-air involving Mr. Howard, his wife Janette, Kim Beazley, and a message written in urine in the snow.
The joke sparked extreme backlash, leading Seven owner Kerry Stokes to compel Koch to apologise to Mr. Howard in a letter.
Breastfeeding protest
In early 2013, Kochie caused a protest when over 100 mothers gathered at the Sunrise studio in Martin Place to breastfeed live on air.
The controversy arose from a discussion about a woman in Queensland who was told she couldn't breastfeed her baby at a public pool. Kochie expressed his support for breastfeeding but mentioned that women should be "classy" about it.
This statement sparked immediate backlash, leading nursing mothers and breastfeeding advocates to create a Facebook page to organise the Sunrise protest.
Celebrity encounters
Sunrise have welcomed their fair share of celebs over the years. Here are some of Kochie's most notable brushes with fame.
Katy Perry
Kochie famously put pop princess Katy Perry on the spot during one of her several appearances on Sunrise, daring her to read the weather report live on air in 2014.
Perry fearlessly accepted the challenge delivering the forecast in front of hundreds of fans with only a couple of hilarious hiccups.
Perry went on to co-host Sunrise with Kochie in 2017 in a series of pre-recorded segments that were aired to appear live.
Justin Bieber
During a promotional visit to Sydney in 2010, Koch accused 16-year-old Justin Bieber of needing "a slap" after the pop star swore at the floor manager just before his performance on Sunrise.
Koch later clarified that Bieber was a "thoroughly nice bloke" overall. Bieber returned to perform on Sunrise in 2015, with reports suggesting that his behaviour had improved since the incident.
Major moments
From broadcasting live from Kokoda to embarking on a whirlwind tour across multiple countries in a matter of days, Kochie has created a collection of unforgettable moments during his time on morning television.
Kochie in Antartica
2012 saw Kochie embark on an extraordinary expedition as Sunrise broadcast live from Antarctica.
Braving the icy temperatures, Kochie co-hosted the show for three days while immersing himself in the icy environment and connecting with the locals and wildlife.
The groundbreaking event, which had been meticulously planned for months, was hailed as a first in Australian television history.
Kochie's Kokoda Sunrise
In 2006, Kochie had the honour of hosting Sunrise live from Kokoda on Anzac Day, broadcasting from the historic Kokoda Track. This special broadcast allowed Kochie to connect with the spirit of the ANZACs and share their stories with the audience, fostering a deep appreciation for their sacrifices and the importance of remembering their legacy.
5 countries in 5 days
Led by the team of Kochie, Sam, Nat, Beretta, and Eddy, Sunrise embarked on an unprecedented television journey in 2015 that took them across the globe in just five days.
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The ambitious endeavour, spanning a staggering 39,686 kilometres with 7 flights and a total flying time of 48 hours and 22 minutes, had never been attempted before.
Each day, the hosts and crew, comprising a total of 25 members, hit the road for the next location after wrapping up the show.
Kochie will co-host his final edition of Sunrise on Friday 9 June and viewers will be able to share in farewell celebrations.
Kochie’s successor on Sunrise has been appointed and will be announced next Monday.
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