Alan Kohler is set to retire from the ABC after more than three decades with the broadcaster, bringing his long-running career in television finance reporting to a close.
The veteran presenter announced his retirement yesterday, confirming he will step away from the ABC at the end of the year, with his final 7PM News finance report set to air in December.
Supplied:
Alan Kohler has announced that after three decades with the ABC he will be retiring at the end of this year.
Alan joined the ABC in 1995 as business and economics correspondent for the 7.30 Report. Since 2002 he has been the lead 7PM News finance presenter, delivering incisive and immensely knowledgeable analysis with his trademark dry humour and unexpectedly creative use of graphs.
His “And that’s finance” sign-off has become a 7PM tradition.
Alan says:
“I love the ABC, always have, even more so after I joined it.”
“I find it very hard to imagine this wonderful place not being part of my life, but I’m 74 and it’s time to spend more time with my family, including the six grandchildren.”
ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks:
“Alan has made an extraordinary contribution to the ABC, our audiences and the nation.”
“For decades, he has helped Australians make sense of complex issues with insight, clarity and a uniquely engaging style, always delivered with warmth, humour and that trademark cheeky grin.”
“I can’t thank Alan enough for everything he has given to the ABC and our audiences.”
“While this marks the end of an incredible chapter, it is certainly not the end of Alan’s contribution, just the beginning of a new one.”
ABC Director, News Simon Robinson:
“For 31 years we at the ABC have had the pleasure and privilege of working with one of Australia’s most respected and admired business commentators, Alan Kohler.”
“Sadly for us, and for the audiences who treasure him, Alan has decided to call time on this distinguished ABC tenure at the end of this year.”
“Alan will remain connected to the ABC and we’ll be talking to him about future ideas and projects.”
“We’ll have much more to say about Alan and his remarkable contribution closer to his departure date.”
“We’ll also be tackling the difficult task of selecting his successor on the 7PM bulletin and will make that announcement in coming weeks.”
Alan’s career has spanned more than half a century. His many achievements include editing the Australian Financial Review and The Age and founding online platforms Eureka Report and Business Spectator.
He was awarded the Order of Australia in 2019 for his significant service to the print and broadcast media as an editor, journalist and finance commentator and inducted into the Australian Media Hall of Fame.
His other roles at the ABC have included hosting Inside Business and he currently writes a weekly column for the ABC NEWS website and app and hosts Friday podcast That’s Business with Alan Kohler.
