David Koch backs Seven into a corner

Kochie doesn’t seem convinced he’ll be hosting Sunrise next year… but his recent comments guarantee he will.

David Koch has just celebrated 16 years as the host of Sunrise.  During that time he has been part of the team that has redefined breakfast television in this country and cemented Sunrise as the number 1 breakfast show.

So why does Kochie seem so unsure about his future?

This year various media reports have been speculating about who might replace him.

In May The Australian’s media section reported on social media buzz that ‘Weekend Sunrise’ presenter Basil Zempilas would be taking over from Koch in 2019.

At the time Koch was forced to comment on the rumours via twitter, saying;

The Network says the report is 100% wrong. But the reality is, like any job, the privilege of working on @sunriseon7 is ultimately at the discretion of the bosses and the will of viewers. For almost 16 years (13 at #1 at breakfast) Ive never taken it for granted and never will. https://t.co/NjGeexQVLV

— David Koch (@kochie_online) May 15, 2018

I admire his honesty, especially when Koch deserves the right to feel safe (I mean, how many presenters have been as successful as him!).  But this is television and nothing is certain.

Recently, The Sunday Telegraph said popular presenter/reporter Matt Doran is tipped to replace Koch at the end of 2019, when his contract expires.

The rumours persist and Kochie’s been in the game long enough to know there’s no guarantee he’ll be allowed to continue hosting the show he took to number 1.

But if the network decide to let him go, they won’t be able to spin it that he has left by his own choosing.  Kochie is making it clear, time and time again, that he wants to stay.

Look at what he told The Herald Sun when asked about his future;

“I’m there if the viewers say yes, and if the bosses say yes. I’m like any other person, in any other job. But it’s a job that gets measured every day.

“If people still want me, I’d love to do it. It’s a privilege.”

Kochie has drawn a line in the sand and backed the network into a corner.  If they want him gone, they’ll have to wear a PR storm.

Seven need to think very carefully going forward because when you’re number one, you don’t want to kick an own goal… especially when your opposition is struggling.