Alan Kohler, the ABC's finance journalist, will retire in December after more than three decades with the public broadcaster. The 74-year-old, known for presenting finance on the 7pm news bulletin since 2002 with the catchphrase "And that's finance", said he is leaving to spend more time with his family, including his six grandchildren.
Kohler's announcement and tributes
"I love the ABC, always have, even more so after I joined it," Kohler said on Wednesday. "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."
Treasurer Jim Chalmers led the tributes, saying Kohler's contribution has been immense and his finance reports will be "really missed from ABC and from the TV screens in suburbs right around Australia". "He's always done a wonderful job, boiling down some of the difficult and complex interactions in our economy," Chalmers said in Sydney.
Career highlights and legacy
During the pandemic, Kohler delighted audiences with a quirky home-based TV set he decorated with an ever-changing pile of books and a single house plant. He joined the ABC in 1995 as business and economics correspondent for the 7.30 Report after editing the Age and the Australian Financial Review. Over his 50-year media career, he founded online platforms Eureka Report and Business Spectator.
ABC managing director Hugh Marks praised his "extraordinary contribution", saying: "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."
Future plans and successor selection
ABC's new news director, Simon Robinson, said Kohler would remain connected with future ideas and projects. "We'll have much more to say about Alan and his remarkable contribution closer to his departure date," Robinson said. "We'll also be tackling the difficult task of selecting his successor on the 7pm bulletin and will make that announcement in coming weeks."
Former ABC broadcaster Phillip Adams said on X it was sad news that "King Kohler" was leaving. Economist Stephen Koukoulas said Kohler had made a huge contribution to economics, policy and markets and was a "thoroughly fabulous chap".
