Today Show host Karl Stefanovic delivered a cheeky swipe at outgoing Sunrise host David “Kochie” Koch on Wednesday after his shock resignation.
Karl, 48, jokingly told guests at a lavish media event at Sydney’s Crown this week: “To be honest I’m glad he’s gone.”
Karl made the joking joke while paying tribute to the 67-year-old TV veteran, whose last Sunrise show will be on Friday.
A handful of TV stars including Karl, Kochie, Natalie Barr and Samantha Armytage were in attendance at the Crown x Vivid Sydney event on Wednesday.
Kochie announced last Monday that he was leaving Sunrise after 21 years and being replaced by former Olympian Matt Shirvington, 44.
Today Show host Karl Stefanovic delivered a cheeky swipe at outgoing Sunrise host David “Kochie” Koch on Wednesday after his shock resignation
According to Sky News, Karl praised Kochie for paving the way for him and many others in the television industry.
“He’s ripping up stumps at the end of this week and I just want to pay him my respects for what a wonderful career it’s been,” Karl said.
“It’s been something extraordinary for 21 years.” He has met the bakers and road workers; and he spread it all over the country.
Karl, 48, jokingly told guests at a lavish media event at Sydney’s Crown this week: “To be honest, I’m glad he’s gone.” Karl cracked the hilarious joke as he told the 67-year-old TV veteran paid tribute, whose last Sunrise show will be on Friday
A handful of TV stars including Karl, Kochie, Natalie Barr and Samantha Armytage were in attendance at the Crown x Vivid Sydney event on Wednesday. Karl is pictured at the event
“The impact he had cannot be underestimated.” He changed the way breakfast news and television is broadcast in this country and allowed someone like me, a loose entity, to come along and do the same to do, no matter how long I do it.”
On Tuesday, Kochie revealed he had received “wonderful” news from his Breakfast TV competitor Karl after announcing he was leaving Sunrise.
“Thank you everyone for being so kind.” “Incredible news,” he said.
“A wonderful, stylish, respectful contribution from Karl Stefanovic.” “It was so beautiful, I really loved it, but there was so much great news.”
According to Sky News, Karl praised Kochie for paving the way for him and many others in the television industry
Kochie also told Chron Australia on Monday that he received a text message from one of his longtime co-hosts Melissa Doyle.
“I just took a look because I have a lot of messages. I’ve seen one of Mel’s and I’m sure there will be quite a few others on the list, but I’ve spoken to a lot of journalists and given interviews,’ he said.
Kochie stunned his peers on Monday when he announced his retirement from the hit breakfast show after 21 years.
Behind-the-scenes photos show his co-hosts Natalie Barr, Edwina Bartholomew and Mark Beretta overcome with emotion between breaks in filming.
During his on-air announcement, Natalie appeared heartbroken as Kochie said he’s spent more time with her than members of his own family in recent years.
Kochie stunned his peers on Monday when he announced his retirement from the hit breakfast show after 21 years
He said he is leaving the hit show to focus on his own business and to enjoy more flexible working hours to spend time with his growing family.
Kochie joined Sunrise in 2002 to present financial reports and became Chris Reason’s successor in October of that year when the journalist was diagnosed with cancer.
Shirvington, 44, said he had “mixed feelings” about the new gig as he sat on the couch with Barr and Koch at the announcement.
‘Just unbelievable. Discouraged. So excited. Happy. I can’t tell you what an honor and privilege it is, especially Kochie. A huge task. A huge task. And an exciting job,” he said.
Shirvington, 44, said he had “mixed feelings” about the new gig as he sat on the couch with Barr and Koch at the announcement
Both Kochie and Barr said they were thrilled with the choice.
“What we always do is, if you’re a family member, you stay a family member, right?” And you pull through. And you helped out fantastically and every Friday it was sensational. You will be sensational. “You’re going to be a perfect fit,” Koch said.
“I enjoyed every single minute of my time at Sunrise,” Koch said on television about his resignation.
“I’ve been privileged to experience so many adventures, meet so many incredible people, and document so many moments of the story as it unfolds.”
Kerry Stokes, chairman of Seven West Media, said: “Personally, I will miss David as he is a thorough professional and a wonderful person, especially in the way he has mentored so many Seven people.”
James Warburton, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Seven West Media, added in a statement: “All good things come to an end and I admire and respect his decision to retire from Sunrise while he is at his best.”
“I enjoyed every single minute of my time at Sunrise,” Koch said on television about his resignation. “I’ve been privileged to experience so many adventures, meet so many incredible people, and document so many moments of the story as it unfolds.”