Finance Presenter Alan Kohler to Retire After Three Decades
Veteran finance presenter Alan Kohler is retiring after a 31-year career, citing a desire to spend more time with his family. Kohler has been a leading figure in Australian journalism, with a successful career in print and television.
After a distinguished 31-year career as a finance expert, Alan Kohler has announced his retirement from his role as a finance presenter, effective at the end of the year.
Kohler, who has been a leading figure in Australian journalism, has had a successful career in print and television, including stints as editor of The Australian Financial Review (AFR) and The Age, and as a columnist on financial affairs.
"I love the ABC, always have, even more so after I joined it," he told staff in a statement. "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."
Kohler joined the public broadcaster in 1995 as business and economics correspondent for the 7.30 Report and went on to host Inside Business. For the past 24 years, he has been the lead 7pm News finance presenter, known for his unique format that often began with: "Now, here's an interesting graph."
The managing director of the organization, Hugh Marks, praised Kohler's contribution, saying he had made an "extraordinary contribution to the organisation 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," Marks said. "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."
Kohler currently writes a weekly column and hosts a podcast, That's Business, every Friday. He is expected to continue his association with one-off specials.