ABC's Alan Kohler retires after three decades

Alan Kohler will retire from the ABC at the end of this year after three decades with the national broadcaster.

Kohler joined the ABC in 1995 as business and economics correspondent for the 7.30 Report. He has been the lead finance presenter on 7PM News since 2002. His "And that's finance" sign-off has become a 7PM tradition.

He will present his final 7PM News finance report, along with his signature “And that's finance" sign-off on 16 December.

Kohler said: "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."

Kohler's career spans more than 50 years. He has edited the Australian Financial Review and The Age, and founded online platforms Eureka Report and Business Spectator. He was awarded the Order of Australia in 2019 for service to the print and broadcast media as an editor, journalist and finance commentator, and has been inducted into the Australian Media Hall of Fame.

Other ABC roles have included hosting Inside Business. He currently writes a weekly column for the ABC News website and app and hosts the Friday podcast That's Business with Alan Kohler.

Hugh Marks, ABC Managing Director, said: "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."

Simon Robinson, ABC Director, News, said: "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."

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