“And that’s finance”: Alan Kohler to retire from ABC

Kohler framed the decision in personal terms. "I love the ABC, always have, even more so after I joined it," he said. "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."

Over three decades at the ABC, Kohler built a recognizable broadcast style: clear, analytical finance segments delivered with dry humour and a frequent reliance on illustrative graphs. His nightly sign-off, "And that's finance," became a routine on the 7pm bulletin.

The ABC's leadership paid tribute while signalling an orderly transition. ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks said Kohler had made "an extraordinary contribution to the ABC, our audiences and the nation," and praised his ability to make complex issues accessible and engaging. ABC Director, News Simon Robinson noted Kohler's 31-year tenure and said the ABC will discuss future projects with him and will announce a successor for the 7pm finance slot in the coming weeks.

Kohler's media career spans more than fifty years and includes significant editorial leadership and entrepreneurship. His résumé cited in the ABC statement includes editing the Australian Financial Review and The Age, founding the online platforms Eureka Report and Business Spectator, and hosting Inside Business. He currently writes a weekly column for the ABC News website and app and hosts a Friday podcast, That's Business with Alan Kohler.

Official recognition of his contributions came in 2019 when Kohler was awarded the Order of Australia for service to print and broadcast media as an editor, journalist and finance commentator. He is also an inductee of the Australian Media Hall of Fame.

Practical implications and next steps:

• December 16, giving viewers a defined end point for his regular on-air appearances.
• The corporation has already begun internal discussions about replacing him as the 7pm finance presenter and plans to announce the successor in the coming weeks.

Kohler's segments were noted for pairing technical finance coverage with accessible explanations and occasional whimsical graphics. Many viewers treated his sign-off as a ritual on the 7pm bulletin. Online comments on the announcement highlight appreciation for his communication style and a common sentiment that viewers will miss his nightly reports.

Kohler's successor. Details about any specific future collaborations between Kohler and the ABC were not provided beyond the general statement that the network will discuss ideas and projects with him.

Bottom line: Alan Kohler is leaving a visible, long-running role at the ABC at the end of this year after a 31-year tenure with the broadcaster. His final regular appearance on the 7pm bulletin is scheduled for December 16, and the ABC will announce who replaces him in the coming weeks.