Alan Kohler to Retire From ABC After 31 Years

Financial journalist Alan Kohler will retire from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation in December 2026, ending a 31-year tenure with the public broadcaster. Kohler, 74, has served as the lead finance presenter for the 7pm news bulletin since 2002 and previously worked as a business and economics correspondent for the 7.30 Report and host of Inside Business. He is scheduled to present his final finance report on December 16.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers and ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks praised Kohler for his ability to simplify complex economic issues for the Australian public. Kohler noted that while he finds it hard to imagine the broadcaster not being part of his life, he intends to spend more time with his family and six grandchildren.

Beyond his work at the ABC, Kohler's career includes roles as editor of The Age and The Australian Financial Review, as well as founding the Business Spectator and Eureka Report. ABC News Director Simon Robinson stated that Kohler will remain connected to the broadcaster for future projects. The ABC expects to announce a successor for the 7pm bulletin in the coming weeks.