Sunrise cast compared to Manson family by Seven boss
The bizarre reason why Channel Seven boss David Leckie compared the Sunrise team to the Manson family – as outgoing host David Koch reveals why he always wanted Pauline Hanson on the show
Departing Sunrise presenter David Koch has opened up about his time on the morning show ahead of its final episode.
Kochie, whose last day is Friday, told TV tonight that Channel Seven boss David Leckie once compared the Sunrise cast to the infamous Manson family because of how borderline they were in the buttoned-up world of breakfast television.
“He used to call us ‘The Mansons,’ because we were our own cult within Seven and we didn’t give a damn about anyone!” explained the 67-year-old.
“At the time, when we changed the intro from ‘Melissa Doyle and David Koch’ to ‘Mel & Kochie,’ the news director at the time stormed out and said we had to change it back because we were demeaning Seven’s news brand.”
The financial journalist also said that one of the network executives wanted to fire him in the beginning because he was too stubborn.
Departing Sunrise presenter David Koch (pictured) is candid about his time on the morning show and has shared some insights into the behind-the-scenes drama in a new interview
Kochie claimed Channel Seven boss David Leckie (pictured) once compared the Sunrise cast to the infamous Manson family
Elsewhere, Kochie admitted to getting some backlash from his own kids for having Pauline Hanson on Sunrise.
“I had huge fights with my kids and said, ‘Do you want us to censor the views of different parts of the community? She’s an elected representative. She represents part of the community.’
“I don’t agree with her and I’d rather have her on the phone and disagree and shoot down a lot of the bulldust she would talk about,” he explained.
Kochie’s last day on Sunrise is this Friday.
For his next career move, he publishes a financial advice newsletter called Your Money & Your Life.
“I filter all the important money news I think you need to know into one easy-to-understand newsletter that can really change your life,” he explained.
The announcement comes after Kochie and Sunrise co-host Natalie Barr were spotted attending a transfer luncheon with his replacement Matt ‘Shirvo’ Shirvington.
Kochie also admitted that he got some backlash from his own kids because they had Pauline Hanson on Sunrise
Matt Shirvington (right) will take Kochie’s place alongside Natalie Barr as Sunrise’s new co-host
As the Olympic sprinter, 44, prepared for Australia’s No. 1 breakfast show, the trio eschewed a boisterous farewell party in favor of a low-key lunch at Tapavino restaurant in Barangaroo earlier this week.
Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, Shirvo shared the advice Kochie had given him before taking the top job.
Kochie said the two nicest things, which is, “You’re going to have the time of your life and you’re a good fit for the part,” said Shirvo.
The father-of-three was officially announced as Kochie’s replacement on Monday – nearly a week after Daily Mail Australia first reported the promotion.