The forgotten moment when David ‘Kochie’ Koch became a TV superstar: how Sunrise presenter risked it all with a shock ambulance interview 17 years ago
Footage has emerged of David “Kochie” Koch cementing his position as king of breakfast television as he prepares to part ways with Sunrise.
While the 67-year-old conducted hundreds of interviews during his 21 years at the helm of Sunrise, it was one risky interview in the back of an ambulance that put Kochie’s career on the map.
In April 2006, Kochie and his then co-host Mel Doyle were stationed in the Tasmanian town of Beaconsfield to report on a mine collapse that had killed one miner and trapped seventeen underground.
The Sunrise presenters competed with numerous other news outlets at the scene of the disaster, but Kochie managed to get the scoop of the century after jumping into the back of an ambulance to interview injured miner Todd Russell.
Kochie crashed through the safety cordon and jumped into the vehicle after being invited inside by the Russell, who was a big fan of Sunrise.
Footage has emerged of the moment David ‘Kochie’ Koch, 61, (pictured) cemented his position as the king of breakfast television as he prepares to part ways with Sunrise after 21 years at the helm
“So I got in the ambulance and then he gave me his miner’s tag, which is a moment, I must say, a moment and a symbol that I will cherish forever,” David told the ABC later on.
“And I don’t apologize for it.”
Looking back at the incident on Sunrise in 2017, Kochie described his interview with Russell as “touch-and-go.”
In April 2006, Kochie and his then co-host Mel Doyle (left) were stationed in the Tasmanian town of Beaconsfield to report on a mine collapse that had killed one miner and trapped seventeen underground.
The Sunrise presenters competed with numerous other news outlets at the scene of the disaster, but Kochie managed to get the scoop of the century after jumping into the back of an ambulance to interview injured miner Todd Russell. (Kochie is pictured in the ambulance)
“Todd says he wants that ‘big, nice, son of a ‘b’ Koch at the gate when they come out in the ambulance,” he recalls
“It was one of the most memorable [interviews] because of that connection,” Kochie added.
Kochie announced earlier this month that he would be leaving Sunrise to pursue his own business and spend more time with his family.
He will be replaced by former Olympic sprinter Matt Shirvington, who has spent the past two years waiting in the wings as Sydney’s weekend sports presenter.
Kochie announced earlier this month that he would be leaving Sunrise to pursue his own business and spend more time with his family. (Pictured with co-host Natalie Barr(