David Koch, co-host of Channel 7's morning news show Sunrise, has announced he is quitting the role after more than 20 years in the chair.
This morning Koch, known to fans as "Kochie", told viewers he would be leaving the show in two weeks.
Using football as a metaphor, he said he was leaving the show to work on other projects and spend more time with his family.
"It's now time to work some business hours I reckon and have a bit of flexibility to focus more on ... our very big family ... our family business and frankly, my football club as well," he said.
"So after 20 consecutive premierships in the breakfast TV ratings game, I'm frankly finding it harder to get off the ground to take those ... marks and I think it's time to bring through the next generation."
Koch has been on the show since 2002, continuing at the helm to become the network's longest-serving breakfast television host.
In that time, Channel 7 says he's done more than 5,300 shows, adding up to about 16,000 hours of live television.
"I know I'm going to miss it enormously but Sunrise has always been bigger than any one person," he said.
"It just seems right to exit stage left on Friday next week.
"I will do so with enormous pride and gratitude."
Seven West Media chief executive officer James Warburton said Koch's long tenure at the show was "an extraordinary achievement".
"But all good things come to an end, and I admire and respect his decision to step away from Sunrise while he's at the top of his game," he said.
Koch co-hosted the show alongside Melissa Doyle, Samantha Armytage and current co-host Natalie Barr.
Also among the line-up of the shows main presenters are Sam Mac, Edwina Bartholomew and Mark Beretta.
Channel 7 has yet to announce who will be replacing Koch on the show.
