Alan Kohler, one of Australia's most recognisable finance journalists, has announced he will retire from the ABC at the end of this year, bringing to a close a 31-year tenure at the national broadcaster. His final finance report will air on December 16.

Kohler, 74, made the announcement via a statement published on the ABC's website, citing a desire to spend more time with his family, including his six grandchildren. "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," he said.

A Career Spanning More Than Five Decades

Kohler's media career stretches back well over 50 years and takes in some of the most prominent roles in Australian journalism. Before joining the ABC in 1995, he served as editor of both The Australian Financial Review and The Age, and wrote columns for The Sydney Morning Herald. He also contributed to The Australian and The New Daily in more recent years.

He first came to the ABC as the business and economics correspondent for The 7.30 Report, before stepping into the role of 7pm news finance presenter in 2002 — a position that made him a household name. His segments became known for their dry humour, creative use of graphics, and his signature sign-off: "And that's finance."

Beyond broadcasting, Kohler founded the online news platforms Eureka Report and Business Spectator, and hosted the long-running ABC program Inside Business. He currently presents the weekly podcast That's Business. His published books include The Great Divide: Australia's Housing Mess and How to Fix It and It's Your Money: How Banking Went Rogue, Where It Is Now and How to Protect and Grow Your Money.

In recognition of his contribution to Australian media, Kohler was awarded the Order of Australia in 2019 and has been inducted into the Australian Media Hall of Fame.

Tributes From ABC Leadership and Federal Treasurer

ABC managing director Hugh Marks paid tribute to Kohler's decades of service, saying he had "made an extraordinary contribution to the ABC, our audiences and the nation." Marks praised his ability to communicate complex topics with "insight, clarity and a uniquely engaging style, always delivered with warmth, humour and that trademark cheeky grin."

Newly appointed ABC news boss Simon Robinson also offered warm words, describing Kohler's tenure as "distinguished" and confirming that discussions about future ideas and projects would continue. "Alan will remain connected to the ABC and we'll be talking to him about future ideas and projects," Robinson said, adding that an announcement on Kohler's successor would be made "in coming weeks."

Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers used the occasion to publicly acknowledge Kohler's contribution to economic journalism, saying he represented "the very best of journalism." Chalmers noted that Kohler's willingness to take complex economic issues seriously, and explain them clearly to everyday Australians, had made him invaluable — and that he would be "really missed from the ABC and from the TV screens in suburbs right around Australia."

What Comes Next — For Kohler and the ABC

While Alan Kohler is stepping back from the ABC, his family name will remain a fixture in Australian financial news. His son, Chris Kohler, currently serves as finance editor for Channel Nine.

For those approaching their own retirement and navigating the financial decisions that come with it, understanding the full costs involved is essential — our earlier coverage on retirement village costs and why the cheapest entry price could leave you worse off is worth a read.

Alan Kohler's final broadcast is scheduled for December 16, marking the end of one of the most celebrated careers in Australian financial media.