David ‘Kochie’ Koch confirmed to produce new travel series on Seven

Beloved Sunrise co-host David ‘Kochie’ Koch recently announced his departure from the Seven Network breakfast show after 21 years at the helm.

Koch’s shock departure further ignited speculation that the presenter would be retiring from TV overall however, it has been reported that Koch will still remain a prominent feature across the network.

It has been revealed Kochie’s owned business, Pinstripe Media will co-produce a travel show for Seven called Passport.

Passport – which will be co-produced with Executive Traveller – will be released in half-hour episodes across eight weekly episodes will feature domestic and international destinations with all the best experiences on offer including entertainment, shopping and dining. The series has been said to showcase the best ways to travel including flying, railways and cruises.

“We’ve been big fans of Executive Traveller and their content for a long time, so having the opportunity to bring it to life in a TV format was not something we had to think twice about”, Kochie said.

“We love making great broadcast and digital programming, and their knowledge of premium travel is unmatched, so it’s a great fit for us as well as being a great fit for brand partners in this space”.

Travellers are expected to get a bunch of helpful tips, but will have to wait until a few months until its release on Seven, 7TWO, 7Flix and 7Plus.

The presenters for Passport are yet to be announced.

WATCH: David Koch explodes in a fiery interview with Pauline Hanson. Article continues after video.

Fans expected Kochie to have a role at Seven after signing a contract extension in October 2022, which secured his role at the company until the end of December 2024.

Daily Mail reported that due to his ongoing contractual obligation to the network, Koch will make numerous guest appearances across Seven’s catalogue until the expiry of his contract.

It was previously rumoured that Koch would continue to feature on Sunrise as an economic reporter, due to the success of his Kochie’s Business Builders segment, coupled with his background in financial journalism.

“Seven sees Koch, as the network’s one-time money expert, as an important asset in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis where spiralling interest rates and inflation blowouts are making daily headlines,” reported the *Australian Media Diary.

Prior to Koch’s departure, the 67-year-old did previously express his interest in retiring, but instead opted to negotiate for ‘greater flexibility’ in his work schedule, with the former host reducing his schedule to four days per week.

The more flexible working hours allowed Kochie to spend more time with family and wife Libby. The Daily Mail previously reported that Seven Network chairman Kerry Stokes had played a ‘pivotal role’ in Kochie signing a negotiated contract extension.

“I’m grateful to James and Kerry Stokes that they approached it this way,” Koch said previously.

“I’ve had long chats with both of them, and they asked me is there a way to come up with a plan that gives you the flexibility you want, and gives you a connection to the network and a continuing focus on Sunrise. I love it dearly. So I’m really fortunate to have the best of all worlds.”

Rumours surrounding Koch’s departure from Sunrise began to circulate when the host shared a post last year to celebrate 20 years hosting Sunrise.

During the program, Kochie said hosting Sunrise had been “one of the great joys of [his] life.”

“It has been incredible. You can’t get up winter, summer the whole lot without doing it with people that you love dearly,” he continued, fighting back tears.

“I’m very grateful. Thank you for having me for 20 years.”