Chris O’Keefe has told his 2GB Drive listeners that he is stepping back from the media, effective immediately.
“I’ve got a bit of news to share… today is my last show…
“This is entirely my decision, this is my last day in journalism… As much as I have enjoyed my time at 2GB and my 13 years at Nine… the time is right for me to move on…
“You know I love politics and small business. I’m going to open my own political and media advocacy business,” he told his listeners.
Reflecting on his 15 years of media experience he said: “It has been an absolute privilege every day I’ve worked in this job.”
He praised the professionalism of Nine Radio management Tom Malone and Greg Byrnes, plus colleagues Ben Fordham, John Stanley, Deb Knight and others in the station and the newsroom. He also thanked his team, especially Drive EPs Ned Green and Emily Watkins.
O’Keefe said he waited until the last show today to make the announcement so as not to take away any of the glory from Ray Hadley, who did his last show this morning.
In the last ratings of the year yesterday, 2GB’s Drive show went up from 6.8 to a 7.4% share.
2GB Content Manager Luke Davis says he’s sad to see Chris go, but he does so with support from all at the station. In a staff note, Davis said:
“While the timing of today’s announcement will come as a surprise to many – Chris very generously wanted the focus this week, and today, to be about Ray Hadley.
“I’d like to thank Chris for his service to 2GB over the past couple of years, to Nine for the past 13 years and to media and journalism for the past two decades. He has been a force to be reckoned with, an incredibly hard worker and a genuine talent that has made an impact in this industry and the broader community. He will be missed by many.
“For now, we say thank you to Chris – and wish him, Vonny and Henry all the success and happiness for the future.”
Listeners will find out who will be the new 2GB Drive host in the new year.