Australian broadcast journalist David ‘Kochie’ Koch has been a co-host on Seven’s Sunrise for the past 15 years.
But reports by Private Sydney on Saturday suggest the network is keen to ‘refresh’ the show’s talent and replace the veteran, 61, with a younger presenter.
The gossip column tipped Perth-based Basil Zempilas, 46, for the promotion, adding Seven insiders considered his recent co-hosting gig with Sam Armytage to be an unofficial ‘auditioning’ process.
They’re not keeping Kochie? Channel Seven will ‘refresh’ Sunrise hosts with Basil Zempilas (pictured), 46, rumoured as a favourite to replace veteran David Koch, 61, on panel
Is sun setting on Kochie’s Sunrise gig? Australian broadcast journalist David ‘Kochie’ Koch has been a co-host on the Seven breakfast show for the past 15 years
It’s been rumoured Kochie is in the midst of negotiating a new contract with Seven, with claims his demands have ruffled feathers among his colleagues.
The publication said it was understood he had requested to cut back his involvement with the morning show to four days a week, leaving time to focus on his other business pursuits.
The column went on to say his interest in Port Adelaide AFL club and his private finance marketing company Pinstripe Media had his co-stars frustrated by his over-committing nature.
Not on good terms? It’s been rumoured Kochie is in the midst of negotiating a new contract with Seven, with claims his demands have ruffled feathers among his colleagues
It’s believed Basil Zempilas, 46, is a personal favourite of network proprietor Kerry Stokes and chief executive officer Tim Worner after his chemistry with Sam Armytage was noticed.
An anonymous insider told the publication: ‘It’s been really refreshing, the dynamic is totally different between them compared to when David is on set with Sam.’
Daily Mail Australia have reached out for comment from Network Seven, David Koch and Basil Zempilas.
‘A dream team to work with. Loved it’: Insiders claim Basil’s recent appearance filling in for Kochie during the Melbourne Cup carnival was an unofficial ‘auditioning’ process
After Basil’s recent appearance filling in for Kochie during the Melbourne Cup carnival, he took to Instagram to gush about his experience: ‘Thanks to @sam_armytage and the @sunriseon7 team for making me feel so welcome… a dream team to work with. Loved it.’
‘Love it Baz !’ reporter Kylie Gillies wrote, as a Seven cameraman also commented: ‘Was good having you. Absolute pleasure and ripper royal impersonation too.’
Fans were quick to comment praise for Basil online, even comparing him to regular cost Kochie: ‘I’m normally a Kochie fan but you made me not even mind that he wasn’t there’, ‘You were a breath of fresh air on Sunrise Baz’, ‘I really enjoy the relaxed, real, human side you bring to the show’ and ‘Have loved the positive vibe and departure from snark.’
‘Have loved the positive vibe and departure from snark’: Fans were quick to comment praise for Basil online, even comparing him to regular cost Kochie