One of Nine’s most popular stars has sent shockwaves through the industry after announcing he will be leaving the network (and journalism) on air with immediate effect.
Former TV reporter turned radio host Chris O’Keefe, 43, made the surprise announcement on his 2GB drivetime show at around 3.30pm on Friday.
The multi-award-winning journalist said he had been struggling with the decision for months before finally deciding it was time to “move on” and resigned last week.
“I have some news to share this afternoon,” O’Keefe said.
‘Today is my last show here at 2GB. This is totally my decision, I have decided to end up not only in radio but in the media.
‘Today is my last program and my last day in journalism.
“It has been a difficult decision and one that I have been struggling with for many, many, many months.
“As much as I have enjoyed my time here at 2GB and my 13 years at Nine, the time is right to make the decision to move on.”
Chris O’Keefe says he wants to spend more time with his “extraordinary” wife Yvonne Sampson (pictured together) and their young son Henry after his shock resignation from Nine Radio.
Chris O’Keefe, 43, (pictured) has been with 2GB for two years after being moved away from Nine’s Sydney news team after a decade in television for the network.
O’Keefe’s announcement comes on the final day of the radio industry’s ratings season for this year, and just hours after fellow 2GB star Ray Hadley left his show for the final time after two decades on Friday morning.
It is understood that O’Keefe, who is highly regarded by both his colleagues and network management, still had more than a year to run on his lucrative $400,000-a-year contract with Nine Radio and made the decision to resign completely under his own terms. .
He tendered his resignation to Nine Radio boss Tom Malone a week ago, but decided to keep the news a secret until his final show, as he did not want to distract from Hadley’s farewell tour.
The father-of-one said he was looking forward to spending more time with his wife, Fox League presenter Yvonne Sampson, and their two-year-old son Henry, and wanted to offer his own family the same care and attention he received as a child.
“Personally, I just want to thank my mom and dad, Shellie and Greg, who instilled a work ethic and decency in my sister Lauren and me that has allowed us to do what we do,” he told his listeners.
“I often think that I wish I could be the father that Mom and Dad were to me, but I realize that it’s a very high bar, because they are so good.
And look, I would be nothing without my wife, Vonny. She is the most extraordinary human being.
‘She is undoubtedly Australia’s most talented and respected sports broadcaster, but people don’t know the half of it.
Chris O’Keefe says his wife Yvonne (pictured together) taught him the meaning of resilience
The loved-up couple welcomed their baby boy Henry almost two years ago (pictured)
‘Vonny has taught me a resilience I didn’t know I had in me. Their resilience and kindness are otherworldly. Oh my god, I’m lucky.
‘It’s funny we met when I was a rookie reporter and Vonny hadn’t started doing rugby league broadcasts.
‘And through every step of our lives together, she has celebrated and supported our successes. It’s been 12 years and it feels like five minutes have passed.
‘That must be the mark of a great relationship, right? I love her so much that I know how lucky Henry and I are.
O’Keefe, who started out as a television producer at Channel Ten before being poached by Nine’s Gold Coast office, said he would still have some involvement with the media in the future after deciding to set up his own political and media defense firm.
His departure will cause headaches for Nine Radio’s executive team, who will now have to spend the summer searching for a replacement for drive time.
It comes after they announced this week that Wide World of Sports presenter Mark Levy would succeed Hadley in the critical morning slot.
Nine sources said losing O’Keefe, who has been with 2GB for two years after a decade with Nine’s television news teams in Brisbane and Sydney, would have a massive impact across the network.
“It’s an incredible loss for Nine,” a senior official told Daily Mail Australia.
‘It’s not just his radio show, he also publishes stories in the 6pm news bulletin on television and has been a huge success on all platforms.
“He’s also a man of integrity, a great team player and a wonderful mentor to all the young journalists who come through the newsroom, so I’m happy for Chris and Vonny, but it’s a huge, huge loss.”
Reflecting on his two-decade career, O’Keefe attributed much of his success to his own “incredible mentors.”
O’Keefe has praised his breakfast radio colleague Ben Fordham (right) and Nine Radio head of content Greg Brynes (pictured).
‘“I was lucky enough that someone from Channel Ten gave me a chance on their nightly news desk (and) it’s been a wild ride ever since,” he said.
‘It has been an absolute privilege. A privilege I have never taken for granted.
‘I grew up in Nine. And there are too many people to thank. But I will make a special mention of some, because they deserve it.
‘Tom Malone, (Nine Radio head of content) Greg Byrnes, (and content manager) Luke Davis here on 2GB. The faith they have placed in me is exceptional.
‘Especially Tom, his decency and generosity does not go unnoticed by the staff at the radio station.
‘I also want to thank Ben Fordham for his generosity of opinion and advice. He is number one for a reason. Because he is the number one human being.
‘John Stanley too, I’m sure our Dragons dribble will continue in earnest, Deb Knight, who I’ve known since my first day as a full-time journalist.
“She is the epitome of class and is Michael McClaren, who I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know and working with over the last 12 months. What an intellect he has.
“I have been fortunate to have incredible mentors over the years.”
Deborah Knight (pictured) recognized by O’Keefe for being a great mentor
Nine Radio boss Tom Malone and 2GB content manager Luke Davis
In a final monologue upon his resignation, O’Keefe spoke at length about how grateful he was to have grown up in “the lucky country.”
“We should all kiss the earth every day we live in this great country of ours,” he said.
‘There are billions of human beings, just because of the roulette game of life, who have not been lucky enough to live in Australia.
‘We can get free healthcare when we need it, a job for whoever wants it, 13 years of free education and the government will cover the tuition if you want to go to university.
‘If you are disabled, they will take care of you; If you have a mental illness, they will take care of you. If you are older, you will receive the pension and pay for your nursing home. If you are a child, your child’s care will be covered.
‘We have rainforests, snow, beaches and rural areas. Beautiful cities and extraordinary opportunities.
‘All of this has been and continues to be protected by generations of service men and women, which has allowed us to live this life.
‘Australia isn’t perfect, but there are some people around the world who would think it’s pretty close. I’m certainly one of them, and I think sometimes we could be a little more grateful for that.’