Channel Seven boss confirms Sunrise hosts Sam Armytage and David Koch have ‘firm opinions’ and ‘don’t always agree’… after reports on-set tensions were reaching a fever pitch
Sunrise hosts David ‘Kochie’ Koch and Samantha Armytage are known for having awkward arguments and on-air clashes.
Capping off its 18th year as the nation’s top breakfast TV show, it’s no surprise their explosive TV moments have viewers coming back for more.
After recent reports suggested on-set tensions were reaching a fever pitch on the Channel Seven breakfast program, network executives have confirmed the pair ‘don’t always agree’, and insist they foster the feuds for ratings.
‘The beauty of the Sunrise ensemble is they’ve got firm opinions’: Channel Seven boss confirms hosts Sam Armytage and David Koch ‘don’t always agree’… after reports on-set tensions were reaching a fever pitch
Kochie has served as a long-standing anchor on Sunrise since 2002, while Sam joined the popular show in 2013.
Speaking to TV Tonight on Thursday, Seven’s director of news and current affairs Craig McPherson acknowledged Kochie and Sam don’t always see eye to eye.
‘The beauty of the Sunrise ensemble is they’ve got firm opinions, they’re balanced in their presentation of them,’ he said, adding Sam and Kochie’s varying beliefs make for ‘a healthy debate’ on TV.
Seasoned professionals: Kochie has served as a long-standing anchor on Sunrise since 2002, while Sam joined the popular show in 2013
‘It’s never really got too out of hand for us’: Speaking to TV Tonight on Thursday, Seven’s director of news and current affairs Craig McPherson acknowledged Kochie and Sam don’t always see eye to eye
Each year, there are several explosive on-air arguments between the Sunrise hosts and panel, which Seven believes creates social traction and rating boosts.
‘It’s understandable (when something said) can suddenly become a bit of an inferno out there… It’s become part of what we experience. It’s never really got too out of hand for us, I don’t believe,’ McPherson added.
Reports of recent tensions among the Sunrise team were reported on Sunday by the Sydney Morning Herald.
‘Everyone’s back next year, no changes flagged there’: Seven denied rumours that Sam would be leaving the show before her 2021 contract had run its course
The publication also cast doubt over whether Sam would remain on Sunrise in the new year or discontinue her contract until the end of 2020 early.
They cited her plans to get married and start a family may be motivators in leaving the program before her scheduled exit.
However, Seven confirmed to TV Tonight on Thursday that ‘everyone’s back next year, no changes flagged there’.
Sunrise airs weekdays from 5:30am on Seven
Tune inL: Sunrise airs weekdays from 5:30am on Seven