A huge radio star has sensationally quit live on air.
Chris O'Keefe made the surprise announcement on his 2GB drive-time program on Friday. The 43-year-old Australian radio host said his resignation was 'effective immediately'. And not only was he quitting his show, he was quitting the media industry as a whole.
He told shocked listeners: "I've got a bit of news to share this afternoon. Today is my last show here at 2GB. This is entirely my decision, I have decided to finish up not only in radio but in the media.
"Today is my last show, and my last day in journalism. It’s been a difficult decision, and one I have been wrestling 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 for me to make the call to move on."
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Instagram)Chris revealed his decision was partly down to wanted to spend more time with his wife, Fox League presenter Yvonne Sampson, and their two-year-old son Henry. Though he tendered his resignation last week, he waited until his show today to publicly announce it.
Paying tribute to his family, he told listeners: "Personally, I just want to thank my mum and dad Shellie and Greg who instilled a work ethic and decency into my sister Lauren and I, which has allowed us to do what we do
"I often think I wish I could be the parent that Mum and Dad were to me - but I realise that is a very high bar, because they are just so good. And, look, I would be nothing without my wife, Vonny.
"She is the most extraordinary human being. She is easily the most talented and respected sports broadcaster in Australia, but people don’t know the half of it. Vonny has taught me a resilience that I didn’t know I had in me. Her resilience and kindness is other worldly. My God I am lucky.
"It’s funny we got together when I was a cub reporter, and Vonny hadn’t started doing the rugby league broadcasts. And every step of our lives together she has celebrated and supported our successes.
"It’s been 12 years and it feels like it’s been five minutes. That’s gotta be the mark of a great relationship, right? I love her so dearly. I know how lucky Henry and I are.'
Chris' departure means Nine Radio will now have to search for a drive-time show replacement. An insider told Daily Mail Australia: "It's an incredible loss for Nine. It's not just his radio show, he still breaks stories for the 6pm news bulletin on television and has been a huge success across every platform.
"He's also a man of integrity, an excellent team player and is a wonderful mentor to all the young journalists coming through the newsroom - so I'm happy for Chris and Vonny, but it's a huge, huge loss."
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