Chris O'Keefe: 2GB radio host and Nine star quits live on air in shock ...

Radio host Chris O’Keefe has ended his long-running TV and radio career in a shock announcement live on air.

The 43-year-old multi-award winning journalist broke the news during his 2GB radio drive show on Friday afternoon, telling listeners it was a “difficult decision” but “the time is right” to move on.

“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,” O’Keefe said.

“Today is my last show and my last day in journalism.”

He went on to say he’s been “wrestling” with the decision “for 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,” O’Keefe said.

“I’m a young father, and I am looking at what the next 10 years looks like for me and my family. And as we all do from time to time, I have had to answer this question.”

Now one of Nine’s most popular stars, O’Keefe first started out in regional journalism, with an internship at St George and Sutherland Shire Leader in 2008, before making his move into broadcast television.

He worked at Ten News on the Gold Coast before being poached by Nine where he went on to work across news and current affairs for more than a decade in the Brisbane and Sydney news teams.

“I was lucky enough for someone at Channel Ten to give me a crack on their overnight news desk (and) since then it has been a wild ride,” O’Keefe said.

O’Keefe took on the role of the coveted 2GB afternoon drive shift, replacing Jim Wilson, only two years ago. He’s the second big name radio star to walk out the 2GB door this week, with Ray Hadley wrapping up his final shift after two decades as ‘the king of radio’ today.

“It’s been an absolute privilege,” O’Keefe said of his media career.

“A privilege I have never ever taken for granted.”

He went on to thank Tom Malone, Nine Radio head of content, Greg Byrnes, content manager, and Luke Davis at 2GB among others.

“The faith they have put in me is exceptional,” O’Keefe said.

Still somewhat staying in the industry, O’Keefe now plans to open his own political and media advocacy business.

“To help clients navigate their projects or issues through the maelstrom of government and public opinion,” he explained.

“I am excited about it and I know I can make it a success.”

The father-of-one said the change would allow him more time with his wife, Fox League presenter Yvonne Sampson and their two-year-old son Henry.

He credited his wife, Vonny, of 12 years, for helping him become the man he is today, and shared how lucky he was to have her in his life. He also thanked his parents for their overwhelming support and the incredible upbringing they provided.

“I would be nothing without my wife Vonny,” O’Keefe said. “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.”

He added that he was proud of the work he and his team had done at 2GB, before telling listeners to try and remember how lucky we all are to live in Australia.

“We should all kiss the dirt every day that we live in this great country of ours,” he said.

“There are billions of human beings, just through the roulette game of life, who haven’t been lucky enough to live in Australia.

“We can get medical care for free whenever we need it, a job for whoever wants one, 13 years of free schooling, and the government will front the fee if you want to go to Uni.

“If you are disabled, you are looked after, if you are mentally ill, you will be looked after.

“If you are elderly you’ll get the pension and your nursing home paid for. If you are a child, you’ll get your childcare covered.

“We have rainforests, snow, beaches and outback. Beautiful cities, and extraordinary opportunities.

“Australia is not perfect, but there are some people around the world who would think it goes pretty bloody close.

“I reckon we could be a little more thankful for that at times.”