From The Australian to the ABC—and beyond

A long newsroom life, a final ABC broadcast, and the distinction between leaving one role and stopping work.

The paired portraits and credits appear on the series home. This is Martin’s independent commentary on Kohler’s published work. Alan Kohler has not reviewed or endorsed it.

Kohler’s documented work

What he has argued

Kohler’s public biography records a long career in Australian journalism. He began as a cadet at The Australian, later edited the Australian Financial Review and The Age, and worked across business publishing and broadcasting. His ABC association lasted 31 years. He delivered his final ABC finance report on 14 October 2026, earlier than the date first named in the broadcaster’s September announcement. The ABC farewell says he is continuing to work; his byline and Money Café appearances at Intelligent Investor remain public ways to follow that work.

Martin’s response

Where I agree, and where I go further

I initially remembered him as an editor at The Australian. The available career record says he began there as a cadet, and identifies his editorships at the AFR and The Age. That distinction matters: a tribute should get the person’s history right rather than improve it for effect. His move away from the ABC is a change of platform, not evidence that he has retired from journalism or announced a new book.

Open question

What I still want to understand

What does a journalist keep doing after the daily broadcast ends? I would like to know which subjects he wants to spend more time on, and whether any new book or longer project is in development. I have not found a reliable announcement of a forthcoming book as of this research date.

Research trail

Sources

Published 18 October 2026 · Commentary by Martin Davies-Roundhill · Contact End Up Here