9News political reporter Chris O’Keefe (main photo) has been named as the new host of 2GB’s Drive program, commencing on 9 January 2023.
The news comes after Jim Wilson departed from the drive spot.
O’Keefe is a multi-award-winning journalist, with more than a decade of experience in television news, reporting on some of our country’s biggest stories, including his work on exposing a deadly gas mix-up at the maternity ward at Bankstown Hospital, which earned him a Walkley Award in 2016.
Already familiar to listeners on 2GB radio and Nine’s radio stations around Australia, O’Keefe has most recently served as a fill-in presenter in 2GB Drive for the past year and is now looking forward to taking on the role full-time.
O’Keefe said: “It’s very rare to be given a chance to be a part of a radio station that has been broadcasting to our city for almost a century. The history is rich at 2GB, and I’m aware of the responsibility that legacy brings and delighted to be given the opportunity.”
“My past experience behind the mic has shown me that radio is deeply personal, and it has to be. We have a one on one conversation with hundreds of thousands of Sydneysiders at the same time they are juggling kids, battling traffic, or in their kitchens cooking dinner – that’s a serious privilege.
“Growing up in the suburbs in the St George area of Sydney and now with a young family, a big mortgage and a passionate Dragons supporter, I understand what’s important in this town. I know what we care about, what we can have a laugh about, and what’s worth fighting for. And more than anything, I’ve tried to build a reputation that when I tell you something is happening, you can take it to the bank.”
2GB, content manager, Luke Davis said: “If it’s happening in Sydney, you’ll hear it first on 2GB, and nobody has their finger on the pulse of our city more than Chris O’Keefe.”
“Chris has proven to be a popular contributor and trusted news-breaker across our network and we can’t wait to have him join 2GB in a full-time capacity. Get set Sydney, with Chris O’Keefe, it’s going to be a fresh, informative and entertaining drive home in 2023!”
O’Keefe started his career at Network Ten as a TV news producer, before moving to Channel 9 on the Gold Coast and Brisbane. He returned home to Sydney, where he has reported on state and federal politics, covering four elections.
He is a Walkley Award winner and three-time nominee. He was also named NSW Journalist of the year in 2017 and has been awarded five Kennedy Awards for excellence in journalism.
O’Keefe is married to Fox League broadcaster Yvonne Sampson and is a father to their baby boy Henry.
