Nine’s 2019 trajectory is set for success following the results from its post-Easter quarter, says Program Director, Hamish Turner.
“Nine had a fantastic post-Easter period with the launch of LEGO Masters. It’s been the breakout new hit of the year and each episode delivered over 1.2 million viewers and a 50 per cent demo conversion,” Turner said.
“The Voice has returned with a bang, up year-on-year, significantly in terms of commercial share. It is the only singing show in town, we’ve got the All-Star component, and audiences love the addition of coach Guy Sebastian.”
Turner also pointed to the launch last week of millennial favourite Love Island UK, a series Nine is fast-tracking straight to 9Now.
“The Australian series of Love Island is in the process of casting and we have a new location this year. It will be bigger and better and it’s making its way to the main channel,” Turner said.
In terms of glitz and glamour live entertainment events, the Logie Awards and ARIA Awards also return this year.
“The Logie Awards on the Gold Coast will be another night of fun and surprises, with big international artists confirmed and A-list Australian talent to perform on the night,” Turner said. “Also returning are the ARIA Awards. We had a big result last year and we are expecting to grow on that. The ARIAs in 2019 will be a star-studded event in Melbourne.”
In the back half of the year the program lineup is set to have audiences glued to their televisions as more big events return to Nine. Two of Australia’s favourite entertainment shows, Australian Ninja Warrior and The Block, will be back and viewers can expect a whole lot more of excitement and ingenuity.
Turner says: “The talent on The Block is unbelievable this year. There are some amazing characters in the mix and the level of design and build has gone to a completely new level.”
“Scheduled with The Block this year are big returning shows including the number one observational documentary of 2018, Paramedics, and the long-awaited revival of SeaChange.”
Turner adds that Nine has lined up the biggest six months of sport in its broadcasting history.
“It has started with cricket, the ICC World Cup that will be followed by The Ashes, live and exclusive in HD on Nine.
“It has been a great year already for NRL. We’ve had increases year-on-year for both Sydney and Melbourne audiences, we have two blockbuster State of Origin games to come, and that will be followed by the NRL finals.”