Archives: Media Releases

This Christmas Eve David Campbell will again light up the stage, hosting alongside Sarah Abo for the very first time at Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight presented by AAMI, live from the Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Sunday, December 24, at 8.00pm on Channel 9 and 9Now. 

“I’m excited to be joining David as the host of Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight. I have such fond memories of watching and attending Carols as a child, and I am thrilled to be able to play a role in one of Australia’s most loved Christmas Eve traditions,” Sarah Abo said.

David Campbell, who will also be performing this year, said: “Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, and we go all out in our house. I’m honoured to once again be a part of Carols by Candlelight, which has become such a special Christmas Eve tradition for me. 

“It’s an extra-meaningful one for me this year as it’s my tenth time hosting, plus I’m excited to share the co-hosting duties with Sarah for the first time. It will be an incredible night, not only for raising much-needed funds for Vision Australia, but also spreading Christmas joy to families all over Australia.” 

Award-winning music phenomenonG Flip will also debut at Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight. Originally from Melbourne, G Flip, now based in Los Angeles, made noise globally this year with the release of the DRUMMER album that topped the ARIA charts and was nominated for album of the year and best rock album at this year’s ARIA Awards, before winning two awards for best live act and best video.

G Flip, who is dominating the music industry with sold-out Australian tours and a first headline tour in the USA, will electrify the Sidney Myer Music Bowl this Christmas Eve with a performance to remember. 

G Flip expressed their excitement about joining Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight this year, they said: “I love Christmas, it’s my favourite holiday and I’m so stoked to be in the country and to be able to hit the stage and celebrate and get festive!!”

Australian World Music Star, Mitch Tambo will also be once again joining Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight this year with a very special rendition of a favourite Christmas carol.

And viewers can also expect spectacular performances from a show-stopper lineup featuring Australian music icon Paul Kelly, husband-wife duo BOWEN * YOUNG, Timothy James Bowen, 2023 ARIA Award winner Emma Memma, and the cast of Grease The Musical, including the legendary Marcia Hines, Patti Newton and Jay Laga’aia, as well as many more names to come.

Nine’s cherished Carols family will return to the Sidney Myer Music Bowl once more, including David Hobson, Marina Prior, Silvie Paladino and Denis Walter, as well as a special performance from Simon Gleeson and his daughter Molly. 

Carols by Candlelight is Vision Australia’s biggest annual fundraiser for children’s services, with 100 per cent of profits from ticket sales going directly towards supporting close to 2000 families whose children are blind or have low vision. Tickets to the Sidney Myer Music Bowl are on sale now and can be purchased via www.carolsbycandlelight.com.au

DOWNLOAD IMAGES HERE

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, LIVE AT 8.00PM 
ON CHANNEL 9 & 9NOW

@Channel9 @carolsbycandlelight_aus 
#CarolsByCandlelight 
To make a donation to Vision Australia visit www.givetocarols.com

For further information, please contact:
Alexandra Maiolo
9Network Publicity 
alexandra.maiolo@nine.com.au

Friday, December 8, 2023

The Hundred with Andy Lee will find out what Australians really think about the most wonderful time of the year – Christmas – this Sunday at 7.00pm on Channel 9 and 9Now. 

What percentage of Australians will still eat Christmas ham leftovers two weeks after the big day? How many people have been taken to hospital following a bonbon-related accident?

Andy will be joined again by 100 everyday Aussies who Zoom into the studio from all over the continent to tell us what the nation is really thinking about the festive season. 

What percentage of our Hundred think Die Hard is a classic Christmas movie? How many have broken a Christmas present on Christmas day?

Joining Andy will be regular panellist Sophie Monk, plus Tommy Little, Anne Edmonds and a special seasonal guest better known as Santa Claus’ better half. 

The Hundred with Andy Lee Season 6 will return in 2024, so for your chance to have your say and join the cast, sign up here.

The Hundred with Andy Lee is an original concept by Screentime Australia and Andy Lee in association with Channel 9.

For further information, please contact:
Alexandra Reed 
Channel 9 Publicity 
alexandra.reed@nine.com.au

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

FW Jobs Academy is supporting 700 more women into work or training, and to secure their economic futures. In just two years, Jobs Academy has helped hundreds of women to return to the workforce and thrive.

Helen McCabe, founder of the Jobs Academy, said “Hundreds of thousands of Australian women have been locked out of the workforce because they face multiple and intersecting barriers to employment. We’re proud to be providing a program that meets women where they’re at and treats them with dignity and respect.”

Jobs Academy recognises that women are experts in their own lives and their voices should inform the support they receive. It provides the right balance of aspiration, community, education, and empowerment to achieve real results. The program works because it was designed by women, to work with women, at scale.

This ground-breaking pre-employment program is equipping women with the skills, knowledge, connections, and confidence they need to find a job, start a business or commence training. The program is fully virtual and voluntary, offering a self-paced, engaging curriculum that is proudly flexible, accessible, and inclusive.

By developing deep relationships with the public and private sector, Jobs Academy connects women directly with Australian employers looking to fill current vacancies. The program’s ‘employer partners’ are encouraged to embrace flexible working and invest in gender equality strategies, in order to access a pipeline of staff.

The National Skills Commission estimates that by 2026 Australia will need an additional 1.2 million workers. Research published by Chief Executive Women in 2022 found that boosting women’s economic participation could provide up to a million additional skilled full-time workers.

FW Deputy Managing Director, Jamila Rizvi said “Australia has a once-in-a-generation chance to boost women’s workforce participation while also addressing chronic labour and skills shortages. FW’s Jobs Academy is capitalising on this opportunity, benefiting both women and the economy, by disrupting the traditional model of employment programs.”

“Australia boasts a highly skilled, enthusiastic female workforce which simply isn’t being utilised to the extent it could be. More women would return to work, if they were given the right support through affordable child care, flexible hours – and an extra helping hand from programs like FW Jobs Academy,” she said.

Innovative programs like Jobs Academy can drive gender equality outcomes, and deliver for our economy, at the same time.

Jobs Academy is supported by the Australian Government through funding under the Women’s Leadership and Development Program.

Applications for our 2024 cohort are now open for women and gender diverse people aged over 40 at jobsacademy.futurewomen.com

Media contact:
For more information, to organise an interview or for comment, please contact Sally Spicer on 0401 238 989 or jobsacademy@futurewomen.com

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

FW Jobs Academy is partnering with the Queensland government to support more women into work or training, and to secure their economic futures. In just two years, the Jobs Academy has helped hundreds of women to return to the workforce and thrive.

Helen McCabe, founder of the Jobs Academy, said “Hundreds of thousands of Australian women have been locked out of the workforce because they face multiple and intersecting barriers to employment. We’re proud to be providing a program that meets women where they’re at and treats them with dignity and respect.”

Jobs Academy recognises that women are experts in their own lives and their voices should inform the support they receive. It provides the right balance of aspiration, community, education, and empowerment to achieve real results. The program works because it was designed by women, to work with women, at scale.

This ground-breaking pre-employment program is equipping women with the skills, knowledge, connections, and confidence they need to find a job, start a business or commence training. The program is fully virtual and voluntary, offering a self-paced, engaging curriculum that is proudly flexible, accessible, and inclusive.

By developing deep relationships with the public and private sector, Jobs Academy connects women directly with Australian employers looking to fill current vacancies. The program’s ‘employer partners’ are encouraged to embrace flexible working and invest in gender equality strategies, in order to access a pipeline of staff.

The National Skills Commission estimates that by 2026 Australia will need an additional 1.2 million workers. Research published by Chief Executive Women in 2022 found that boosting women’s economic participation could provide up to a million additional skilled full-time workers.

FW Deputy Managing Director, Jamila Rizvi said “Australia has a once-in-a-generation chance to boost women’s workforce participation while also addressing chronic labour and skills shortages. FW’s Jobs Academy is capitalising on this opportunity, benefiting both women and the economy, by disrupting the traditional model of employment programs.”

“Australia boasts a highly skilled, enthusiastic female workforce which simply isn’t being utilised to the extent it could be. More women would return to work, if they were given the right support through affordable child care, flexible hours – and an extra helping hand from programs like FW Jobs Academy,” she said.

Innovative programs like Jobs Academy can drive gender equality outcomes, and deliver for our economy, at the same time.

Applications for our 2024 cohort are now open for women and gender diverse people aged over 40 at jobsacademy.futurewomen.com

Media contact:
For comment or an interview please contact Sally Spicer on 0401 238 989 or jobsacademy@futurewomen.com

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

4BC Brisbane has today announced its live and local lineup for 2024.

As the charismatic trio of Laurel, Gary, and Mark celebrate their remarkable 17th year together, 4BC Breakfast kicks off the morning with an infectious dose of the house of fun, setting the perfect tone for the day ahead.

Taking the reins for the morning slot is the newly appointed 4BC Mornings host, Bill McDonald, before Sofie Formica brings her energy to 4BC Afternoons, captivating audiences from noon.

The commute home is in good hands with Peter Gleeson at the helm of 4BC Drive, and as the day winds down, Wide World of Sports with Peter Psaltis rounds out the weekday, keeping listeners informed and entertained.

Adding to the stellar lineup in 2024, seasoned journalist Peter Fegan, will take the helm of 4BC Weekends.

4BC Content Manager Max Dudley said: “It’s great to welcome Peter Fegan to 4BC Weekends – a distinguished senior journalist and a passionate advocate for our city. A born and bred Queenslander from the south east, his connection to local issues will resonate with our audience.

“4BC is Brisbane’s only radio station with live and local shows from 5.30am to 7.00pm every weekday. We are committed to serving our great city – and with council and state elections during the year, 4BC will be the place listeners turn to for the latest news and opinion – and to have their say.”

Monday to Friday Live and Local Programming
5:30am – 9am – 4BC Breakfast with Laurel, Gary and Mark
9am – 12pm – 4BC Mornings with Bill McDonald
12pm – 3pm – 4BC Afternoons with Sofie Formica
3pm – 6pm – 4BC Drive with Peter Gleeson
6pm – 7pm – Wide World of Sports with Peter Psaltis

For further information, please contact:
Lucy Charles
Publicity Assistant, Nine Queensland
lucy.charles@nine.com.au

Friday, December 1, 2023

Fans of Seinfeld can rejoice and relive their favourite show with a dedicated 24/7 channel streaming back-to-back episodes of the iconic sitcom only on 9Now. 

Arm yourself with some pretzels (which will probably make you thirsty), give yourself permission to have soup and enjoy non-stop laughs with the legendary Jerry, Elaine, Kramer, George Costanza and Newman. 

Seinfeld, the show about nothing, aired from 1989 – 1998 making television history as one of the world’s most successful sitcoms ever produced. 

Currently streaming Seasons 1-3, with Season 4 available from today (Friday, December 1), and the remaining Seasons 5-9 to be dropping onto the platform over the next three months. 

The channel will house all nine seasons, a total of 180 episodes, as well as feature themed programming showcasing the best episodes of the series. 

Launching as the 9Network’s first brand-led dedicated streaming channel for 9Now, delivering exclusive and premium content to Australians for free.

Hamish Turner, Director of 9Now and Programming: “Seinfeld is one of the most iconic television shows of all time, a fitting choice to launch 9Now’s first dedicated streaming channel.” 

SEINFELD DEDICATED CHANNEL STREAMING 24/7
AVAILABLE ONLY ON 9NOW

For further information, please contact:
Alessandra Muratore
9Network Publicity
alessandra.muratore@nine.com.au

Friday, December 1, 2023

Respected broadcaster Michael McLaren has been confirmed as the new host of 2GB Afternoons, commencing in January 2024.

A longtime listener favourite, McLaren started his radio career at 2GB in 2006 as a program producer. His on-air career kicked off in 2011, first hosting 2GB’s Weekend Overnight program before taking on Australia Overnights Monday-Friday in 2016. In 2023, he fronted 2GB’s number one rating Weekend Mornings program.

On his new role as 2GB Afternoons host, McLaren said: “It is an honour to be asked to host Afternoons. The program has a rich and proud history on 2GB and I look forward to opening the next chapter from January 15. 

“I will bring my interests and apparent dry sense of humour with me in the kit bag. It’ll be traditional afternoon radio. We’ll keep abreast of the news as it unfolds but also afford people a chance to laugh, learn and reminisce. The audience and open line will drive the agenda. I’d like to acknowledge those who joined me on Weekends in 2023 and hope to enjoy their company Monday to Friday in 2024.”

2GB Content Manager, Luke Davis said: “We’re absolutely delighted to bring our listeners more of Michael McLaren in 2024. Michael’s performance over the past 12 years has been outstanding, with listeners warming to his intelligence, quick wit and knack of breaking down complex issues. His ability to cover anything from the news of the day, to travel, nostalgia, health, cars, technology and entertainment makes him the perfect companion for Afternoons.”

2GB Afternoons with Michael McLaren will premiere on Monday 15 January 2024.

For further information, please contact:
Caitlin Lynch
Senior Communications Manager, Nine
clynch@nine.com.au

Thursday, November 30, 2023

Australia’s best golfers will take over Nine’s Wide World of Sports this week in the ISPS HANDA Australian Open, live and free from Thursday to Sunday, on the 9Network and 9Now. 

Competing for the biggest prize in Australian Golf, along with a $3.4 million prize purse, The Australian and The Lakes Golf Clubs in Sydney will host the Men’s, Women’s and All Abilities competition in four days of top-drawer action. 

Fresh from victory at the Australian PGA Championship last week, Aussie Min Woo Lee is hot to cook up big wins in consecutive weeks. But he faces a star-studded field including leading Australians Cameron Smith, Adam Scott, Marc Leishman, Cam Davis and Lucas Herbert; European Ryder Cup star Robert MacIntyre; and the defending ISPS HANDA Australian Open champion, Adrian Meronk of Poland.

After missing the cut in the PGA tournament, Cameron Smith is itching to rediscover the touch that made him the British Open champion in 2022.

Smith said: “Growing up watching all the greats win the Australian Open makes it a little bit more special to me. It would mean everything to win this tournament. I’ve been close a couple of times, so I want to win this one even more.” 

The 2013 Masters champion, Adam Scott, said: “This tournament means so much to Australian golfers and it’s great to be back playing on home soil. The Australian and The Lakes set up nicely for my game and I’d really love to win my second Australian Open this week.”

In the women’s field, Australia’s last two major winners, Minjee Lee and Hannah Green, are up against defending champion Ash Buhai from South Africa and former world No.1 Jiyai Shin (Korea), as well as Aussie young guns Grace Kim, Steph Kyriacou and Gabi Ruffels.

Green, who is in prime position to represent Australia at the Paris Olympics, said: “This is the first time I’m playing a professional tournament in Sydney, so I’m excited.”

Channel 9HD is the place to be on Saturday from 12.00pm and Sunday afternoon from 2.00pm AEDT for the final two rounds of play, with coverage of the first two rounds on 9GemHD on Thursday and Friday from 12.00pm.

9Now will stream the whole tournament live and free from Thursday, November 30. 

Nine’s Mat Thompson will feature in commentary throughout the tournament.

ISPS Handa Australian Open
November 30 – December 3
The Australian Golf Club and The Lakes Golf Club, Sydney

For exclusive behind the scenes content
Follow @WWOS on Instagram
LIKE Wide World of Sports on Facebook
#9WWOS

Thursday, November 30, 2023

Voice cloning, deep fakes and AI are amongst the new cutting edge technologies being used by scammers explored in the second season of Anatomy of a Scam.

The latest season – launching during ACCC’s Scams Awareness Week – brings listeners the real-life stories of victims and insights from world-class cyber experts to peel back the layers of a scam, reveal their inner workings and help protect Australians from falling into these increasingly sophisticated traps.

Hosted by acclaimed journalist Deb Knight and tech expert Trevor Long, and produced by 9Podcasts in partnership with the Commonwealth Bank, Anatomy of a Scam season two focuses on ‘impersonation scams’, which account for approximately 80% of all scams reported to Scamwatch and which have only proliferated thanks to the new wave of AI-enabled technology.

Anatomy of a Scam host Deb Knight said: “The ACCC estimates Australians lost a record $3.1 billion to scams in 2022, and the risk becomes greater the more intelligent the technology becomes. This is a very real threat to the Aussies, particularly in a cost of living crisis where every dollar counts.

“In the latest season of Anatomy of a Scam we’ve sought to go beyond the traditional text, call and email scams that most Australians can now spot a mile away, and go straight to the world’s best tech experts to ask the question: how can you spot the signs if you can no longer trust what you see?”

Tech expert Trevor Long said: “Gone are the good ol’ days when phishing scams were filled with blatant spelling mistakes and obvious clues. Now with the power of AI, cybercriminals can craft note perfect voice clones, eerily accurate deep fakes and dodgy emails written in perfect English, highlighting the scary reality that the art of deception is alive, and no longer human.

“Our aim is to equip Australians with all the information they need to spot these sophisticated new scams and protect themselves, their friends, family, and even workplaces from falling victim.”

James Roberts, General Manager of Group Fraud Management Service at CommBank, said: “There are many people and organisations using AI for good, with an aim to make things better in the world. But there are also criminals using AI to build sophisticated scams to trick others. That’s why it’s so important these days to remain alert and have a healthy level of scepticism when interacting online.”

Experts and insiders interviewed on season two of Anatomy of a Scam include Heidi Snell – Executive General Manager at ACCC, James Roberts – General Manager for Group Fraud Management Service at CommBank, Ken Gamble – Cybercrime Specialist and private investigator, Kirsty Dunn – Director of Communications at Tinder, and Professor Ofir Turel – Information Systems Management and Computing at The University of Melbourne.

Episode 1: Voice Cloning
Episode 2: Deep Fakes (featuring Richard Wilkins)
Episode 3: Marketplace Scams
Episode 4: Phishing Scams
Episode 5: Investment Scams
Episode 6: AI vs AI

Anatomy of a Scam Season 2 launches on Tuesday 28 November with episodes dropping weekly. Available wherever you get your podcasts.

For further information, please contact:
Caitlin Lynch
Senior Communications Manager, Nine
clynch@nine.com.au

Monday, November 27, 2023

Australian music iconPaul Kelly will make his debut at Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight presented by AAMI, live from the Sidney Myer Music Bowl at 8.00pm on Christmas Eve on Channel 9 and 9Now.

Kelly, who has won 17 ARIA Awards and was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 1997, will perform his classic Christmas track, How to Make Gravy. The song, which continues to grow in popularity since its 1996 release, tells the story of a newly imprisoned man writing a letter to his brother in which he laments that he will be missing the family’s Christmas celebrations. It is also set to be made into a movie starring Hugo Weaving.

Voicing his enthusiasm about joining Carols by Candlelight this year, he said: “I’m a ’newbie’ at Carols. It will be my very first time singing there. Excited!”

Kelly’s latest album, Paul Kelly’s Christmas Train, continues to delight audiences with a very Aussie mix of yuletide songs that best reflect the experience of Christmas down under.

Also joining Carols by Candlelight this year is husband-wife duo BOWEN * YOUNG who are returning to Australia for the first time in over four years, and will be making their debut as a duo. Clare Bowen is best known for playing the role of Scarlett O’Connor in the popular TV series Nashville. She met her husband Brandon Robert Young when he filled in for her no-show duet partner at a performance in Nashville in 2013 and married in 2017. They are set to release their debut album, Us, in early 2024 and will be touring Australia this January. On Christmas Eve they will be joined by Clare’s younger brother, Timothy James Bowen, for a special performance.

2023 ARIA Award winner for best Best Children’s Album, Emma Watkins, more widely known as Emma Memma, will also join this year’s star-studded lineup.

The cast of Grease The Musical, including the legendary Marcia Hines, Patti Newton and Jay Laga’aia will also grace the stage, with Marcia performing a solo as well.

Viewers will be treated to spectacular performances they have come to expect from the Carols family, including Marina Prior, David Hobson, Denis Walter and Silvie Paladino.

The Australian Girls Choir and the National Boys Choir will also return, with many more exciting names to be announced in the coming weeks.

And it wouldn’t be Carols by Candlelight without an appearance from the big man himself, with Santa Claus flying in straight from the North Pole.

Musical director and maestro John Foreman OAM, assisted by Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight choirmaster Doug Heywood OAM, will once again guide our musicians.

Carols by Candlelight is Vision Australia’s biggest annual fundraiser for children’s services, with 100 per cent of profits from ticket sales going directly towards supporting close to 2000 families whose children are blind or have low vision. Tickets to the Sidney Myer Music Bowl are on sale now and can be purchased via www.carolsbycandlelight.com.au

Hosts of this year’s event will be announced soon.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, LIVE AT 8.00PM 
ON CHANNEL 9 & 9NOW

@Channel9 @carolsbycandlelight_aus
#CarolsByCandlelight
For ticket sales or donations to Vision Australia visit www.givetocarols.com

For further information, please contact:
Madison Long
9Network Publicity
madison.long@nine.com.au

Monday, November 27, 2023