9Podcasts launches new parenting podcast: Baby Talk with Tayla Broad and Lana Murphy 

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

Monday, February 10, 2025

Liz Hayes announces new chapter

Liz’s expansive and award-winning media career allows for an incredibly diverse and impressive portfolio of stories. She is a master storyteller who boasts an innate ability to connect with people. However, her impact extends beyond storytelling, with Liz firmly cemented as one of Australia’s most accomplished women in media. 

Liz joined 9News in 1981 as a reporter and then went on to present the morning bulletin. In 1986 she became co-host of Today with Steve Liebmann, a role she held for 10 years. 

She joined 60 Minutes in 1996 and has covered everything from US presidential elections to the heart-wrenching Syrian refugee crisis, as well as natural disasters across the globe. 

Renowned as one of the greatest interviewers on Australian television, she has sat down with Prime Ministers and politicians, influential business people, Hollywood actors, music legends, and world-class athletes. But ultimately, Liz’s greatest impact has been shining a light on the stories of everyday people who find themselves in extraordinary situations. 

Over the past four-and-a-half decades, Liz’s contribution to journalism has been recognised with a Logie Award for producing and presenting acclaimed documentary The Greatest Gift and the 2024 Media Diversity Australia Award for Under Investigation with Liz Hayes. The award celebrates journalists making an outstanding contribution through their reporting on diverse people or issues in Australia, and was the first time any commercial television network has been recognised in this category.

Liz Hayes said: “When I arrived at Nine I had little more than a notebook and a typewriter, but like my new and far more experienced colleagues, I carried with me an enormous passion for telling stories. I was blessed. I had found my tribe. Even Nine’s owner at the time, Kerry Packer, seemed to carry the same passionate story telling gene.

“Of course since then much has changed. The media world has evolved as have I. What hasn’t changed is the need for good stories to be told, and I will continue to tell them.

“I leave Nine grateful for the decades of experience, the wonderful friendships that have endured and deeply appreciative to the many people who trusted me to tell their stories.”

Nine Director of Television, Michael Healy said: “Liz Hayes is an Australian television legend and has dedicated most of her career to Nine, she will leave an undeniable legacy.  

“Her many accomplishments speak volumes about the type of journalist she is – tenacious, a truth seeker, and above all, a storyteller. I’d like to recognise Liz for the impact she has had on Australian journalism and thank her for all she has done for Nine over the past 44 years. 

For further information, please contact:
Amanda Poulos
Channel 9 Publicity 
apoulos@nine.com.au 

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Married at First Sight becomes the ultimate love match for brands wanting to reach viewers

As the series continues to see impressive annual growth, brands are tapping into the power of MAFS to connect with more Australians than any other television program, resulting in high levels of consumer engagement. 

Long term returning sponsors include KFC, which is in its 9th year of sponsoring MAFS, HBF for the 2nd year; Nestle (3 seasons), Stan (4 seasons) and Chemist Warehouse (2 seasons). Youi Insurance (2 seasons), Snooze (3 seasons), Cocobella (2 seasons), Palmer’s Skincare, BIC, Garnier, Maybelline, Simon Curwood Jewellers (2 seasons), Domain (2 seasons), Finder, KenoGO and Snaffle (3 seasons) also continue their sponsorships. 

This season marks a decade since the reality juggernaut first began in 2015, captivating Australia. In 2025, MAFS will bring even more spellbinding outpouring of love and drama as this year’s brides and grooms fast track their relationships, revealing the most honest, raw and vulnerable sides the couples have ever shown to viewers. 

Sarah Stewart, Powered’s Director of Content Partnerships and Client Experience, said: “It is fantastic to again see so many brands align with MAFS and further extend their sponsorships. The audience of Married at First Sight is deeply engaged and research shows brand recall is high.” 

For further information, please contact:
Adrian Motte
Senior Communications Manager – Trade & Publishing
amotte@nine.com.au

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Nine announces senior appointments in TV News and Current Affairs

It’s a return to Nine for Best who previously held reporting and leadership roles as Nine’s Europe Correspondent based in London and Senior Reporter in Brisbane, as well as News Director in Perth – a role he held for more than three years. Since leaving Nine in 2022, Best has gone on to senior communications and leadership roles at Tattarang and Minderoo, and Gladstone Ports Corporation. 

Kendall Bora has been appointed US Bureau Chief. Currently the Executive Producer of the Today Show, Bora will be relocating to Los Angeles to lead Nine’s US coverage at a crucial time in global affairs.

Fiona Dear said: “These three appointments underline the calibre of people we have leading our News & Current Affairs at Nine.

“Hugh is one of Australia’s most experienced news leaders, with widespread respect across the industry. He was the standout candidate for this national leadership role. Hugh has done a terrific job unofficially acting in this capacity since December, so I am excited to formalise this appointment.

“We’re excited to welcome Michael home to Nine and to 9News Sydney. Michael is a collaborative and supportive leader and a passionate newshound, which is a winning combination for this role. We’re particularly excited about his ability to hit the ground running at Nine, while bringing a new and fresh perspective to the Sydney newsroom.  

“Kendall has had a stellar run at Today Show as EP and has spearheaded a number of transformative projects, including the streamlining of the entire Today Show team. With the global focus on all things America, I’m excited about what she can achieve as head of Nine’s famed US bureau.”

Hugh Nailon said: “Working for 9News is an absolute privilege. I am looking forward to continuing in this new role, which allows me to support and inspire the talented teams in Nine’s newsrooms around the country and our foreign bureaus.”

Michael Best said: “I am proud and excited to be returning to 9News. I have always believed in the critical role great journalism plays in society. At a time when we have unlimited access to information, we need a trusted source that we can rely on to make informed decisions every day for our families, our businesses and our lives. Now, more than ever, Sydney needs the facts. That’s what 9News Sydney delivers every single day. I am looking forward to continuing the important legacy of 9News Sydney and building our connection with the people who are the heart of this great city.”

For further information, please contact:
Terry Stuart
Senior Communications Manager
tstuart@nine.com.au

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

The 9Network to showcase the Invictus Games

The 9Network’s comprehensive coverage will bring all the action and heartfelt moments directly to Australian audiences where they’ll receive every Team Australia event and all competition finals events live, plus catchup on the Daily Mini Highlights on 9Now. While 9GemHD provides a Daily Highlights show every afternoon of competition plus the Closing Ceremony before competition concludes on Tuesday, February 18. 

The Invictus Games Foundation offers a recovery pathway for international wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women (WIS). Over 500 competitors from over 20 nations to compete in adaptive sports, including the new winter sports: Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding, Nordic Skiing and Biathlon, Skeleton, and Wheelchair Curling, in addition to the core Invictus Games sports of indoor rowing, sitting volleyball, swimming, wheelchair rugby and wheelchair basketball. Enabling those involved to reclaim their purpose, identity and future, beyond injury.

The Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 will mark a historic moment as it integrates adaptive winter sports for the first time, including skiing, snowboarding and skeleton events. 

Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, said: “The Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 will offer a global platform to expand the range and profile of winter adaptive sports. With deep respect, I’m also pleased to share that the Games in Canada will be held in partnership with the First Nations, in the spirit of truth and reconciliation with Indigenous communities.”

Simon Fordham, Nine Wide World of Sports Head of Partnerships and Strategy, said: “The Invictus Games are a beacon of hope, resilience, and determination, and we are honoured to broadcast this event to Australian audiences. Partnering with the Invictus Games Foundation allows us to showcase the remarkable achievements of these competitors and celebrate their unwavering spirit. We look forward to bringing their stories to life and highlighting the incredible efforts of Team Australia, ensuring the Games’ message of recovery and unity resonates far and wide.”

VIEWING GUIDE 9GEMHD

9NOW LIVE STREAMING GUIDE – INVICTUS GAMES
Live and Free

Renowned sales leader Julia Edwards appointed as Nine’s Director – Programmatic Sales

She will report into Nick Young, Nine’s Commercial Director – Digital. 

Edwards has extensive experience in programmatic advertising, having previously worked as Yahoo’s Commercial Director and Sales Director (NSW); Head of Partnerships – Foxtel & Global Partners at Multi Channel Network; as well as stints at Seven and Everguide.   

Nick Young, Nine’s Commercial Director – Digital, said: “I am thrilled to welcome Julia to Nine. With her depth of experience across the media industry and expertise in the programmatic space, she will be pivotal in driving our business forward across 9Now, Publishing and Audio.” 

Julia Edwards said: “I’m thrilled to be a part of Nine’s growth, helping connect programmatic advertisers with premium inventory across Nine’s video, audio, and publishing assets. Together, we will be focused on driving transparency, collaboration, and effectiveness in the dynamic world of total media.”

For further information, please contact:
Adrian Motte
Senior Communications Manager – Trade & Publishing
amotte@nine.com.au

Monday, February 3, 2025

Acclaimed broadcaster Phil O’Neil joins 2GB & 4BC as Overnights host

His career includes hosting top-rated shows in Australia and the UK, earning multiple Sony, New York Radio, and British Radio awards. His hit programs “Ugly Phil’s Hot Hits Chart Show” and “Ugly Phil’s Hot 30 Nightly” were household favorites, drawing millions of listeners for over a decade. No stranger to talk radio, Phil has also worked at both 2UE Sydney and London’s LBC Radio. 

Phil O’Neil said, “All the roads I’ve travelled have led to this moment. There are no finer radio stations to pursue my talk radio aspirations than at 2GB and 4BC. This really is the most exciting and pivotal moment of my career.”

Nine Radio Content Manager, Greg Byrnes said, “Phil will bring fresh energy to overnights and is an exciting addition to our new lineups in Sydney and Brisbane. He’s engaging, entertaining and has a loyal following. Phil loves talk radio and our early morning listeners are going to love him.”

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

Friday, January 31, 2025

The world’s oldest profession gets a modern makeouver in Madam

What began as a visit to New Zealand turns into a permanent and rewarding stay for the family – until Mack uncovers a shocking secret: her husband Rob (Martin Henderson, Virgin River) has been seeing a prostitute. Despite the shock, Mack feels inspired by this revelation and decides to open a legal “feminist, ethical brothel” where women can revolutionise sex-for-sale by taking control of their lives, their work and their sexuality.

Over Rob’s objections, Mack goes ahead and recruits a colourful team of sex workers including Tui(Ariaña Osborne, Millie Lies Low), the woman Rob has been seeing. In the face of community outrage, Mack sets out to navigate the unique challenges and complexities of making a profit from operating a brothel that empowers the working girls, not their male clients, in a safe and new-style environment.

But the task grows increasingly difficult. And can Mack, the responsible new-age madam, solve the tensions between her family life and her controversial business?

The series also stars Quinn Ashton and Angus Stevens as Mack’s sons Toby and Noam, Rima Te Wiata (Sons and Daughters) and Robbie Magasiva (Wentworth).

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

Thursday, January 30, 2025

My Way celebrates 10 seasons of remarkable trailblazers

In the first new episode this week, we take backyard adventures to the extreme, explore community-driven coffee culture, celebrate the future of ancient Aboriginal instruments and fall in love with the Darling Downs on horseback.

Meet Chris Dixon, the visionary behind Wild&Co Adventure Racing, who creates intensely challenging outdoor events that push participants to their limits to embrace the sense of adventure within. With over 25 years of event experience, traversing across the rugged landscapes of Australia and Asia, Chris has turned passion into business and encourages people of all backgrounds to test their endurance, embrace teamwork, and celebrate their accomplishments in his adventure races.

Chris Williams, a gifted didgeridoo player from the Wakka Wakka people, is out to revolutionise the instrument’s place in contemporary music by blending rich tradition with modern influences. As a performer and educator, he’s preserving the heritage of the didgeridoo and passing it down for future generations. Through his high-profile commissions and global performances, Chris weaves the stories of his people into his music.

Ian Abadiano, founder and owner of Coffee Mentality, goes way beyond making a great brew by championing sustainable farming practices and supporting community-driven initiatives in his home country, the Philippines. After moving to Australia, this former airline steward bought a mobile coffee van, and today Coffee Mentality includes multiple cafes, a roastery, and a hub for barista training and competitions.

And join Gill and Peter Gould as we saddle up for a breathtaking journey on horseback through the Darling Downs. The founders of Cowboy Up Trail Riding offer trail rides to immerse yourself in nature, forging a connection with landscape and animals alike. Peter, a second-generation horse trainer, is the perfect guide to make these rides an unforgettable day out , while Gill’s palpable devotion to their horses makes the experience impossible not to love.

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

Thursday, January 30, 2025

Day 15: Australian Open 2025 on the 9Network

Italy’s Jannik Sinner has stayed composed under pressure, blocking any outside noise to surge through to the final as the reigning champion looks to claim his third Grand Slam title. 

Zverev is yet to win a Slam final in two previous attempts, going down in five sets on both occasions, as another hard fought contest on Rod Laver Arena awaits.

In commentary for Nine’s Wide World of Sports is Todd Woodbridge, Jim Courier, Lleyton Hewitt, John Millman and their host, James Bracey.

The Afternoon Serve is live from 2.00pm AEDT to preview the final day of play. The women’s doubles final will follow at 3.00pm AEDT. 

Night SessionBegins 7.30pm AEDT
Jannik Sinner (ITA) [1] v Alexander Zverev (GER) [2]
Stream – 9Now
Every Match, Every Court