Archives: Media Releases

Two talented visual journalists will join Australia’s best news photography teams as trainees with The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.

The traineeships, in partnership with Canon Australia, give the next generation of visual journalists a chance to develop their skills in award-winning newsrooms. 

Audrey Richardson will join the Herald and Ruby Alexander is heading to The Age after a highly competitive recruitment process conducted by the newsrooms’ photographic editors and senior editors.

Audrey and Ruby will work alongside the country’s top photojournalists, video producers and editors, developing visual reporting skills and working across different parts of the newsrooms.  

Audrey studied journalism and photography at Michigan State University, and completed internships with the Chicago Tribune, the Detroit Free Press and Seattle Times. She has an interest in underwater and drone photography.  

Audrey said: “I’m beyond thrilled to be joining The Sydney Morning Herald, and I can’t wait to work alongside and learn from some of the country’s best photographers and journalists.

“I’m incredibly grateful to Canon for this partnership and the opportunity to continue growing as a photojournalist.”

Ruby is an aspiring foreign correspondent with a passion for storytelling through photography, video and field reporting. Her portfolio spans Australia and Asia and includes documentaries, photo essays and multimedia stories. 

Ruby said: “I’m excited to be joining The Age as a visual journalist trainee. It’s a real privilege to learn and develop my skills alongside such an experienced and talented team. I’m eager to learn from everyone and to continue growing as both a photographer and journalist. Thank you to The Age and Canon for this incredible opportunity.”

Executive Editor Luke McIlveen, said: “With a rich history of documenting history through images, the Herald and The Age newsrooms welcome Audrey and Ruby. Working alongside our award-winning journalists, our trainees will not only develop their skills but our newsrooms too will benefit from the real-world experience they bring to us. We can’t wait to see how Audrey and Ruby contribute to the country’s two most-read mastheads.” 

Aaron Berthelot, Senior General Manager – Consumer Sales & Marketing, Canon Oceania, said, “Congratulations to Audrey Richardson and Ruby Alexander on their selection as visual journalist trainees. Canon is proud to support the next generation of visual storytellers through this partnership, and we’re excited to see their perspectives continue to develop within two of Australia’s most respected newsrooms.”    

The traineeship program is funded as part of a three-year partnership with Canon Australia, providing dedicated investment in the trainees’ development, alongside industry-leading gear for both the trainees and Nine Publishing staff photographers.

The traineeships are a unique opportunity for those with a strong passion for photography and video storytelling to contribute to the mastheads’ high-quality visual journalism. 

The Herald and The Age have a combined total readership of 12 million, and a rich heritage of quality, independent photojournalism.

Canon

Canon is a world-leading imaging brand that actively inspires and enables people to achieve more than they ever thought they could through products, services and solutions for business and consumers. 

With global revenues of more than $US28.5 billion in 2024, Canon has ranked among the world’s top 10 in the U.S. patent rankings for 41 consecutive years*.

Also part of the Canon Oceania Group companies and brands in the region are Canon Finance Australia, SUNSTUDIOS, Canon Business Services ANZ, Satalyst, Canon New Zealand Limited and Canon Business Service Centre in the Philippines.  

 *Information published as of January 15, 2025 by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services, a U.S. patent research company.

Hear how later-in-life career pivots led influential Australian women to extraordinary success in a season that will inspire listeners to finally make “the switch” HERE

FW’s awarded podcast, Too Much, returns with a twist – or should we say, a pivot – for its third season, subtitled The Switch. This time, eight high-achieving women including Google’s Melanie Silva, Lune’s Kate Reid and Teal Independent Allegra Spender share how they overcame their doubts to take the ultimate leap of faith from one profession to another. Hear about the success they found and the lessons they’d give to women following in their footsteps.

“I started out as a journalist covering breaking news then co-founded an international news organisation. And then I became a parent and solo career to my two kids. My career hasn’t just changed once – it’s evolved over and over again,” said FW’s Briana Blackett, who signs on as host of season three, Too Much: The Switch.

She added, “I know I’m not alone. I also know I would have loved to have someone tell me exactly how they pulled it off. That’s what we’re offering listeners this season – a tapestry of personal stories that are the perfect roadmap for people who are ready to consider something different, but don’t know where to start. The world of work is constantly evolving whether we like it or not – so why not evolve on your own terms?”

Season three begins with Allegra Spender, who left the world of fashion – and mother Carla Zampatti’s empire – to pursue a career in politics that saw her elected as an Independent in the Teal tidal wave of 2022.

Spender shares how her mother inspired her to leave the family business and how she knew she’d finally found the right professional fit.

Other guests include Google Australia/New Zealand Managing Director Melanie Silva, who left financial services for, at first, a less senior role at Google; Giaan Rooney, an Olympic gold-medal winning swimmer who walked away from a TV network contract to run a macadamia farm and Kate Reid, who left the exhilarating world of F1 to build a croissant empire.

Too Much: The Switch episodes drop weekly from 19 January 2026.

This series is once again proudly supported by Victoria Police, who are looking for more women to make ‘the switch’ and join their ranks.

Listen to the podcast trailer and subscribe on Apple or Spotify.
Follow @FutureWomen on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn.

Media opportunities
Host Briana Blackett is available for TV, radio and print interviews.

For all interviews, assets and audio or further information, please contact:
Sally Spicer
E: sally@futurewomen.com
M: 0401 238 989

TOTAL RADIO 

Melbourne’s 3AW and Sydney’s 2GB are the undisputed leaders in Breakfast radio, with today’s GfK Survey 8 ratings for 2025 showing Australians turn to Nine Radio for trusted news and entertainment. 

With results out today that covers the survey period from October 5 to December 13, Ben Fordham Live (2GB) and Breakfast with Ross and Russ (3AW) won the crucial Breakfast battle, ending a dominant year as clear No.1 shows.

3AW finished the year as the outright No.1 radio station in Melbourne, while 2GB is the No.1 talk radio station in Sydney. 

2GB Highlights

• 2GB is the No.1 talk radio in Sydney with a 11.2 share
• Ben Fordham Live is No.1 in Breakfast with a 14.9 share
• Mornings with Mark Levy is No.1 talk in Sydney with a 13.0 share

3AW Highlights

• 3AW is the clear No.1 station for Melburnians, delivering a 13.9 share
• Ross and Russ claimed the No.1 Breakfast position with a 20.4 share 
• Mornings with Tom Elliott was No.1 with a 16.5 share 

Greg Byrnes, Nine Radio’s National Content Manager, said: “If you’re not listening to Ben Fordham in Sydney and Ross & Russ in Melbourne, you’re truly missing out. After dominating all year, 2GB and 3AW are launching into 2026 with breakfast programs that are undisputed market leaders.

“Across the network, listeners this year will reconnect with their favourite presenters and be introduced to a host of exciting new voices. It’s been a relentless summer news cycle, but our talk stations will always set the agenda and provide the reassurance and context our audience expects.”

STREAMING

Nine Radio is dominant in digital streaming, reflecting its accessibility to listeners on the go, around the house, in the car, or anywhere they choose to tune in. The network has once again claimed the No.1 national share, as well as leading across key dayparts in Sydney and Melbourne.

• 3AW No.1 overall: share 32.8%
• 2GB No.1 overall: share 26.6%
• Breakfast with Ross and Russ No.1: share 49.3%
• Ben Fordham Live No.1:  share 40.1%
• Mornings with Tom Elliott No.1: share 30.1%
• Mornings with Mark Levy No.1: share 24.5%

Greg Byrnes said: “Our ‘always on’ content has become a new digital ritual, attracting an extraordinary level of engagement, especially during our breakfast and morning programs. 

“This is more than listening—it’s a shared conversation. We thank Australians for joining us. Delivering essential information and entertainment is at our core, and 24/7 streaming is the most immediate way to engage.”

GfK Radio360 Ratings, Survey 8 2025, Mon-Sun 5.30am-12MN, Market Share % Total, Market Share Streaming %, Commercial Streaming Share %, Cume (000s) Total and Streaming, 3AW Breakfast Mon-Fri 5.30am-8.30am, 3AW Mornings 8.30am-12pm, 2GB Breakfast Mon-Fri 5.30am-9am, 2GB Mornings Mon-Fi 9am-12pm, AP10+, Nine Radio – 2GB, 3AW, 4BC, 6PR, unless otherwise specified.

For further information, please contact:
Adrian Motte
Senior Communications Manager, Nine
amotte@nine.com.au 

Tuesday, 20 January 2026

Major new brands sign on as Nine unveils world class opportunities with tech-led innovation.

Nine has today unveiled its partners and sponsors for the Australian Open 2026, headlined by major new signings, returning brands and world-class broadcast integration technology. 

As the summer’s ultimate marketing platform, the power of the Nine Group will be unleashed, with brands connecting with audiences across Nine’s ecosystem of Streaming and Broadcast, Publishing and Audio. 

This year’s broadcast of the 15 day Grand Slam sees a significant range of brands signing on as sponsors and partners including realestate.com.au, Qantas, Amazon Prime, Uber Eats, Chemist Warehouse, ANZ, Bupa, Chubb Insurance, Peters Ice Cream, Google, Haier, Journey Beyond, Kia, L’Oreal, Visit Victoria to create a dominant commercial environment across the Summer of Tennis.

Nine is redefining the broadcast experience with several tech-led integrations that move beyond traditional placements. In a major partnership debut, realestate.com.au will utilise new ‘Ball Tracking’ statistical technology providing audiences at home more matchplay insights, broadcast live in play in-between points. 

Similarly, Amazon Prime will make a high-impact debut by owning the ‘Fast Ace of the Match’ and ‘Fast Moments’ to highlight its delivery speed, while Google Pixel returns with contextually relevant ‘Time to Switch’ creative that aligns with players changing ends.

Fan favourites also return with fresh iterations, notably the ANZ Falcon Cam which will utilize 4D drone and Fly Cam technology to give viewers a birds-eye view of the precinct while highlighting ANZ’s 24/7 fraud protection. 

Meanwhile, Peters Ice Cream will deepen its cultural relevance through a major content integration with The Hundred with Andy Lee, featuring branded questions and the popular Ace Tally ticker to drive valuable in-program reach.

Andrew Cann, Nine’s National Commercial Director – Sport, said: “The Australian Open remains the undisputed heavyweight of the summer, offering our partners an unmissable opportunity to connect with millions of emotionally engaged Australians. For 2026, we have taken our integrated ecosystem to a new level, blending world-class broadcast innovation with deep storytelling across our Streaming and Broadcast, Publishing and Audio assets. 

“We are incredibly proud to see both new and returning brands leveraging our platforms to drive such sophisticated and creative executions. This year’s line-up is testament to the fact that Nine’s Summer of Tennis is the premier cultural moment that delivers a proven, unmatched uplift in brand metrics, and we look forward to helping all of our partner brands kick off the year with a Grand Slam performance.”

Australian Open 2026

Live and Free on Channel 9 and 9Now

Stan Sport: Every match live and on-demand with 4K

AUSTRALIAN OPEN SPECIAL EDITION ALSO INCLUDES FEATURES ON HOW SUPER COACH DARREN CAHILL KEEPS PRODUCING WINNERS AND WHY RUSSIAN-BORN DARIA KASATKINA TURNED TO AUSTRALIA

Australian tennis super star Alex de Minaur opens up on his dogged rise to the world’s top 10 rankings, and how he’s bounced back from a 2025 that left him in a “very dark spot”, in a revealing cover story in Good Weekend magazine’s annual Tennis issue.

As the world’s best tennis players descend on Melbourne Park for the Australian Open, Tennis magazine celebrates the 2026 ‘Happy Slam’ and will be published through The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald this Saturday, January 17, produced by Good Weekend. It will also appear online in the BrisbaneTimes and WAtoday.

The issue features a mix of stories, profiles and lifestyle content which reflect the Australian Open’s unique blend of sport and spectacle. It is the fourth year the edition has been published.

De Minaur tells Good Weekend deputy editor Konrad Marshall that after a bruising last year that saw him lose in the ATP Finals in Turin to Lorenzo Musetti, he was in a dark place but is more determined than ever to make 2026 a watershed year. 

In sport, results mean a lot, right? And this was a feeling after having a couple of matches not going my way, and me putting myself in great positions to succeed, but not being able to get over the line and take that next step,” says de Minaur. “That was a very tough moment of dealing with not only the loss, but the way it happened. As well as I’ve played this whole year, there’s matches and situations that I need to improve on for me to get there, and I stumbled in a pretty big tournament.”

“I think it probably is more difficult to handle knowing how close you are, seeing it within grasping distance, but you just somehow are not able to get there. It just frustrates you even more that you can’t take that next step.”

Elsewhere in the issue, Marc McGowan delves into the methods used by Aussie ‘super coach’ Darren Cahill that has resulted in four grand slam winners, all ranked No.1, during a long and distinguished career; and Billie Eder interviews Russian-born player Daria Kasatkina, who speaks candidly about the events which led her to switch her nationality to Australian in 2025.

With millimetres being the difference between winning and losing, the role of data now plays a huge role in tennis. Once only the wealthiest players could afford to crunch the numbers on their opponents, but Tennis magazine takes a look at how easily accessible data is now being widely used to gain a winning edge.

Stephen Brook reports on the ongoing evolution of the AO’s lifestyle offerings from dining, to entertainment and fashion, while Damien Woolnough offers fashion tips and Frances Mocnik rounds up gorgeous tennis bracelets for those wanting to have a ‘glam slam’.

“The Australian Open is a focal point for Australians each January as the world’s tennis greats descend on Melbourne Park,” says Good Weekend editor Melissa Stevens. “Our annual Tennis magazine aims to capture the spirit of the AO as the sport’s “happy slam”.

“This is the fourth year we’ve published Tennis and it’s a real joy for the Good Weekend team to curate a deep dive into one of the most popular sporting events of the year. This edition is a must-read for any fan of tennis.”

Tennis illustrates the power of the Nine Group, which is uniquely placed to provide brands with optimal access to the action, with an enviable media ecosystem that allows marketers to call game, set and match on their campaigns.

Nine’s Commercial Director – Publishing Sales, Ashleigh Thomas, said: “Tennis magazine is an outstanding example of how Nine can extend partnership opportunities. Written by some of the country’s most regarded feature journalists, Tennis provides a prestige environment for brands to connect with a highly-engaged audience who are interested in one of the most loved events on the sporting calendar.”  

For more information:
Adrian Motte
Senior Communications Manager  
amotte@nine.com.au 

It’s game on for the Aussie summer of tennis in 2026 when Nine provides the most comprehensive coverage of the Australian Open available anywhere, when the first Grand Slam of the year begins on Sunday, January 18.

Nine will hit different when over 500 hours of live and exclusive coverage with every single match from Melbourne Park, including qualifying and exhibition matches, will be available on Channel 9HD, 9GemHD and to stream on 9Now, combined with every second of the action on Stan Sport, will giving viewers the best seat in the house.

Leading the men’s singles draw is current men’s world no.1 Carlos Alcaraz, reigning champion Jannik Sinner who is hunting a hat-trick of AO men’s singles titles, and the king of Melbourne Park – 10 time champion Novak Djokovic. 

Women’s top seed and world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka is back to avenge her loss in the 2025 final, Iga Swiatek (No.2) of Poland chasing her first AO championship after her 2025 Wimbledon win, in front of a classy pack of American challengers led by 2025 AO Champion Madison Keys, Amanda Anisimova (No.3), Coco Gauff (No. 4) and Jess Pegula (No. 6).

Chasing a home win is Aussies Alex de Minaur (No. 6), Maya Joint (No. 32), Daria Kasatkina (No.40), Alexei Popyrin (No. 50), Adam Walton (No.77), Ajla Tomljanovic (No.78), Aleksander Vukic (No.87), Tristan Schoolkate (No.97) and Kim Birrell (No.106) and Thanasi Kokkinakis.

Aussie wildcards Emerson Jones, Rinky Hijikata, James Duckworth, Priscilla Hon, Taylah Preston, Talia Gibson and Christopher O’Connell will all get a shot at pulling off underdog victories as they fight for a place in the final week of competition. While the always entertaining Nick Kyrgios will feature in the Men’s doubles draw.

Nine’s Wide World of Sports has assembled a top notch team of hosts and expert commentators to cover every corner of Melbourne Park.

Expert commentary throughout the tournament will be provided by Jim Courier, Jelena Dokic, John McEnroe, Todd Woodbridge, Lleyton Hewitt, Sam Stosur, Dylan Alcott, John Millman, Casey Dellacqua, Sam Smith and Alicia Molik. 

On Channel 9, the hosts are James Bracey, Sylvia Jeffreys and Tony Jones, while on 9Gem Georgie Parker, Nick McArdle and Brett Phillips will host the broadcast.

Capturing all the colour of the event will be reporters Bronte Gildea and Marlee Silva. Additional off-court reporting will come from Natalie Yoannidis and Sam McClure. Plus match callers Brenton Speed and Peter Psaltis.

Andy Lee returns with Sophie Monk and Mike Goldstein when they put the players to the test in a special Australian Open edition of The Hundred.

Nine’s Director of Sport, Brent Williams, said: “The AO is the greatest sporting event and festival of fun on the Australian summer calendar.”

“The world’s best are making their way to Melbourne for 15 days and nights of brilliant on court action, while around the grounds the entire precinct comes to life with a thriving festival of food, music and family entertainment. What could be better than that! 

“The action never stops and you won’t miss a moment with unprecedented access and comprehensive coverage of the biggest matches and moments on Channel 9, streaming platforms 9Now and Stan Sport, plus additional coverage on 9News.”   

Opening week action will be available on Channel 9 with the Million Dollar 1 point slam on Wednesday, De Minaur v Alcaraz on Thursday, and the inaugural AO Opening Ceremony with legends Roger Federer, Andre Agassi, Pat Rafter and a performance from beloved rock band Crowded House on Saturday at 7.30pm AEDT, on Channel 9. 

The fight for a Grand Slam berth is available for free when every game of the Australian Open qualifying series is available live on 9Now from Monday, January 12. 

Stream the AO free on 9Now
Throughout AO26, fans will have the ability to watch every point of every match, live and free on the device of their choosing on 9Now. This includes a comprehensive highlights offering with the highlights of matches with Australian players, with full replays of finals matches, Match Highlights, AO Daily Top Moments and all the fun from the AO Morning Serve. 

9Now will also bring every match of the main draw, Juniors Girls and Boys Championships, Wheelchair Championships, the Junior Wheelchair Championships, the Asia Pacific Elite 14 and Under, AO25 Deaf Championships and the AO25 Intellectual Disability Championships.

Stan Sport has every match live and on demand with 4K. Grand Slam Daily hosted by Chris Stubbs streaming every morning throughout the tournament, exclusively on Stan Sport.

AUSTRALIAN OPEN 2026
LIVE AND FREE ON CHANNEL 9 AND 9NOW
STAN SPORT: EVERY MATCH LIVE AND ON DEMAND WITH 4K
SUNDAY, JANUARY 18

Monday 12 January, 2026

Yana and Kye, who were bitter exes and never thought they would end up back together, let alone united on national television, have been crowned the winners of Love Island Australia 2025.

In a tear-jerking experience for the two Islanders, they have come out the other side as an exclusive couple, thanks to Love Island Australia and the theme this season, “wicked sins”, forcing them to come face to face with their past and work through their challenges singly and as a pair.

Yana, from Sydney’s Northern Beaches, said: “Sharing my Love Island journey with Kye has been incredible. We have grown so much together throughout this experience. Kye has been my rock in the Villa, and we’ve learnt so much about ourselves, which has led us to a deeper understanding and level of respect for each other. I couldn’t be more excited for what’s to come.”

Kye, also from the Northern Beaches, said: “Walking out of the Villa with Yana and a win feels wonderful. She brought out the best in me. I’m grateful for every moment we shared, for all the life lessons and personal growth, and I can’t wait to start our life on the outside together. Stay tuned for our next chapter.”

The top five couples were tested as individuals with the question: who was in it for love, and who wanted the money? With $20,000 up for grabs from host Sophie Monk to leave the Villa immediately, in a Love Island Australia first, bombshell Dylan shocked everyone by choosing to take the money, reducing the final cash prize for Yana and Kye to $30,000.

Season seven has been the most watched Love Island Australia series and has received the highest number of finale votes. It has seen significant year-on-year growth with the launch episode recording a whopping 680,000 viewers on 9Now. Season to date, Love Island Australia 2025 has recorded an average BVOD audience of 627,000, and 959M minutes streamed.

Love Island Australia is produced by ITV Studios Australia for the 9Network.

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

Tuesday 15 December, 2025

The battle for swimming world supremacy is ready to explode when Australia vs The World is exclusive, live and free on Channel 9 and 9Now from 7.30pm tomorrow night – Friday, December 12.

Under lights at the Valley Pool in Brisbane, Team Aus will roll out the heavy artillery when Olympic champions Kaylee McKeown, Mollie O’Callaghan and Cam McEvoy lead the way for the Dolphins against Team World and their line up of champions including Thomas Ceccon (Italy), Duncan Scott (Great Britain) and Marrit Steenbergen (Netherlands). 

Poolside for Nine’s Wide World of Sports is Olympic and World champions Ariarne Titmus and Cate Campbell, with Giaan Rooney and Mat Thompson in commentary and their host Emma Lawrence.

Titmus said: “This is going to be one huge night of the world’s best coming together to try and beat us in our own backyard. Fast racing and edge of your seat energy. 

“Get ready to witness some of the best in the world race back to back, to back, events at a world class meet like nothing we’ve ever seen before.”

For further information, please contact:
Ryley McKay
Senior Publicist and Digital Manager – Sport

Thursday 11 December, 2025

Nine today announces The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age will reopen its bureau in Beijing after six years following long-running discussions with the Chinese Government and the embassy in Canberra.

Executive Editor Luke McIlveen said the presence of the Herald and The Age in China was essential to giving readers the full picture of the global superpower on our doorstep.

“China is obviously the biggest player in our region and a true global superpower – economically, militarily and technologically.

“The bureau will report without fear or favour what makes China such an extraordinary country. Our return to Beijing only strengthens our commitment to having the best foreign correspondents in key global cities.”

Lisa Visentin, currently based in Singapore, will take up her Beijing posting in February 2026, filing stories for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Brisbane Times and WAtoday.

“Having spent the past two years reporting on China from the region, Lisa already has a deep understanding of its growing influence in the Asia Pacific, its complexities and what it means for the strategic balance of power, in particular for Australia. Being on the ground in Beijing will only deepen that insight for our readers,” said McIlveen. 

The Herald and The Age have a long tradition covering China. Margaret Jones was the first Herald and Age journalist based in China since World War Two, establishing a bureau in Beijing in 1973. Gough Whitlam once said that Jones “pioneered the Fairfax office in Beijing. Readers fully understood Australian foreign policy”.

Jones was succeeded by Yvonne Preston in 1975 (who returned for a second posting in the early 1990s). Other correspondents have included such respected bylines as Philip Wen, John Garnaut, Peter Ellingsen, Mark Baker, Hamish McDonald and Stephen Hutcheon.

Kirsty Needham was the last Herald/Age journalist based full-time in China, from 2017 to January 2020. Since then, Eryk Bagshaw and Lisa Visentin have covered North Asia from bases in Singapore and elsewhere, taking as many trips into China as possible.

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

Wednesday 10 December, 2025