As Australia’s most successful Olympic Games campaign comes to an end, it can be reported that the 9Network’s world-class coverage was broadcast to a National Total Television Reach of 19.5 million across Channel 9, 9Gem and 9Now.

With Team Australia securing a haul of 18 gold medals, it breaks the previous record of 17 set in Athens (2004) and Tokyo (2021). 

Records were also broken across television viewing as viewers flocked to witness our elite athletes shine on the global stage.

Week 1 of Nine’s broadcast of the Olympic Games delivered a National Total Television reach of 17.5 million (the highest weekly reach in VOZ history), while Week 2 delivered a National Total Television reach of 16.6 million (the second highest weekly reach in VOZ history).

Since the Opening Ceremony on July 27, the Olympics contributed to a daily average National Total TV Reach of 9.9 million viewers across Channel 9, 9Gem and 9Now. 

Paris 2024 has notably connected with Australians aged 16-39, dispelling media myths and proving that those under 40 gravitate towards live broadcast, live streaming, and on-demand TV for shared cultural experiences. This is something only free-to-air television can achieve.

The first week of the Olympics saw 9Now smash records, attracting the highest daily share in VOZ history in the key demo of People 16-39 and a weekly National Total TV Reach for this demographic of more than 4.8 million. Across the entire duration of the Games, a National Total TV Reach of 5.6 million viewers aged 16-39 tuned into the broadcast.

Australians embraced 9Now in unprecedented numbers. Offering over 40 live streams, along with on-demand and live streaming of Channel 9 and 9Gem, the platform achieved a 16% incremental reach, with 2.7 million viewers tuning in exclusively to the Olympics through 9Now out of an overall National Reach of 7.5 million on Australia’s No. 1 commercial free-to-air streaming platform.

In the crucial demographic of People 25-54, more than 8.1 million viewers tuned into Nine’s coverage of Paris 2024. 

The highest rating session of the Games occurred on Day 2, where the Night Session drew a National Total TV Reach of 5.741 million and a National Average Audience of 2.332 million. This session highlighted Mollie O’Callaghan and Ariarne Titmus qualifying for the semi-finals of the Women’s 200m Freestyle.

Michael Healy, Director of Television for Nine, said: “The Olympics is more than just a sporting event. It’s a cultural phenomenon that resonates deeply with Australians from all walks of life. It unites the nation in a way that few other events can, bringing together millions of viewers across the country. The widespread and enduring engagement across all our platforms is a testament to the unique and powerful connection Australians have with the Games. I am so immensely proud of the outstanding coverage our broadcast team delivered. Bring on the Paralympics in two weeks’ time!”

Nine has all ten of the Top 10 commercial free-to-air programs of the year-to-date, with five of those being Olympic night sessions (other events include State of Origin Games 1-3, State of Origin 1st Pre Match and Australian Open Men’s Final).

The dominance of Nine’s Olympics coverage led to 9News recording its ten highest rating bulletins of the year over the past two weeks.

The Paralympic Games Paris 2024 will be broadcast on the 9Network and 9Now from Thursday, August 29.

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

Adrian Motte
Senior Communications Manager 
amotte@nine.com.au

Wednesday, August 14, 2024