Archives: Media Releases

The Golden Bachelor Australia delivered a television moment for the ages tonight as Australia’s very first Golden Bachelor, Bear, declared his love for Sunny, a 58-year-old CEO from New South Wales, in a breathtaking finale that proved it’s never too late to find “the one.”

Set against a stunning backdrop in South Africa, the finale saw Bear torn between two extraordinary women, Janette and Sunny, as he searched for the one who would share his next chapter. With the support of his sons, Charley and Jack, and his older brother, Tim, Bear turned to those who know him best before making the most important decision of his life.

Starting his journey with 20 remarkable women, Bear experienced joy, heartbreak and self-discovery, but in the end it was Sunny who shone brightest. A woman who built her own software firm from the ground up, Sunny’s story of resilience and optimism resonated deeply with Australians. Originally from Korea, she moved to Australia in her late 20s, overcoming her own heartbreak and a battle with breast cancer to rediscover her belief in love and the joy of living boldly.

From her fearless carpe diem spirit to her openness about finding love later in life, Sunny embodied the courage and hope that defined this hit season of The Golden Bachelor Australia.

In the emotional final moments, Bear told Sunny: “When I think about the future, the life I want to live, and how I want to spend the rest of my days, I can’t imagine doing it without you. I feel so lucky to have found you. I love you.”

Sunny accepted the ring, a meaningful symbol of Bear’s love and commitment, marking the beginning of a beautiful new chapter in life for the couple.

Bear said: “When we met, Sunny stood out with her energy, but as I got to know her, I discovered she has an incredible heart and she radiates warmth. I feel incredibly lucky to be on the receiving end of that, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us.”

Sunny said: “I never imagined I’d be the one standing here, but I couldn’t be happier that Bear fell in love with me. This journey has been a whirlwind of laughter and growth. This is the start of something really beautiful for Bear and I.”

The Golden Bachelor, hosted by television favourite Samantha Armytage, brought big-hearted romance to Australian screens this year, with Bear showing that love stories really can get better with age. The program has quickly become one of Nine’s most heartwarming reality series, capturing the imagination of audiences with its honest portrayal of love, vulnerability and hope.

The Golden Bachelor is produced by Warner Bros. International Television Production Australia for the 9Network.

For further information, please contact:
Alex Dyer
9Network Publicity
alex.dyer@nine.com.au

Monday, 17 November, 2025

Brisbane’s 4BC has today announced Jason Matthews as the permanent host of 4BC Mornings, following an impressive run as a fill-in presenter and contributor across the station.

Matthews joined 4BC in October last year, filling in on Wild World of Sports and 4BC Drive before stepping in to assist on air during ex – Tropical Cyclone Alfred rolling coverage earlier this year. Most recently, he has been a familiar voice for 4BC Mornings listeners since taking over the hosting chair in September.

With an impressive broadcasting background that includes decades of experience across multiple networks, Matthews brings a wealth of experience and understanding of talk radio to 4BC.

From hard-hitting news and politics to the lighter side of life, Matthews’ relatable and intelligent commentary has made him a trusted voice for Brisbane audiences. He has firmly won over 4BC listeners with his quick-witted opinions, sharp analysis of the local news cycle and above all, his compassion.

During his time at 4BC, Matthews has helped reverse decisions to evict listeners from their homes, given a platform to residents protesting local developments, and been a strong voice for small businesses struggling with cost-of-living pressures, reflecting his dedication to the community and his listeners.

“I’m genuinely excited to be hosting Mornings on 4BC. This is a chance to have real conversations about the things that matter to Queenslanders — cost of living pressures, local community issues, our sporting culture, politics, and the stories shaping everyday life. And let’s be honest… if there’s a BBQ, a stadium debate, or a game of footy involved, I’ll be right in the middle of it. I’m looking forward to giving a strong local voice to the issues we care about and connecting with listeners across Brisbane and beyond. Let’s celebrate this great capital city of ours and continue to make it better for everyone”, said Matthews.

4BC Station Manager Siobhain McDonnell said: “Jason Matthews is a natural talkback presenter. His quick wit, wry sense of humour and sharp analysis of current affairs has already proven incredibly popular with the 4BC audience and I am delighted to be welcoming him to the station as part of the permanent lineup in 2026.”

Tune in to 4BC Mornings with Jason Matthews, weekdays from 9am -12pm.

LISTEN TO 4BC HERE
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For further information, please contact:
Caitlin Lynch
Senior Communications Manager, Nine
clynch@nine.com.au

Wednesday, 12 November, 2025

Nine’s comprehensive, wall-to-wall coverage of the 2025 Melbourne Cup Carnival has proven a massive ratings success, with 5.5 million Australians tuning in to the 9Network across the four spectacular days of racing, fashion and entertainment.

From the monochrome magic of Derby Day to the history-making Melbourne Cup, the glamour of Oaks Day and the family fun of Stakes Day, audiences flocked to Nine’s coverage. All four days of the carnival delivered significant year-on-year audience growth, driven by an explosive shift to live streaming on 9Now.

The momentum built across the week, with Stakes Day closing the carnival in style, posting a huge 28.9% year-on-year lift in its Total TV Audience (264,000) and a 81.7% surge in streaming on 9Now.

Oaks Day also delivered a standout result. The Total TV National Audience soared by 20.4% year-on-year to 318,000, while its 9Now BVOD audience jumped by a massive 75.4%.

The week kicked off with a huge digital result for Derby Day, which saw its BVOD audience on 9Now explode by 80.9% year-on-year. The Total TV Audience grew 5.4% year-on-year to 262,000.

This outstanding carnival performance was anchored by the enormous success of Melbourne Cup Day, where ‘the race that stops a nation’ captivated 2.316 million Australians. The race itself saw its Total TV National Audience grow by 8.9% year-on-year to 2.079 million, including a record-breaking BVOD audience of 464,000 on 9Now.

Brent Williams, Nine’s Director of Sport, said: “The 2025 Melbourne Cup Carnival is one of the crown jewels of Australian sport and these numbers show its popularity is stronger than ever. We are incredibly proud to see significant, double-digit audience growth on Oaks and Stakes Day, and phenomenal digital numbers across the entire week.

“To have all four days of the carnival grow year-on-year is a fantastic result. It proves that Nine’s Total TV approach, combining the power of live free-to-air with the massive growth of 9Now, is the clear future of sports broadcasting. Together with our partners at the VRC, we delivered a world-class, premium broadcast, and Australians responded in droves.”

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

Wednesday, 12 November, 2025

The Australian Financial Review has rebranded its B2B subscriptions offering from Corporate Subscriptions to Financial Review for Business. The rebrand is a strategic evolution of the Financial Review’s professional offering, designed to meet the evolving  needs of modern, technology-driven businesses.

Building on the AFR’s seven-decade legacy of editorial quality and authority, Financial Review for Business transforms access to the AFR‘s trusted journalism. Enterprise subscribers can now gain real-time access to news and insights, seamlessly integrated into their existing systems and workflows available as an optional add-on through feed integrations.

The new enterprise licensing capabilities transform AFR’s journalism into a core business utility through direct feeds that allow clients to customise and integrate timely, relevant intelligence directly into their existing platforms and workflows for rapid decision-making.

Director of B2B Subscriptions and Licensing, Agos Garola, said: “Financial Review for Business is a strategic step forward, acknowledging how quickly the Australian workplace is changing. Our focus is on innovation, quality and control – maximising the utility and value of our content by offering enterprise subscribers new ways to integrate AFR intelligence into their existing technology for an indispensable edge.”

Developed in response to the increasing need for speed, automation, and customised insights, Financial Review for Business equips Australian decision-makers with the necessary insights to make informed choices and navigate complexity with confidence.

Editor-in-Chief, James Chessell, said: “For more than seven decades, the Financial Review has set the standard for editorial quality, credibility and authority, earning its place as a trusted source for business leaders. With Financial Review for Business, we build on that legacy, delivering the news and insight organisations must have to move decisively and confidently with the necessary speed, precision, and clarity the market demands.’

The rebrand includes a new visual identity developed by Droga5 ANZ – Part of Accenture Song, which uses ‘pixels’ as a metaphor for curated insights, reinforcing the Financial Review’s promise to deliver clarity and focus in a complex landscape. A new microsite, developed by the team at SLIK in conjunction with Brisbane based agency, Khemistry, showcases the full suite of available business offerings.

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

Tuesday, 11 November, 2025

Prepare to be dazzled as Queensland’s brightest young performers light up the stage in a special broadcast of Creative Generation – State Schools Onstage, this Sunday, November 16, at 12.30pm exclusively on Channel 9 and 9Now.

As Queensland’s premier arts education program, Creative Generation – State Schools Onstage gives students, teachers and school communities the opportunity to be involved in a professionally produced, nationally renowned production. For many students it’s their first taste of performing on an arena stage; for others, it’s a stepping stone on their journey as emerging artists.

This special broadcast will feature a fabulous cast of more than 2,000 state school students from across Queensland, uniting to deliver a knockout celebration of music, dance and drama. The showcase highlights the transformative power of the arts and the deep talent of Queensland’s young people.

This year’s theme, “The Next Chapter”, invites audiences into a world of endless possibilities as stories are brought to life in a magical performance filled with wonder, creativity and excitement.

Enjoy the passion, energy and exceptional talent of Queensland’s next generation of artists, this Sunday at 12.30pm, exclusively on Channel 9 and 9Now.

For further information, please contact:
Lucy Charles
9Network Publicity
lucy.charles@nine.com.au

Tuesday, 11 November, 2025

John Laws was a giant of Australian radio who leaves an indelible mark on this country’s media, social, music and political landscapes. He mastered the craft of radio like no other, encapsulating the “theatre of the mind”. He combined intellect, humour and the common touch to entertain millions of Australians right across the country, through decades of live radio.

He was the original influencer, and the first radio broadcaster to move stations and take his listeners with him, from 2UE to 2GB and back again. Other broadcasters benefited from his magnetism and many a sales rep and proprietor from his commercial success.  

Politicians wanted to win his favour, musicians wanted to win his endorsement, and the listeners just wanted to talk to him. 

If ever there was an example of Rudyard Kipling’s description of a man in If – it was John Laws. Indeed – he did walk with Kings, without losing the common touch. 

We extend our sincere condolences and gratitude to his children, grandchildren and many long serving loyal employees.

Statement from Tom Malone, Managing Director of Nine Radio.

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

Monday, 10 November, 2025

After two decades as Melbourne’s most loved weather presenter, Livinia Nixon has announced she will be signing off from her role on 9News Melbourne.

Livinia, who first joined the Nine Network in 1997 and has held the position of 9News Melbourne weather presenter since 2004, has made the decision to focus on her family as her sons enter their senior years of schooling.

Her last night presenting the weather will be Tuesday, 18 November.

While Livinia is shifting her focus to be more available for her family after school, she will remain a cherished member of the Nine family, continuing her presenting roles on Australia’s favourite travel shows, Getaway and Postcards.

Livinia Nixon said: “After 20 years presenting weather on 9News, I’ve decided to step back from this role. My sons will both be in high school and I want to be there to support them. It’s been a privilege to be welcomed into viewers’ homes for so long, but this is the right time for my family.

“Presenting the weather has shaped my life and career. I owe this role everything but this is the right decision for me. When I discussed it with our boys, they said “we’re pretty excited to spend more time with you, Mum.”

“I’m thrilled to be staying with Nine and will be continuing my roles on Getaway and Postcards. I am incredibly grateful to the 9News team and our loyal audience for their support over so many years.”

Hugh Nailon, Nine’s National News Director, said: “Livinia’s contribution to the Melbourne newsroom has been immeasurable. She has been a shining star on9News for two decades, delivering Melbourne’s weather with warmth, expertise and unmatched professionalism.

“We are all incredibly proud of her and wholeheartedly support her decision to put her family first. She is a true asset to the 9Network and we are delighted that she will remain with us on Getaway and Postcards.”

One of the most versatile and enduring personalities on Australian television, Livinia’s career with the 9Network began in 1997. In addition to her roles on 9News, Getaway and Postcards, she has worked on a long list of programs including Hey Hey It’s Saturday, Temptation, Today, Weekend Today, Carols by Candlelight, Things to Try Before You Die and Plucka’s Place.

A replacement for the 9News Melbourne weather role will be announced in due course.

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

Friday, 7 November, 2025

Brisbane’s 4BC has today announced its new breakfast duo, bringing together two of Queensland’s most familiar and beloved voices: Dean Miller and Sofie Formica.

Starting January 19, Brisbane mornings will get a fresh dose of energy, warmth, and local flavour as 4BC Breakfast with Dean & Sofie takes to the airwaves. Every weekday morning from 5:30 am to 9:00 am, the show will bring talkback listeners the perfect blend of humour, heart, headlines, and hometown truths.

Dean Miller is one of Queensland’s most familiar voices and faces, bringing decades of experience in radio, television, and digital storytelling to the 4BC Breakfast team.

A proud Brisbane local, Dean first made his mark as the long-time Breakfast Anchor at Triple M Brisbane, where he built a loyal following across the city. He’s also been a household name on Australian television, hosting lifestyle favourites such as Creek to Coast, Queensland Weekender, and The Great South East for more than 15 years.

“To be back on air in the city I love, with a station that’s part of Brisbane’s DNA, is a real privilege – and to do it with my mate of over 20 years? That’s a gift”, said Miller. 

“Brisbane’s always been home – it’s where I’ve raised my kids, built a life, and now I get to wake up with the city every morning. Sofie and I are both fiercely proud of this place. We want to bring a bit of joy, a bit of cheek, and a whole lot of Brisbane to your mornings.”

Formica says the move to Breakfast is exciting, adding: “After four years of hosting Afternoons on 4BC solo, I’m ready to take on a new challenge and thrilled to be sharing the studio with a friend. We know Brisbane breakfast radio is tough, but we are determined to deliver a show that is real and it’s Brisbane.”

Breakfast with Dean & Sofie will bring listeners the breaking news as it happens, unpack the stories that matter most to Brisbane, and balance it all with the warmth and wit of two locals who love their city and aren’t afraid to call it how they see it. 

On the new Breakfast lineup, 4BC Station Manager, Siobhain McDonnell said: “Dean and Sofie are the perfect duo to wake up to in Brisbane. This city is thriving, and our listeners are fiercely proud of their lifestyle. We want 4BC listeners to start their day with the latest news, the best conversation, and a smile on their face. Their 20-year friendship is infectious, and it’s time for Brisbane to be invited in.”

The duo’s chemistry stems from their contrasting styles and long-standing personal relationship. While Sofie brings the energy, fitness, and competitive edge, Dean brings the laughs, laid-back charm, and a knack for finding joy in the everyday.

“Sofie’s up at 5am doing yoga and green smoothies. I’m just trying to find my other sock. Somehow, it works. She’s the fit one, I’m the fun one. Together, we’re your perfectly balanced breakfast”, said Miller. 

“We’re not just broadcasting – we’re connecting. Whether you’re on the school run, heading to work, or just waking up, we want to be the friendly voice that starts your day right.”

Tune in to 4BC’s Breakfast with Dean & Sofie, weekdays from January 19, and start your day the Brisbane way.

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

Friday, 7 November, 2025

9Network announced its summer hosting lineup for Today, with a fresh mix of familiar faces set to wake up Australia while Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo take their break.

Kicking off the holiday season are Today Extra favourites David Campbell and Sylvia Jeffreys, before Samantha Armytage teams up with media personality Michael “Wippa” Wipfli from mid-December.

As the calendar ticks over to 2026, the show will be led by a trusted lineup of network journalists and reporters, including Alison Piotrowski, Dr Nick Coatsworth, Joel Dry and Jayne Azzopardi.

Weekends will feature a rotating roster of hosts throughout summer, including Lara Vella, Michael Atkinson, Dan Anstey and Lizzie Pearl.

Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo return to the desk on Monday, January 19, 2026, just in time to serve up all the news and excitement of the 2026 Australian Open. During the tournament, Today will broadcast an extended edition from 5:30am to 10:00am daily, live from Melbourne Park.

Joining Karl and Sarah in 2026 will be Jayne Azzopardi on News, Danika Mason on sport, Richard Wilkins and Renee Bargh with entertainment and Tim Davies on weather.

Today Extra, hosted by Sylvia Jeffreys and David Campbell, will air its final episode for 2025 at the end of November and will return in late January during the closing stages of the Australian Open.

For further information, please contact:
Alex Dyer
9Network Publicity
alex.dyer@nine.com.au

Wednesday, 5 November, 2025

Nine’s live and free coverage of the 2025 Melbourne Cup was a massive ratings success, with Australians tuning in across the 9Network in huge numbers to witness history being made at Flemington.

‘The race that stops a nation’ captivated the country, with the MELBOURNE CUP – RACE segment drawing a National Total TV Reach of 2.316 million. The Total TV National Audience for the race itself was 2.079 million, a significant 8.8% increase year-on-year.

Viewing on 9Now saw explosive growth, with the race attracting a BVOD Audience of 463,000, a massive 24.8% surge compared to the previous year, as viewers streamed the event live and free.

Audiences tuned in to watch jockey Jamie Melham’s historic victory aboard the Australian-bred horse, Half Yours, in front of an energetic crowd of 84,374 at Flemington. Melham’s triumph makes her the first female jockey in history to complete the coveted Caulfield Cup-Melbourne Cup double, and only the second woman ever to win the Melbourne Cup, 10 years on from Michelle Payne’s famous victory.

The strong results continued across the entire day’s broadcast. The MELBOURNE CUP – PRESENTATION saw its Total TV National Audience jump 13.1% year-on-year to 1.793 million, with a 9Now audience of 325,000 (up 34.9% YoY).

The MELBOURNE CUP – LATE program grew 15.4% YoY (945,000 Total TV Audience) and saw a huge 52.8% jump on 9Now. The MELBOURNE CUP – PREVIEW was also up 5.8% YoY (892,000 Total TV Audience) with its 9Now audience growing by 39%.

The comprehensive day-long coverage also posted impressive numbers for the MELBOURNE CUP – MOUNTING YARD (1.996m Reach / 1.494m Total TV Audience) and MELBOURNE CUP – EARLY (1.644m Reach / 546,000 Total TV Audience) segments.

Brent Williams, Nine’s Director of Sport, said: “Yesterday’s results are a testament to the enduring power of the Melbourne Cup as one of Australia’s premier sporting and cultural moments. We are thrilled to see such significant audience growth, particularly the huge numbers on 9Now, which proves our Total TV strategy is delivering for viewers.

“Our world-class broadcast team captured the magic of the day perfectly and we are proud to have brought Jamie Melham’s historic, race-winning ride to all of Australia, live and free. It was an unforgettable day and these numbers confirm that Australians agree.”

Source: OzTAM © 2023, VOZ Data 5.0 Total TV, Broadcast TV, BVOD (Live+VOD), Audience = Overnight (What Watched), Reach (When Watched), FTA & Commercial Shares (When Watched) Content and Share reporting = National (incl. Spill), Metro and Regional market levels (excl. Spill)

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

Wednesday, 5 November, 2025