Archives: Media Releases

Nine’s Wide World of Sports and the Penrith Panthers are thrilled to announce the launch of a ground-breaking rugby league documentary, All the Way: Panthers’ Title Defence premiering exclusive and free on 9Now. 

This three-part series will take viewers on a journey through the highs and lows of the 2022 NRL Finals Series following the players, coaches, and staff as they work together to achieve premiership glory.

Narrated by Australian sporting icon Mick Fanning, the documentary features in-depth interviews from players and coaches, as well as never before seen footage from inside the coaches box, dressing room celebrations and an emotional grand final jersey presentation.

View the official trailer here

The series showcases the hard work and sacrifice that went into the team’s preparation for the 2022 NRL Finals, including training sessions, strategy meetings and unreported injury concerns.

“On behalf of all at Panthers, we are thrilled to give fans a behind-the-scenes look at the hard work, dedication, and passion that went into the club’s 2022 NRL Finals campaign,” Panthers Rugby League CEO Matt Cameron said.

“Cameras were rolling throughout the entire finals series, capturing exclusive inner sanctum insights that occur inside a professional rugby league club.”

“We are proud to share our journey and give fans an insight into what it takes to go all the way.

“Nine is committed to delivering NRL to the widest possible audience and there is no better way to kick off the season than this behind the scenes look at the reigning NRL premiers,” said Nine Wide World of Sports Head of Partnerships and Strategy, Simon Fordham.

“The Penrith Panthers style of play, dedication to excellence and their abundance of characters across their squad makes this must see TV. Viewers will get to go behind the curtain on 9Now to see what really makes them tick.”

All the Way: Panthers’ Title Defence will premiere on 9Now this Sunday, February 26 at TIME TBC with all three episodes.

Channel 9 will air All the Way on Friday, March 3 after the Panthers opening round game against the Broncos on Friday Night Footy. 

Get ready to relive all the excitement and drama as the Panthers look to go all the way.

Download Media Kit here

Thursday, February 23, 2023

The State Memorial Service to honour the extraordinary life of Dame Olivia Newton-John will be broadcast live from 3.30pm AEDT this Sunday, February 26, on Channel 9 and 9Now.

Our coverage of the service, to be held at Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne, will be hosted by Alicia Loxley and Tony Jones.

Olivia passed away on August 8, 2022 following a 30-year battle with breast cancer. She was 73. The service will be an opportunity for the nation to honour Olivia’s memory and her achievements.

Across a career spanning six decades, Olivia released 28 studio albums and six live albums, won four Grammy Awards, reached number one on the charts numerous times, and sold more than 100 million records worldwide.

Olivia is best known for her role of schoolgirl Sandy in the 1978 film Grease with John Travolta. Still one of the most successful movie musicals of all time, Grease is a cultural icon and the soundtrack of a generation. It included hits such as You’re the One That I Want and Summer Nights and earned Olivia a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture (Musical/Comedy).

First diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992, Olivia used her own cancer journey as a way to raise research funds and promote cancer awareness, including the benefits of early detection and wellness. In partnership with Austin Health, the Olivia Newton-John Wellness and Research Centre (ONJWRC) opened in 2012. The facility offers treatment, education, training and research, and features a dedicated wellness space for mind, body and spirit. 

Dame Olivia leaves an incredible legacy, not only through her work on the stage and screen but also as a philanthropist and advocate. In addition to ONJWRC she founded National Tree Day in Australia and established the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, which sponsors global research into plant medicine to help find kinder treatments for cancer.

OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN
STATE MEMORIAL SERVICE
Sunday on Channel 9 & 9Now
Sydney, Melbourne & Perth: 3.30pm
Brisbane: 2.30pm
Adelaide: 3.00pm

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

Wednesday, February 22, 2023

Nine has today announced the appointment of Memo Hayek to the role of Chief Information and Technology Officer (CITO).

In this expanded role, Hayek will be responsible for the vision, strategy, planning and delivery of technology across Nine. She will work closely with Chief Product Officer, Bec Haagsma, to deliver a competitive advantage for Nine through its consumer experiences and commercial products, all while delivering the very best value to Nine’s consumers, clients and employees. 

Hayek is a highly experienced technology leader, with more than 30 years’ industry experience. She has thrived in some of the most complex technology environments, both domestically and globally, most recently serving as General Manager, Group Cyber Transformation and Delivery at Commonwealth Bank. 

Trained as a systems programmer at Macquarie Bank, Hayek’s first 10 years were deeply technical in a complex trading environment. Her subsequent roles in technology across organisations such as CBA, NAB, Westpac and Credit Suisse, saw her lead all parts of technology, including cyber, infrastructure, data centres, and divisional CIO, providing an exceptionally well rounded experience set for her role as Nine’s CITO. 

Of Hayek’s appointment, Chief Digital Officer, Alex Parsons said: “Memo is an exceptional technology leader with a proven track record in driving digital transformation and innovation in large organisations. Her passion, enthusiasm and expertise will provide a significant step forward for Nine, as technology continues to play an expanding role in our organisation’s future growth and success. Importantly, she is a real change agent who turns over every stone, and will be invaluable to Nine as we continue to deliver solutions which will help us stay ahead of the curve in the competitive media landscape.” 

Memo Hayek said: “I am delighted to be joining Nine; an iconic Australian brand with a rich history, whilst being an innovative and progressive force that is passionate about providing exceptional customer experiences. 

It is a privilege to join the company at such an exciting time. I am looking forward to working with Alex and the whole leadership team on achieving the group’s strategy and vision through leading edge technology.”

Memo Hayek will report to the Chief Digital Officer and will be a member of the Executive Leadership Team and Digital Leadership Team. Her role commences on 27 March. 

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

Wednesday, February 22, 2023

With more than 30 years’ experience as one of Australia’s most successful and respected broadcasters, 3AW’s Neil Mitchell is taking on a new challenge, today launching his new podcast series, ‘Neil Mitchell Asks Why?’

Produced by 9Podcasts and released every fortnight, the six-part series, Neil Mitchell Asks Why? sees Mitchell sit down with leading Australians from all walks of life, who have something to say, and more importantly, a fascinating story to tell. 

The premise of the podcast is based on the very question that Mitchell has become famous for asking: why? Why do people make certain decisions; why do they believe in what they do; why are they who they are… and what happened along the way. 

This podcast is different to what listeners will find on Mitchell’s daily radio show, with the conversations longer and more detailed, while also being relaxed so that listeners truly get the time to understand each guest. However, as is Mitchell’s style, the conversations could still go anywhere with that one question nobody ever expects.

“I’m looking forward to this immensely. Radio is a superb medium but time can be your enemy. With the podcast I will be able to go into greater length to tease out what is behind a person or an event”, said Mitchell. 

“After a million years of asking questions in radio, TV and newspapers I feel this will give me the chance to ask even more. But there is still one unbreakable rule for guests, whoever they are – they must be interesting.”

Listen to Neil Mitchell Asks Why? every fortnight from Tuesday 21 February, wherever you get your podcasts, and listen to the preview here:

• Omny: https://omny.fm/shows/neil-mitchell-asks-why
• Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/neil-mitchell-asks-why/id1672165442
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/65u6VZn7AkOmjmqx6AijwA

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

Monday, February 20, 2023

In true Sunshine State spirit, Queenslanders will come together at Dolphin Oval on Saturday, February 25, to honour the fallen Queensland Police officers Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold and raise donations for the McCrow and Arnold Remembrance Fund.

Hosted by 9News Queensland’s weekend sports presenter Michael Atkinson and broadcast locally from 1.00pm on Channel 9 and 9Now, and nationally on 9Gem, the Queensland Police Rugby League Memorial Day will allow the late officers’ families and friends, the Queensland Police Service and the community at large to unite in paying their respects to Constables McCrow and Arnold and all the officers involved in the Wieambilla tragedy on December 12, 2022.

State of Origin legends Wally Lewis, Billy Slater and Darren Lockyer will be in attendance to watch the stadium hosting three special matches involving members of the Queensland Police Service and those closest to Rachel and Matthew. Each team will be supported by a star-studded lineup of current and former NRL players.

NRLW players Chelsea Baker, Steph Hancock, Meg Ward and Samantha Bliss will lace up their boots to join the Queensland Police Women’s Dream Team and Queensland Police Women’s All Stars to kick off the afternoon. Then it’s the clash of the Arthur Beetson Foundation Immortals and the QPS Legends.

Rounding out the matches, the QPS Dream Team will play the QPS All Stars, which will see the fallen constables’ nearest and dearest taking the field to honour them. They will be joined by other former NRL stars including Matty Bowen, Petero Civoniceva, Dane Carlaw and Tyrone Roberts.

The action will be called by Peter Psaltis and Ruan Sims of Nine’s Wide World of Sports and Adam Jackson from 9News Queensland. There will be a number of heartfelt tributes: from the Queensland Police Pipes and Drums to a commemorative poem written and delivered by internationally renowned poet Rupert McCall, as well as respectful moments of silence.

9News Queensland will also be represented by new sports presenter Jonathan Uptin, who will be on the ground and joined by leading newsreader duo Andrew Lofthouse and Melissa Downes to spotlight the main moments of the day and boost fundraising results.

After the footy there will be a three-hour concert headlined by Queensland favourites Busby Marou, with support acts including country singer-songwriter Brad Butcher and country duo Brad Cox and Sammy White.

Secure your front-row seat to the Queensland Police Rugby League Memorial Day or make a donation to the McCrow and Arnold Remembrance Fund via the QR Code. 

Brisbane 1.00pm LIVE on Channel 9 and 9Now
Sydney 2.00pm LIVE on 9Gem
Melbourne 2.00pm LIVE on 9Gem
Adelaide 1.30pm LIVE on 9Gem
Perth 11.00pm LIVE on 9Gem

For further information, please contact:
Claudine Blondeau
Communications Manager, Nine Queensland
cblondeau@nine.com.au

Monday, February 20, 2023

Australia’s longest running travel program, Getaway, is back for its 32nd season tomorrow at 5.30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.

Aussies are itching to explore the world, and the new episodes of Getaway in 2023 will showcase interstate destinations and overseas adventures to satisfy our viewers’ hunger for excitement and travel.

In the first episode we say “bula” to Fiji with Charli Robinson as she indulges in the luxurious relaxation and wellness programs of the Six Senses Fiji resort on Malolo Island.

David Reyne explores historical Churchill Island, a 19th century, 57-hectare working farm just off Phillip Island in Victoria, trying his hand at whip cracking and blacksmithing.

Meanwhile, Lincoln Lewis tours Queensland’s Granite Belt, taste testing what could be Australia’s best apple pie.

Plus Catriona Rowntree visits Oslo and explores its delicious street culture and museums to learn about the intriguing history of Norway that goes right back to the Vikings.

Stepping into her 27th year as a presenter on Getaway, Catriona said: “From journeys in our own backyard to cruises through the Arctic, exploring Asia as I finally tick Japan off my bucket list, and the cities of Europe, I can’t wait to join our team in bringing the wonders of the world to our travel-hungry viewers.

“I’m just as excited to be filming Getaway heading into my 27th year as I was back in 1996. I prayed that I would last the six-week contract, which has clearly been answered. The buzz is still there and I’m able to be the conduit for others as we travel the globe.”

Getaway is proudly supported by our Exclusive Principal Partner, Scenic.  

GETAWAY RETURNS: SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18
AT 5.30PM ON CHANNEL 9 AND 9NOW

#9Getaway
LIKE Getaway on Facebook
FOLLOW @getaway on Instagram
CATCH UP on 9Now

For further information, please contact:
Eamon Gannon
Publicity Assistant, Nine Queensland
eamon.gannon@nine.com.au

Friday, February 17, 2023

The Hundred with Andy Lee returns to Channel 9 and 9Now on Tuesday, February 21, at 9.00pm after Married at First Sight, with top comedians joining 100 viewers Zooming in from all over the country to tell us what really makes Australia tick. 

Joining host Andy Lee this week as guest panellists are comedians Mel Buttle and Rhys Nicholson, along with resident funny man Mike Goldstein, in an episode celebrating World Pride. 

Handpicked to represent the makeup of Australia, “The Hundred” will be standing by to be polled live and provide the stories behind the stats as the three comedy panellists compete to see who knows Aussies best.

The Hundred with Andy Lee tackles the big talking points in a funny and irreverent way. Whatever topical story has gripped the nation, we will be finding out what Australia really thinks about it. 
Our guest panellists will play to see who knows best what the average Aussie is thinking, by quizzing The Hundred playing along at home.

In this episode we will find out what percentage of The Hundred met their partner at work, and how many genuinely think they could become a model. Our panel will also need to deduce the causes and cures for The Hundred’s hangovers, and the number-one outfit Aussies request to be buried in. 

A special guest, singing great Anthony Callea, is also joining the show this week. Will he get the recognition he deserves when he Faces The Hundred?

“I can’t wait to face The Hundred. I’m a little nervous, to be honest. Will they know me? Who knows? Will they think I’m Shannon Noll? Either way I’m sure with Andy and the panel of Mike, Mel and Rhys, and celebrating World Pride, we will have a fun time finding out,” Anthony Callea said.

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

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

Friday, February 17, 2023

Drive TV returns for a fourth season at 11:00am this Sunday, February 19 on Channel 9 and 9Now with all ten episodes dedicated to electric vehicles. 

Drive TV hosts Trent Nikolic and Emma Notarfrancesco take viewers on an electric journey delving deeper into the vehicle’s performance and technology whilst exploring some of their favourite road trip destinations across Australia.

“The Australian audience is a smart one. They want to see topics covered beyond the typical anxiety-inducing range questions”, said Trent Nikolic, host and Managing Editor of Drive.com.au. 

“We received such a great response from our audience on the hour-long EV feature episode which aired last year, we realised we could dedicate an entire season to electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles to paint a more detailed picture of how the Australian automotive landscape is changing.”

Drive TV Executive Producer, Terry King said, “Our previous electric vehicle TV feature was our highest rated and most streamed episode to date. Electric vehicles are so topical and we’re all thirsty for real-world, relatable content as we hear more manufacturers announce their transition targets to make the switch to a fully electric fleet.” 

“Our audience is almost a 50/50 female to male split and we wanted this season to focus on the vehicle as much as the destination,” said Drive TV host, Emma Notarfrancesco. 

“Our first episode stars the Tesla Model Y. We’re regularly seeing the Tesla brand featured in the top ten new vehicle sales race each month, so there’s a real interest there in the Australian market.

“There’s something for everyone in this season of Drive TV. We showcase a range of electric vehicles to suit all budgets ranging from the practical MG to the blisteringly fast Ferrari. That’s a price difference of almost $500k!” 

With 173 episodes screened across multiple channels to date, another 30 episodes produced for 2023, plus a one hour follow up documentary ‘Living with EV’s’ due to air in May, Drive TV has its foot firmly on the accelerator.

Tune in for Drive TV season four, episode one at 11:00am Sunday February 19 on Channel 9 and 9Now. All previous episodes are available for streaming on 9Now.

ABOUT DRIVE TV

With 10.5 million eyeballs across 31 episodes and a 49% female audience, Drive TV continues to reach more Australians and represents a greater portion of the new car buying market in Australia. Launched in 2022 on Nine, each episode is available on eight different platforms spanning TV, digital and social offering unrivalled automotive broadcast content.

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

Hayley O’Grady
PR & Trade Communications Manager, Drive
hayley.ogrady@drive.com.au 

Friday, February 17, 2023

Highly respected journalist and editor Sarah Norris has been appointed Head of Food at The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Brisbane Times and WAToday to oversee an ambitious plan to supercharge the Good Food brand in the marketplace to drive subscriber growth. 

Norris has built an enviable reputation across the food and beverage industry in her previous role as national editor of Broadsheet and has an innate knowledge of the trends in the industry.

As the home of the prestigious Hats, Good Food is Australia’s most respected food and beverage title. The appointment of Norris to the newly-created position of Head of Food is crucial to elevate the vertical, and open up new opportunities.  She will work across the Good Food editorial, commercial and events teams to drive a unified approach to further grow the brand. 

Welcoming her appointment, Executive Editor Tory Maguire said Norris’ role will focus on innovation and growth, and will ensure the mastheads’ food offering will lead the Australian market. 

“It’s rare to find an editor who has both a deep appreciation for the history of a title as prestigious as Good Food as well as the skills, passion and experience in driving growth that Sarah has in spades,” Maguire said.

“Sarah will bring the enormous energy and digital understanding Good Food needs as we step it back into the metro mastheads and make considerable investment in building it into a major subscription driver.”

With more than two decades of writing and editing experience involving food, beverage and culture, Norris has previously been Sydney editor of Broadsheet before becoming its first national editor. Prior to that she was Features editor of Virgin Australia’s inflight magazine Voyeur, Associate Editor of Time Out Sydney and editor of Drum Media. 

Beginning her media career as an editorial assistant at The Australian Financial Review, Norris wrote food reviews for Good Food from 2015 to 2021, and was a reviewer for Australian Gourmet Traveller Magazine restaurant guide from 2010 to 2017.  

“I’m super excited to join Good Food,” said Norris. “I’ve been a reader for years and have contributed to the Good Food guide as a reviewer, but to lead and oversee the mastheads’ food offering is an opportunity I couldn’t turn down. 

“I think Australia’s food and cooking scene is unmatched, and I find no greater joy in helping people discover everything that makes it nuanced and special. I want more people to feel the way I do about Australia’s food scene – and importantly take Good Food to the next level.”

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

Monday, February 13, 2023

Respected Perth journalist Julie-anne Sprague has been named as the new host of 6PR Afternoons, commencing on April 17. 

With a journalism career spanning more than 20 years, Sprague has appeared on various programs on 6PR and has most recently been the Editor of the Rich List at The Australian Financial Review.  

“I’m looking forward to joining an incredible broadcast team at 6PR,” said Sprague. “As a former WA bureau chief for The Australian Financial Review, I’m looking forward to getting stuck into the issues that matter to the people of Perth, to keep people informed and entertained and to have a bit of a laugh along the way.

“While I’ve spent 20 years in the newspaper game, I have a long association with 6PR. I owe a vote of thanks to the hugely talented and pugnacious Bob Maumill, who almost a decade ago took me under his wing and showed me the broadcast craft he was the master at. More recently I got to have a bit of fun with Millsy when he sat in the Afternoons chair. 

“It’s such a pleasure talking to the program’s listeners and I very much value all their tips and advice, especially as I navigate life as a working mum with a young child.” 

6PR Content Manager, Emily White said: “Julie-anne has been a great contributor to 6PR for many years and we’re excited to welcome her as our new host of the Afternoons program.

“In her reporting career, Julie-anne has covered everything from the WA Mining industry, government policy to food and wine, plus she’s a mad footy fan and loves to have a laugh so our listeners are in for a real treat.

“I’d also like to take the opportunity to thank Jo McManus who has very kindly stepped in to host Afternoons since Millsy’s move to Breakfast in November. Jo will remain a vital part of 6PR and the Arvos show, filling-in when Julie-anne is on leave.”

Sprague began her media career as a reporter at Business News, later joining The West Australian before her career took her to London as a stock market reporter for The Independent. She joined The Australian Financial Review in 2008 in its Perth bureau. Since then, Sprague has held diverse roles stretching Perth, Melbourne and Sydney including WA Bureau Chief, Deputy editor of companies and markets and Rich List editor. She has also been an on-air reporter for Financial Review on Sunday for the 9Network, a panellist for ABC Radio, and is the host of the successful How I Made It podcast series. 

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

Monday, February 13, 2023