Archives: Media Releases

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

Sunday, February 12, at 8.40pm on Channel 9 & 9Now

SEX, LIES & ALIBIS
When Ghislaine Maxwell, the one-time madam of billionaire paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, was convicted last year of sex crimes against underage girls, her many victims hoped a jail cell would silence her. Turns out they were wrong. As well as currently appealing her 20-year sentence, she has now also begun a concerted campaign to rewrite history. As Tara Brown reports, Maxwell has given an audacious and strangely compelling interview from prison. In it she makes some extraordinary claims, including that the disgraced Prince Andrew is the victim of a malicious hoax.  She also rails against those who think she’s cruel, horrible, and guilty of heinous crimes.
Reporter: Tara Brown
Producers: Tracey Hannaford, Sammi Taylor

HOT P!NK 
She might be music royalty but one thing’s for sure, there are no airs and graces with superstar Pink. It’s the likely reason Australia has had an enduring love affair with the supercharged singer for more than two decades. In an exclusive interview on 60 MINUTES Amelia Adams discovers Pink is just as easygoing, ferociously frank and funny as ever. And for the singer’s fans down under, she has some particularly good news to share.
Reporter: Amelia Adams
Producer: Garry McNab

LIKE 60 Minutes Australia on Facebook
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FOLLOW @60Minutes9 on Instagram
Get more 60 Minutes on 9Now

60 MINUTES
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12, AT 8.40PM ON CHANNEL 9 & 9NOW

For further information, please contact:
Chris Urankar
9Network Publicity
chris.urankar@nine.com.au

Friday, February 10, 2023

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has today announced that Nine Entertainment Co. (Nine) has been awarded the exclusive free and subscription audio-visual rights, and non-exclusive audio rights to the Summer and Winter Olympic Games from 2024-2032. 

• Nine partners with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to bring the Olympic Games to Australian audiences over the next decade 
• Partnership to deliver every moment of the next 5 Games, including Brisbane 2032, through broadcast and streaming in audio and video, across all of Nine’s platforms
• Exclusive ten year deal provides unrivalled platform for growth in 9Now and Stan, as Australia continues to transition to free and paid streaming

Commencing in July 2024 with the Olympic Games Paris 2024, Nine will provide Australia with a front row seat to the next five Olympic Games, including Milan (2026), Los Angeles (2028) and the yet to be announced 2030 Winter Games, all leading up to Australia’s return to hosting an Olympic Games in Brisbane in 2032. 

Nine will bring the images and sounds of the Games to audiences like never before, harnessing the power of its diverse streaming, television, audio and digital platforms, across 9Now, Stan, the 9Network, and talk radio stations 2GB, 3AW, 4BC and 6PR. Full coverage will also be delivered across Nine’s suite of print and online publishing platforms: The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Brisbane Times, WA Today, The Australian Financial Review, and nine.com.au. 

IOC President, Thomas Bach, said: “Australia is a great sporting nation with a long Olympic history which will be taken to new heights with the hosting of the Olympic Games Brisbane 2032. Our new partnership with Nine will ensure Olympic fans across Australia have unparalleled coverage of the Olympic Games on their platform of choice.”

Mike Sneesby, CEO of Nine, said: “This partnership with the IOC is an important part of Nine’s strategy as we continue to define Australian broadcast and streaming television. We’re delighted to be bringing the Olympics Games to Australian audiences, whenever and however they choose from Paris 2024 to Brisbane in 2032.”

“These rights complement our recently renewed partnerships with the NRL and Tennis Australia at a time when live sport continues to demonstrate its ability to drive strong growth in streaming audiences and strength in free-to-air TV consumption. Importantly, this deal enables Nine to make the Olympic Games accessible to all Australia, across more platforms than ever before.”  

“For our audiences, advertisers and teams across Australia, today’s announcement brings the Olympic Games home to Nine, and directly reflects our purpose – Australia Belongs Here.”

Nine’s Chief Sales Officer, Michael Stephenson, said: “The Olympic Games is a marketing platform for brands with unrivalled scale. Over the next 10 years we have the opportunity to build long term strategic plans with our partners and sponsors to grow their brands and build their business. Everything is building towards an Aussie Olympics in Brisbane in 2032.”

“As the exclusive media network of the most iconic and prestigious sporting event on the calendar, Nine can offer our commercial partners marketing opportunities at scale in an unrivalled Total TV, Total Audio and Total Publishing environment – all delivered in an environment of stories, experiences and performances from the very best athletes and teams in the world.”

Over the next decade, Nine’s Wide World of Sports (WWOS) will assemble a world-class team of experts and storytellers to continue the country’s Olympic journey and to inspire a new generation of Olympic fans. Together, they will deliver thousands of hours of Olympic content across Nine’s suite of platforms, connecting with sports fans like never before.

Michael Healy, Nine’s Director of Television, said: “From our unbeatable network of assets, to the world-class class coverage delivered by the country’s best presenters, commentators and experts, Nine is undeniably the true home of the Olympic Games. Across the breadth of our business, including our affiliate partners, we reach almost 98 percent of Australians, and are incredibly proud to be able to inspire a new generation of fans with a decade of Olympic Games coverage. Building on our leading news, sports and entertainment brands, we are committed to delivering the very best viewing experience for our audiences that culminates in the ultimate celebration on home soil in 2032.”

In addition to free-to-air and streaming coverage, Nine will broadcast key moments from the Olympic Games across its talk radio stations, 2GB Sydney, 3AW Melbourne, 6PR Perth and 4BC Brisbane. This will allow Australian audiences to tune in anywhere, anytime, and on any device to get the very latest Olympics news and coverage. 

The next decade will be one of opportunity and growth for Nine – which is already the market leader when it comes to sparking conversations, challenging perspectives, and entertaining our communities.

Now, as the exclusive broadcaster of the biggest sporting brand in the world, Nine will attract millions of users to its platforms to celebrate the big occasions and connect the everyday moments on the road to Brisbane 2032. 

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

Wednesday, Februay 8, 2023