Archives: Media Releases

The top chefs in the land are back for television’s tastiest challenge when Snackmasters resumes with a brand-new knockout competition, Sunday, December 4, at 7.00pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.

Snackmasters sweetened up our TV screens in 2021, uncovering the secrets in the recipes of some of our most famous snacks, including the mysterious ingredients of the Cheese Twistie, and this year it returns bigger and better with a competition full of more tasty surprises.

Over three huge weeks, Season 2 tests the limits of eight of Australia’s best and most fiercely competitive chefs as they go head-to-head in a new knockout cooking competition to see who can crack the snack and win the title of Ultimate Snackmaster.

Join hosts Scott Pickett and Poh Ling Yeow as each episode of Snackmasters sees two elite chefs in a battle to make perfect replicas of one of the nation’s best-loved snacks, while inveterate snack lover Yvie Jones gains access to the production lines for these delicious treats, giving viewers a sneak peek inside the factories where the snacks are made.

From the classic Arnott’s Tim Tam that’s adorned kitchen cupboards since 1963 and the hugely popular Aussie Four’N Twenty classic meat pie to a Domino’s Pepperoni, the nation’s most popular pizza, our culinary maestros will have nothing but limitless supplies of these products and their own taste buds as they try to crack the secrets of the snack.

Over the course of three days we follow each chef as they go through a process of trial and error to replicate the exact taste, look and texture, discovering that it’s far more complicated than they thought, before bringing everything they’ve learnt to a dramatic face-to-face kitchen cook-off where they’ll try to replicate the snack under extreme time pressure.

In this knockout competition we start with eight highly skilled chefs. The four winners from each heat advance to an action-packed semi-final where two more chefs are knocked out, leaving the last two to battle for the honour of Ultimate Snackmaster champion. 

SNACKMASTERS 
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, AT 7.00PM ON CHANNEL 9 AND 9NOW

#SnackmastersAU

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For further information, please contact: 
Sean Salter
9Network Publicity
ssalter@nine.com.au

Monday, November 28, 2022

One of Australia’s most trusted journalists, 60 Minutes reporter Sarah Abo, has today been announced as the new co-host of Today, following Ally Langdon’s move to A Current Affair. 

She will join the Today show team of Karl Stefanovic, Alex Cullen, Brooke Boney and Tim Davies on Monday 16 January, 2023.

Nine’s Director of Morning Television, Steven Burling said: “This is a massive coup for Today; Sarah has been outstanding in the Today hosting chair these past 12 months when filling in for Ally.”

“Sarah’s reputation precedes her; she is a compelling interviewer and journalist, as we’ve seen, not only on 60 Minutes, but also during her time at SBS and Ten. Professionally, she is at the top of her game and just as importantly, Sarah is an amazing person who will help drive Today to continued success in 2023. We’re very fortunate to have Sarah as part of our team.”

Sarah Abo said: “I am thrilled to be joining the wonderful and hard-working team at Today, who manage to inform the nation every morning while also having a lot of fun.”

“I have been incredibly fortunate to work alongside some of the country’s finest journalists at 60 Minutes and travel the nation and world bringing stories to Australian audiences. It is an absolute privilege to meet so many inspirational people and help tell their stories. I can’t wait to put everything I’ve learned from those amazing experiences into my new role at Today. The 3am alarm will be an adjustment, but I’m looking forward to keeping Karl on his toes. I know Ally will make a success of the move to ACA and I can’t wait to watch her in the chair”

Today co-host, Karl Stefanovic said: “Ally has been extraordinary over the last three years. Battling through some tough personal physical obstacles to broadcast to the country during really difficult times. She’s an incredible broadcaster and I’ll miss working with her tremendously. Though, I won’t miss her dancing.”

“Fortunately, Sarah is a gifted dancer and singer. More importantly, she’s a brilliant interviewer and has the most wicked sense of humour. I can’t wait for the country to see all of those wonderful qualities every day at breakfast.”

Sarah is an accomplished journalist, and widely trusted by Australian audiences. She started her career at Network Ten, spending two years in the Adelaide newsroom before making the move back to Melbourne, and in 2013 to joining SBS as a journalist and presenter.

She has covered major international events including the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, the 2015 Paris Climate Conference, the 2016 US presidential election and the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan, and the 2017-18 refugee crisis in Lebanon, Turkey and Greece.

Since joining 60 Minutes in 2019, Sarah has covered major investigations and interviewed former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamed, and secured Australian-first interviews with climate activist Greta Thunberg, Ukrainian first lady Olena Volodymyrivna Zelenska, and one of the Taliban’s most powerful leaders Suhail Shaheen.

Sarah was born in Damascus, Syria and moved to Australia with her family when she was four. A Melbournian at heart, Sarah will be based out of Sydney for the Today show.

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

Monday, November 28, 2022

One of Australia’s most fearless and respected journalists, Ally Langdon, has today been announced as the new host of A Current Affair, following the retirement of longtime host Tracy Grimshaw.

She will start on air on Monday January 30, 2023.

Ally has built her career on trust, empathy and a commitment to journalistic excellence. Most recently, Ally has been on our screens each weekday morning as the co-host of Today alongside Karl Stefanovic – a role she has been in for three years – and previously co-hosted Weekend Today, combining her presenting commitments as a reporter for 60 Minutes.

Nine’s Director of News and Current Affairs, Darren Wick, said: “Ally is a natural fit to lead A Current Affair into a new era. She was raised in the country and has a deep commitment to family, friends and community.

“Ally is a phenomenally hard worker, and has blazed her own trail through Australian News and Current Affairs. She learned the basics of her reporting in Nine’s Darwin newsroom before making her mark among our best in Sydney. After a decade of news, she was thrown in the deep end at 60 Minutes and very soon found her rhythm. 

“She’s passionate, curious and razor sharp – loyal to her colleagues, dedicated to her craft and determined to fight for her viewers. We’re very excited to see what Ally will bring to ACA in 2023 and for many, many years beyond.”

Ally Langdon said: “It is such an incredible honour to be joining the A Current Affair team. A show I love, respect and have been watching since I was in school and Jana Wendt was host” said Langdon. 

“I won’t lie – it’s daunting to be stepping into the role that Tracy has so brilliantly navigated for the past 17 years, with such warmth and compassion. I hope to bring my own warmth and compassion to the show as we continue to tell great stories that matter to our amazing viewers. 

“I get it’s a big change for our audience and also for me personally. There is great sadness at leaving my brilliant Today Show family, in particular my co-host Karl, who has made these past three years so wonderful and fun, although I won’t miss that 3am alarm! Instead, I’ll enjoy being woken by the kids, walking them to school and daycare before ripping in at work.

“I love what A Current Affair is, and what it stands for. It’s a show that is in my family’s DNA, as it was for my father-in-law, the late Mike Willesee Snr, who started A Current Affair back in the early 70’s. Each host has brought their own style to the show and I hope to do the same but at its core, A Current Affair is about those at home who tune in each night. It’s their show, their stories we share, and injustices we help fight.”

Executive Producer of A Current Affair, Fiona Dear said: “I’m thrilled Ally is joining the ACA family. We’re already planning stories for next year and can’t wait to get out in the communities, listening to our viewers’ stories and hopefully helping more families with the issues that matter most to them.”

Ally got her start in journalism presenting radio programs on the NSW North Coast community radio station 2WAY FM while at high school, then went on to study journalism at Charles Sturt University, which included a prestigious internship at CBS in New York City.

She joined Channel 9’s Darwin newsroom in 2002, and won the David Marchbank Award for Best New Journalist during her first year in the Top End. Langdon moved into the role of political reporter for the Northern Territory, flying to East Timor and China to file stories for 9News and Sunday, and was one of the first reporters on the scene after the 2004 bombing of the Australian Embassy in Jakarta.

Ally returned to Channel 9’s newsroom in Sydney in 2004 presenting for 9News, Nightline and Today, before joining the 60 Minutes team as a reporter in 2011.

She is the author of the 2007 book, ‘The Child Who Never Was –The Tegan Lane Story’ after covering the inquest into the disappearance of the baby of Keli Lane, and is an Ambassador for R U Ok?, the Mirabel Foundation, and Gidget Foundation

Ally lives in Sydney with her husband Michael Willesee Jr, and their children Mack and Scout.

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

Monday, November 28, 2022

Buckle up Australia, it’s set to be an EX-plosive week in the Love Island Australia villa when not one, not two, but THREE huge bombs will make their entrances, in what will also be a first for the Love Island Australia series. 

Relationships will be put to the test, heads will turn, temptations will ensue and tempers will rise fueling an unmissable amount of drama. Which couples will survive the shake up, and which will stray? 

Making his entrance first is Jason, the American heart-throb from Adelaide – otherwise known as Claudia’s ex. His arrival will be sure to send her fiery self into a tailspin and set off some fireworks.

These next two bombs are no strangers to each other or the rest of Australia, when Mitch Hibberd and Tina Provis make their surprise return to the villa. 

Their shock arrivals will send the villa into overdrive, not only with the Islanders but with each other. The 2021 Love Island Australia winning couple, now exes following their split earlier this year, will be gobsmacked when they realise they are both entering as singles. 

The Islanders, hoping to find romance, must couple up and stay together to secure their place in the villa or risk being dumped, while surviving the temptations of beautiful bombshells entering the villa.

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

DOWNLOAD IMAGES HERE

LOVE ISLAND AUSTRALIA 
NEW EPISODES MONDAY – THURSDAY AT 6.00PM AEDT
 STREAMING FOR FREE ON 9NOW

EPISODES AND IMAGES AVAILABLE ON NINE MEDIA ROOM

#LoveIslandAU
LIKE Love Island Australia on Facebook
FOLLOW @LoveIslandAU on Instagram and Twitter

For further information, please contact: 
Alessandra Muratore
9Network Publicity
alessandra.muratore@nine.com.au

Friday, November 25, 2022

Australia’s best golfers will take to Royal Queensland Golf Club this week on the 9Network and 9Now for the Fortinet Australian PGA Championship, starting Thursday at 12.00pm AEDT.

Created by the players for the players, this year’s Australian PGA Championship offers a $2 million prize pool – the biggest in Australian PGA history, played on one of the toughest courses in the country.

Current world No.3 and proud Queenslander Cameron Smith billboards the event which includes big-name challengers Adam Scott, Marc Leishman, Ryan Fox and Min Woo Lee in a strong field.

Players can also win $2 million, $1 million or a BMW i7 for a hole-in-one at the par 3 holes on the course.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, Cameron Smith said: “The course is in the best shape I’ve ever seen it. I’ve had a couple of weeks off and I feel more mentally fresh than I ever have coming back to Australia to play. I’ve teared up a few times since I’ve been home, being given the keys to Brisbane, seeing family, friends and the reaction from all the fans has been awesome. It should be a great week of golf.”

Nine’s Wide World of Sports will showcase every day of the four-day tournament, live and free, from Thursday to Sunday.

Fortinet Australian PGA Championship
November 24-27
Royal Queensland

#9WWOS
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Tuesday, November 22, 2022

Over two unmissable nights of A Current Affair, we say goodbye to Tracy Grimshaw this Wednesday and Thursday at 7.00pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.

After 17 years fronting Australia’s highest rating public affairs program, Tracy announced in September that she would be stepping down as host.

So now we say thank you, Tracy, and pay tribute to the icon who millions of Australians have welcomed into their living rooms each weeknight since 2006.

In a special one-hour edition of A Current Affair tomorrow, we look back at some of Tracy’s most memorable interviews. Among them are her unforgettable interviews with Don Burke, James Hewitt, Lindy Chamberlain, Terri and Bindi Irwin, Michael Parkinson, Scott Morrison, Oprah Winfrey, Lady Gaga, as well as the Beaconsfield mine survivors, Todd Russell and Brant Webb.

Tomorrow night’s program will also include an insightful interview with Tracy herself. We’ll learn why she loves listening to people’s stories, why she asks the questions she asks and how she gains the trust of her audience.

Then on Thursday night, Tracy’s last night at the ACA desk, we’ll hear tributes from a roll-call of personalities including Anthony Albanese, John Howard, Ita Buttrose, Steve Liebmann, Jeff Kennett, Eddie McGuire, Andy Lee, Josh Frydenberg, Sooshi Mango, Sam Newman and Nick Giannopoulos.

Plus we’ll take a look back at Tracy’s career and chat with some of the people she has helped along the way.

Thursday’s episode will conclude with Tracy’s final message to her viewers. 

FAREWELL TRACY
Wednesday & Thursday at 7.00pm on Channel 9 & 9Now

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

Tuesday, November 22, 2022

Australia’s leading women’s lifestyle network, 9honey, is celebrating its sixth birthday with the launch of a new site, new columnists and an expanded editorial team.   

The new vertical, 9honey living, will offer expert advice, tips and hacks to make your house a home. From must-have homewares, to DIY/design ideas, to the cleaning and decluttering hacks that have everyone talking, 9honey living will be your daily go-to destination.

Editor of 9honey, Shauna Anderson, says: “Our newest site cements 9honey as the most extensive lifestyle site in Australia, catering for all Aussie women with content that is relatable, factual and entertaining.”

The women’s network is also announcing three new columnists.  

The Block contestant, Rachel Carr, of team Rachel and Ryan, joins the 9honey living team with years of DIY tips and tricks under her belt to share.

Rachel says: “I’m so excited to be part of the 9honey team, especially the new living site. It’s such a great fit. I can’t wait to share all of my tips and tricks for the home, including styling, renovating and so much more.”

Chef, Minoli de Silva, joins the 9honey team where she will share her passion for food and issues close to her heart.

Minoli says: ”I’m thrilled to be joining 9honey to share my love of food, flavours and cooking. It’s a dream come true to share the recipes I learnt as a child and the tips I have found to bring restaurant quality food into the homes of the 9honey readers, and also show them just how easy cooking can be.”

Also joining 9honey is Stephanie Trethewey, 2022 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award winner and Founder and CEO of Motherland, who will raise her voice for women and families on the land.

Stephanie says:  “Rural communities are the backbone of Australia and it’s my mission to put rural motherhood on the mainstream map. I’m so excited to join the 9honey team to bring readers a real and raw look into the realities of life on the land.”

Furthermore, 9honey will expand its editorial team, with Maddison Leach returning to the Nine family as Senior Features Writer, Lucia Hawley promoted to 9honey Style Writer, April Glover appointed to Senior Producer, and Bronte Gossling taking over as Weekend Producer. 9honey is also hiring new Associate Producers to join the expanding team.

Nine.com.au Director, Kerri Elstub, says: “9honey has grown from a small site run by a handful of journos, to a true juggernaut of women’s lifestyle offerings.”

“Adding 9honey living to our catalogue presents a perfect opportunity for content and commercial to align. As a long time fan of Minoli, a Block addict and devotee of Rachel’s style, and a former colleague of Stephanie’s, I’m thrilled to have these strong women on our team”.

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

Tuesday, November 22, 2022

The Sydney Morning Herald’s Good Food Guide to NSW’s best restaurants launches Tuesday after Firedoor was named as the Vittoria Coffee Restaurant of the Year at the Good Food Guide 2023 Awards last night in Sydney.   

Returning after a three-year hiatus with hats and scores to recognise the best restaurants and chefs in NSW, the glamorous awards ceremony – supported by long-term co-presenting partner Vittoria Coffee and new co-presenting partner Oceania Cruises – was held at Shell House Dining Room & Terrace in the Sydney CBD.

Owners and chefs from NSW’s leading restaurants gathered as 12 awards, along with the coveted hats – from one to the pinnacle of three hats – were handed out. The glossy 136-page Good Food Guide 2023 NSW magazine is on sale from tomorrow (Tuesday, November 22) and is the definitive guide to the state’s restaurants, cafes and bars. 

The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide includes more than 400 independent city and regional reviews including Sydney’s top 20 cafes and bars, and top 10 lists for each Australian state and territory. 

Highlighting more suburban venues, there’s also a new rating – a heart – for places that aren’t awarded a hat, but that the Good Food Guide critics still love and would cross town to experience. The new edition of the Guide also includes the most coveted awards in Australian dining: Vittoria Coffee Restaurant of the Year, Oceania Cruises Chef of the Year, and New Restaurant of the Year.

Edited by Callan Boys, The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide reviews have been undertaken by a team of esteemed critics including Boys, Terry Durack, Jill Dupleix and David Matthews, all of whom review independently and anonymously. 

Pipit in Pottsville was named Regional Restaurant of the Year; Tim Foster of Ele by Federico & Karl took home the Young Chef of the Year Award while Annita Potter of Viand in Woolloomooloo was named Oceania Cruises Chef of the Year. 

“While there are significant staff shortages across the hospitality industry, restaurants are still opening at a rate comparable to pre-pandemic times, if not higher,” said Boys. “Dining in NSW and the ACT has never been better either, with more hats awarded than ever before in the history of the Guide.”

“Firedoor was awarded Vittoria Coffee Restaurant of the Year for the way its chef Lennox Hastie and his young team transform beautiful Australian produce into the most delicious version of itself using fire, smoke and ash,” said Boys. “It’s not just the best steak you may ever experience, but the best coral trout, aged lamb and Hawkesbury school prawns too. A top-notch wine list and smart service complete the package.” 

Meanwhile, Annita Potter was named Oceania Chef of the Year for forging her own path and creating truly unique Thai food, said Boys. “It takes courage, determination and skill to only offer a tasting menu when many people still expect Thai food to be cheap-ish and casual. It also takes a lot of self-belief to open a self-funded restaurant at the level of Viand.”

The awards were attended by more than 350 chefs, restaurateurs and industry professionals who were treated to a menu by Shellhouse Dining Room & Terrace chefs Joel Bickford and Aaron Ward. Cocktails were supplied by Four Pillars Gin, Diageo and Santa Vittoria, Mumm Champagne by Pernod, wine by Nick Smith Wines and Kirin beer by Lion. 

The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2023 magazine is available from newsagents, supermarkets and thestore.com.au for $9.95.

The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2023 award winners: 

• Vittoria Coffee Restaurant of the Year: Firedoor, Surry Hills
• New Restaurant of the Year: Kiln, Sydney
• Regional Restaurant of the Year: Pipit, Pottsville
• Oceania Cruises Chef of the Year: Annita Potter, Viand, Woolloomooloo
• New Regional Restaurant of the Year: Bistro Livi, Murwillumbah
• Vittoria Coffee Legend Award: Eric and Linda Wong, Golden Century
• Service Excellence: Michael Stoddart, Oncore by Clare Smyth, Sydney
• Sommelier of the Year: Bridget Raffal, Where’s Nick, Marrickville
• Oceania Cruises Wine List of the Year: Shell House Dining Room & Terrace, Sydney
• Young Chef of the Year: Tom Foster, Ele by Federico & Karl, Sydney
• Food for Good: Refettorio OzHarvest, Surry Hills
• Bar of the Year: Ante, Newtown

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

Tuesday, November 22, 2022

Australian music’s night of nights, the prestigious ARIA Awards, will light up our screens for their 36th edition on Thursday, November 24 from 7.30pm AEDT on Channel 9 and 9Now.

Live from Sydney’s famous live music venue, The Hordern Pavilion, the awards will be hosted by eight-time ARIA Award winner Natalie Imbruglia, alongside Australian singer, songwriter and drummer G Flip and ARIA Award winner Ruel, celebrating and showcasing the cream of the Australian music industry. 

The awards will feature exclusive live performances from Australia’s best including Baker Boy, Dami Im, Flume, Jessica Mauboy, Tones and I, Vance Joy and many more.  

Some of this year’s nominees will perform their hit songs from 2022, including RÜFÜS DU SOL, Baker Boy, Flume featuring MAY-A, Amyl and The Sniffers, Vance Joy and Peking Duk. 

A number of in memoriam tributes will pay respect to some of the Australian music greats we sadly farewelled this year. Budurja, Jessica Mauboy and Thelma Plum will honour Archie Roach, Dami Im and Casey Donovan will perform a number to commemorate the career of Judith Durham, and host Natalie Imbruglia will acknowledge the brilliance of Olivia Newton-John, joined by ARIA Award-winning singer and musical director of the tribute, Tones and I. 

Throughout the evening, a stellar list of Australia’s favourites will present awards across 27 categories, including Ayesha Madon, Becca Hatch, Briggs, Flex Mami, Genesis Owusu, Illy, Jerome Farah, Josh Teskey, Kye, Lime Cordiale, Matt Gudinski, Montaigne, Peking Duk, Peter Garrett, Richard Wilkins, Ruel, The Wiggles, Tones And I, Troy Cassar-Daley and Vera Blue.

This year’s list of nominations highlights the extraordinary talent across a wide range of genres. RÜFÜS DU SOL leads the charge with seven nominations, Amyl and The Sniffers and Flume with six nominations, Baker Boy, Vance Joy and The Kid LAROI with five nominations each, and rounding the list out are Julia Jacklin, Gang Of Youths, King Stingray and Luude with four nominations. 

Hosting the red carpet, presented by Interflora, Nine’s entertainment guru Richard Wilkins will partner up alongside his son, model and reality TV star Christian Wilkins as well as influencer and comedian Lucinda ‘Froomes’ Price to greet and chat with the stars as they arrive. The red carpet will be available for live streaming on YouTube from 4.00pm AEDT at https://youtu.be/aCrZ3jRE6xY.

Nine’s entertainment presenter Brooke Boney will host the pre-show, presenting 15 ARIA Awards, from 6.00pm AEDT available to live stream on 9Now, ahead of the live awards broadcast. 

Nine’s Director of 9Now and Programming, Hamish Turner, said: “The 9Network are thrilled to welcome back this year’s broadcast of the ARIA Music Awards. Australian music’s night of nights will once again host a live audience to enjoy brilliant performances from some of the biggest names in the industry. We are excited to honour and celebrate the incredible talent that makes the Australian music industry one of the best in the world.”

36TH ARIA AWARDS 2022
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24 FROM 7.30PM AEDT 
ON CHANNEL 9 AND 9NOW

For the full lineup of presenters and music acts, please visit https://www.ariaawards.com.au/

For further information, please contact:
Alessandra Muratore
9Network Publicity
alessandra.muratore@nine.com.au

Monday, November 21, 2022

Ian Thorpe, Ariarne Titmus and Giaan Rooney join the Wide World of Sports. Fina World Swimming Championships in Melbourne: Exclusive, live and free on Channel 9 and 9Now.

Nine’s Wide World of Sports will make a big splash at the FINA World Swimming Championships in Melbourne when Ian Thorpe, Ariarne Titmus and Giaan Rooney form an all-star commentary lineup.

Taking place from December 13-18 exclusive, live and free on Channel 9 and 9Now in prime time, the trio of world champions will be poolside to provide expert insight when Australia’s best short-course swimmers take on the world in their own backyard.

Making the announcement on Sports Sunday this morning, Australia’s greatest ever swimmer, Ian Thorpe, spoke of his enthusiasm at joining Nine’s Wide World of Sports stable.

“Channel 9 has an absolutely outstanding history in broadcasting swimming, and considering their audience probably watched me winning World Championships, or breaking world records, it’s going to be great to share my knowledge now with viewers,” said Thorpe.

“I’m particularly excited to be working alongside Giaan, who I grew up with, and it’s also fantastic to see Ariarne, another Olympic champion, come on board to give her understanding of the sport.

“I love discussing the intricacies of swimming and sharing those insights, which hopefully educates more people about our sport.”

Nine Director of Sport, Brent Williams, said: “Nine has a rich history of broadcasting swimming and we are proud to be partnering with FINA on their upcoming events.

“We are equally excited to have Olympic gold medallists, world champions and Australian swimming superstars Ian Thorpe, Giaan Rooney and Ariarne Titmus forming our team of experts.

“Their insight and knowledge will be invaluable in bringing viewers closer to the action and enhancing our poolside coverage in Melbourne.”  

Current Olympic champion for the 200m and 400m freestyle, Ariarne Titmus, said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Nine’s Wide World of Sports for the short-course World Championships in Melbourne. I’m excited to experience racing from a new perspective and challenge myself in a new role on pool deck.

“Thorpey has always been a hero of mine and Giaan is one of the best swimming broadcasters anywhere in the world, so to be alongside them is something I’m really looking forward to, and it’s a fresh challenge for me.”

Rounding out the star trio and making a network homecoming in her distinguished media career, Giaan Rooney said: “After swimming my last race on Channel 9 and starting my broadcasting career as part of the legendary Wide World of Sports swimming commentary team, it feels very familiar and natural to be showcasing swimming for Nine once again.

“This time, not only do we have many of our current Olympic superstars such as Emma McKeon, Kaylee McKeown, Mollie O’Callaghan, Mack Horton and Kyle Chalmers going for gold in the pool, I’m also honoured to be on the mic with the Olympic legend, Ian Thorpe, and our current Olympic champion, Ariarne Titmus.”

Wide World of Sports commentator Mat Thompson will call the races live and experienced sports broadcaster Tony Jones will host the network’s coverage from his hometown throughout the six-day event.

Swimming achievements
Ian Thorpe

• 5 x Olympic Games gold medals
• 9 x Commonwealth Games gold medals
• 11 x World Championship wins
• Set 22 world records in his career
• Most successful athlete at the Sydney 2000 Olympics 

Ariarne Titmus

• 2 x Olympic gold medals (Tokyo 2021)
• 4 x World Championship gold medals
• 2 x Commonwealth Games gold medals

Giaan Rooney

• Olympic gold medallist
• 3 x World Championship gold medals
• 2 x Commonwealth Games gold medals

IMAGES AVAILABLE HERE
Groups and singles included

16^TH FINA WORLD SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS (25M) MELBOURNE
DECEMBER 13-18, ON CHANNEL 9 AND 9NOW

#9WWOS
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Monday, November 21, 2022