Archives: Media Releases

Start counting down for a star-studded night of musical magic with Delta Goodrem in Christmas With Delta, Saturday, December 10, at 7.30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.

In front of a packed-out audience at The Concourse in Sydney, Delta will gather a stellar lineup of Australian and international guests for an evening of pure festive cheer and holiday spirit. 

“I’m so grateful to all the incredible artists and dear friends from around the world who have joined me this year,” Delta says.

The superstar lineup for Christmas With Delta includes Bryan Adams with Let’s Get This Christmas Going,The Lumineers’ take on Blue Christmas, Sam Fischer’s performance of The Christmas Song, Thelma Plum and Delta Goodrem collaborating on Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas and British pop sensation and The Voice UK coach Anne-Marie performing White Christmas. Delta will also check in with Gwen Stefani and 16-time Grammy Award winner David Foster during the show.

“I love everything about Christmas – especially all the music and carols,” Delta says. Ahead of her third Christmas special for the 9Network, Delta promises “an incredible night performing favourite Christmas classics and delivering heartwarming surprises to Aussie families”. 

Additional highlights will include American pop trio Hanson, sharing the stage with Conrad Sewell for a nostalgic interpretation of Stevie Wonder’s Someday at Christmas, and Delta’s mesmerising rendition of the classic What Child Is This and her signature original Only Santa Knows. 

“If I was to share with you what my Christmases were like growing up, it would be through the lyrics of that song – the cookies you leave for Santa or the carrots outside for reindeer. And that I truly believed in the magic of Christmas – and still do!” Delta says.

The evening will also include a moving and intimate tribute to Olivia Newton-John featuring both Olivia’s daughter Chloe and husband John.  

Spreading the Christmas spirit even further, Delta will also drop into Sydney’s Marrickville Public School. Get set for some hilarious and revealing Christmas insights from the entertaining young minds of kids in kindergarten and Year 1. 

Then the good vibes continue when Delta makes a surprise visit to Melbourne’s BAM ARTS INC, which provides arts programs, events and opportunities for people with disabilities of all ages.

Following the December 10 premiere of Christmas With Delta, viewers can catch a half-hour presentation on Saturday, December 24, at 7.30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now, before the 85th Vision Australia Carols By Candlelight concert. A full encore presentation will also go to air on Sunday, December 25, at 11.30am on Channel 9 and 9Now. 

Tickets for Delta’s highly-anticipated national Innocent Eyes 20th Anniversary Tour are available to purchase here. 

Delta Goodrem’s Only Santa Knows (Deluxe Edition) is out now, featuring all your festive season favourites reimagined, plus two original-penned Christmas classics. Buy, download or stream now.

CHRISTMAS WITH DELTA
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, AT 7.30PM ON CHANNEL 9 & 9NOW

DOWNLOAD IMAGES HERE

LIKE Channel 9 on Facebook
FOLLOW @Channel9 on Instagram and Twitter
Catch up on 9Now

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

Tuesday, December 6, 2022

Nine is revolutionising the way audiences consume live television with the launch of a ‘start over’ function on its broadcast video on demand (BVOD) platform, 9Now. 

Available on Web and Mobile Apps, and coming soon to Connected TVs (Apple TV, Android TV, Telstra TV, Amazon Fire TV), 9Now’s start over button addresses one of the biggest pain points when it comes to watching live content on BVOD – missing the start of a program and having to wait for the video to be published. 

Now, thanks to the start over feature, viewers who join a live channel late in the program can start the program over, up to two hours from the program’s start time. Once a viewer is in start over mode, they are also provided with the ‘jump to’ option which either takes them straight to the live broadcast or, if a new program has started, they can jump straight to the beginning of the next program.

Nine’s Director of Programming and 9Now, Hamish Turner, said “9Now’s focus is simple: to entertain and inform Australians with the very best in sport, news and entertainment. This focus is pivotal with the increase in streaming on connected TVs.” 

“9Now’s daily active accounts have seen 52% growth over the last two years, and the percentage of live viewing minutes up  40%. The new start over function, coupled with Full HD of all our live simulcast channels enhances the viewing experience, ensuring our audience will never miss a minute from their favourite shows.” 

Nine’s Chief Product Officer, Bec Haagsma, said “This investment in 9Now is the perfect example of the market-leading innovation happening across Nine – unique technology for our market, putting our viewers in complete control of their viewing experience, and functionality that no other live broadcaster in the country can compete with. It’s live TV, better.”

“We know our audiences, and are making product improvements with their needs and preferences in mind. We’ve found that on average, people can tune in 5-6 minutes late to the news, and up to 15-20 minutes late to shows like The Block, which is completely relatable given the juggle of work, family and other commitments we all deal with. Now when they open 9Now they can control their viewing of our live schedule, whenever and wherever it suits them.

“This is great news for our advertisers as well, with an increase in total minutes consumed by viewers. For example, we could see as much as a 10% growth in 9News total minutes from this single feature – improving both consumption and engagement.”

The start over function is part of a comprehensive viewer-focused upgrade of 9Now, which brings together the simplicity of free-to-air TV, with the convenience and interactivity of digital.

Other key improvements to the live streaming quality on Nine’s 24/7 live channels include:

• Full HD 1080p
• 50 frames per second (FPS) on Channel 9 and 9Gem 
• 5.1 Dolby Surround Sound 
• Closed captions 

This summer, 9Now will also launch an entirely new in-app experience that instantly plays live TV as soon as you open the app (just like traditional TV), whilst letting you browse the catalogue for your favourite content. This innovative, immersive and yet familiar TV experience will further enhance the live experience for Nine audiences.

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

Tuesday, December 6, 2022

The driving force behind The Australian Financial Review’s digital transformation, Fiona Buffini, has been appointed Editor of the nation’s premium business, finance and political publication. 

Buffini will succeed the Financial Review’s longest-serving Editor, Paul Bailey, who last month announced his resignation after 11 years leading the masthead and who will finish in the role at the end of this week. 

Her appointment follows a competitive internal and external application process.

Buffini joined the Financial Review nearly 25 years ago. A former chartered accountant, she worked her way up from reporting to editing, including news editor, news director and the masthead’s Deputy Editor (digital). 

“I am deeply honoured to join Editor in Chief Michael Stutchbury and Managing Editor Cosima Marriner to lead the best newsroom in the country,” Buffini said. “I am excited to continue the Financial Review’s digital evolution, to find new audiences for our indispensable reporting and to build on the extraordinary achievements of editor Paul Bailey.”

Welcoming her appointment, Stutchbury said Buffini was uniquely placed to maximise the journalism of Australia’s most-trusted newspaper masthead (*) in digital format while maintaining the heritage of a high quality print product.  

“No-one knows the ins and outs of the Financial Review newsroom better than Fiona. She is totally across the Financial Review’s news agenda, its position in Australian media and its role in supporting a more prosperous nation,” he said.

“Her unique combination of reporting, editing, and newsroom management experience and her track record in devising and driving the Financial Review’s digital transformation makes her the natural leader of the masthead’s next phase of growth.” 

James Chessell, Nine’s Managing Director Publishing, added: “Huge congratulations to Fiona who has been a star from the moment she joined the Financial Review during the first term of the Howard administration. She is blessed with a remarkable work ethic and unflappable temperament as well as a determination to maintain the masthead’s strong digital growth. I look forward to her already significant contribution to the Financial Review becoming even greater.”

For the past two years as Deputy Editor (digital), Buffini has led the team responsible for the Financial Review’s digital platforms, including afr.com, the Financial Review app, newsletters, and podcasts.

As News Director and Digital Editor between 2015 and 2020, Buffini positioned the Financial Review to accelerate its digital transformation during the pandemic, expanding live coverage and building on the masthead’s digital newsletters.  

Today, the Financial Review has the most digitally-focused audience and subscriber base of any newspaper masthead in Australia. It has the third biggest digital-only audience of any newspaper masthead and the only national newspaper brand to grow its readership over the past year.   

(*) 2022 Digital News Report, News and Media Research Centre, University of Canberra.

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

Tuesday, December 6, 2022

Pedestrian Group, ANZ’s largest youth-focused publishing group, has promoted Rachel Tikey into the newly created role of Chief Commercial Officer, a position that will see Tikey lead expansion into new markets and launch new products; including web3 vertical The Chainsaw and other products in development with parent company, Nine.

Under Tikey’s guidance, the Pedestrian Group commercial department, which includes the national teams of Strategy, Sales, Projects and Ad Operations, has delivered back to back years of notably high revenue growth, and several industry award wins.

Pedestrian Group’s CEO, Matt Rowley says: “If you’ve worked with Rachel in any capacity you will know what a commercial force she is. She has a gift for figuring out how different people can work together productively, crafting the most talented team in the industry. Rachel is the perfect person to commercially lead Pedestrian Group through its next set of opportunities and evolution as a business.”

Rachel Tikey said: “I love Pedestrian Group and feel incredibly fortunate to work alongside the talented minds in this business. It is a privilege to take this next step in my career with brands that inform and entertain young Aussies like no other.”

Tikey is an established leader and works with the wider media and advertising industry as a non-executive director for UNLTD’s Little Colossus (MOOD TEA), has held multiple senior roles at Pedestrian Group and previous roles at Pandora, ARN and SCA. 

She will commence her role as Chief Commercial Officer at Pedestrian Group effective immediately. 

*About Pedestrian Group*

Pedestrian Group is Australia’s leading youth-centered publisher, reaching a unique audience of more than 4.16 million Aussies per month, and more 18 to 39-year-olds than any other publisher. It is home to PEDESTRIAN.TV, The Chainsaw, VICE Australia, Refinery29 Australia, Lifehacker Australia, Gizmodo Australia, Kotaku Australia and Business Insider Australia, as well as the Open Air Cinemas. It is wholly owned by Nine, Australia’s largest media company.

*Nielsen Digital Content Ratings, Monthly Tagged, December 2020, All Brands, Text, People 2+, Census

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

Thursday, December 1, 2022

Gay Alcorn will step down from her position as editor of The Age after two years in the role to spend time caring for her husband, who is unwell.

An internal and external recruitment process will now be conducted to find a new editor to lead The Age team, and acting editor Michael Bachelard will remain in place until this is completed.

Executive editor Tory Maguire said it was a sad outcome for Alcorn to cut short her editorship, and that Alcorn would return to The Age in a senior role when she was able.

“Gay has led The Age through two incredibly challenging and exhilarating years covering the story of a lifetime and she has done so with energy, passion, ambition and intellectual prowess,” Maguire said.

“Under her editorship The Age returned to the centre of Melbourne’s cultural life, broke countless stories with impact and challenged its readers to think widely and deeply.

“I will miss Gay’s fresh take on the big issues, as well as her infectious enthusiasm for news and ideas, and I look forward to having her back in the newsroom in the future.”

Maguire also thanked Bachelard for his willingness to act in the role, which he has been doing since September.

“We’re very lucky to have someone of Michael’s experience and talent to lead The Age through this transition period. He took on this role just prior to the Victorian Election and continues to demonstrate leadership and judgement every day,” said Maguire.

Alcorn said she was sad to be resigning as editor. “This job has been the most challenging, interesting and rewarding in my professional life. I love The Age and what it stands for. But it is the right thing for my family for me to step down and for The Age to have a new leader.”

A recruitment advertisement will be published in the coming days.

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

Thursday, December 1, 2022

The Aussie golfing superstorm that is Cameron Smith will blow into Melbourne this week for the ISPS HANDA Australian Open, live and free on the 9Network and 9Now from Thursday at 12.00pm AEDT.

Played across two courses on Melbourne’s famous sandbelt – Kingston Heath and Victoria Golf Club – the 2022 Australian Open features both the men’s and women’s events, along with the all-abilities field, in a world-first for a national open tournament.

Playing in alternating groups on both courses for the first two days, before moving to Victoria Golf Club for the weekend, the nation’s best golfers will be on home soil to show who really is the king and the queen of the course.

Fresh from winning the Fortinet Australian PGA Championship, Cameron Smith is attempting the Australian PGA-Australian Open double that was last accomplished in 2011 by Greg Chalmers. Lining up to take him down will be Aussie compatriots Adam Scott, Marc Leishman and Min Woo Lee, while the women’s stars Minjee Lee and Hannah Green will feature at the same time.

Previewing the tournament, Cameron Smith said: “The courses here demand a lot of you so you have to be spot on. You get to play plenty of shots, you have to play good golf around here.

“I haven’t won one of these yet and it has been on my radar for a long time. I feel like I play my best golf when I’m creative, and this course is the best that golf has to offer.

“Playing alongside the women is good for the game of golf and there’ll be huge crowds here to watch. Karrie Webb actually beat me when we were playing a practice round a few months ago.”

Nine’s Wide World of Sports will showcase every day of the four-day tournament, live and free, from Thursday to Sunday. Fans can also watch on demand from their device for free on 9Now.

ISPS HANDA Australian Open 
Kingston Heath and Victoria Golf Club

*Check local guides for details

#9WWOS
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Wednesday, November 30, 2022

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

Follow @Channel9 on
Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

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