Archives: Media Releases

The Sydney Morning Herald remains Australia’s most read news brand with a cross-platform readership of 8.1 million readers, according to the Total News readership figures released by Roy Morgan today. 

Cementing its place as the country’s most read masthead, the Herald continues to more than double The Daily Telegraph readership (8.064 million versus The Telegraph’s 3.950 million) in Total News, in the latest figures in the 12-month period ending December 2022. 

The Monday to Friday print edition recorded an impressive annual growth of 14% year-on-year, and quarterly growth of 4%. With a readership of 402,000, this is the fifth consecutive quarter of growth. 

The Sun Herald print edition is read by 417,000 people every Sunday. In the last four weeks 1.9 million people on average have read a print edition of the Herald.  

Across the Herald and Age, the prestigious Good Weekend continues to be Saturday’s most read magazine insert, attracting an average issue print readership of 722,000. Similarly, the Good Food and Traveller titles deliver total cross platform audiences of 1.54 million and 1.63 million, respectively, each month.

Sunday Life recorded an average issue print readership of 420,000, while Domain defied a softening real estate market, seeing annual and quarterly growth with a print readership of 510,000. 

Nine’s Total Publishing assets reach a de-duplicated audience of 16.8 million* Australians across print and digital.

“Against a backdrop of a cost of living crisis and a touch of news fatigue affecting all publishers, The Sydney Morning Herald has more than held its own. These figures again demonstrate the quality of the Herald’s journalism and the special role we have in people’s daily lives. Our newsroom has a real great buzz at the moment and we have some really innovative and exciting projects planned to bring to our readers over the coming months,” said the Herald’s editor, Bevan Shields. 

The Total News readership figures are produced by Roy Morgan for ThinkNewsBrands.  

Source: Roy Morgan Research, All People 14+. All audience data is based on the last 4 weeks averaged over the 12 months to December 2022.

*This figure includes: Nine.com.au, SMH Print & Digital, The Age Print & Digital, AFR Print & Digital, Brisbane Times, WA Today, Domain Digital, Good Weekend VIC & NSW, Sunday Life VIC & NSW, Domain NIM VIC & NSW, AFR Magazine

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

Monday, February 27, 2023

With just three weeks until the start of the 2023 AFL season, 3AW today announced full details of its all-star lineup for the year ahead.

Having secured radio, streaming and digital rights to the AFL until 2024, 3AW has assembled the biggest and best names in football broadcasting to spearhead its unrivalled commentary.

Melbourne’s No. 1 station will call four matches per week, available to listeners on 3AW 693, and for the first time through the 3AW app and website. 

And in a win for fans of the world’s greatest game, 3AW will launch three new podcasts, available for free on all streaming platforms.

Tom Malone, Managing Director of Nine Radio, said: “3AW has been proudly broadcasting Aussie Rules for almost 80 years and our commentary team for 2023 is arguably the best we’ve ever assembled. Featuring some of the greatest names to have ever played AFL, as well as the most insightful analysts of the game, our coverage for the upcoming season will be unbeatable.”

FRIDAY NIGHT AFL
Pre-game host: Jacqui Felgate
Pre-game panel: Anthony Hudson, Leigh Matthews & Matthew Lloyd
Game Callers: Anthony Hudson & Bruce Eva
Special Comments: Leigh Matthews & Matthew Lloyd
Boundary: Libby Birch

SATURDAY AFTERNOON AFL
Pre-game host: Tim Lane
Pre-game panel: Caroline Wilson, Leigh Matthews & Jimmy Bartel
Game Callers: Tim Lane & Tony Leonard
Special Comments: Leigh Matthews & Jimmy Bartel
Boundary: Jacqui Reed
Around-The-Grounds: Libby Birch

SATURDAY NIGHT AFL
Pre-game host: Matt Granland
Pre-game panel: Matt Granland, Shane McInnes, Tony Shaw & Eddie Summerfield
Game Callers: Matt Granland & Shane McInnes
Special Comments: Tony Shaw
Boundary: Abbie McKay

SUNDAY AFTERNOON AFL
Pre-game host: Sam McClure
Pre-game panel: Jimmy Bartel, Matthew Richardson & Tony Shaw
Game Callers: Tim Lane & Matt Granland
Special Comments: Matthew Richardson & Tony Shaw
Boundary: Jacqui Reed

PODCASTS

EDDIE & JIMMY
Every Monday, Eddie McGuire and Jimmy Bartel set the footy agenda for the week ahead and discuss the issues from the round just played. Eddie and Jimmy are two of the biggest names in AFL and they don’t hold back. They’re across everything, they know how fans want it to be played, and they’re ready to discuss and debate the greatest game in the world.

NOTHIN’ LIKE THE 90s
Each week Anthony Hudson interviews some of the biggest names that made the 1990s so incredible – the players, coaches and media personalities. The decade that seems so long ago will be brought back to the current day using the huge library of 3AW’s audio archives. Featuring never-before-heard stories about unforgettable footy moments from the 90s, life after footy, as well as plenty of banter and insight to get you hyped up for the round ahead.

BARTEL & BEVA
Jimmy Bartel and Bruce Eva have found the perfect excuse to talk sport and have a punt. Join Bartel and Beva each week as they discuss all sports being played around the world right now, from football to darts, cricket to table tennis. With help from their international experts, they’ll discuss and debate the odds for the weekend of sport ahead. It is a punters’ paradise. Subscribe to hear every episode with AFL legend Jimmy Bartel and sport journo Bruce Eva.

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

Thursday, February 23, 2023

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