Archives: Media Releases

The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age’s Good Weekend will feature a special 16-page bushfire wraparound including photos taken by Herald and Age photographers during the current bushfire crisis.

The wraparound, which is on the January 25 issue, has images taken by photographers such as Kate Geraghty, Nick Moir, Wolter Peeters, Justin McManus, Alex Ellinghausen and Eddie Jim.

“Good Weekend is all about delivering stories on what’s important to Australians – and right now there is nothing more important than the bushfires sweeping our beautiful country,” said Katrina Strickland, Editor of Good Weekend.

“Staff photographers from The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age have been covering the crisis all summer and their pictures really are worth a thousand words. Our 16-page wraparound uses their work to tell a story of what’s been lost, the human and animal suffering amid the devastation, and the amazing work of those who put themselves in the line of fire, literally, on behalf of us all.”

The special presentation features an essay written by Good Weekend’s Konrad Marshall, featuring interviews with fire experts such as CEO of the Bushfire and Natural Hazard Cooperative Research Centre, Richard Thornton, and the Herald and Age photographers documenting the fires on the frontline.

“Piecing together what we’ve lost – adding and multiplying the devastating data – will take months, years. Until that cruel calculus is counted and considered, imagery can tell the stories,” writes Marshall.

Fine art prints of some of the photographs featured in the wraparound will be available for purchase through The Store, with profits to be donated to NSW RFS, CFA VIC and WIRES.

For information on how to directly donate, click here.
The wraparound will be on the standard January 25 issue.

For more information:
Miranda Ward
Communications Manager
miward@nine.com.au

Friday, January 24, 2020

2020 sees the return of Australia’s entertainment sensation, The Voice, in what promises to be the biggest and most thrilling season yet, featuring some absolutely amazing voices from around the country.

Fronting the show this season is an all-new dynamic hosting duo of Darren McMullen and Renee Bargh.

McMullen returns to the show after having hosted the first four seasons of The Voice Australia as well as The Voice Kids, and having played roles in the Logie award-winning drama House Husbands and SeaChange, both on Nine.

“I’ve hosted a lot of fun shows around the globe since leaving but nothing compares to the buzz you get from walking out onto The Voice stage”, said McMullen. “The seasons that I hosted were the most fun I’ve ever had in television, and I can’t wait to pick up the reigns again to front the biggest show in Australia.”

An Australian native, Bargh is a newcomer to The Voice family, although is no stranger to rubbing shoulders with some of the biggest stars in the world, having spent the past decade as a host on Emmy award-winning US entertainment show, EXTRA. She returns home to star on Australian TV for the first time in ten years.

“It’s an absolute dream come true to be heading home to Australia and joining The Voice family”, said Bargh. “When it comes to entertainment television, it doesn’t get much bigger or more dynamic than The Voice. I’ve always been a huge fan of the show and am looking forward to meeting the next wave of incredibly talented Aussie artists”.

For the first time, all four superstar Coaches will return, following a stellar showing in season eight which left fans eager for more.

Kelly Rowland, Guy Sebastian, Delta Goodrem, and the reigning winning Coach Boy George all return to battle over the next wave of breakout artists, with plenty of surprises in-store.

They won’t hold back in their opinions of the artists and of one another, as they work alongside their teams of artists to ultimately decide The Voice of Australia for 2020, following in the footsteps of last year’s powerhouse winner, Diana Rouvas from Team Boy George.

Fans can apply here for FREE tickets right now to the upcoming shows, for an unforgettable experience not to be missed.

More details about the innovative new additions for the upcoming season will follow closer to The Voice’s premiere later in 2020.

For more information:
Nine Publicity
(03) 9420 3466

Friday, January 24, 2020

Today Show leads Nine’s drive to help bushfire affected communities.

The TODAY Show will lead Nine’s long term effort to help bushfire affected communities across Australia with an unprecedented campaign utilising the company’s television, print, radio and online assets to drive Australians to support our regional towns.

Harnessing the power of Nine’s most loved and powerful brands – including the company’s television formats The Block, The Voice, Travel Guides and Getaway as well as the might of Nine News; Nine Publishing’s Good Food, Traveller, and the unparalleled quality journalism of The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald, Brisbane Times and the Australian Financial Review; and Nine Radio’s powerful national voice – the TODAY Show will launch the WE LOVE AUSTRALIA: BUSHFIRE RECOVERY campaign to encourage Australians to visit and holiday in our bushfire affected towns.

Starting from Friday, February 7, TODAY will go on the road and broadcast from some of Australia’s most fire devastated areas with a simple message: these communities are open for business. Using Nine’s stable of brands, TODAY will help re-build towns and kick-start tourism.

The commitment comes after Nine confirmed a $10 million donation in advertising space in print, radio, television and digital over a sustained campaign to support businesses and communities re-build. Last week, Nine broadcast the Rally for Relief tennis which has helped raise $5 million.

Blockheads from The Block will assist in the construction of community dwellings that have been destroyed; Getaway presenters will highlight tourist attractions and how viewers can best explore these towns; the team from the Good Food supplement will show how to enjoy the globally-renowned foodie culture in our affected areas; The Voice artists and coaches will feature, and Nine talent will join Karl and Ally from TODAY, who will bring local stories to viewers.

WE LOVE AUSTRALIA: BUSHFIRE RECOVERY will begin on Friday, February 7 from Kangaroo Island. Throughout February, TODAY will be visiting various fire ravaged areas around Australia. More locations and dates will be announced soon.

The outpouring of generosity from everyday Australians to financially help bushfire affected communities has been unprecedented. But what these towns and holiday destinations need now more than ever is for visitors, whether it be for a coffee in a café, a weekend getaway or a school holiday trip.

Nine’s Director of Television, Michael Healy, said: “Nine is committed to a long-term approach to help rebuild bushfire affected areas around Australia. Using the resources right across our broad spectrum of platforms, we stand together with regional communities to rebuild and revitalise. We encourage Australians to collectively wrap our arms around our regional towns and do all we can to support them.”

Nine’s Director of Morning Television, Steven Burling, said: “Australians have dug deep and given an incredible amount of money. But this national disaster will take more than donations to fix. What these towns need more than ever is our time and attention. Australians need to visit and spend time in these communities. They are open for business and we are proud to help support the towns and regions affected by bushfires.”

For further information:
Adrian Motte
amotte@nine.com.au
Channel Nine Publicity

Thursday, January 23, 2020

Australia’s favourite bad boy, Dr Hugh Knight, is back and naughtier than ever when Doctor Doctor returns on Wednesday, February 5, at 9.00pm on Nine.

One year has passed and Hugh (Rodger Corser) has spent the past 12 months doing something unnatural – being good. A good father to his baby. A good farmer. A good doctor. But it’s too good to last, and Hugh’s life is about to explode spectacularly as his bad boy ways return with a vengeance.

Hugh’s happiness is quickly shattered by the temptations of the new medic in town (Kate Jenkinson), his jealousy over Penny’s relationship with new mine manager Jarrod (Dustin Clare), and the suspicious arrival of his American ex-mother-in-law (Robyn Nevin).

Hugh is facing the fight of his life – for love, career and family. Will Whyhope’s naughtiest doctor have the right stuff, or will he self-destruct and lose everything?

Doctor Doctor showcases a stellar returning cast including Nicole da Silva (Charlie), Ryan Johnson (Matt), Tina Bursill (Meryl), Hayley McElhinney (Penny), Matt Castley (Ajax), Chloe Bayliss (Hayley), Belinda Bromilow (Betty), Charles Wu (Ken) and Miranda Tapsell (April).

Joining the cast for series four are Dustin Clare (Glitch, Wolf Creek, Spartacus, Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities), Kate Jenkinson (Wentworth, Offspring, Tangle) and Robyn Nevin (Top of the Lake, Upper Middle Bogan, Back in Very Small Business).

Doctor Doctor is produced by Easy Tiger Productions for Nine, with the assistance of Create NSW.

Further information:
Channel Nine Publicity
02 9965 2727

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Nine has announced a move to a music format playing the best of the 70s, 80s and 90s across its stations in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, along with digital radio in Perth.

The move will see the return to the airwaves of heritage radio brands 2UE 954AM, Magic 1278AM and 4BH 882AM, with each station also featuring live local news, sport and weather. In Perth the station will be branded Magic DAB+ Perth.

“We’re very proud to be bringing back great radio brands like 2UE, Magic and 4BH with a music format that we know will resonate with audiences in each city,”

said Tom Malone, Nine’s Managing Director – Radio.

“Until recently Magic and 4BH were successful music stations and our research clearly shows there is a gap in the market for this music format, built around the best of the 70s, 80s and 90s.”

The new stations will have a soft launch on February 2 and will be available in digital quality via online, apps, smart speakers and DAB+.

Penny Kaleta, Nine’s Director of Sales – Radio, said: “For our clients we believe this move to a music format is highly complementary to our existing talk-radio formats and gives the brands who work with us a strong audience combination in terms of what we can offer.”

2UE, Magic, 4BH and Magic DAB+ Perth will replace Macquarie Sports Radio. The stations will continue to honour their existing sports rights contracts with the AFL, NRL and Cricket Australia.

For more information:
Nic Christensen
Head of Corporate Affairs
nchristensen@nine.com.au

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo is a new documentary series that will give viewers on Nine a look behind the scenes at what it takes to run one of the world’s most famous and magnificent zoos.

Naomi Watts returns to Australian television as the narrator of Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo. An avid animal lover, the star of Mulholland Drive was named a Centenary Ambassador for Taronga Zoo when it celebrated its one hundredth year in 2016.

As Taronga Zoo completes some of the biggest changes in its history there has never been such an exciting time to show Australia what makes this magical place tick.

No part of Taronga’s sprawling 21 hectares – set on spectacular Sydney Harbour – is off limits in this gripping series which tracks the 240 keepers and vets who care for more than 5000 animals.

Millions of visitors from Australia and around the world pass through the zoo’s gates every year to get a glimpse of some of the most amazing creatures on the planet. But what they don’t see is the incredible, groundbreaking work that goes on behind the animal exhibits – until now.

No two days are the same as our cameras capture all aspects of zoo life, from celebrating a giant tortoise’s 103rd birthday to the complex logistical task of transporting a platypus to San Francisco Zoo.

Throughout the series we’ll meet the zoo’s own “CSI” team in the morgue. We’ll be there to see how Taronga rehabilitates injured wildlife; the special breeding programs for all sorts of animals, from chimpanzees and furry penguins to gorillas and turtles; and the tricky job of working out how to save the smile of a crocodile.

We will also get up close with the dedicated staff at Taronga who are a rare breed themselves, with their mix of world-class expertise and laidback Australian spirit. They show us exactly what it takes to run one of the greatest conservation success stories in the world.

Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo is produced for Nine by McAvoy Media.

For further information, please contact:
Max Corstorphan
Nine Publicity
mcorstorphan@nine.com.au

Monday, January 20, 2020

Owning a beautiful new home on a great-sized block of land – and being mortgage free – is the ultimate Aussie dream. TODAY is set to make that dream a reality for one viewer, with hosts Karl Stefanovic and Ally Langdon giving away a stunning new-build house and land package.

Open only for first homebuyers, viewers will see a designer three-bedroom, two-bathroom single storey home constructed by Simonds Homes captured on our cameras during the course of the 11-week competition. Built on a 350 square-metre block provided by land developer Satterley, the house will be located in the state-of-the-art new estate of Satterley Botanical community in Mickleham, 45 minutes north of Melbourne city.

Every week for 10 weeks, we’ll choose a finalist and announce them on the show. At the end, 10 finalists and a companion each will be flown to Melbourne where TODAY will be live from the then-completed home. One person will randomly win the home, while the remaining nine will take $5000.

With home ownership now becoming out of reach for many Australians, TODAY hosts Karl and Ally are excited that they are helping someone live the ultimate dream.

Karl Stefanovic said: “I’ve been associated with the TODAY Show for many, many years and we have never had a giveaway of this magnitude. One lucky viewer is going to travel to Melbourne and will walk away with the great Australian dream; a house and land package, and a new lifestyle. It’s unbelievable. With one turn of a key, someone’s life is going to change forever.”

Ally Langdon said: “What an absolutely life changing moment this will be for one lucky viewer and their family. We’re a nation obsessed with talking about property, but the reality of buying your own slice of heaven – and then actually being mortgage free – is become harder and harder for Australians. I’m so excited about this giveaway. What a great way to start 2020! Imagine what life would be like with a dream home and no mortgage? How’s the serenity!”

Mickleham is one of Australia’s fastest growing suburbs less than 30 km from Melbourne’s city centre. Satterley’s Botanical community features 2400 lots nestled amongst over 30 hectares of planned open spaces, a planned shopping centre, sports oval and park.

To enter, viewers need to send in a 30 second video about why they deserve to win to: todayshow.com.au or enter in-person at Simonds display homes.

For further information:
Adrian Motte
amotte@nine.com.au

Monday, January 20, 2020

Australian Open 2020 starts Monday on Nine.

When the world’s best tennis players go to battle in the first Grand Slam of the year, television viewers will have the best seat in the house with Nine’s broadcast of Australian Open 2020.

From Monday, January 20 until Sunday, February 2, the tournament’s best matches and biggest moments will be broadcast live and free on Nine and 9Gem.

And on Australia’s leading commercial free-to-air video-on-demand service, 9Now, viewers will be treated to every ball of every match on every court, ensuring Australians get the best tennis experience available, anytime, anywhere, on a device of their choosing.

For two weeks the eyes of the sporting world will be on Melbourne to witness history in the making.

Could this be the year that one of the emerging stars of the game dethrones Djokovic, Federer or Nadal? Can Serena Williams win her 24th Grand Slam singles title? And could Ash Barty become Australia’s first women’s singles champion since Christine O’Neil in 1978?

Our expert team of hosts and commentators, backed by the unrivalled resources of Nine’s Wide World of Sports, will take viewers closer to the game than ever before.

On Nine, your hosting lineup will feature James Bracey, Rebecca Maddern and Tony Jones, while over on 9Gem, your hosts will be Erin Molan, Seb Costello and Alicia Loxley.

Commentating across the tournament will be John McEnroe, Jim Courier, Todd Woodbridge, Lleyton Hewitt, Jelena Dokic, Sam Smith, Alicia Molik, Dylan Alcott, Sam Groth, Casey Dellacqua and Tom Rehn.

Additional off-court reporting will be provided by Clint Stanaway, Lauren Phillips, Madeline Slattery and Danika Mason.

And funny man Andy Lee will bring his unique take on the game in a series of one-on-one interviews with the champions of the sport.

Our broadcast will utilise 360-degree, Matrix-style cameras: immersive video technology that positions cameras right around the court to simultaneously capture every angle. The resulting vision will give viewers a panorama-like experience of the world’s greatest tennis players in action.

New analysis technology will ensure our commentators are able to scrutinise the game like never before, with every inch of play under the microscope.

For the very first time, Electronic Line Calling technology will be available on every single court, across the entire tournament.

Once again, our hosting set will be positioned on a half-court tennis court. Court Nine is located near Margaret Court Arena and this outdoor studio will welcome tennis fans to Melbourne Park as they arrive at the precinct through the city entrance.

As well as providing the backdrop to our hosting of the Australian Open, the set will be home to the Today show team, who will broadcast LIVE from Melbourne Park each day from January 20.

When not being used as a live television studio, Court Nine will be open to the public, bringing the game closer to fans than ever before. Tennis enthusiasts can even have their service speed measured on the half-court.

Players will also conduct pre and post-game interviews on Court Nine, with the public able to watch on.

Plus, there will be autograph signing sessions with Nine celebrities.

And a giant screen positioned on Court Nine will showcase Nine’s broadcast, providing all fans with a front-row seat to the premier matches.

For further information, please contact:
Nine Network Publicity
Terry Stuart
03 9420 3458

Wednesday, January 15, 2019

The biggest names in tennis will come together to raise funds for those affected by the devastating bushfires when AO Rally for Relief is broadcast on Nine from 7.00pm this Wednesday.

In an extraordinary display of unity, the superstars of the game will join forces in a series of exhibition matches to be played at Rod Laver Arena, ahead of the Australian Open which starts next Monday

A roll-call of the game’s greatest players, including Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams, Nick Kyrgios, Naomi Osaka, Caroline Wozniacki, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Belinda Bencic and Alexander Zverev will go head-to-head, with all funds raised donated to the bushfire relief cause.

Tennis Australia CEO and Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley said: “This unprecedented bushfire crisis is devastating people, properties, communities, livestock and animals across the country and our hearts go out to all those affected.

“We felt it was vital we use all our events across the summer to make a meaningful contribution to help these people and communities rebuild their lives. The response from the tennis community – our players, clubs, partners and international tennis bodies – has been overwhelming and it’s wonderful to see everyone pull together.

“AO Rally for Relief promises to be an incredible night of tennis and entertainment, as well as a wonderful opportunity to bring together the best of our sport for this important cause.”

AO Rally for Relief will be hosted by James Bracey, Rebecca Maddern and Tony Jones, with commentary from Todd Woodbridge, Dylan Alcott, Sam Groth and Casey Dellacqua.

For further information, please contact:
Nine Network Publicity
Terry Stuart
03 9420 3458

Monday, January 13, 2020

9Now’s summer viewing lineup continues with the latest season of Great Britain’s hottest show, Love Island UK. Season 6 will be fast-tracked and available exclusively for Australian audiences to stream for free on 9Now from Tuesday, January 14 6.00pm AEDT, with new episodes daily.

Hosted by newcomer Laura Whitmore, a fresh batch of sexy singles will head to a luxury villa in Cape Town, South Africa for a whirlwind summer of dates, drama, romance and relationships.

Narrator Iain Stirling is back to commentate on all the action as the Islanders flirt, date, break up and make up in the hope of winning £50k in life-changing prizemoney – and finding love.

Entering the villa this year are customer service advisor Leanne, 22; beauty consultant Siannise, 25; twins Eve and Jess, 20; democratic services office Shaughna, 25; medical PA Sophie, 21; singer Paige, 21; police officer Mike, 24; coffee bean salesman Connor, 25; scaffolder Callum, 23; sports scientist Nas, 23; and landowner Ollie, 24.

As the game of love gets underway, the Islanders must couple up to secure their place in the villa, with those who stay single finding themselves at risk of being dumped from the Island.

Temptation is rife, so loyalties will be tested with surprise bombshell arrivals and unexpected twists and turns proving that the Love Island road to romance is never smooth. Ultimately the viewing public in the UK will decide their favourite couple, who will walk away from the villa with the cash prize and be crowned the winners of Love Island UK.

For further information, please contact:
Nine Publicity
03 9420 3466

Monday, January 13, 2020