Archives: Media Releases

Wealth Surges for Under 40s on the Financial Review Young Rich List

Canva’s Melanie Perkins & Cliff Obrecht’s wealth surges by $4.5 billion in one year, while Oscar Piastri debuts on the Financial Review Young Rich List.

  • Canva co-founders Melanie Perkins and Cliff Obrecht rank #1 on the Young Rich List for the sixth year worth a combined $18.5 billion, up from $14 billion.
  • Margot Robbie is Australia’s richest entertainer under 40, worth $193 million. 
  • F1 driver Oscar Piastri debuts on the List with an estimated wealth of $122 million, while Daniel Ricciardo has increased his wealth despite no longer racing by $7 million to $194 million. But, basketball is still the biggest creation of sport wealth, with six basketballers on the Young Rich List.
  • There are 21 Young Rich Listers who have made their wealth through retail, contributing $4.5 billion to the total wealth of the top 100 in 2025.

Canva co-founders Melanie Perkins and Cliff Obrecht have topped the Financial Review 2025 Young Rich List for the sixth year in a row, growing their estimated net worth by $4.5 billion in just one year to $18.5 billion. 

The couple, aged 38 and 39 respectively, have a $13.9 billion lead on the next Young Rich Lister, Ed Craven, the co-founder of online cryptocurrency casino site stake.com who has an estimated wealth of $4.6 billion.

The full Financial Review Young Rich List will be available tomorrow, Friday, October 31 on afr.com and in a special edition of The Australian Financial Review Magazine.  

In third spot are Immutable brothers Robbie and James Ferguson with $1.7 billion combined, while controversial Melbourne billionaire Adrian Portelli has increased his wealth to land fourth with $1.4 billion. Airwallex co-founder Jack Zhang rounds out the top five, with an estimated wealth of $1.3 billion. 

Combined, the fortunes of the top 10 hit $31.7 billion, up 9.7 per cent from $28.9 billion in 2024.

Oliver Curtis – who as Roxy Jacenko’s husband is a regular fixture in tabloid stories – debuts at #12 on the List with an estimated net worth of $444 million thanks to his AI infrastructure company Firmus.   

Margot Robbie maintains her role as Australia’s richest entertainer under 40, with a wealth pile of $193 million, to come in at #36. 

Australia’s wealthiest Young Rich sport star is once again basketball star Ben Simmons, worth $260 million (#20) followed by F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo, who despite retiring from the sport, managed to increase his wealth by $7 million to $194 million (#35). Golfers Cameron Smith and Jason Day (#41 and #42) are worth $176 million and $167 million respectively. Meanwhile, Oscar Piastri debuts on the List at #56 worth $122 million.

There are 22 people making their Young Rich debut in 2025 –  the most since 2022 – and they are collectively worth $4 billion. Among them are AI entrepreneurs, a former Macquarie banker, The Block judge Marty Fox and a couple behind a collagen beauty brand. 

Ukrainian immigrant Anna Podolsky, 34, the founder of pet food company Lyka comes in at #30 on the list, worth $220 million. 

To qualify for the Young Rich List in 2025, you need a fortune of at least $44 million, up from $38 million in 2024. The tech sector’s dominance continues, contributing more than $28 billion, or 62 per cent, of the total net worth of the list in 2025. 

“It’s been another record-breaking year for the wealthiest Australians aged 40 and under, whose collective fortunes have risen 1700 per cent in the 22 years since the first Young Rich List was published by BRW. When the list launched in 2003, the total net worth of the 62 people featured was only $2.5 billion,” Rich List editor Yolanda Redrup said.

“The list has charted the spectacular rise, and fall, of some of the country’s most notable business identities. Through its history it’s detailed the journeys of the founders behind Atlassian, SEEK and MYOB, but also the collapse of the empires of entrepreneurs including Eddy Groves, Craig Gore and Zhenya Tsvetnenko.

“Their stories highlight the dedication and sacrifice needed to build your own business, and the sometimes fleeting nature of wealth when it is still primarily tied to equity.”

The Financial Review Young Rich List 2025 Highlights
TOP 10 (worth a collective $31.7 billion, using exact wealth figures)

1 Melanie Perkins and Cliff Obrecht, 38 & 39, $18.5 billion  – Canva
2 Ed Craven, 30, $4.6 billion – Stake.com
3 Robbie and James Ferguson, 33 & 28, $1.7 billion – Immutable
4 Adrian Portelli, 36, $1.4 billion – LMCT+
5 Jack Zhang, 40, $1.3 billion – Airwallex 
6 Nick Molnar, 35, $1.1 billion – Block 
7 Andrew Tulloch, 35, $953 million – Thinking Machine Labs, Meta
8 Paul Stovell, 39, $637 million – Octopus Deploy
9 Jessica Sepel and Dean Steingold, 36 & 40, $486 million – JSHealth
10 Nik Mirkovic and Alex Tomic, 30 & 32, $470 million each – Hismile

The Financial Review Young Rich List is available on www.afr.com and in a special edition of AFR Magazine this Friday, October 31.

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

Thursday, 30 October, 2025

The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, in Partnership With Canon, Offer Visual Journalism Traineeships

Australia’s most trusted and successful mastheads – The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age – are offering traineeships in partnership with Canon Australia to give the next generation of visual journalists a chance to develop their skills in award-winning, digitally-focused newsrooms. 

The two 12-month Visual Journalist traineeships, aimed at talented, emerging photographers and videographers, will commence in January 2026. The traineeship program will be funded as part of a three-year partnership with Canon Australia that also includes providing industry-leading imaging equipment to Nine Publishing staff photographers.   

With recruitment conducted by the Herald and The Age’s photo editors and senior editors, the traineeships are a unique opportunity for those with a strong passion for photography and video storytelling to contribute to the mastheads’ high-quality visual journalism. 

The traineeship program is an opportunity to learn the craft of visual journalism alongside – and be mentored by – the country’s top photojournalists, video producers and editors, focusing on developing visual reporting skills as the trainees work across different parts of the newsroom.  

The Herald and The Age have a combined total readership of 12 million, and a rich heritage of quality, independent photo journalism.

“The Herald and The Age have an extraordinary history of photographic excellence and this is an incredible opportunity for us to unearth the next generation of visual journalists. Words are important, but a good news picture is everything,” Executive Editor Luke McIlveen said. 

“In partnership with The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, Canon Australia is proud to champion authentic visual journalism by equipping Nine’s journalists with our latest imaging gear and empowering the next generation of image-makers,” said Aaron Berthelot, Senior General Manager – Consumer Sales & Marketing, Canon Oceania. “Through professional Canon kits and dedicated investment in their development, we’re giving two aspiring visual journalists the tools and confidence to tell compelling stories and help shape the future of trusted news.”

For more information please visit the Nine Careers website or apply directly to the mastheads below:

The Sydney Morning Herald:  HERE

The Age: HERE

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

Canon

Canon is a world-leading imaging brand that actively inspires and enables people to achieve more than they ever thought they could through products, services and solutions for business and consumers. 

With global revenues of more than $US28.5 billion in 2024, Canon has ranked among the world’s top 10 in the U.S. patent rankings for 41 consecutive years.

Also part of the Canon Oceania Group companies and brands in the region are Canon Finance Australia, SUNSTUDIOS, Canon Business Services ANZ, Satalyst, Canon New Zealand Limited and Canon Business Service Centre in the Philippines.  

Wednesday, 29 October, 2025

9Podcasts Launches ‘In the Good Books With Luke Bateman’ a Must-Listen Podcast for Book Lovers & Storytellers

9Podcasts has launched In The Good Books with Luke Bateman, a compelling new podcast hosted by the former NRL athlete, reality TV personality, and viral BookTok star, Luke Bateman. This series is not merely a book club; it’s an intimate journey of reinvention exploring how literature has transformed a life – from the high-pressure world of professional sport to finding purpose and community in fantasy worlds.

Luke Bateman brings his surprising and candid perspective to the mic, reflecting on a personal evolution that saw him move from hiding his reading habit to becoming a leading voice in the online literary sphere. The podcast examines how books across all genres – from gripping fantasy to insightful self-improvement guides – provide courage, connection, and a blueprint for a new chapter.

Each week, Bateman shares the classics and bestsellers that shaped his world and sits down with bestselling authors and fellow passionate bookworms to explore their own literary journeys, creating a welcoming and honest space for anyone who loves getting lost in a good story.

Luke Bateman said: “I’m overjoyed to share my new podcast, ‘In The Good Books’ with the world. It’s such a fulfilling and meaningful project for me, and to finally share it with everyone is scary but incredibly exciting! Hearing how books, stories and magic have touched people’s lives is so invigorating and I can’t wait to bring that to a wider audience.” 

Nine’s Head of Podcasts, Richard Stansbury said: “We are very excited to welcome Luke Bateman to our growing slate of original podcasts with ‘In The Good Books’. Luke has built a huge and highly engaged community who share his passion for reading and quality books. We look forward to evolving that passion into a weekly podcast, packing listeners into Luke’s tractor and going on a ride from romance and fantasy to self improvement and thriller.” 

IN THE GOOD BOOKS LAUNCHES TODAY WITH NEW EPISODES DROPPING EVERY WEDNESDAY ON APPLE PODCASTS & SPOTIFY

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

Wednesday, 29 October, 2025

High Drama as Auction Day Delivers Unprecedented Results in Daylesford

In a dramatic conclusion to this season of The Block, five brand-new builds went under the hammer in Daylesford this weekend at a tense auction, with some couples walking away with big profits and others left empty-handed. 

In a rare move, all five couples unanimously agreed prior on the auction order,  a united front heading into the biggest day of the year. But the mood quickly changed once they found out their reserves were set at $2.99 million. 

Britt and Taz in House 3 started the day with a bang. Their bids soared to $3,410,000 and the final hammer delivered a massive $420,000 profit for the cops from WA. The winning bid came from a new buyer to The Block scene, injecting fresh energy into the competition.

Robby and Mat in House 5 followed, and were met with the familiar face of serial Block investor Danny Wallis. The IT entrepreneur known for his philanthropic support of the show over the years secured the home with a trademark bid of $3,099,999. The best mates from SA pocketed a profit of $109,999. 

Then the momentum slowed with new parentsEm and Ben in House 1. Bidding reached only $2.97 million before the auction was dramatically paused. After deliberation, a vendor bid of $3.10 million was placed, but there was no further interest and the house was passed in.

Sonny and Alicia in House 4 entered the auction with a $50,000 reduced reserve of $2.94 million from winning Week 12, but the auctioneer started strategically with a vendor bid of $3.05 million. This set the stage for one of The Block’s most consistent buyer advocates, Frank Valentic, Director of Advantage Property Consulting, to enter the fold and place a bid of $3,060,000.This secured a $120,000 profit for the parents from Queensland. 

Finally, Han and Can in House 2 closed the day with immense pressure. Like House 4, their auction started directly with a vendor bid of $3.10 million, but with no buyer uptake the house was also passed in for the couple from WA. 

After the final hammer, the coppers and parents from Newman in WA scooped the $100,000 prizemoney and a take-home a total of $520,000, plus the title of the first team from WA to win The Block. 

Winners Britt and Taz said: “It’s phenomenal to walk away with a reward like this for all the hard work we have put into it. This is life-changing for us, it’s incredible. It’s our mortgage paid off. 

“But it’s mixed emotions though as we really wanted everyone to walk away a winner and sell their houses. 

“I thought our auction set the tone for everyone else. We took it upon ourselves to do that, and we were shocked more than anything. We had worked as a team right to the end, so it’s just a bit hard for us to see what has happened today.” 

Taz said he was very proud of Britt, as he wasn’t as eager to get onto the show. 

“We had put it on the back burner for the last few years as it was never the right time, but it got to the point where I couldn’t say no to Britt anymore. She never faltered from day one. She had a vision and she did it.” 

Britt said: “I’m so proud of Taz too. He worked so hard. We sacrificed so much to be here and to get this result. While our hearts are breaking for our team mates we are also so proud of ourselves.” 

Recapping the day, host Scott Cam said: “Today was more realistic of what mums and dads are going through when they are selling their homes. Some are successful and some are not. But we want all of our contestants to be successful. 

“We filmed with them for three months and got to know all of them so well, but unfortunately Em and Ben and Han and Can weren’t able to do it today. But they still have the opportunity to be rewarded for their hard work as the houses go back on the market.

“Congratulations to Britt and Taz on their very well deserved win and the beautiful home they created.”

Executive Producer,Julian Cress, said: “Auction day is hard for all of us. There is no other day of the year we wake up feeling physically ill when we go to work. We are worried sick because we get so close to our contestants over the months and we want everyone to do well.

“It’s bittersweet to see two coppers from the Pilbara make half a million dollars at auction, which is amazing, but then to watch a young couple like Emma and Ben, who just had a baby, pass in, as well as Han and Can. It was an up and down and sometimes very tough day for some.”

The final results leave three teams with big profits, while House 1 and House 2 now enter into a post-auction negotiation period. This season’s winnings record a combined total of $749,999. The Block has now awarded an incredible $40,377,138.06 in total winnings.

PREVIOUS BLOCK WINNERS
2003 – BONDI – Adam & Fiona, $256,000
2004 – MANLY – Jamie & Andrew, $178,000
2010 – VAUCLUSE – John & Neisha, $305,000
2011 – RICHMOND – Polly & Waz, $115,000
2012 – SOUTH MELBOURNE – Brad & Lara, $606,000
2013 – ALL STARS (BONDI) – Phil & Amity, $395,000
2013 – SKY HIGH (SOUTH MELBOURNE) – Alisa & Lysandra, $395,000
2014 – FANS v FAVES (ALBERT PARK) – Steve & Chantelle, $736,000
2014 – GLASSHOUSE (PRAHRAN) – Shannon & Simon, $435,000
2015 – TRIPLE THREAT (SOUTH YARRA) – Darren & Deanne, $935,000
2015 – THE BLOCKTAGON (SOUTH YARRA) – Dean & Shay, $755,000
2016 – PORT MELBOURNE – Will & Karlie, $815,000
2017 – ELSTERNWICK – Josh & Elyse, $547,000
2018 – GATWICK (ST KILDA) – Hayden & Sara, $645,000
2019 – OSLO (ST KILDA) – Tess & Luke, $730,000
2020 – BRIGHTON – Jimmy & Tam, $1,066,000 
2021 – FANS v FAVES (HAMPTON) – Mitch & Mark, $744,444
2022 – TREE CHANGE (GISBORNE) – Omar & Oz, $1,686,666.66
2023 – HAMPTON EAST – Steph & Gian, $1,750,000
2024 – PHILLIP ISLAND – Maddy & Charlotte, $1,650,000

For further information, please contact:
Christabel Huynh
9Network Publicity
christabel.huynh@nine.com.au

Monday, 26 October, 2025

Nine is Off and Racing for the 2025 Melbourne Cup Carnival

Saddle up on the 9Network for the race that stops a nation in 2025, when all four days of the Melbourne Cup Carnival are live and free, from Saturday November 1, at 11.30am AEDT on Channel 9 and 9Now.

Howden Victoria Derby Day begins the 2025 Melbourne Cup Carnival coverage, with Lexus Melbourne Cup Day on Tuesday, November 4, followed by VRC Crown Oaks Day on Thursday, November 6, and TAB Champions Stakes Day on Saturday, November 8 anchoring the event.

The 9Network has assembled a comprehensive commentary line-up befitting this beloved cultural event across four spectacular days of world-class racing, fashion, and entertainment.

Host Eddie McGuire will bring all the latest updates and excitement from Flemington in Nine’s expert studio, while in the mounting yard James Bracey is joined by leading international horse racing expert Francesca Cumani, who will deliver her last-minute observations of the horses via her deep technical knowledge, prestige and fresh perspective on form, training techniques, and the global contenders.

The revelation of the 2024 coverage returns when rugby league legend and former trackwork jockey, Billy Slater is back on track for his insightful on-track interviews with the winning jockeys post race. Expert tips on the field will come from David Gately and Ally Mosley, who will deliver the best preview for punters, while Tony Jones will get up close with all the action, speaking to trainers, owners, jockeys and special guests to bring the story of every race to life for audiences at home.

Off track all the glitz, glamour and exclusive celebrity access from within the Birdcage will come to life with Clint Stanaway, Sylvia Jeffreys and Jelena Dokic showcasing the colour of one of Australia’s most loved events.

Matthew Hill will call the 165th running of the Lexus Melbourne Cup, when the richest handicap race in the world comes to life once again.

The Fashions on the Field competition will showcase the extraordinary style of racegoers, when the 9Network roves the Birdcage and the Fashion Garden to capture the elegant designs. 9Now will be the one-stop hub for all your Melbourne Cup content including previews, documentaries, interviews with winning jockeys and trainers and the history that makes this race so special.

In addition, the teams from Today, Weekend Today and 9News Melbourne, will broadcast live from Melbourne’s Southbank Promenade and Flemington. The team includes Karl Stefanovic, Sarah Abo, Danika Mason, Alicia Loxley, Tom Steinfort, Clint Stanaway, Alison Piotrowski and Lizzie Pearl, who will bring their personal insights to Cup week and tell the stories happening behind the scenes.

Nine’s Director of Sport, Brent Williams, said: “After a hugely successful first year of our partnership, we’re excited to keep the momentum going and build on our relationship with the Melbourne Cup carnival. It is truly unlike any other event in Australia, highlighted by the race that continues to stop the nation. We look forward to bringing every captivating moment, both on the course and around the precinct to the whole of the country over four thrilling days of racing, fashion and sports entertainment across the platforms of Nine.” 

Crack the whip and get into the spirit of the carnival from Friday, October 24 with Race to the Melbourne Cup Carnival episode 1 and the 2025 Melbourne Cup Official Film on Sunday, October 26. Then, we will go racing for the 2025 Melbourne Cup Carnival with Howden Victoria Derby Day on Saturday, November 1 at 11:30am AEDT on Channel 9 and 9Now, and continuing through to TAB Champions Stakes Day on November 9 – all live and free.

For further information, please contact:
Ryley McKay
Nine National PR Manager – Sport

Friday, 24 October, 2025

It’s Time to Sell the Heartland. Will All Five Houses Go?

After a monumental season that saw our Blockheads building brand new, architecturally designed homes in the picturesque town of Daylesford, it’s time to find out who will be crowned winner of The Block 2025, this Sunday at 7.00pm on Channel 9 and 9Now. 

The five couples – Emma and Ben (VIC), Han and Can (WA), Britt and Taz (WA), Alicia and Sonny (QLD), and Robby and Mat (SA) – have poured their hearts and souls into creating homes that reflect Daylesford’s unique country-meets-contemporary style. With identical floor plans, every detail, every finish and every styling choice has been a critical decision in their quest to sell the Daylesford dream to the highest bidder and take out the competition.

This season has offered everything from secret wine cellars to the biggest challenge prize in Block history, a Block baby, and a whirlwind 12 weeks of building and friendship drama. Now these turnkey luxury homes will be the perfect purchase for buyers seeking a tranquil, tree-change escape, with showstopping features. 

Will the property market in Daylesford, a town that has embraced the show with open arms, deliver record-breaking profits? Who will turn up to auction? Who will take home the $100,000 prizemoney?

Host Scott Cam said: “After 12 weeks of hard work, it’s incredible to see these Blockheads transform their visions into stunning homes. The scale of this season’s build has been enormous and these teams have truly been put to the test.

“Auction day is the most nerve-racking day of the year for me. This is a life-changing weekend for our teams and they have all put in the effort to deserve an incredible result.”

Domain National Managing Editor Alice Stolz, who breaks down the property market, says: “Sellers are in a good spot right now. Interest rates are lower, clearance rates are higher and overall supply is decent. We’re seeing a lift in buyer enquiry across regional Victoria, particularly in commutable lifestyle hubs like Daylesford.

“But things can get tricky if sellers overbake what their homes are worth. Deals are not getting done if sellers are dreaming.

“This year’s Block contestants have delivered something truly extraordinary, large, beautiful and architectural homes in the heart of one of Victoria’s most charming towns. There’s nothing out there like it. Let’s hope enough buyers are ready to lock it in.”

Executive Producer Julian Cress shares the praise for this year’s contestants. He said: “There is no doubt that our contestants have built five incredible homes, in what we have discovered is one of the best country towns and communities in Australia. 

“We would be very hopeful that people who have watched this series realise just what an amazing thing it would be to buy one of these homes and join the community in Daylesford.

“We are trying to do something that has never been done before, auction five high-end homes in Daylesford on the same day. And while the homes all deserve to sell well and command high prices, we are not certain that we can do it in one day. But we hope to.

“So as usual, we are as nervous as we always are going into a Block auction. Whatever happens on the day, on behalf of our entire cast and crew we would like to sincerely thank the people of Daylesford for welcoming us to their beautiful town.”  

Since premiering on Channel 9 in 2003, The Block, Australia’s richest reality program, has awarded a total of $39,627,139.63 in prizemoney. 

HOUSE 1 – EM AND BEN
Address: 5 Cedar Lane, Daylesford VIC 3460
Listing: 4 Bed, 3 Bath. 
Price guide: $3-$3.3 million 
Full listing here

HOUSE 2 – HAN AND CAN
Address: 4 Cedar Lane, Daylesford VIC 3460
Listing: 4 Bed, 3 Bath 
Price guide: $3-$3.3 million 
Full listing here

HOUSE 3 – BRITT AND TAZ
Address: 3 Cedar Lane, Daylesford VIC 3460
Listing: 4 Bed, 3 Bath 
Price guide: $3-$3.3 million 
Full listing here

HOUSE 4 – SONNY AND ALICIA
Address: 2 Cedar Lane, Daylesford VIC 3460
Listing: 4 Bed, 3 Bath 
Price guide: $3-$3.3 million 
Full listing here

HOUSE 5 – ROBBY AND MAT
Address: 1 Cedar Lane, Daylesford VIC 3460
Listing: 4 Bed, 3 Bath 
Price guide: $3-$3.3 million 
Full listing here

For further information, please contact:
Christabel Huynh
9Network Publicity
christabel.huyng@nine.com.au 

Monday, 20 October, 2025

Are We Accusing Innocent Parents of Killing or Harming Their Babies?

Scores of innocent Australians may have been wrongfully accused of killing or harming a baby due to an outdated and flawed medical theory, a new podcast investigation by The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald has revealed. 

A landmark four-part podcast Diagnosing Murder, by The Age’s Walkley Award-winning journalist Michael Bachelard and executive producer Ruby Schwartz, delves into the traumatic and confronting deaths and injuries of babies, revealing that the medical orthodoxy behind shaken baby syndrome – used as a clear indicator of child abuse for decades – may be  flawed and increasingly out of line with international standards.  

Shaken baby syndrome is a collection of medical signs that most doctors, police and child protection experts have believed since the 1970s can be an almost certain sign of child abuse. But in the past 30 years a number of serious miscarriages of justice in the US and UK have convinced a growing number of people that that diagnosis may have led to false imprisonments on a vast scale.

While the debate rages overseas, in Australia the evidence of a small number of child abuse specialists is often still accepted, and on their opinions, children have been forcefully removed from families, and fathers mothers, boyfriends, and carers found guilty of serious charges leading to long prison sentences. Now, dissenting voices from medical experts to lawyers have begun to cast doubt on the shaken baby orthodoxy. 

Produced by the team behind the award-winning podcast, Trial By Water, Liar Liar and Phoebe’s Fall, Diagnosing Murder poses the difficult question – is shaken baby syndrome good science or has a bad diagnosis led to good people being locked up when they’ve done nothing wrong at all? 

Due to legal restrictions the families cannot be named so all parents interviewed go under aliases. But they tell raw and traumatic stories of having to deal not only with the death or injury of their baby, but also with a system accusing them of the most callous criminal acts.

Episode one delves into the theory behind the syndrome, including that shaking a baby causes three life threatening clinical findings, called the triad. Bachelard goes deep into the evidence to critically examine these three markers – bleeding under one of the membranes of the brain; bleeding in the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eyes; and swelling of the brain. 

This medical diagnosis is at the heart of Diagnosing Murder. It’s a theory that means, in many cases, expert evidence from specialist doctors is enough to persuade a jury of the guilt of the accused.

“Not shaking a baby is just good advice. But the real question here is whether you can diagnose abuse or murder from the triad findings alone?” said Michael Bachelard. “Serious doctors now say there could be 40 or 50 other causes – which means potentially dozens of wrongful convictions in this country alone. Initially, I had serious qualms about reporting this story – nobody wants to excuse child abuse. But in having these doubts, I just think of one case – a case we study in detail. And to me it’s such a clear injustice it points to the fact  that something is going terribly wrong in this country.”

Nine Publishing’s head of growth Lisa Muxworthy said podcasting was the perfect medium to tell this story.

“It allows listeners to absorb the complexity of the medical evidence alongside the raw, emotional testimonies of the families. It is an extraordinarily difficult story to tell but the resulting work is revelatory.

“Diagnosing Murder also demonstrates the Age and Sydney Morning Herald’s commitment to holding power to account and delivering credible, essential public interest journalism, even when it means challenging established medical and legal orthodoxies.”

Diagnosing Murder will be supported by interactive digital coverage and is available now through the mastheads, on SPOTIFY, APPLE, YOUTUBE, and all other podcast apps.

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

Monday, 20 October, 2025

Nine Queensland Celebrates Big Wins in 2025 Clarion Awards

Nine Queensland has been recognised at the 2025 Clarion Awards, last night, with wins in a range of categories, plus a special lifetime achievement award for one of Queensland’s most respected journalists.

Esteemed former 9News Queensland presenter Andrew “Lofty” Lofthouse was honoured with the Most Outstanding Contribution to Journalism award, which recognises long-term commitment to excellence in journalism and achievement in the industry.

Director of News at Nine Queensland, Brendan Hockings, said: “This prestigious award is a powerful testament to the remarkable career and indelible impact of Andrew Lofthouse. Lofty retires as the gold standard for professionalism and character in Queensland journalism.

“His decades of dedication to truth-telling, combined with his legendary humility and deep respect for every member of the team, have defined his legacy at 9News.”

During last night’s ceremony, 9News Queensland presenter Melissa Downes, who was Lofty’s co-presenter for 16 years, welcomed him to the stage, “In 2009, he found his way up the mountain, to 9News Queensland, to a place on the desk with me…a partnership that endured for 16 years.

“Lofty is one of the true gentlemen of the TV news business, a consummate professional, a natural in any situation. You could send him to the heart of a cyclone, the edge of a bushfire, or the devastation of a flood and he’d always deliver.”

Nine Queensland secured a total of 4 Clarion Awards from 13 nominations, with wins across television news and publishing.

Among the wins were Best News Report in the Television/Audio category for “Police Release Victim Information” by Tim Arvier and Brendan Hockings and Best Artwork, Cartoon, Illustration or Graphic by Mark Brown for “Griffith Sentence”. 

Hockings said: “I’m proud of all our Clarion Award finalists and the high-quality journalism 9News delivers to Queensland every night. These awards are recognition of a hard-working, passionate newsroom committed to delivering the kind of news coverage Queenslanders can rely on – accurate, timely and trusted.”

As an experienced and award-winning team, 9News Queensland continues to set the benchmark for comprehensive news coverage across the state. As Queensland’s most-watched and most-trusted news service, 9News remains dedicated to telling the stories that matter, a commitment clearly reflected in the recognition received at last night’s 2025 Clarion Awards.
 

NOMINATIONS (WINNERS IN BOLD)

Television News Report

  • Bailey Kenzie and Emily Prain, Nine, “Ezra Mam”
  • Tim Arvier and Brendan Hockings, Nine, “Police Release Victim Information”

Social Issues Reporting

  • Tim Arvier and Brendan Hockings, Nine, “Police Release Victim Information”

Most Outstanding Final Year Journalism Student – Graduating 2025

  • Jiselle Manning, University of Queensland and Nine, “Body of Work”

Radio, Documentary and Podcast

  • Jessica Lodge, Melissa Downes, Adam Buncher, Matty White and Sam Stove, Nine, “The Ultimate Sacrifice”

Artwork, Cartoon, Illustration or Graphic

  • Mark Brown, Nine, “Griffith Sentence”
  • Mark Brown, Libby Hodges, Hannah Treloar and Rebecca McLean, Nine, “Pheobe Bishop”

Broadcast Interview

  • Pippa Bradshaw, Rob Barbir and Ben Stivala, Nine, “Cult Dad”

Current Affairs, Feature, Documentary or Special Broadcast

  • Pippa Bradshaw, Miranda Eddy, Rob Barbir and Ben Stivala, Nine, “The Saints”

Best Metropolitan News Photo

  • Matt Dennien, Brisbane Times, “Not Part of Our Plan”

Investigative Journalism

  • Dan Nolan, Nine, “The Wreckage of a Predator”

Business Journalism

  • James Hall, Zoe Samios, Jessica Sier, Amelia McGuire and Primrose Riordan, The Australian Financial Review, “On the Trail of Star Entertainment’s Mystery Macau Shareholder”

Sports Journalism

  • James Hall and Zoe Samios, The Australian Financial Review, “How It All Went Wrong for Rocky Elsom”

Most Outstanding Contribution to Journalism

  • Andrew Lofthouse

For further information, please contact:
Lucy Charles
9Network Publicity
lucy.charles@nine.com.au 

Sunday, 19 October, 2025

Nine and NHL Announce Exclusive Free-To-Air Media Partnership to Bring Live Ice Hockey to Australian Fans

Nine and the National Hockey League (NHL) today announced a landmark media partnership that will bring the world’s premier professional ice hockey league to Australian audiences free-to-air. 

Starting Saturday, 18 October 2025, 9GO! will broadcast a live NHL game every Saturday morning throughout the 2025/26 regular season. The partnership will deliver 21 regular-season games, giving Australian sports fans unprecedented access to the fast-paced, high-stakes action of the NHL. The action begins at 10:00am AEDT on 9GO! and 9Now with a thrilling match-up between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Detroit Red Wings.

In a unique collaboration, Nine and the NHL have developed a bespoke broadcast feed specifically for the Australian market. Produced by NHL Productions in its state-of-the-art studio in New York City, the feed will provide viewers with a tailored experience, featuring:

  • Dedicated commentators providing play-by-play commentary and analysis tailored for the Australian audience.
  • Customised intermission coverage with in-depth analysis, player profiles and explainers on the rules of the game to engage both new and existing fans.

The 2025/26 NHL season is particularly significant as the League will pause from February 6 – 24 as the world’s top NHL players compete in the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Nine’s commentary team will highlight this exciting storyline, connecting fans with the players who will be representing their countries on the world stage and building anticipation for Nine’s exclusive coverage of the Olympic Winter Olympics.

Brent Williams, Nine’s Director of Sport, said: “We are incredibly excited to partner with the NHL to bring the fastest game on ice to Australian homes, free-to-air. This isn’t just a broadcast – it’s a tailored viewing experience. By creating a dedicated feed with local commentary and specialised content, we are committed to growing the sport in Australia and giving fans the best possible coverage. The link to the Winter Olympics provides a fantastic narrative that will build excitement for what is a huge event on the Nine calendar.”

Daniel Kim, NHL Executive Vice President, Media & International Strategy, said: “We are thrilled Nine shares our commitment to delivering live games to more fans across Australia. “The overwhelming success of the NHL Global Series Melbourne coupled with the growing enthusiasm for our grassroots, learn-to-play hockey initiatives and increasing social media engagement across our dedicated channels underscore the impact of our investment in Australia.”

In 2023, the Los Angeles Kings and Arizona Coyotes faced off in the NHL Global Series-Melbourne, the first-ever NHL games in the Southern Hemisphere, featuring a pair of sold-out preseason games. The week-long celebration also included three days of the NHL Global Fan Tour, the League’s traveling fan festival, and coaching, officiating and youth hockey clinics.

St. Louis Blues forward Nathan Walker is the first Australian to play in the League. He is currently in his eighth NHL season. 

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

Thursday, 16 October, 2025

9Network in 2026

Home of the Olympics and Paralympics, the 9Network coverage will set a new standard for winter sport from a studio in the high-altitude alpine village of Livigno, led by the Wide World of Sports team to bring the venues and athletes to life like never before, and give viewers an immersive front-row seat, with the Opening Ceremony on February 6 followed by the Paralympics on March 6 on the 9Network, 9Now and Stan Sport.

Ally Langdon and James Bracey will lead the coverage from Livigno, alongside Leila McKinnon and Todd Woodbridge who will also be part of the commentary team. In Sydney, Sylvia Jeffries and Dylan Alcott will cover the morning shift in a state-of-the-art set.

Also on the ground, the 9News team will have Danika Mason and Damian Ryan in Livigno, Christine Ahern in Milan, and Lauren Tomasi in Cortina, delivering breaking news and exclusive content from all around Northern Italy, ensuring the viewers feel the energy from every corner of the Olympics.

The Winter Olympics will host more than 3,500 athletes from 93 countries, competing over 16 days in 16 disciplines and 195 medal events. More than 50 will be Australian athletes, including freestyle skier Jakara Anthony and snowboarder Scotty James.

The 9Network’s expert commentary team features a lineup of Australia’s most respected Winter Olympians and champions who are best equipped to provide viewers with unparalleled insights into the events and the athletes:

  • Olympic gold and bronze medal freestyle skier Lydia Lassila (Australia’s most decorated Australian female skier), based in Livigno
  • World champion mogul skier Britt Cox, also in Livigno – the first Australian woman to claim the Freestyle Crystal Globe trophy 
  • Olympic gold and silver medallist and Australia’s most successful Winter Olympian, snowboarder Torah Bright
  • History-making Olympic gold medallist Steven Bradbury, short-track speed skater
  • Australia’s first-ever Olympic medallist in skeleton, Jaclyn Narracot
  • Dual Olympian Jono Brauer, alpine skier
  • Professional snowboarder Jye Kearney
  • Olympian and pioneer for Australian snowboard cross Steph Prem
  • Triple Olympian and one of Australia’s most celebrated ski cross athletes Sami Kennedy-Sim
  • Professional freestyle skier Mia Rennie
  • Snowsport expert Luke Kneller

Milano Cortina 2026 will be the most geographically widespread Olympic Winter Games in history, with events spanning eight main locations in Northern Italy. The city of Milan will be the urban hub for ice sports and speed skating, and host the Opening Ceremony. 

High in the Alps, the world-famous ski resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo will host the women’s alpine skiing events, bobsleigh, luge, skeleton and curling. The men’s alpine skiing competition, along with the Olympic debut of ski mountaineering, will be held on the legendary Stelvio slope in Bormio. 

The freestyle sports of snowboarding and freestyle skiing will take place in Livigno. The Val di Fiemme region will be the base for the Nordic sports, with ski jumping and Nordic combined events held in Predazzo. Cross-country skiing and the cross-country portion of Nordic combined will be contested in Tesero. 

The biathlon will be held at the renowned Anterselva Biathlon Arena in Anterselva/Antholz, and the Closing Ceremony location is the famous Verona Arena.

Starting with our preview show ‘Let The Games Begin‘ on February 4, followed by two thrilling days of live sport before the official Opening Ceremony on February 6, the 9Network will provide round-the-clock coverage on Channel 9HD and 9GemHD with every event also streamed live and on demand on Stan Sport.

Following the Olympic Winter Games, our comprehensive coverage of the Paralympic Winter Games begins on March 6, with Australia’s most decorated Paralympian, Ellie Cole, hosting the highlights show across the 9Network, 9Now and Stan Sport. Up to 665 Para-athletes from 50 countries are set to compete in 79 medal events for six sports. 

STILL TO COME IN 2025

THE GOLDEN BACHELOR
Love knows no age, and The Golden Bachelor is here to prove that the best love stories often unfold later in life. After its massive success in the United States, this beloved series is now set to make hearts flutter across Australia, inviting viewers to witness a modern twist on romance for the golden years. Television powerhouse Samantha Armytage joins the 9Network, bringing her golden touch as host in the search for ‘Golden Love.’ This journey is one you won’t want to miss!

In this heartwarming series, our charming Golden Bachelor, Bear embarks on a heartfelt journey to find a soulmate, with Sam guiding him every step of the way as he seeks a partner who can share the joys and adventures of life’s later chapters.

The women looking for love bring a wealth of life experience, having navigated relationships, loss, and laughter. Each of them is ready to embrace new possibilities and ignite a lasting connection.

Get ready for laughter, tears, and unforgettable moments when our Golden Bachelor starts handing out roses. Don’t miss the show that’s winning the hearts of audiences worldwide when The Golden Bachelor premieres Monday, October 20 at 7.30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now. The Golden Bachelor is produced by Warner Bros. International Television Production Australia for 9Network.

THE BLOCK AUCTION
The highly anticipated auction for the 21st season of The Block is almost here. In the heart of Daylesford, five couples have battled it out to deliver stunning, country-style luxury family homes that will soon go under the hammer.

LOVE ISLAND AUSTRALIA
Returning to the lavish villa on the sexy Spanish island of Mallorca, host Sophie Monk will welcome another group of stunning single Islanders for season seven of Love Island Australia.

This year the Islanders are sorely tempted by Love Island’s Wicked Sins as they search for a true connection – challenged by lust, envy and greed. Will love conquer all when temptation comes knocking?

ITV Studios Australia Creative Director, Alex Mavroidakis, said: “The Love Island brand continues to go from strength to strength around the world, and this upcoming series will lift the bar even higher.”

Expect beautiful love stories, epic betrayals, and lots of laughs that will keep the audience glued to their screens.

Love Island Australia’s growth soared in season six, with the launch episode recording a whopping audience of 516,000 on 9Now, the highest rating episode on 9Now in franchise history. Love Island Australia 2025, again narrated by Eoghan McDermott, is produced by ITV Studios Australia for the 9Network.

JAMIE DURIE’S FUTURE HOUSE
Still to come in 2025, Jamie Durie returns to Nine where he started his career 25 years ago hosting Backyard Blitz, for the groundbreaking new season of Jamie Durie’s Future House, tackling his most ambitious mission yet: solving the housing crisis.

Jamie will enlist the nation’s most visionary builders and innovators to design and construct the ultimate “Future House” – a blueprint for homes that are eco-friendly, stunning designs that are not only built in less than three months but budget-conscious and accessible to everyday Australian families.

As he follows two families building their future houses, Jamie also gets his hands dirty on a personal build to prove his revolutionary concepts can be achieved. More than just a renovation show, this is the future of Australian living, under construction.

Welcome to Jamie Durie’s Future House.

CHÂTEAU DIY AUSTRALIA 
Château DIY Australia, a five-part series from the creators of Escape to the Château, follows adventurous Australians as they embark on a new life in France, restoring abandoned châteaux to their former magnificence.

The program showcases Aussie château enthusiasts and owners as they uncover secrets, discover unpolished gems, and pick up bargains. Viewers will watch as they navigate all sorts of challenges – from crumbling ceilings and timeworn turrets to dreaded termites – in transforming their château dreams into reality, and leaving a lasting legacy in the stunning French countryside.  

Château DIY Australia is produced by Spark Media Partners for the 9Network in association with Cineflix Rights.

2025 MELBOURNE CUP CARNIVAL
9Network is the official broadcaster of the iconic Melbourne Cup Carnival, delivering four thrilling days of world-class racing action, fashion, and entertainment. With an all-star hosting line-up, Eddie McGuire will lead the coverage from the on-course studio, joined by James Bracey hosting from the Mounting Yard and Francesca Cumani offering expert racing analysis. Form analyst David Gately will provide key insights, while Billy Slater, on horseback, will interview winning jockeys after each race, and Tony Jones will conduct exclusive interviews with prominent racing identities.

Clint Stanaway, Sylvia Jeffreys and Jelena Dokic, will capture the excitement from the Birdcage, including the glamour of Fashions on the Field.

Viewers can enjoy enhanced content on 9Now, including race replays, ensuring they don’t miss a moment. Coverage kicks off with Howden Victoria Derby Day on November 1 and concludes with VRC Champions Stakes Day on November 8.

PACIFIC CHAMPIONSHIP RUGBY LEAGUE 
As the 2025 NRL and NRLW seasons conclude, the great game of Rugby League goes international as Wide World of Sports adds a cherry on top, when the Pacific Championship pits the best nations in the Pacific against each other across four big weeks of action. 

Teams from Australia (Jillaroos), New Zealand, Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Tonga and Cook Islands will line up each weekend from Saturday, October 18 through to November 9, with 14 hard-hitting fixtures for Pacific supremacy.

Every game is available live and free on the 9Network and 9Now.

RUGBY LEAGUE ASHES AUSTRALIA v ENGLAND
The likes of Reece Walsh, Nathan Cleary, Cameron Munster and Mark Nawaqanitawase will combine their freakish talents in the green and gold Kangaroos jersey, for a three test Ashes series against England from October 26, on Channel 9 and 9Now.

Making its return after a 22 year absence, rugby league Ashes games will be played on three consecutive Saturday nights with games at Wembley in London (Oct 26), Liverpool (Nov 1) and Leeds (Nov 8). 

Join the NRL on Nine commentary team for live and free coverage when Australia’s best players from the NRL take on a fierce England outfit, hell bent on claiming an underdog series win in front of their vocal home supporters.

GOLF 

Wide World of Sports is the only place to be for live and free action of the two big weeks of the Australian summer of golf, featuring Masters champion Rory McIlroy taking on Aussies Cameron Smith, Marc Leishman, Adam Scott and Min Woo Lee back on home soil. 

First up from November 27 is the BMW Australian PGA Championship at Royal Queensland where proud Queenslander Smith is back in his home state alongside the defending champion, Elvis Smylie, and fellow Queenslander Adam Scott, playing for a record $2.5m AUD.

Then it’s on to the national championship, with the men’s Australian Open in Melbourne from December 4 on the famous Melbourne Sandbelt at The Royal Melbourne Golf, featuring World No.2 Rory McIlroy. 

That isn’t all for golf on the 9Network and 9Now, with two women’s major golf events set to be aired on Free To Air Television when the world’s best tee it up for the standalone women’s Australian Open and Australian WPGA Championship in March.

SWIMMING – AUSTRALIA VS THE WORLD 
Australia’s internationally acclaimed swimming team is back when Australia takes on The World in a one-day shortcourse event on December 12 in Brisbane.

The Dolphins will feature superstar Olympians including; Cam McEvoy, Mollie O’Callaghan, Kyle Chalmers, Meg Harris, Elijah Winnington, Lani Pallister, Matthew Temple, Moesha Johnson, Alexandria Perkins and Joshua Young.

SYDNEY HOBART 
The 9Network is the exclusive home of the annual Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. For the last 79 years, the iconic and thrilling race has set sail from Sydney Harbour. 

Renowned for its fierce competition and breathtaking scenes of Australia’s coastline, the Sydney Hobart is a staple of the Australian summer and a Boxing Day tradition.  

Viewers around the country will be able to enjoy live coverage, capturing the excitement, triumphs and challenges of this legendary race. 

WNBL 
The 9Network jumps onto the court for women’s basketball this year when the WNBL 2025-26 season tips off on 9GO! and 9Now in November. 9GO! will air a weekly game across the home and away season with 9Now streaming every match live and free. 

Our Aussie Opals of tomorrow and WNBA stars will be on display right here on our doorstep as the WNBL is free to watch any time and on any device they choose.

CHRISTMAS WITH DELTA
Get into the festive spirit with Delta Goodrem as she returns to host her star-studded Christmas extravaganza. Joined by a selection of her famous friends, this holiday special promises an evening of cheer and unforgettable moments. The show features everything from soulful duets to electrifying performances, along with heartwarming surprises and special reunions. Christmas With Delta is a celebration that extends the joy of the season and is not to be missed!

VISION AUSTRALIA’S CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT 
Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight returns this year, continuing its legacy as Australia’s most cherished Christmas Eve celebration. The event will once again bring together Australia’s premier performers to raise vital funds for children who are blind or have low vision. 

Audiences can look forward to hosts David Campbell and Sarah Abo leading the festivities. The magical evening will be broadcast live from Melbourne’s Sidney Myer Music Bowl at 8.00pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.

TOPKNOTZ
TopKnotz is the exciting new program coming to Channel 9 that dives into the world of water and marine leisure like never before. Hosted by Tom Williams, Rob Palmer, Grant Denyer, Miguel Maestre and Felicity Palmateer, TopKnotz is part fun, part chat, part adventure, part human interest and all splash-filled adventure that transports viewers to amazing locations across the globe.

From wild water sports to serene coastal escapes, the crew get up to all sorts of action and antics in this aquatic adventure.

NEW IN 2026

SHARK!

Six celebrities on a dream island getaway … if only they could enjoy it.

In this groundbreaking, terrifying new format, SHARK!, a group of Australian celebrities travel to the shark capital of the world, the Bahamas, to confront their greatest fear. 

They will be guided by Australian shark attack survivor Paul de Gelder.

The celebrities braving the challenge include one of Australia’s favourite hosts Scott Cam, 4-time Olympic Gold medalist Ariarne Titmus, alongside four other prominent personalities to be announced soon.

Our celebrities will face high-tension, heart-stopping shark challenges that escalate in danger and intensity, from the safety of a protective cage to the ultimate test: an open water swim with one of the most aggressive of all sharks. 

SHARK! will push our celebs minds and bodies to the limits. How will they fare when they face their greatest fears? Will they be brave enough to take it to the next level? Out of the water, stripped bare of their public personas, these stars will share their raw, unfiltered emotions in post-dive confessions in what will prove to be a life changing experience.

This adrenaline-fuelled series will push people to the brink so they can learn to love the most feared predator on the planet.

SHARK! is produced by ITV Studios Australia for the 9Network. 

1 EURO HOUSE
Renowned interior designers Shaynna Blaze and Darren Palmer take on the ultimate renovation challenge in 1 Euro House, as they transform a dilapidated one-euro property in the Italian village of Castronovo into a spectacular dream home. 

In this series the duo passionately reinvent key spaces, infusing each one with unique character through clever styling and structural vision. No detail will be overlooked as they transform every corner of the home, teaming up with local Italian artisans to incorporate handcrafted designs and custom furniture to root the home in its stunning surroundings. 

Much more than just a makeover program, 1 Euro House also explores the richness of Italian life, blending travel, culture and friendship. The series culminates in a joyous celebration and emotional reveal, proving that with creativity and community, the most forgotten spaces can be brought back to glorious life. Each episode features incredible transformations with room reveals showcasing the bold and beautiful outcomes of the rebuild.

1 Euro House is produced by Abode Entertainment for the 9Network. 

OUTBACK MURDER HIGHWAY
Focusing on Queensland’s desolate 800-kilometre Flinders Highway, Outback Murder Highway is an immersive investigation into one of Australia’s most notorious murder hotspots. This stretch of road holds a deadly reputation, having been the scene of some of Australia’s worst crimes, many still unsolved. Between 1970 and 2017, eleven people vanished or were brutally murdered along this treacherous route… And our team thinks there could be more victims. 

The series features an FBI-trained criminal profiler, a prominent former homicide detective, and a criminologist turned archaeologist. Each episode reinvestigates these cases, unearthing new angles in the cold case crimes, as the experts brave the vast, isolated expanses of the highway, where hundreds of kilometres can separate travellers from safety.  

New theories emerge, with startling evidence suggesting some of Australia’s worst serial killers, including the notorious Ivan Milat, used the Flinders Highway as their early hunting ground. The families of the victims continue to search for answers about their loved ones, and the highway’s dark secrets reveal a sorry history of death and disappearances that continue to the present day. 

Outback Murder Highway is produced by Ronde Media for the 9Network.

EVENTS THAT CHANGED AUSTRALIA 
Events That Changed Australia is a powerful new series that explores significant events and moments that have shaped our nation. Through bold storytelling and trusted voices, it invites viewers to reflect on the past, understand the present, and envision the Australia of tomorrow.

Each episode will examine a major event, exploring its profound impact on Australian society through rich archival footage and expert commentary from influential figures such as politicians, famous Australians, social commentators, and journalists, including Ally Langdon, renowned journalist and host of A Current Affair, and Channel 9 reporters who covered the events as they unfolded.  

The series delves into landmark events such as the Cronulla riots, the devastating Black Saturday bushfires, the Bali bombings and the Lindt Cafe siege, which all altered the course of Australian history. It also looks into momentous topics like the stunning impact of World Series Cricket on professional sport, same-sex marriage, Australia’s criminal underbelly, gender equality in sport, and even the enduring image of the lovable Aussie bogan, to paint a vivid picture of a country in constant transformation. 

Events That Changed Australia is produced by Ronde Media for the 9Network.

BEYOND THE DREAM: MILANO CORTINA 2026
Following Paris 2024, the landmark documentary journey Beyond The Dream continues ahead of Winter Olympics Milano Cortina 2026. 

Australia, “the sunburnt country”. How does a nation synonymous with world-famous beaches and melting heat manage to claim gold at the Winter Olympics? From the historic six gold medals Australia has claimed, to the incredible moments that defined Winter Olympics history, this documentary celebrates the perseverance, resilience and ingenuity of our underdog champions. 

We hear from the legends and biggest names in Winter Olympics history as they recount their triumphant paths to gold, and never before seen access to follow Australia’s biggest gold medal hopefuls as they travel the globe to prepare for their chance at Milano Cortina 2026 in their quest to become Olympic champions. 

Prepare to be inspired by the raw power, grace, and untold stories of the athletes who conquer snow and ice. This is more than a documentary; it’s a celebration of the Australian spirit and the pursuit of Winter Olympics glory. 

This documentary is produced by the 9Network’s Wide World of Sports in association with Good Shout Productions. 
 

NAKED CITY: HITMEN
Coming to the 9Network in 2026 is the three-part crime documentary, NAKED CITY: HITMEN. Presented by respected crime journalist John Silvester, the series explores the evolution of Australia’s deadliest guns for hire. 

They didn’t start out as killers. They were stick-up men, bag snatchers and armed robbers on the bottom rungs of Melbourne’s underworld ladder. This landmark program traces the way petty criminals became cold-blooded executioners, from the rise of Carl Williams, a suburban pill pusher who built a criminal empire out of revenge, to the deadly inner circle he assembled.

The inside story of Melbourne’s most prolific contract killers is revealed, including the volatile triggerman Andrew Veniamin, the feared and methodical Rodney Collins, and the quiet operator Stephen Asling. Told for the first time on the record through the eyes of the police, prosecutors, and judges who stared the hitmen down in court, this series features never-before-released audio, telephone intercepts, and confidential documents. It’s the evidence that shows these assassins were ruthless, calculating contractors always on the clock.

NAKED CITY: HITMEN is directed and produced by Michael Venables ADG & Graham Watson with JAM TV for the 9Network.

RETURNING IN 2026

MARRIED AT FIRST SIGHT 
Australia’s No. 1 entertainment program and most talked about social experiment, Married at First Sight, is set to return for a keenly awaited 13th season in 2026. 

The new season of the ratings powerhouse that delivers unparalleled drama, heartwarming connections and unforgettable moments, is poised to once again bring even more love, romance, passion and drama as a brand new set of hopeful singles from all over Australia take the huge leap of faith and embark on their marital journey in this unique pathway to finding true love. 

Viewers will be captivated by the breathtaking weddings and honeymoons, dramatic dinner parties and emotional and confronting commitment ceremonies. 

In 2026, our familiar trio of experts return: certified clinical sexologist Alessandra Rampolla, relationship experts John Aiken and Mel Schilling, matching the singles and guiding the couples through their ultimate test of building genuine, long-lasting relationships. 

Take your front row seat when Married at First Sight returns to captivate the nation and spark conversations across Australia, as the next set of brave participants navigate the complexities of marrying a stranger in their quest for real love. 

Married at First Sight is produced by Endemol Shine Australia (a Banijay Entertainment company) for the 9Network. 

THE BLOCK 

In 2026, Australia’s favourite renovation show, The Block, is heading to the coast for another landmark destination.

Mount Eliza is a highly sought-after, picturesque bayside location which is perfect for The Block’s 22nd season. The suburb boasts beautiful secluded beaches like Canadian Bay and Ranelagh Beach, and a strong sense of community with boutique shops, cafes and gourmet grocers.

Just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne’s CBD, Mount Eliza is a serene seaside suburb that marks the gateway to the stunning Mornington Peninsula. Known for its lush landscapes and beautiful bay views, it’s the first coastal gem you’ll encounter on your way to Sorrento and Portsea.

Here co-hosts Scott Cam and Shelley Craft, along with five eager new teams, will relocate to a prime development site on Old Mornington Road. The builders will be challenged to add luxury resort-style living to five family-sized homes, all with an eye on water views.

Since premiering on Channel 9 in 2003, Australia’s toughest building challenge has awarded a total of $39,627,139.63 in prizemoney.  

The Block is a Nine production in conjunction with Cavalier Television. 

LEGO® MASTERS AUSTRALIA 
Prepare for an unparalleled spectacle as the 2025 TV Week Logie Award winner of Best Competition Reality Program returns. In 2026, the special event series LEGO® Masters Australia – Bricktacular will feature some of the world’s biggest entertainment brands to push imagination to new extremes, with jaw-dropping builds and creative genius beyond belief.   

For the first time ever, the competition will feature four powerhouse trios of the most popular fan-favourite champions from Australia and around the world. These masterful builders will face epic themed challenges inspired by the fantastical world of Lord of the Rings, the awe-inspiring universe of DC Heroes, the extraordinary adventures of Bluey, and the prehistoric thrills of Jurassic World. 

Across four high-stakes, action-packed episodes the teams’ creativity, teamwork, and technical expertise will be pushed to the absolute limit. 

Host Hamish Blake, who is joined again by Ryan “Brickman” McNaught and Sophie Monk, said: “In today’s hectic world, who’s got time for a regular old long series, we thought a short sharp event season where its finals from episode one was the way to go!” 

One team will rise above the rest and be crowned the champion LEGO® Masters – walking away with global bragging rights and a massive $100,000 Grand Prize.

LEGO® Masters Australia is produced by Endemol Shine Australia (a Banijay Entertainment company) for the 9Network.

THE FLOOR –  SEASON 2
Get ready for Round 2! After a record-breaking premiere that Australia couldn’t get enough of, the hit trivia sensation The Floor is back — bigger, bolder, and more intense than ever. 

Host Rodger Corser returns to guide a new class of 81 of Australia’s sharpest minds as they battle for the ultimate prize of $200,000.

This season, the competition is tougher and the strategy more ruthless. The core of the game remains: each contestant defends their tile of expertise, challenging their neighbours to winner-takes-all trivia duels to seize control of The Floor. With fresh contestants, brand-new subjects, and unexpected twists, the game has been elevated to a whole new level.

The Floor has cemented itself as Australia’s boldest new game show, delivering must-see family viewing that everyone can play along with. Who has what it takes to dominate? Find out when The Floor returns in 2026 on the 9Network.

The Floor is a Talpa format produced by Eureka Productions for the 9Network.

TRAVEL GUIDES
After recently winning its fourth consecutive TV Week Logie award for Best Lifestyle Program, Travel Guides is back in 2026 for another lap around the planet, delivering more gobsmacking destinations and belly laughs than ever.

All of our beloved Guides will return, with the Fren Family, Kevin and Janetta, Matt and Brett, Kev, Dorian and Teng, and Karly and Bri bringing their fabulous, funny, unfiltered opinions on all things travel.

And excitingly, they’ll be joined by a cast of Travel Guides newbies, some you will recognise, with fan favourites Lucinda and Andie from MAFS, Eliza and Liberty from The Block, Callum and Mitch from Love Island, and award-winning country music couple Brooke and Adam all packing their bags and hitting the road. There’ll also be some fresh faces grabbing their passports and joining the fray, like best mates Tash and Meryl, and Brisbane mums Nicky and Connie.

Together they’ll visit ten of the most extraordinary destinations across Australia and around the world: grabbing a Guinness in iconic Ireland, living out their Lion King dreams in Tanzania’s Serengeti, partying til dawn in raucous Rio de Janeiro, and donning an Akubra for the Mount Isa rodeo.

From the airlines they fly to the hotels they bunk down in and the wild adventures on their itinerary, our cast’s vastly different perspectives prove time and again that one person’s idea of holiday perfection is another’s idea of total hell.

Narrated by Aussie comedian and actress Denise Scott, Travel Guides is produced by the 9Network.

TIPPING POINT AUSTRALIA
Looking ahead to 2026, the afternoon TV powerhouse Tipping Point Australia is set to return for its third thrilling season on the 9Network. After capturing the nation’s attention since its 2024 launch, the program has firmly cemented itself as Australia’s No.1 afternoon game show. 

9Network presenter and host Todd Woodbridge will be back at the helm, guiding a new slate of contestants as they test their knowledge and nerve against the Tipping Point machine. With life-changing cash and prizes on the line, the combination of strategy and luck will continue to keep Australian families on the edge of their seats. 

Tipping Point Australia is produced by Endemol Shine Australia (a Banijay Entertainment company) for the 9Network.

THE HUNDRED WITH ANDY LEE
The Hundred with Andy Lee is back, bigger and better than ever, returning to the 9Network for its 9th season in 2026.

The show that uncovers what Australians are really thinking sees 100 everyday Aussies zooming into the studio, each carefully selected to represent a cross section of our vast country. 

This season comedian Mike Goldstein and media sensation Sophie Monk continue as regular panellists and will be joined by the cream of Aussie comedy; Joel Creasey, Kate Langbroek, Pete Helliar, Denise Scott, Hamish Blake, Glenn Robbins and Dave Hughes to name just a few, battling it out to prove who knows Australia best.

Leading the charge of famous guests to Face The Hundred, the Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese steps into the hot seat, paving the way for others including Cody Simpson, Janine Allis, Max Gawn and Samuel Johnson to see just how many people can put a name to their faces.

Popular segments Trial By A Hundred, This or That, Match ‘Em and Is That Legal make their anticipated returns along with a number of themed episodes.

The Hundred with Andy Lee is an original concept by Screentime Australia and Andy Lee, produced by Endemol Shine Australia (a Banijay Entertainment company) in association with Channel 9.

EMERGENCY
Returning in 2026, Emergency invites viewers behind the closed doors of one of Australia’s busiest trauma hospitals, for an even more revealing exploration of life inside the high-stakes, fast-paced world of trauma care, where every second counts.

The new season introduces a compelling blend of new faces alongside returning favourites, with fresh perspectives and unwavering empathy. It offers a rare and powerful window into the compassionate dedication, seamless teamwork, and unparalleled medical expertise that patients and their families rely upon during their darkest and most vulnerable hours.

Viewers will witness the harrowing challenges and profound rewards of a career in trauma medicine as Emergency skilfully weaves in moments of unexpected humour, profound hope and undeniable humanity, reminding us of the enduring spirit of those who care and those who are cared for. 

Emergency is produced by WTFN exclusively for the 9Network.

SPACE INVADERS
Space Invaders is returning for a sixth season, with our compassionate team ready again to help families struggling to find the happiness they once felt in their homes and their hearts by managing the overwhelming amount of clutter affecting their lives.

Join decluttering expert Peter Walsh, renovation specialist Cherie Barber and keen collector Angie Kent as they guide families through mountains of household storage challenges.

Our Space Invaders understand that renovations and transformations can be just too hard, so they offer practical decluttering strategies and emotional support. Peter thoughtfully addresses the physical and emotional impact of clutter on homes and relationships, encouraging families to cultivate better, peaceful environments. Cherie undertakes realistic and transformative renovations to elevate living spaces, creating a new sense of calm, while Angie specialises in uncovering hidden treasures that often have a remarkable family history.

This new season aims to give people more valuable tips, and the encouragement they need to create spaces that instill a home life of stress-free organisation and harmony.

Space Invaders is produced by WTFN for the 9Network.

PARAMEDICS
In 2026, Paramedics returns with gripping stories from the frontlines where every second counts in the fight to save lives. 

The new season delivers even more intense, real-life drama and powerful displays of humanity as the paramedics face unexpected obstacles that push their expertise and endurance to the limit. But amid the tension, there’s also space for light-hearted moments and genuine connection, as they bring not just medical care but warmth, wit and heart to every callout. 

Paramedics is produced by WTFN production for the 9Network. 

VISION AUSTRALIA’S CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT
Australia’s favourite Christmas tradition, Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight will make a return in 2026. 

Broadcast live from Melbourne’s Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Christmas Eve, the magical evening will see some of Australia’s best performers light up the stage to support children who are blind or have low vision. 

NEWS AND CURRENT AFFAIRS

60 MINUTES
60 Minutes maintains its position as Australia’s leading weekly current affairs program, setting the national agenda every Sunday night. For over four decades, 60 Minutes has held power to account, and this year again delivered critical public interest journalism that shaped the national conversation.

Led by Australia’s foremost journalists, Tara Brown, Nick McKenzie, Amelia Adams, Dimity Clancey and Adam Hegarty, the team’s unmatched dedication to uncovering the truth consistently drives public debate and policy change. 

Building on the phenomenal success of its multi-platform strategy, including the 24/7 channel on 9Now and the Extra Minutes podcast, 60 Minutes continues to expand its audience reach effectively. In 2026, the program returns to deliver high-impact investigations and exclusive reports that hold institutions accountable.

A CURRENT AFFAIR
For decades, A Current Affair has held a unique place in the hearts and homes of Australians, and in 2026 it continues its reign as the nation’s undisputed No. 1 daily current affairs program.

Guided by the trusted and tenacious Ally Langdon from Monday to Friday and the insightful Deb Knight on Saturdays, the program is the essential daily destination for news that matters to mainstream Australia.

At its core, A Current Affair is a powerful advocate for everyday Australians. It is famous for championing the underdog, standing up to big business and holding governments to account, securing tangible, real-world outcomes for those who need it most.

The program consistently sets the national agenda with exclusive, news-breaking stories and in-depth investigations that drive conversation. Yet, it also captures the lighter side of life, exploring the quirky characters and remarkable tales that reflect the true fabric of our nation.

Every night, A Current Affair delivers a powerful blend of information, investigation, and inspiration that not only captures attention but genuinely resonates with the lives of its viewers. It is this deep connection and unwavering trust that makes it an essential daily viewing habit and a premier environment for brands to connect with the heart of Australia.

9NEWS
In a complex world, Australians consistently turn to one place for news they can rely on: 9News, the nation’s most trusted source.

For 2026, 9News is accelerating its digital evolution, delivering more premium news content to more Australians across more platforms than ever before.

At the heart of our strategy is a true omnichannel approach. We are breaking down the barriers between platforms to deliver seamless news experiences across broadcast, 9Now, nine.com.au, mobile and social. This is all driven by our central news division – the powerhouse behind 9News, Today, A Current Affair and 60 Minutes.

Our authority is guaranteed by Australia’s most trusted voices. Experts Effie Zahos and Chris Kohler are joined by an expanded team of digitally-native journalists and producers, ensuring comprehensive and expert reporting on the issues that count.

Building on its success as a premier digital-first product, The Brief on 9Now will continue to offer audiences a deeper perspective on the key stories shaping our world. It stands as a prime example of how we engage Australians with world-class journalism on Nine’s owned and operated network.

For advertisers, our cross-platform dominance creates unmatched opportunities for integration. We provide a brand-safe, highly effective environment to connect with audiences, ensuring partnerships that deliver real impact and measurable results.

TODAY
Today is the breakfast show that kick-starts Australia’s daily conversation, hosted by Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo. Joining them are Jayne Azzopardi with the news, Renee Bargh and Richard ‘Dickie’ Wilkins on entertainment, Danika Mason covering sport, and Tim Davies with the weather, all connecting with viewers from coast to coast.

In 2026, Today will continue to be a morning ritual, delivering the latest in news, current affairs, sport, politics, showbiz, lifestyle, and more.

Offering a fresh and light-hearted take on news, entertainment, and celebrity gossip, Today Extra returns each weekday from 9.00am, hosted by Sylvia Jeffreys and David Campbell.

And ease into your weekend with Alison Piotrowski, who will be joined by a new co-host to be announced soon, along with news presenter Lizzie Pearl and weather presenter Dan Anstey for everything you need to know from Australia and around the world with the Weekend Today family.

SPORT

WORLD ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS
Nine today announced it has secured the exclusive, multi-platform broadcast rights for the World Athletics Championships in a four-year deal commencing in 2026. This partnership makes Nine the undisputed home of the world’s most prestigious track and field events for Australian audiences.

Following a sensational World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, which captivated the nation, Nine will be the only place to witness Australia’s best take on the world, live and free on the 9Network. 

The deal comes after Australian track and field stars delivered one of the country’s most successful events at the recent 2025 World Athletics Championships. The nation celebrated as Nicola Olyslagers soared to a spectacular gold in the women’s high jump. The team’s success was strengthened by bronze medalists Kurtis Marschall (men’s pole vault), Jessica Hull (women’s 1500m), and Mackenzie Little (women’s javelin throw).

Beyond the medal haul, Australia was fascinated by a new generation of stars. 17-year-old sprinting sensation Gout Gout announced his arrival on the world stage with a stunning semi-final appearance, while athletes like Reece Holder, Torrie Lewis, and Claudia Hollingsworth delivered breakthrough performances that have set the stage for a golden era of Australian athletics.

Brent Williams, Nine’s Director of Sport, said: “We were all captivated by the incredible performances of the Australian team in Tokyo, and we are thrilled to become the exclusive home of the World Athletics Championships. This partnership will see Nine broadcast the next generation of track and field superstars, telling their stories and showcasing their amazing talents. This multi-year deal cements Nine’s commitment to delivering world-class, free-to-air sports coverage for all Australians.”

The exclusive partnership with World Athletics further positions Nine as the home of major international sporting events, complementing its rights to the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The schedule of major events includes:

  • 2026: World Athletics Indoor Championships – Kujawy Pomorze, Poland
  • 2027: World Athletics Championships – Beijing, China
  • 2028: World Athletics Indoor Championships – Host TBC
  • 2029: World Athletics Championships – Host TBC

The World Athletics Championships will be live and free on the 9Network from 2026.

AUSTRALIAN OPEN, GRAND SLAM TENNIS 
The Home of Grand Slam tennis gets 2026 underway in smashing fashion, with the Australian Open followed by Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open available exclusively across the 9Network, 9Now and Stan Sport. 

Kicking off in January with lead-up tournaments that include the star studded United Cup, the Brisbane and Adelaide Internationals leading into wall-to-wall coverage of the 2026 Australian Open. 

A stellar commentary lineup featuring Jim Courier, Jelena Dokic, Dylan Alcott, Todd Woodbridge, Alicia Molik, John Millman, Casey Dellacqua, Sam Stosur and Sam Smith, will put you on centre court for all the action from Melbourne Park.

Throughout the year tennis fans can keep their eye on the ball with every match from all four Grand Slams, Australia’s Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup ties, the Laver Cup streaming live and on demand on Stan Sport. The only place to catch the summer of tennis is here on Nine. 

RUGBY LEAGUE 
After the highest rating season in history, NRL on Nine is back in 2026 for another smash hit featuring rockstar Reece Walsh and the premiership winning Brisbane Broncos, and it’s available live and free on Channel 9, or to stream on 9Now.

Home of the biggest games and the biggest names, Nine’s Wide World of Sports will bring the season to life in February from Las Vegas for opening weekend when the Bulldogs take on the Dragons.

Viewers will receive Thursday Night, Friday Night and Sunday Arvo NRL throughout the regular season and exclusive coverage of Men’s and Women’s State of Origin and the NRL Grand Final, plus the biggest magazine show in the game – 100% Footy, on the 9Network and 9Now.

The NRLW and the record breaking Women’s State of Origin series returns, while we kick the rugby league year off with the Indigenous v Maori All Stars.

Hosted by James Bracey, Danika Mason and Emma Lawrence, the best lineup of rugby league commentators in the game will assemble on Nine’s Wide World of Sports for the 2026 NRL Telstra Premiership. 

Rugby league Immortal Andrew Johns, premiership-winning captains Cameron Smith, Johnathan Thurston, Brad Fittler, Paul Gallen, Darren Lockyer, multiple premiership winners Phil Gould AM and Billy Slater and dual internationals Ruan Sims and Allana Ferguson will provide the best insight and analysis there is.

Mat Thompson, Brenton Speed and Peter Psaltis will call the action for the NRL & NRLW, in combination with hosts and sideline reporter Marlee Silva. 

Straight off the field and onto NRL on Nine throughout the season will be the playing ambassadors Nathan Cleary and Millie Boyle, plus all the biggest characters from the playing ranks.

STATE OF ORIGIN 2026

The biggest rivalry in Australian sport is exclusive to Nine, when the Men’s and Women’s 2026 Ampol State of Origin is exclusive, live and free on Channel 9HD and 9Now. 

Wednesday, 15 October, 2025