Prepare to enter the marvellous and mysterious world of TheatreDome, Channel 9’s newest kids TV show, as it takes over the stage of Brisbane City Hall on Monday, September 22, with performances at 10.00am and 1.00pm, to watch for free.
Suitable for all ages, TheatreDome, is an electrifying show full of fun and creativity, breaking new ground as Australia’s first improvisational show starring children.
Brave drama students step inside the TheatreDome for a series of hilarious improv battles, guided by professional mentors known as The Oracles. Two teams, The Fates and The Muses, go head to head under the watchful eye of The Great Overseer, to be crowned the undisputed champions of the TheatreDome. Plus, in this special live performance, audiences will get the chance to play along themselves or even take the stage, entering the TheatreDome to get involved in the games and show off their improv skills.
This live performance of TheatreDome is part of Brisbane Festival 2025 and is free to watch as part of the Lord Mayor’s Children’s program.
Check out TheatreDome on 9Now and 7.30am weekdays on 9Go! And don’t miss TheatreDome live at Brisbane Festival on Monday, September 22, at 10.00am and 1.00pm for free at Brisbane City Hall.
For further information, please contact: Lucy Charles 9Network Publicity lucy.charles@nine.com.au
Nine Radio‘s award-winning talk radio stations are enhancing the listening experience with sync commentary on the 2GB, 4BC, 3AW and 6PR apps during AFL and NRL coverage. The new sync feature will allow footy fans the power to synchronise the award winning 3AW Football, 6PR Football and Continuous Call Team game calls with any live match, whether they’re at the ground or watching on television.
The sync technology, integrated directly into the app’s live streaming player, underscores Nine Radio’s commitment to delivering best in class app experiences for our listeners. With a selection of In-Stadium, Free to Air TV or Streaming and a simple on-screen slider, users can sync the commentary, allowing for a perfect match with live stadium action or any television broadcast.
How the Audio-Sync Feature Works
The feature is available now for footy finals. Listeners simply need to:
1. Ensure they have the latest version of the app, available on the App Store and Google Play
2. Stream the football or CCT broadcast during any live match
3. Tap the ‘Change Audio Sync’ icon that appears at the bottom of the player
4. Select your viewing experience – in stadium, free to air TV, or streaming
5. Adjust the simple slider to delay the audio until it perfectly matches the live action.
The Audio-Sync feature cements Nine Radio’s position as footy fans number one destination for football coverage, combining a legendary commentary team with cutting-edge technology to serve the most passionate fans in the country.
Tom Malone, Nine Radio Managing Director, said: “This new feature is the next step in providing our listeners the flexibility to consume our audio content, however, wherever and now alongside whatever other content they want. Audi Sync fuses the unparalleled ‘live and local’ strength of our stations with technology that makes our content more accessible and engaging than ever before.”
Juliane Djidi, Product Manager Audio and Streaming, said: “I am thrilled to launch Audio Sync! It’s incredibly rewarding to deliver a feature you know your users will love, and Audio Sync is a perfect example of this. It brings our sports fans even closer to the action and provides them with a new way to enjoy our live commentary, no matter how they’re watching the game.”
For further information, please contact: Caitlin Lynch Senior Communications Manager, Nine clynch@nine.com.au
The international breakout hit The Golden Bachelor brings big-hearted romance to Australian screens, with Bear proving that love stories only get better with age.
Get ready for a love story unlike any you’ve ever seen! Hosted by television powerhouse Samantha Armytage, The Golden Bachelor is set to make hearts flutter as viewers follow a modern twist on romance for the golden years.
Twenty incredible women are stepping into the spotlight, ready to capture hearts across the country as they pursue a chance at love with Australia’s first Golden Bachelor, 61-year-old Sydneysider Bear.
Bear will make history as Australia’s first-ever Golden Bachelor, in a heartfelt new series that will charm the nation. A strong, protective man with a deep love for family and adventure, Bear made the northern beaches of Sydney his home in 1998 with his late wife, Audrey, raising their three sons by the ocean. Tragedy struck in 2011 when he lost both Audrey and his mother in the same year. For years, Bear prioritised fatherhood above all else, and he is proud of the men his sons have become. Now he is ready to open his heart again to love.
Bear said: “It’s quite surreal getting to be Australia’s first Golden Bachelor. It’s an incredible privilege that twenty remarkable women are willing to come on this journey with me, for all of us to have the courage to open our hearts and take the chance to fall in love again. I couldn’t be more grateful or excited to see where this trailblazing experience takes us.”
Samantha Armytage said: “I can’t wait to introduce Bear to Australia. We’ve found a one-in-a-million Golden Bachelor, full of integrity and compassion. He’s incredibly kind and, I might add, very handsome! I know you’re all going to want to join him on his journey to fall in love again.”
These vibrant women radiate elegance, strength, and a zest for life. From a hoist operator and a radio personality to a NICU nurse and an age transformation coach, they are rewriting the rules of romance. With decades of life experience – love, loss, searching, hope – they are all ready to find something real and lasting.
Prepare for laughter, tears and unforgettable moments when the roses start flowing. The Golden Bachelor is the show winning hearts around the world, and now it’s Australia’s turn.
The Golden Bachelor is produced by Warner Bros. International Television Production Australia for the 9Network.
For further information, please contact: Alex Dyer 9Network Publicity alex.dyer@nine.com.au
As NRL finals fever sweeps across Sydney, the city is tuning into the 2GB Continuous Call Team, the undisputed No.1 in football coverage on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Today’s GfK Survey 5 results confirm 2GB’s dominance, making it the clear choice for footy fans.
Friday (7-11pm): No.1 with an 11.3 share Saturday (1-10pm): No.1 with an 8.1 share Sunday (1-7pm): No.1 with an 8.0 share
Overall, the Continuous Call Team is the clear No.1 across the weekend, commanding an impressive 8.4 share. This dominance extends to live audio streaming, where the team holds a powerful 9.2 share of the football audience.
Greg Byrnes, 2GB Station Manager, said:“As we head into the finals, these figures prove The Continuous Call Team is the clear market leader for NRL across the weekend. Listeners can be laughing out loud one minute, or captured by the game’s best live commentary the next. The CCT, combined with 2GB’s strength right across the week, shows why we are Sydney’s number one destination for trusted news, sport, entertainment, and opinion.”
2GB’s success isn’t limited to the weekend, with the station commanding the overall talk market with an overall 11.4 radio share and a 29.3 in streaming.
Ben Fordham Live remains the undisputed No.1 in Breakfast talk, holding a 14.2 radio share and a formidable 39.6 in streaming, and the station’s winning streak continues with Mornings with Mark Levy, who recorded a strong 11.5 radio share and 32.6 share in streaming.
Source: GfK Radio360 Ratings, 2GB Sydney Survey 5 2025, Mon-Fri 5.30am-9am, Mon-Fri 9am-12pm, Fri 7pm-11pm, Sat 1pm-10pm, Sun 1pm-7pm, Market Share % Total Radio, Streaming share % AP10+ .
For further information, please contact: Caitlin Lynch Senior Communications Manager, Nine clynch@nine.com.au
Nine today announced that esteemed journalist, Weekend Today host and 9News Melbourne Weekend Sport Presenter, Clint Stanaway, will be departing the network at the end of the year after a distinguished career spanning nearly 25 years. Stanaway will leave Nine to focus on his full-time role in radio.
Nine today announced that esteemed journalist, Weekend Today host and 9News Melbourne Weekend Sport Presenter, Clint Stanaway, will be departing the network at the end of the year after a distinguished career spanning nearly 25 years. Stanaway will leave Nine to focus on his full-time role in radio.
Stanaway’s journey with Nine is a testament to his versatility and dedication, beginning in the news library at GTV9 in Melbourne. He honed his reporting skills at WIN Television in Bendigo before returning to 9News Melbourne as a general reporter and court reporter.
A lifelong passion for sport saw him move into the sports department, where he was appointed Weekend Sport Presenter for 9News Melbourne in 2010. Throughout his sports journalism career, Stanaway has been at the forefront of major global events, covering Olympics, World Cups, Grand Slams, Melbourne Cups and numerous AFL Grand Finals.
For the past three years, Stanaway has brought his warmth and professionalism to national audiences as the co-host of Weekend Today, a role he has managed alongside his ongoing duties as the weekend sports anchor for Melbourne’s top-rating 6.00pm news bulletin.
Hugh Nailon, Nine’s National News Director, paid tribute to Stanaway’s extensive contribution: “Clint’s career at Nine is a stellar example of what can be achieved through sheer hard work and dedication. From the news library to the host chair of Weekend Today, he has excelled in every role.
“He’s a brilliant journalist and storyteller, and an equally brilliant presenter. He has a terrific instinct for a story and has been a wonderful mentor to many in our newsroom. While he will be sorely missed by the Nine family, we wish him every success in his next chapter and thank him for his outstanding service.”
Clint Stanaway said: “I’ve always treasured my job, be it on 9News, as co-host of Weekend Today or as part of the Wide World of Sports team. I’ve met so many wonderful people, shared some incredible stories and experienced the most unforgettable moments. The thrill of live television is so addictive, it’ll never leave me.
“It’s been a huge workload juggling both TV and being part of the Melbourne Nova breakfast team over the past couple of years. I am passionate about my new found love for radio and have decided to give it priority moving forward, while I also look to strike a better work/life balance. Unfortunately that means leaving Nine at the end of the year.
“While I step away with a heavy heart, I suspect it won’t be forever. The Nine family has been so good to me, and for that I’ll be forever thankful.”
Stanaway will finish his duties with Nine at the end of the year.
For further information, please contact: Terry Stuart Senior Communications Manager tstuart@nine.com.au
Normal service has been emphatically resumed at 3AW, with the station returning to its dominant No. 1 position in the GfK Radio Ratings for Survey 5 released today.
Securing a commanding 13.5 overall share, the result marks a decisive return to the top, driven by significant audience growth across breakfast, mornings, afternoons, drive and football.
As the voice of Melbourne, 3AW’s agenda-setting mix of news and opinion connects with 675,000 people every week.
3AW’s No. 1 success is anchored by the sheer dominance of its breakfast and morning lineup, with Ross & Russ and Tom Elliott decisively winning their timeslots.
In breakfast, Ross & Russ have delivered a historic result, surging to a phenomenal 20.1 share – up 2.9 and more than double their nearest competitor. Their incredible performance connects with 436,000 listeners weekly, while their digital dominance is absolute, capturing a staggering 54% of commercial streaming.
The winning momentum flows directly into mornings, with Tom Elliott cementing his status as the No. 1 voice in the timeslot. His agenda-setting program captured a dominant 14.6 share (up 0.7) and connects with 419,000 listeners each week. This leadership extends across all platforms, commanding an impressive 34.8% of commercial streaming.
The afternoon slot saw a massive surge in listening, with Tony Moclair jumping an incredible 3 share points to a 10.6 share. It’s clear his unique blend of engaging discussion and high listener interaction is resonating more strongly than ever with Melburnians.
Powering Melbourne home, Jacqui Felgate breaks back into double-digits in drive with a fantastic 10 share. Fuelled by a significant 1.4 point gain, the result is her best since Survey 1 and makes her program the final word on the day’s news.
Once again, Denis Walter proves he is Melbourne’s favourite evening companion, with his program achieving a massive 17.5 share. This result solidifies his status as the city’s No. 1 choice, proving that when night falls, Melbourne tunes to Denis.
Darren James continues to be a cherished weekend ritual for Melburnians, with his show once again confirmed as the city’s undisputed No. 1 for Saturday and Sunday mornings.
3AW Football continues its unbeatable run, delivering a clean sweep of the weekend’s footy coverage. The team was the clear No. 1 broadcast on both Thursday and Friday nights and secured the overall win as Melbourne’s most-listened-to call across the entire weekend (Thurs-Sun).
3AW Station Manager Stephen Beers said: “This is a result built on the powerful connection we share with our listeners. I couldn’t be prouder of the team who nurture that bond every day. These numbers show that when Melbourne needs to know what’s happening, their trust is placed firmly with 3AW. To lead the conversation in breakfast and mornings, to be the trusted news breaker in drive and be the No. 1 companion in evenings and for the footy, is incredible. We never take that trust for granted and thank our audience for their continued loyalty.”
3AW has surged to the No.1 spot in Melbourne’s radio market, achieving a leading 13.5 share and a significant 1.6 percentage point increase from the last survey.
The station’s powerful performance continues across key shifts including No.1 in Breakfast with a 20.1 share (up 2.9), No.1 in Mornings with 14.6 (up 0.7), Afternoons 10.6 (up 3.0), Drive 10.0 (up 1.4) and Evenings with Dennis Walter, the clear No.1 with 17.5.
2GB dominates the talk market in Sydney with a 11.4 share. Ben Fordham Live remains the undisputed No.1 in Breakfast talk with a 14.2 share, and the station’s success in talk extends across the day, including the key Mornings shift with Mark Levy recording a strong 11.5 share.
With the footy finals season in full swing, Nine Radio’s live commentary and analysis has captivated listeners, cementing its position as the No.1 choice across the weekend for both AFL and NRL fans on 3AW and 2GB.
The dominance of Nine Radio’s sports coverage is powered by an elite line-up of commentators and analysts who bring unmatched passion, insight, and experience to the airwaves.
Greg Byrnes, Nine’s National Content Manager, said: “The 3AW result today is stunning with gains right across the day and a big increase in listeners 40+. In Sydney, 2GB’s audience is holding firm and the station remains the clear number for talk and entertainment.”
“If you’re not listening to our live commentary and analysis of football right across the week you’re missing out and these figures show we’re the clear number one for coverage of both the AFL and NRL.”
COMMERCIAL RADIO SHARE
TOTAL RADIO CUME
16.0 (4 markets)
1.608 million listeners each week
STREAMING
Nine Radio is the undisputed leader in commercial streaming, commanding a massive 28.6% national share.
Melbourne’s 3AW and Sydney’s 2GB lead the charge, delivering streaming shares of 32.3% and 29.3% respectively.
Nine’s dominance extends across all key programs, setting the standard for digital audio and solidifying its position as the definitive choice for listeners seeking live, local, and compelling content on any device.
Ben Fordham Live: 39.6%
Breakfast with Ross and Russel: 54.0%
Mornings with Tom Elliott: 34.8%
Mornings with Mark Levy: 32.6%
Greg Byrnes said: “Each day, right across the country, more and more listeners are connecting with our talk content via a digital device. Our new audio sync feature is up and running in time for the footy finals, allowing listeners to fine tune their audio experience while watching the game. We’re really proud of our digital platform and that’s reflected in our dominance of the audio streaming market.”
COMMERCIAL STREAMING SHARE
STREAMING CUME
28.6
385,000
PODCASTS
Nine Podcast Network recorded steady momentum in July, with listeners up 1% year-on-year to 1.65 million. This growth was matched by strong download figures, reaching 4.05 million for the month.
The network’s success is driven by a powerhouse lineup of shows that consistently connect with audiences. News, True Crime, and Current Affairs led the way, with significant year-on-year growth:
Nine News surged by 97% year-on-year to 188,000 listeners, making it the top original podcast.
The Mushroom Trial: Say Grace was a breakout hit with 151,000 listeners.
The Morning Edition maintained its steady listenership with 120,000.
Nine Radio’s catch-up podcasts also saw impressive growth, with listeners increasing 8% month-on-month:
Ben Fordham Live grew by 26% month-on-month to 202,000 listeners.
3AW Mornings with Tom Elliott and 3AW Breakfast with Ross and Russel both delivered 47,000 listeners.
Rachel Fountain, Nine’s Head of Podcasts, said: “It’s wonderful to see continued growth in our traditional heartland of News, Sport and True Crime in July.” “Year-on-year listener growth of 97% for the Nine News podcast, 60% year-on-year for AFL podcast Eddie & Jimmy and 83% year-on-year for the clever crime series Motive & Method is especially encouraging. Our wellness and lifestyle podcasts are also resonating with listeners, with 33% year-on-year growth for Prime Time with Bec Wilson.
“It’s also pleasing to see listeners to our Nine Radio catch-up radio podcasts grow by 8% month-on-month to 718,000.
“Finally, we’re especially thrilled to welcome two new shows to the podcast family this month. The Contrarians with Adam and Adir and Future Women’s Leadership Series, with Helen McCabe have joined Nine’s burgeoning slate of business and finance podcasts, which already includes the highly respected AFR podcasts.”
Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust ignited the Brisbane skyline last night, delivering sparkling ratings.
Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust ignites the start of the Brisbane Festival 2025 with its spectacular fireworks display transforming the river A record number of viewers tuned in to watch the spectacle that marks the start of Brisbane Festival 2025. This year’s Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust broadcast was the highest rating of all time.
Nine’s exclusive broadcast dominated prime-time viewing as the No.1 program of the night in Brisbane with Total People and all key demographics, reaching 398,000 viewers (Total TV Reach). Hosted for the first time by 9News Queensland’s new presenting duo, Melissa Downes and Joel Dry, Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust attracted a Total TV average audience of 275,000.
Kylie Blucher, Managing Director of Nine Queensland and Northern New South Wales, said: “Riverfire is truly an unforgettable night, and this year was no different. We are so pleased to have once again brought this extraordinary event to viewers across the Sunshine State, and the fabulous numbers are proof of how much Queenslanders look forward to this night every year.
“The broadcast was particularly special, marking Melissa and Joel’s hosting debut as a pair, and they did an outstanding job, capturing the beauty and energy of Brisbane perfectly.”
If you missed the broadcast live, you can relive the magic of Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust for free on 9Now.
Source: OzTAM VOZ | 6th September 2025 | “RIVERFIRE” | Total TV (Broadcast+BVOD | Reach (1min) Average Audience | Total People | Brisbane – Overnight
For further information, please contact: Lucy Charles 9Network Publicity lucy.charles@nine.com.au
Brisbane is set to sparkle and roar when Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust lights up the sky, with exclusive front-row seats to every breathtaking moment on Channel 9, following a special 9News Queensland bulletin at 6.00pm AEST, this Saturday, September 6.
Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust ignites the start of the Brisbane Festival 2025 with its spectacular fireworks display transforming the river city’s skyline with brilliant bursts of colour. Plus, for the first time in Queensland, Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust will feature heavy-payload pyrotechnic drones, launching nearly 600 special effects and creating incredible formations.
The Australian Defence Force, a crowd favourite, will start the evening with spectacular aerial displays. Mighty C-17 Globemasters, colossal C27 Spartans and roaring EA18 Growlers will rip through the skyline, getting hearts pounding in the people dotted along the river edge.
9News Queensland’s dynamic new presenting duo, Melissa Downes and Joel Dry, will make their Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust broadcast debut, live from Flight Centre HQ following a special edition of 9News Queensland. While a first for Joel, this is Melissa’s 15th year broadcasting the popular Brisbane Festival event.
Joel Dry said: “Hosting Riverfire for the first time is incredibly exciting. It’s such an ingrained Brisbane event, and to be a part of bringing the magic to Queenslanders is a real privilege. I’m looking forward to the energy and excitement, and reflecting that in the broadcast. With panoramic views of the city, you can’t get much better than that.”
Melissa Downes said: “Riverfire is always a highlight, and after 15 years the thrill never fades. I’m delighted to be co-hosting with Joel, celebrating our fabulous city and sharing all the spectacular moments, from the fireworks to the incredible ADF displays, with everyone watching at home.”
Queenslanders statewide won’t miss a single spark, explosion or flyby, as Nine’s broadcast ensures an uninterrupted, dazzling experience for everyone from the comfort of their own home.
Don’t miss Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust this Saturday, September 6, after a special bulletin of 9News Queensland from 6.00pm AEST on Channel 9 and 9Now.
For further information, please contact: Lucy Charles 9Network Publicity lucy.charles@nine.com.au
9News Queensland is entering an exciting new era, with award-winning presenter, Melissa Downes, welcoming Joel Dry to the news desk, from Monday, August 18.
The duo will co-anchor the top-rating Monday to Friday editions of 9News Queensland.
It’s a homecoming for Dry who first joined the Brisbane newsroom 14 years ago, going on to cover many of Queensland’s biggest stories.
Dry said: “It’s a thrill to come home to Nine and work alongside the best in the business. The newsroom is full of energy and teaming up with Melissa is such an honour. She is the gold standard in Queensland news and has been so warm and welcoming. Together, I’m excited for us to deliver the stories that really matter to Queenslanders.”
Downes said: “I’m delighted to have Joel joining the team. We’re both so passionate about telling the stories of our amazing State and teaming-up will allow us to really add something extra into our nightly coverage. I’m looking forward to being out in our communities more often and engaging with people, to make sure we’re getting to the heart of what affects them.”
The move marks a return to a double-header presenting format following the retirement of Andrew Lofthouse early this year.
Director of 9News Queensland, Brendan Hockings, said: “Building around Melissa and Joel says everything about how we want to engage with the evolving news world. We have two top tier journalists who will be hands-on telling stories. It also gives us a lot of flexibility in how we respond to breaking news in a state as diverse as Queensland.”
The new-look presenting team comes at a time of historic strength for 9News Queensland, which has won every week of the official 2025 ratings survey year, while 6pm viewership has grown by more than 14% year-on-year.
The 9News Queensland 6pm bulletin, with Melissa Downes and Joel Dry, on Channel 9 and 9Now, begins Monday, August 18.
For further information, please contact: Lucy Charles 9Network Publicity lucy.charles@nine.com.au
Thursday, 14 August, 2025
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