Archives: Media Releases

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.”

Source: GfK Radio360 Ratings, 3AW Melbourne Survey 5 2025, Mon-Sun 5.30am-12MN, Mon-Fri 5.30am-8.30am, Mon-Fri 8.30am-12pm, Mon-Fri 12pm-3pm, Mon-Fri 3pm-6pm, Mon-Wed 8pm-12MN, AFL Thur-Fri 7pm-12MN, Sat 12-8PM, Sun 12-7PM, Weekends 5.30am-12MN, Cume (000s), Market Share % Total Radio, Commercial Streaming share %, AP10+ , unless otherwise specified. 

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

Tuesday, 9 September, 2025

TOTAL RADIO 

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.”

JULY 25 TOTAL DOWNLOADS	JULY 25 TOTAL LISTENERS
4.05 million	1.65 million

Source: GfK Radio360 Ratings, Survey 5 2025, Mon-Sun 5.30am-12MN, Market Share % Total, Market Share Streaming %, Commercial Streaming Share %, Cume (000s) Total and Streaming, 3AW Breakfast Mon-Fri 5.30am-8.30am, 3AW Mornings 8.30am-12pm, AP10+, Nine Radio – 2GB, 3AW, 4BC, 6PR, unless otherwise specified.

Source: Triton Podcast Metrics, July 2025, Downloads, Listeners, Nine Entertainment, unless otherwise specified.

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

Tuesday, 9 September, 2025

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

Sunday, 7 September, 2025

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

Tuesday, 2 September, 2025

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

Four games of Footy for free on the 9Network for the rest of the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership Season.

Nine will up the ante on the run to the NRL Finals with more footy for free when Saturday Night Footy is available on Channel 9 and 9Now in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane from Saturday, August 9 at 7.00pm AEST.

In a win for footy fans accessing the NRL for free, the 9Network will add Saturday Night Footy to the schedule to sit alongside NRL on Thursday and Friday nights, Sunday afternoons, including the Melbourne Storm every week for free on Channel 9 Melbourne and every NRLW fixture for the remainder of the 2025 season. 

Nine Director of Sport, Brent Williams, said: “The NRL Premiership season has been one of the most compelling on record and Nine is proud to be expanding our extensive NRL coverage with a LIVE and FREE match every Saturday night for the remainder of the season

“Offering NRL fanatics and general sports fans all around the country, FREE Footy on a Saturday night and the opportunity to come on the journey with us as we head into what promises to be an incredibly exciting NRL Finals series. 

“Nine is the only place to see every Finals match and every NRLW match live and free.”

Indigenous Round begins tonight for NRL round 23 and NRLW Round 6. Thursday Night Footy features the Dragons v Sharks in a local derby, the ladder leading Canberra Raiders face the Manly Sea Eagles on Friday Night Footy Bulldogs v Warriors to kick start Saturday Night Footy and Eels v Cowboys on Sunday Arvo Footy.

NRL ON NINE: BROADCAST SCHEDULE
From Thursday, August 7

THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL – STORM v BRONCOS
Every Storm game is free and on Channel 9 Melbourne for the rest of the season
Syd/Bris/Melb       7.30pm LIVE and FREE on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now
Adel/Perth            LIVE and FREE on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTY – RAIDERS v SEA EAGLES
Syd/Bris               7.30pm LIVE and FREE on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now
Melbourne            7.30pm LIVE and FREE on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
Adel/Perth            LIVE and FREE on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now

SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTY – BULLDOGS v WARRIORS
Available on Channel 9 in Melbourne
Syd/Bris/Melb, 7.00pm AEST LIVE and FREE on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now
Adel/Perth LIVE and FREE on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
SUNDAY ARVO FOOTY – EELS v COWBOYS 
Syd/Bris 3.30pm AEST LIVE and FREE on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now
Melbourne 3.30pm AEST LIVE and FREE on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
Adel/Perth LIVE and FREE on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now

NRLW ROUND 6
Stream every NRLW game for free on 9NowSaturday, August 9
Dragons v Sharks 12.45pm AEST LIVE and FREE on Channel 9HD
Knights v Wests Tigers 3.15pm AEST LIVE and FREE on Channel 9HD
Bulldogs Warriors 5.15pm AEST LIVE and FREE on 9GemHD
Followed by NRL Saturday Night Footy Bulldogs v Warriors

Sunday, August 10
Titans v Roosters 11.50pm AEST LIVE and FREE on Channel 9HD
Raiders v Broncos 1.45pm AEST LIVE and FREE on Channel 9HD
Eels v Cowboys 6.15pm AEST LIVE and FREE on 9GemHD

NRL SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTY ON NINE

FOUR GAMES OF NRL FOR FREE EVERY WEEK
WATCH ON CHANNEL 9HD, STREAM ON 9NOW FROM AUGUST 9

For further information, please contact: 
Ryley McKay
Nine Senior Publicist and Digital Manager – Sport
ryley.mckay@nine.com.au

Thursday, 7 August, 2025

Nine celebrates six wins at Australia’s most prestigious television awards night, the 65th TV Week Logie Awards, held at The Star Sydney on Sunday, August 3. 

Accepting the newly named and highly-coveted Ray Martin Award for Most Popular News or Public Affairs Presenter, host of A Current Affair, Ally Langdon dedicated the win to Ray Martin: “We are so incredibly privileged to hold the jobs that we do, and Ray you showed us how to do it. We care about the people we do stories with, we care about the little guys, we get them results and there is nothing that means more.” 

The haul included Best Sports Coverage for the 9Network, 9Now and Stan Sport’s joint coverage of the Olympic Games Paris 2024. Accepting the award, hosts Ally Langdon and James Bracey said: “To all the Olympians and Paralympians, thank you for the most extraordinary performances that you could have given our country… Thank you so much for watching us, because we loved doing it.” 

Travel Guides continued its winning streak, receiving its fourth consecutive TV Week Logie Award for Best Lifestyle Program. Executive Producer Hugh Brodie said “We are the luckiest people in the world to be able to travel the world and call it a job… I get stopped all the time and people tell me, Travel Guides is the only show on TV where we sit down as a family and watch it together with our kids. I think it’s a really special thing that we have that connection with our audience.” 

LEGO® Masters Australia took out the TV Week Logie Award, for the Best Competition Reality Program. Host Hamish Blake said: “For everyone that lets this show be a part of their family’s ritual, thanks very much we really appreciate it”.

Tennis legend Todd Woodbridge won his first Logie – the Bert Newton Award for Most Popular Presenter. The host of Tipping Point Australia, Australian Open, The Olympic Games Paris 2024 and Paris 2024 Paralympic Games said: “What a great honour it is to be able to have won an award named after one of the greats of television. I feel quite special.” 

Also winning her first TV Week Logie Award, Jelena Dokic won Best Factual or Documentary Program for Unbreakable: The Jelena Dokic Story. In her powerful acceptance speech she said: “This is a win for victims and survivors, especially of domestic violence and mental health, to not just have this story heard but for them to reclaim their life, to find their voice and to actually not just survive but to thrive.” 

Nine Managing Director, Streaming and Broadcast, Amanda Laing said: “Tonight’s result is a tremendous achievement for the 9Network and Stan. Winning six Logies across News, Sport and Entertainment is a testament to the talent, creativity and hard work of our people both on and off screen. I want to thank our extraordinary teams, our production partners, and most importantly, the millions of Australians who choose to watch our content every day.

These wins reinforce the enduring power of storytelling and reflect the strength and creativity that define Nine. The Logies showcase the best of Australian stories, Australian talent, and deliver premium entertainment to audiences, something that runs through our veins at Nine.”

About Nine:

When it comes to connecting brands with the passions of Australians, there’s no other media company like Nine. As the home of Australia’s most trusted and loved brands spanning news, business and finance, lifestyle, entertainment and sport, we pride ourselves on creating and curating quality content, accessed by consumers when and how they want.

Nine is Australia’s largest locally owned media company with investments spanning television, video on demand, print, digital, and radio. Nine’s assets include the 9Network, major mastheads such as The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and Australian Financial Review, digital properties such as nine.com.au, 9Honey, Pedestrian Group, and Drive, subscription video platform Stan, talk-back radio and majority investments in Domain and Future Women.

About Stan:

Stan is Australia’s leading and only locally owned streaming service, offering a world-class lineup of original productions and exclusive international content. Its acclaimed Stan Originals include Black Snow, The Tattooist of Auschwitz, Thou Shalt Not Steal, Invisible Boys, Ten Pound Poms, Love Triangle, and Bump. Stan partners with major studios such as Sony, Lionsgate, NBCUniversal, Paramount, AMC, Warner Bros Discovery, Disney, Amazon MGM, All3Media, and the BBC to bring premium entertainment to Australian audiences.

Stan Sport delivers live and on-demand coverage of premier events, including the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Grand Slam tennis, UEFA Champions League, Super Rugby, motorsport, and the Professional Fighters League.

Monday, 4 August, 2025

As The Block returns for its 21st season, the longevity of the format has proven to consistently deliver results for brands, with this year’s series featuring a raft of new big-name sponsors and an innovative ‘sponsor village’ concept that provides integration for brands to tell their stories like never before.

With new brands Bunnings, Chemist Warehouse, Google, MG Motor, Snooze and Simparica Trio joining The Block this year, the series will feature the ‘Sponsor Village Saloon’, a collection of shops from McCafe, Chemist Warehouse, Bunnings mini-store and The Block Pop-Up Store revolving around a prop Saloon found at a nearby museum/cafe.

The Village becomes the central hub for contestants throughout the series, illustrating how brand integration in The Block sets the bar for entertainment formats.    

Estimated by producers to have injected nearly $8 million into the local Daylesford economy [including using local tradespeople, suppliers, caterers, accommodation and more] during production of this series, Gemba insights reveal returning brands that are associated with the show experience an upswing in consideration from consumers.   

Insights commissioned by Gemba for Nine has found that brands featured in the series are more likely to be purchased by Block audiences. It found that brands and products featured are 67% more likely to be used by Australians against Gemba benchmarks, and that despite consideration increasing across the board, returning Block sponsors saw a 40% increase in consideration.  

A group of diverse brands return this year as major partners including ALDI, Arnott’s, TRUECORE® steel and COLORBOND® steel, CommBank, Domain and McCafe.

Sarah Stewart, Powered’s Director of Content Partnerships and Client Experience, said The Block is one of Australia’s great television success stories that can provide a safe premium environment for brands. 

“The breadth of major Australian brands aligning with the series is a testament to its enduring cultural relevance and impact. In its 21st season we’re thrilled to welcome many exciting new partners, while also celebrating the loyalty of long-standing brands. This combination proves once again The Block is one of Australia’s most sought-after environments for brands,” she said. 

Hosted by Scott Cam and Shelley Craft, The Block provides a premium platform for brands that can leverage Nine’s unrivalled ecosystem to achieve reach at scale, and is one of the most consistently successful programs on Australian screens.

Filmed in Victoria’s picturesque Daylesford – known as one of Australia’s top weekend getaway destinations – the new series features five new teams who are for the first time building homes from scratch – each on over 2,300 sqm blocks of land.

Stewart Gurney, Nine Powered’s Director of Strategy and Effectiveness, said The Block is a powerful platform for driving product usage and brand consideration.

“Sponsorships and integration on the block are exceptionally well received by viewers. Our research proves that brand integrations within the show are more engaging and recalled versus stand alone TVCS and this translates into product/brand usage,” he said.

“Claimed usage of brands and products featured in the block is 67% higher versus other sponsorship properties. Another superpower of The Block is the cumulative impact it offers returning sponsors. The Block is brilliant at driving brand consideration across the board, but returning sponsors see on average a +40% improvement year on year.”

The Block screens Sundays at 7.00pm and Monday-Wednesday at 7.30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.

Follow @TheBlock on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter
Learn more about The Block at: nine.com.au/theblock

*Gemba stats from 2024 and cumulative figure from 2019-2024

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

Tuesday, 29 July, 2025

A Current Affair, Australia’s most-watched daily current affairs program, has launched a new weekly podcast, That’s ACA, taking listeners and viewers behind the scenes of the show’s most talked-about stories.

Hosted by seasoned reporters Steve Marshall and Lizzie Pearl, That’s ACA offers a candid look into the world of television reporting. Each week, the hosts dissect the biggest stories, share their personal experiences on the road and talk to the program’s stable of reporters about the weird and wonderful assignments that capture the nation’s attention.

“There’s a saying in the ACA office, ‘that’s so ACA’,” explains co-host Steve Marshall.

“It’s those stories that are quintessentially Australian, that make you laugh, make you cry, that fire you up, or just make you shake your head and say… ‘Only in Australia’. This podcast is a celebration of those moments and a chance for our viewers to be part of the conversation.”

Co-host Lizzie Pearl adds, “Our viewers are so invested in these stories and we’re constantly asked what happens when the cameras are off. This podcast is our chance to finally pull back the curtain, share the hilarious or heartfelt moments that don’t make it to air and really celebrate the craft of storytelling with our audience and our colleagues.”

The podcast provides a new way for audiences to connect with the brand and its dedicated team of journalists.

“A Current Affair has been a staple in Australian living rooms for decades,” said Executive Producer, Amy McCarthy.

“That’s ACA is a natural evolution for the brand, allowing us to connect with our audience on a deeper level and on new platforms. It’s an exciting opportunity to showcase the incredible work and unique personalities of our reporting team, strengthening the bond we have with our viewers beyond the nightly broadcast.”

New episodes of That’s ACA are released every Friday morning. The first three episodes are available now:

Episode 1: The Art of the Bounce
How A Current Affair reporters approach this signature move seen on the show. Plus people power – how viewers are literally saving lives. And can one story make all the difference? We also answer your curly questions.

Episode 2: Whistleblowers, Wine and Wins
Some of our biggest scoops come from people or whistleblowers who have the courage to stand up to the big guys. Plus, Lizzie’s rather tipsy long-lunch with a group of Nonnos. And stairway to heaven?…or hell? Justice for Bernice.

Episode 3: It’s Not Personal, It’s Strictly Business
Ally Langdon sits down with former American mobster and member of the Colombo crime family, Michael Franzese. He retired from the mob life in the mid nineties after a stint in jail and has since become a motivational speaker for youth, schools and prisons. He was in Australia recently and here is the full interview.

That’s ACA is available across all major podcast platforms and in video format on YouTube.

Listen/Watch Now:
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ACurrentAffair9
Listen on Spotify: https://nine.social/ZhC
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://nine.social/ZhD

For more information and a full article on the new podcast, visit 9Now

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

Monday, 28 July, 2025

The Australian Financial Review Magazine has marked its 30 year anniversary with a 120-page special edition featuring an exclusive cover story with OpenAI co-founder and CEO Sam Altman, an in-depth look at the vision for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and a revealing feature on Monica Lewinsky on how the world has changed from when she worked in the Oval Office 30 years ago.  

“When AFR Magazine launched in 1995, it effectively created a new format for insert magazines in Australia utilising the highest quality paper and bigger, more luxurious pages,” said AFR Magazine editor Matthew Drummond. “After three decades of sitting down with prime ministers, blue-chip corporate leaders, creative trailblazers and the entrepreneurs of sport, it’s still in a league of its own. It’s the home of the Rich List, the Young Rich List and the Power list. AFR Magazine enjoys great support from advertisers, and its articles are among the most-read stories on afr.com. According to Roy Morgan its print readership is over three times larger than that of our main competitor.” 

The exclusive profile interview with Altman was written by the Financial Review’s technology editor, Paul Smith, who travelled to the company’s office in San Francisco. Altman discusses his brief sacking as CEO of OpenAI, the advent of general artificial intelligence when machines can out-think humans and the future of work. In his extensively researched 5800-word feature, Smith explores how Altman is simultaneously viewed in tech circles as a flawed leader who tells different things to different people, and also as a visionary who is building the most consequential technology since the advent of the internet.  

Matthew Drummond takes an indepth look at the vision for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympics with a host of Queensland leaders including organising committee president Andrew Liveris, Olympics powerbroker John Coates, Queensland Premier David Crisafulli and Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner. Drummond’s piece looks at how Brisbane – the smallest city to be awarded the Olympics since Helsinki in 1952 – is going through monumental change to become a global city and how it will progress to host the world’s largest sporting event. 

The edition also features Monica Lewisky, who talks to the Financial Review’s US correspondent Jessica Gardner about how she took back control of the story of what happened in the Oval Office in 1995. Lewinksy discusses surviving shame and how she’s built a career in media production, including the launch of her new podcast series, Reclaiming.  

“The calibre of the people who want to sit down with AFR Magazine is proof that even in the digitally-fuelled AI era, a printed magazine sets the standard for journalism, for storytelling, for creative inspiration and enjoyment,” said Drummond. 

After three decades of shaping and reflecting Australia’s cultural and business successes, the edition is a highlight of Nine’s commitment to creating impactful, best-in-class prestige partnerships in the luxury sector. 

The 30th anniversary issue features a gold-foiled cover with gatefold partner Rolex as well as special execution by Range Rover. It contains advertisements from a slew of luxury brands as well as a 44-page Watch supplement created by the Financial Review’s watch editor Bani McSpedden and watch writer Luke Benedictus. The Watch supplement marks the official launch of the Financial Review’s About Time Watch Weekend involving 12 prestige brands. Now in its 3rd year, the event is now exclusive to Financial Review subscribers because of strong demand for bookings. 

“For 30 years, local and international advertising partners have recognised and aligned themselves with the balance of substance and style brought to life in AFR Magazine,” said Chloe Moo, Nine Publishing’s client director of luxury. “The size and strength of our 30th anniversary edition is testament to our enduring partnerships with leading luxury brands.”

The issue was launched at a 30th anniversary celebration dinner held at Bennelong at Sydney Opera House on July 22 and co-hosted with Range Rover, which was among the first luxury brands to advertise in AFR Magazine. Among the 100 guests were members of the Rich List, Young Rich List, Power List and leaders from across business, finance, design, hospitality, the arts and sport as well as senior Nine executives. 

Select guests were driven to and from the event in Range Rovers. Bennelong was the venue partner and House of Arras was the beverage partner. During the dinner Drummond hosted a talk with Andrew Liveris AO about his vision for the Brisbane Olympics and Paralympics. 

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

Friday, 25 July, 2025