Archives: Media Releases

COMPOSER ALEX PALMER CROWNED $200,000
WINNER IN LIFE-CHANGING GRAND FINALE

Tonight Alex Palmer, a 33-year-old orchestrator and composer originally from NSW, conquered The Floor, defeating 80 rivals in a gripping battle to take home the life-changing $200,000 grand prize.

From his first step onto the Sounds of Music tile, Alex played with focus, instinct and sheer nerve, drawing on his general knowledge, competitive edge and creative instincts to navigate a relentless battle of strategy, stamina and split-second recall.

In the nail-biting grand finale, Alex, Kate and Jess battled out a thrilling showdown for control of the floor, but it was an earlier strategic gamble that paved Alex’s way to victory. Entering the final stages with only his original tile, Alex’s game reached a massive turning point when he challenged Inia in English Premier League. Despite admitting the category was a “nightmare,” the composer successfully called Inia’s bluff to seize 77 tiles and take command of the game.

After surviving a tense Sounds of Music duel against Jess, Alex faced Kate in a gripping best-of-three final. He struck first in Red Carpet, then held his nerve in Oz Rock, claiming the final tile, $200,000 prizemoney, and ultimate glory.

The addictive format of The Floor again placed 81 trivia fanatics on their own knowledge tiles, challenging each other in timed duels to expand their territory, outsmart their rivals and conquer the entire floor, with the clock counting down.

Host Rodger Corser said: “What an amazing grand finale and what a formidable, worthy winner we have in Alex. It proves nice guys really can finish first! Alex took us on a total rollercoaster, blending underdog grit with sharp strategy – and perhaps a little bluffing for good measure. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when he was crowned champion; knowing that $200,000 is going toward IVF and surrogacy to help him start a family is just incredible!”

A composer with a curious mind, a love of travel and a sharp grasp of general knowledge, Alex is now based in London, with credits spanning film and television, including The LEGO Movies, Peter Rabbit, and other major animated productions. But it was his competitive edge and composure under pressure that helped him conquer The Floor.

Alex plans to use the prize money for one of the biggest chapters of his life, supporting the IVF and surrogacy journey he and his husband Brett are undertaking to start a family.

Alex said: “It was surreal to see my time on The Floor play out on TV. The experience was emotional, powerful and genuinely life-changing.

“I made some of what are now my closest friends from my neighbouring tiles, and their support was a huge part of why I made it to the end. There were so many moments when I thought my time was over, so it’s exhilarating to have my friends and family follow along.”

The Floor isn’t just winning trivia battles, it’s continuing to win over audiences too.

Following its record-breaking debut season as the biggest new show* in VOZ history, The Floor returned bigger, bolder and more ruthless this year, producing high-stakes family viewing, big strategic swings and unmissable moments.

With its spectacular arena, addictive gameplay and great cast of everyday Aussies, The Floor is entrenched as one of Australia’s most captivating game shows.

Tuesday 19 May, 2026

While most people would flee the water at the sight of a single fin, six celebrities are about to dive straight in when the most heart-pounding new series to reach our shores, SHARK!, premieres Sunday, May 31, at 7.00pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.

This high-octane series, shot in the Bahamas, takes a group of high-profile Australians out of their comfort zones and into the crystal-clear waters of Bimini that are home to up to 40 different species of shark.

This is no tropical getaway; it takes these celebrities – who are usually in total control of their surroundings – and places them in an environment where they have none. It is a raw testing ground where the celebrities will face escalating challenges designed to test their courage, resilience, and push them to their mental and physical limits.

The stakes rise as the celebrities move from the safety of a protective cage to their most terrifying goal: an open-water swim with one of the ocean’s most formidable, feared and misunderstood apex predators, the tiger shark.

The celebrities ready to trade the red carpet for the reef are:

• Ariarne Titmus: The four-time Olympic gold medallist is used to chasing down giants in the pool lane, but she might find it difficult to maintain her stroke rate when her competition has had over a 400-million year head start. 
• Tammy Hembrow: This social media star is about to find out the ocean doesn’t recognise VIP status. Let’s hope her workout regime includes high-speed paddling. She is used to having millions of followers, but this is one follower she’d rather not have.
• Lynne McGranger: She’s fresh off a Gold Logie win, and about to find out that a trophy doesn’t carry much weight with a crowd that doesn’t recognise a national treasure. She’ll be hoping her stage presence is enough to charm the locals, because there are no stunt doubles once you’re face-to-fin.
• Scott Cam: One of Australia’s favourite TV hosts is swapping the tool belt for a weight belt, but he’ll quickly find out that the ocean floor is one “fixer-upper” he can’t just slap some render on. He’ll be hoping the sharks are lenient judges and don’t hand him a zero for his underwater finish.
• Sam Thaiday: This NRL legend spent his playing days charging into rugby league’s biggest hitters, but he’s about to face a defensive line that doesn’t follow a playbook. Sam will need to rely on his footwork over his muscle, because a scrum doesn’t usually involve opponents with multiple rows of teeth.
• Matt Nable: The master of the poker face is heading underwater, where he’ll find out if his tough-guy stare works on non-humans. He’s used to high drama, but this is one scene where looking intimidating is a lot less important than just staying incredibly still.

Leading them through their fearsome journey are Australian shark attack survivor and former Navy clearance diver Paul de Gelder, who lost his right hand and leg in a Sydney Harbour bull shark attack, and Annie Guttridge, a shark researcher and photographer whose expertise helps to reveal the truth behind these often misunderstood predators.

SHARK! is more than an adrenaline-fuelled adventure; it is a transformative and emotional journey where panic gives way to confidence and vulnerability becomes strength. As the celebrities confront what terrifies them the most, they gain a powerful new perspective on their own capacity for courage, and their fear transforms into respect.

Beyond the fear, the celebrities learn about the natural behaviours of these apex predators, and the do’s, the don’ts and the ‘definitely don’ts’ of underwater behaviour.

SHARK! is produced by ITV Studios Australia based on the format Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters created by Plimsoll Productions, part of ITV Studios, for the 9Network.

SHARK! 
SUNDAY, MAY 31, AT 7.00PM ON CHANNEL 9 AND 9NOW

Friday 15 May, 2026

As the nation prepares for the most important night of the year, 9News has announced its comprehensive, multi-platform coverage of Budget 2026. With Australians seeking clarity on the nation’s financial future, 9News is committed to providing unrivalled reporting across Channel 9 and 9Now, ensuring every citizen understands exactly “what’s in it for you.”

Our expert panel will be on the ground asking the tough questions live. Led by Finance Editor Chris Kohler, Money Editor Effie Zahos, Political Editor Charles Croucher and National Affairs Editor Andrew Probyn, the team will cut through the noise to analyse the issues that matter most: housing affordability, tax cuts, fuel subsidies, and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

The evening’s coverage begins at 6.00pm with full analysis in the Network’s flagship 9News bulletin. When the Treasurer officially unveils his budget 9News will break it down live in Budget Revealed streaming from 7.30pm AEST on 9Now and the 9News social accounts: TikTok, YouTube and Facebook. Then full analysis at 8.30pm with a 9News Budget Special hosted by Peter Overton, providing the final word on the government’s spending and its direct impact on your household budget. Through it all, our expert panel will be answering questions sent in by viewers using an on-screen QR code and social media.

Stay informed as 9News delivers the most essential breakdown of the year’s biggest economic event, tomorrow night. 

Monday 11 May, 2026

Authors Moreno Giovannoni and Kate Wild led an esteemed field of writers at The Age’s annual Book of the Year Awards tonight during the opening night of the Melbourne Writers Festival. 

With Giovannoni’s novel The Immigrants taking out the fiction category, and Wild’s investigative novel The Red House awarded best non-fiction, the winners each received $10,000 thanks to the Copyright Agency’s Cultural Fund. 

Both authors were praised by the judges – author and critic Bram Presser; essayist and critic Beejay Silcox; The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald’s Canberra Bureau Chief Michelle Griffin; and author, reviewer and mission director of Caritas Australia, Michael McGirr – for their deeply human stories. 

Giovannoni’s novel draws heavily on the experiences of his late parents, Italian immigrants who came to Australia in the 1950s, and was described by judges as a masterclass in migrant fiction and “the combustible art of telling Australian stories.”

Journalist and author Kate Wild won the non-fiction award for her investigation of the fatal shooting of Indigenous man Kumanjayi Walker by a white police officer in the Northern Territory in 2019. Judges described The Red House as an “important book but it gives us no sermons, only a compulsively readable story.”

Presenting the awards in the Athenaeum Theatre, The Age deputy editor Orietta Guerrera said: “It’s a great pleasure for The Age to be a partner of the festival, and to back tonight’s awards: the 45th Age Book of the Year. We are proud of The Age’s long history covering books, supporting writers across the country, and equally importantly, encouraging reading.”

The Age Book of the Year Awards has been running for 45 years and has honoured some of the most celebrated writers in Australia including David Malouf, Thea Astley, Tony Birch, Tim Winton, Elizabeth Jolley and Robbie Arnott. 

Friday 8 May, 2026

From Chopper to Samson & Delilah: The ultimate guide to our cinematic heritage – and where to stream it

Australians have always had a penchant for the underdog, the larrikin, and the haunting beauty of the outback. The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald celebrate that unique spirit with the release of The Top 50 Australian Movies, a definitive countdown of the films that have shaped our national identity.

Whether it’s the savage comedy of Chopper, the gritty devastation of Gallipoli, or the heart-wrenching journey of Rabbit-Proof Fence, this project honours the films that have stayed with us for decades. 

Led by The Age Spectrum Editor Lindy Percival and the Visual Stories Team, the judging panel includes acclaimed directors Warwick Thornton, Gillian Armstrong, actor and director John Polson, as well as legendary critic Margaret Pomeranz. 

The feature offers a highly immersive journey through our cinematic history. Beyond exploring the chosen films, subscribers can engage directly with the content through a custom-built voting feature to crown their own favourite Australian film and see where to stream winners like Samson & Delilah. Some of the most popular movies are available on Stan in a specially curated rail on the platform.

“In an increasingly globalised culture, it has never been more important to cherish those films that tell our own stories”, says The Age Spectrum editor Lindy Percival. “This tribute to Australian cinema reminds us of the vital role our filmmakers play in entertaining, inspiring and enlightening us about the place we call home.”

“Putting together this list really highlighted the range of styles and genres the Australian film industry has produced over its lifetime,” says Nathanael Scott, a member of the Visual Stories Team. “The challenge was creating a story that felt like this huge group all belonged together. Picking the right clip, finding common categories and showing the faces of the jury and their recommendations meant you can have cultural monoliths that loomed large internationally as well as some smaller, quintessentially Australian stories that don’t feel out of place.”

“This interactive project proudly explores 120 years of Australian cinema as told through the lens of our most innovative creators,” says Julia Naughton, Head of Life – Culture, Lifestyle & Travel. “It is essential reading – and viewing – for anyone who values the sheer creativity of our local storytellers.”

The digital feature is available online now, with a dedicated print souvenir appearing in the Spectrum section of the metro mastheads this Saturday. Films available to stream on Stan will also be showcased on a bespoke rail on the platform.

Friday 1 May, 2026

NEW SOUTH WALES v QUEENSLAND STREAM ORIGIN FOR FREE ON 9NOW
THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 7.30PM AEST

The fiercest rivalry in Australian sport enters a new era when the 2026 Ampol Women’s State of Origin series roars to life from tonight – Thursday, April 30, Exclusive, Live and Free on Channel 9 and 9Now.

For the third year in a row, the best players in the world will collide in a three-game showdown for the shield and Nine’s Wide World of Sports is the only place to catch all of the action.

The New South Wales Blues Women will have all guns firing with NRLW stars Jaime Chapman, Jess Sergis, Isabelle Kelly and returning after the birth of her first child last year – Millie Elliott.

While new Maroons captain Tamika Upton will be tasked with returning the shield to Queensland with help from senior players Romy Tietzel, Lauren Brown and Julia Robinson.Nine’s coverage will be hosted by Emma Lawrence with experts Cameron Smith, Brad Fittler, Allana Ferguson, commentator Peter Psaltis, and Marlee Silva on the sideline.

The series begins in the NSW heartland of Newcastle before moving to the cauldron of Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane and concluding in a high-stakes finale on the Gold Coast.

WOMEN’S STATE OF ORIGIN I – NEW SOUTH WALES v QUEENSLAND
Thursday, April 30
LIVE from McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle

Sydney                 7.30pm LIVE on Channel 9HD and 9Now
Brisbane               7.30pm LIVE on Channel 9HD and 9Now
Melbourne            7.30pm LIVE on 9GemHD and 9Now
Adelaide               7.00pm LIVE on 9GemHD and 9Now
Perth                     5.30pm LIVE on 9GemHD and 9Now

WOMEN’S STATE OF ORIGIN II – QUEENSLAND v NEW SOUTH WALES
Thursday, May 14
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

WOMEN’S STATE OF ORIGIN III – QUEENSLAND v NEW SOUTH WALES
Thursday, May 28
CBus Super Stadium, Gold Coast

WOMEN’S STATE OF ORIGIN I
THURSDAY, APRIL 30, AT 7.30PM
EXCLUSIVE, LIVE AND FREE
CHANNEL 9 AND 9NOW

Thursday 30 April, 2026

This ANZAC Day, 9News and Weekend Today will present a comprehensive day of reflection, remembrance, and live coverage, uniting Australians to commemorate the service and sacrifice of our diggers. From the hallowed grounds of Gallipoli and Villers-Bretonneux to the solemnity of local Dawn Services in our capital cities, 9Network is committed to bringing the spirit of ANZAC Day directly to living rooms across the nation.

On Saturday, April 25, 9Network’s coverage will feature a distinguished team on the ground. 9News Presenter Peter Overton will host our international broadcasts from Gallipoli and Villers-Bretonneux, ensuring a poignant and informative experience for viewers. Reporting from these historic sites, Josh Bavas and Hannah Sinclair will provide the latest updates as the nation pays its respects.

Closer to home, 9Network will bring local commemorations to viewers across the country, featuring dedicated broadcasts of Brisbane’s Dawn Service, hosted by Joel Dry, and a live, reflective broadcast from Melbourne’s iconic Shrine of Remembrance. 

Following the morning services, Weekend Today will broadcast live from Currumbin Queensland, with hosts Ali Piotrowski and Michael Atkinson capturing the community spirit of the day.

“ANZAC Day is one of the most significant dates on the Australian calendar,” said Hugh Nailon, National News Director. “We are privileged to bring these important ceremonies to our audience, ensuring that whether they are in their homes or attending a service, they can stand united in remembrance.”

Viewers can tune in on Channel 9 and 9Now for full coverage throughout the day, with a comprehensive wrap in 9News at 6pm, and a special ANZAC Day edition of A Current Affair with Deb Knight at 7pm.

Thursday 23 April, 2026

TOTAL RADIO 

Nine Radio has delivered a resounding result in GfK Survey 2, claiming the No.1 station in both Sydney and Melbourne, winning breakfast in both cities, and posting significant audience gains right across the country.

Today’s results confirm that Australians are turning to Nine Radio in record numbers for trusted live and local news, sport, culture, and opinion. With Ben Fordham Live (2GB) and Breakfast with Ross and Russ (3AW) dominating the brekky battle, Nine Radio has firmly cemented its grip on the two most competitive markets in Australian radio.

This surge is reflected nationwide, with total listeners up 5% on Survey 1 and 8% year-on-year. More Australians than ever are choosing to tune in – whether at home or on the go – for the very best in live and local content that defines the network.

2GB Highlights

• 2GB is the No.1 station in Sydney with a 13.3 share (up 1.1)
• Ben Fordham Live is No.1 in Breakfast with a 16.8 share (up 0.2)
• Mornings with Mark Levy is No.1 in Talk with a 15.2 share (up 1.1)

3AW Highlights

• 3AW is the clear No.1 station in Melbourne with a 14.2 share (up 0.4)
• Breakfast with Ross and Russ are No.1 with a massive 19.3 share
• Mornings with Tom Elliott is No.1 with a 16.6 share (up 0.4)

Greg Byrnes, National Content Manager, said: “These are stunning results during a challenging news cycle. 2GB is No.1 in Sydney after recording the biggest station increase in the market, while 3AW has further solidified its dominance in Melbourne. 4BC shows solid growth following its lineup reshuffle, and 6PR maintains strong audience gains in Perth. It’s great recognition for our hardworking content teams and we thank our listeners for joining our conversation each day.”

COMMERCIAL RADIO SHARE	TOTAL RADIO CUME
15.1% (4 markets – up 0.5)	1.806 million listeners each week (up 5%)

STREAMING

Nine Radio remains the dominant force in live audio streaming, surging an incredible 30% year-on-year, cementing its spot as the outright No.1 nationally. With a huge lead in shares across Breakfast and Mornings in both Sydney and Melbourne, these results reflect the growing number of Australians choosing to engage with live and local content via digital devices – at home, in the car, or wherever they choose to tune in.

2GB Streaming Highlights

• 2GB No.1 overall with a 36.0 commercial streaming share
• Ben Fordham Live is No.1 in Breakfast with an incredible 48.8 share
• Mornings with Mark Levy No.1 with 39.1 share

3AW Streaming Highlights

• 3AW No.1 overall with a 31.2 commercial streaming share 
• Breakfast with Ross and Russ No.1 with a 45.8 share
• Mornings with Tom Elliott is No.1 with a 37.7 share

Greg Byrnes said: “The incredible growth in streaming shows that Australians increasingly view it as the best way to stay connected to our local content, wherever they are. The response to the rollout of our ‘insync’ football feature has been fantastic, and we have further exciting app upgrades in the pipeline. This ease of use and significant engagement highlight exactly how we continue to build our audience and reach even more listeners.”

COMMERCIAL STREAMING SHARE	STREAMING CUME
28.7 (up 1.3)	451,000

PODCASTS

Nine Podcasts has continued its powerful start to 2026, delivering 4.42 million monthly downloads – up 15% year-on-year – and 1.93 million listeners, a massive 22% jump on this time last year.

Podcast Highlights

• Catch-up Radio: Ben Fordham Live remains a powerhouse, ranking 17th in the Australian Top 300 with over half a million downloads. Mornings with Tom Elliott followed with 143,000 downloads, while the newly rebranded Continuous Call Team feed exploded onto the scene with 70,000 downloads in its debut month.
• Original Podcasts: The slate continues to resonate, with Motive and Method securing 78,000 downloads, Eddie and Jimmy recording 76,000, and Prime Time with Bec Wilson reaching 64,000.

Richard Stansbury, Podcast Content Director, said: “Nine Podcasts has executed a deliberate, high-impact content shift over the last six months, sharpening our focus on News, Business, and Sports. This strategy is paying off with year-on-year growth in both listeners and downloads surging. With new podcasts in the pipeline and major True Crime projects launching soon, the trajectory for our slate is incredibly promising.”

MARCH DOWNLOADS	MARCH LISTENERS
4.42 million (+15% YoY)	1.93 million (+22% YoY)

Source: GfK Radio360 Ratings, Survey 2 2026, 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, 2GB Breakfast Mon-Fri 5.30am-9am, 2GB Mornings Mon-Fi 9am-12pm, AP10+, Nine Radio – 2GB, 3AW, 4BC, 6PR, unless otherwise specified.

Source: Triton Podcast Metrics, March 2026, Downloads, Listeners, Nine Entertainment.

Thursday, 23 April 2026

Nine and the National Basketball League (NBL) will join forces to become the home of free hoops from 2026, in a transformative partnership that brings the pre-eminent Australian men’s professional basketball league onto the current No.1 ranked network in the nation. 

The two-year agreement will see two free-to-air NBL games available every week across the 9Network in a win for Aussie basketball fans.

A selection of marquee games will be broadcast on Channel 9, delivering premium live basketball to the widest possible audience.

The partnership builds on the NBL’s record-breaking growth across attendance, digital engagement and free-to-air audiences, further strengthening its position as Australia’s fastest growing sporting league. 

Nine’s NBL coverage will sit alongside the WNBL, where top level Australian basketball joins the 9Network’s runway to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, where the Boomers and Opals will take on the world once again. 

Broadcast Highlights for 2026/27 Season:

• Two Marquee Games per week: Saturday evening, Live and Free on the 9Network and 9Now.
• NBL Finals Series: See games live and free.
• NBL Overtime: Weekly NBL show delivering analysis, highlights and exclusive access.
• 9Now Integration: A dedicated NBL hub featuring highlights, classic games, and catch-up content.
• Wide World of Sports Coverage: Comprehensive news and editorial support across Nine’s digital and sports broadcast platforms.

Nine’s Director of Sport Brent Williams, said: “The NBL is without a doubt one of Australia’s most engaging and fastest growing sports competitions. The standard of the game has never been higher, passion from the fans has never been stronger and an innovative broadcast approach from all stakeholders makes this a perfect addition to Nine’s suite of sport assets. We are thrilled to be entering this partnership and excited about the opportunities that will come from having NBL content on Nine’s platforms. 

NBL Group CEO David Stevenson said: “This is a significant moment for the NBL and for basketball fans right across Australia. Following a record-breaking season across attendance, digital and Free to Air audiences, this partnership with Nine is about building on that momentum and making our game more accessible than ever before.

“Having two games live and free every week is a major win for fans and a powerful platform to continue growing the game.

“We’re incredibly excited to partner with Nine, whose scale and storytelling capability will help bring the energy of the NBL to more homes, create new fans, and elevate the visibility of our clubs and players.”

The NBL 2026/2027 season schedule, including specific match-ups and broadcast times, will be released later this year.

Wednesday 22 April, 2026

STARTING WITH THE PRIME MINISTER FACING THE NATION
TUESDAY, APRIL 28, AT 7.30PM ON CHANNEL 9 AND 9NOW

Brace yourself for a fresh wave of hilarity and eye-opening data as The Hundred with Andy Lee returns for its ninth season on Tuesday, April 28, at 7.30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.

Each week host Andy Lee is joined by 100 everyday Aussies zooming into the studio from across the country. Carefully selected to represent the makeup of our vast nation, The Hundred continue to reveal hilarious and sometimes shocking truths about what Aussie’s really think. 

Regular panellistsMike Goldstein and Sophie Monk return, joined this season by the crème de la crème of Aussie comedy. The stellar lineup includes Joel Creasey, Kate Langbroek, Pete Helliar, Denise Scott, Hamish Blake, Glenn Robbins and Dave Hughes, all in a battle to prove who knows Australia best.

In the premiere episode, onFace The Hundred, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese enters the hot seat to test if the nation can actually recognise their leader. His appearance sets the stage for a parade of high-profilers throughout the season, including Cody Simpson, Janine Allis, Max Gawn and Samuel Johnson.

Also in this episode, Sophie Monk and Mike Goldstein are joined by everyone’s favourite Welsh funny man, Lloyd Langford. Together with the Prime Minister, the panel determine just how political we really are, while tackling the ethics of open-mouth chewers, big-date spenders, and whether it’s acceptable to break up with someone just before Christmas.

Fans can look forward to the return of other popular segments including Trial By A Hundred, This or That,Match ’Em, and Is That Legal? This season will also feature themed episodes celebrating all things business, crime and holidays, along with a special “fright night” edition.

No matter the topic, The Hundred with Andy Lee is ready to uncover the unfiltered truth of the Australian psyche, every Tuesday at 7.30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.

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.

Tuesday 21 April, 2026