Get ready for more laughs, more surprising stats, and find out what Aussies really think when The Hundred with Andy Lee returns in a new prime time timeslot on Wednesday, April 2, at 7.30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.
Each week hostAndy Lee will be joined by a rotating panel of top comedians, alongside The Hundred, a cross-section of everyday Aussies from right across the country appearing via Zoom who reveal surprising, hilarious and sometimes shocking truths about our nation.
This season comedian Mike Goldstein and media superstar Sophie Monk return and are joined by a stellar lineup of guest comedians including Tom Gleeson, Joel Creasey, Kate Langbroek, Ross Noble and many more. Expect even bigger laughs, wilder stats, and the return of fan-favourite segments.
In the first episode, everyone’s best friend,Hamish Blake, joins the panel and we learn what percentage of The Hundred consider their sibling their best friend, and who’s been busted sneaking out of home. Couples Court is back solving Australia’s relationship dramas, and we’ll find out who agrees that you eat the best part of a meal first. This or That also returns, where we will debate the best way to stack cutlery in the dishwasher. All that plus a curious foot reveal . . .
Merv Hughes, David Walliams, Osher Günsberg and Glenn Robbins will brave The Hundred this season, seeing if their faces are as recognisable as they think, while other popular segments including Is That Rude? and Match Em also return.
Andy Lee said: “We asked 100 Australians whether they wanted the show to come back and 98 said yes. Two of them must work for Channel 7. So excited to see what Australia is feeling and thinking again.”
Mike Goldstein added: “Every year, the stats get crazier and the debates get funnier. I’m keen to find out just how weirdly predictable Australians really are.”
Sophie Monk said: “I learn so much on this show about how Australians think… I also learned that I’m terrible at grammer and spelling.”
No matter what’s making headlines or going viral, The Hundred with Andy Lee will uncover the nation’s real opinions when it returns in its new prime time timeslot of 7.30pm every Wednesday 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.
A haunting new podcast, The Saints, is set to unravel one of Australia’s most shocking and heartbreaking stories: the tragic death of eight-year-old Elizabeth Struhs. Since its revelation in 2022, the case of Elizabeth’s death at the hands of a religious cult in regional Queensland has stunned audiences worldwide, shedding light on the dangers of extreme religious groups.
At the heart of The Saints is a story of lost innocence, unwavering faith, and the fatal consequences of unchecked devotion. Elizabeth, who suffered from a treatable illness, was denied medical care by her parents and the members of their radical religious community, all of whom believed divine intervention would heal her. Her avoidable death led to one of Australia’s largest-ever mass trials, where 14 cult members – including her parents and brother – were found guilty of her tragic death.
This hard-hitting podcast is a joint investigation by A Current Affair and 9Podcasts, presented by award-winning journalist Pippa Bradshaw, whose extensive 15-year career in investigative reporting brings a uniquely insightful perspective. With over three years of in-depth research, Bradshaw delves into Elizabeth’s heartbreaking story, unraveling the series of failures that led to her death and exposing the dark history of the cult that took her life.
“This case is one of the most confronting but significant stories I’ve ever covered,” says Bradshaw.
“Sharing Elizabeth’s story in a podcast allows us to explore the complexities and shocking aspects of her case in more detail than ever before. My aim is to honour Elizabeth, shed light on the truth of her avoidable death, and address the many troubling questions that were left unanswered.”
The Saints takes listeners on a gripping journey through seven meticulously crafted episodes, which include exclusive interviews, harrowing police interrogations, and expert analysis. The podcast provides an intimate, chilling look into the cult’s operations—how its leader manipulated religious scripture to control followers, how new recruits were drawn in, and the broken families left to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives.
Cameron Schoenfisch, whose son Lachlan was a convicted cult member, reflects on the profound trauma caused by the cult’s grip. “I can’t really convey our suffering and the cost and the trauma. We didn’t realise it could go so bad, so quick.”
In a warning to other parents, Schoenfisch adds, “Don’t let this happen to you. Don’t let this happen to your loved ones. Hold your children close and tell them you love them, because you never know when that’s going to be the last chance you get.”
Beyond its exploration of cult dynamics, The Saints raises important questions about potential systemic failures within Australia’s justice and child protection systems.
“The cult responsible for Elizabeth’s death is now locked behind bars, but critical questions remain,” says Bradshaw.
“Elizabeth was left in the care of a religious cult with known extreme and dangerous beliefs, and a mother who had previously confessed that she would continue to withhold vital medication from her daughter. Through the final episodes of this podcast, we seek to investigate whether systemic failures contributed to Elizabeth’s tragic death.”
The Saints is brought to life by an award-winning team renowned for their gripping, chart-topping true crime productions:
Executive Producer Jess Lodge – Creator of the internationally celebrated Hannah’s Story and the chart-topping The Ultimate Sacrifice.
Sound Designer & Editor Hannah Sterling – The creative force behind the hit investigative podcast Just Married: The Anthea Bradshaw Mystery.
Prepare to be captivated by The Saints, a podcast that digs deeper than headlines, revealing the heartbreaking and disturbing truth behind one of Australia’s most unsettling criminal cases.
The trailer is available now, with episodes streaming weekly from April 7 on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
For further information, please contact: Caitlin Lynch Senior Communications Manager, Nine clynch@nine.com.au
A gripping new real-life series, West Coast Cops, premieres Friday, March 28, at 7.30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now, following seven British police officers who trade the streets of the UK for the vast and daunting landscape of Western Australia.
Viewers get a front-row seat for an unfiltered look at the challenges brave police officers face in a foreign environment where no two days are ever the same.
Moving to a different country is never easy, but for these officers and their families the transition is even more intense. From dealing with Australia’s heat and vast open roads to adapting to new policing tactics, they are pushed to their limits as they train, integrate, and prove themselves as part of the WA Police Force.
The eight-part series, narrated by Lisa McCune, offers an intimate look at the challenges of uprooting a life and starting over on the other side of the world. As these coppers undergo rigorous training, including tasers and firearms, their families face their own struggles: finding new homes, making new friends, and learning to live thousands of kilometres away from loved ones.
In episode one, Detective Constable Anna Miller, her husband Andy and their three children must adapt fast to life Down Under while she embarks on this career defining challenge. Meanwhile, Sergeant Ben Woods, a seasoned officer, takes a huge step back in his career in the hope of building a better life in Perth. As they face three months of intensive training, the question remains – will they have what it takes to earn their place in the ranks of WA law enforcement?
Beyond the personal journeys, West Coast Cops gives an insight into the vital role WA police officers play in keeping the community safe, as well as highlighting those who train, mentor and guide recruits through the realities of frontline policing.
West Coast Cops is produced by Prospero Productions for the 9Network.
WEST COAST COPS FRIDAY, MARCH 28, AT 7.30PM ON CHANNEL 9 & 9NOW #Channel9 #WestCoastCops
For further information, please contact: Bayley Howe 9Network Publicity bayleyhowe@nine.com.au
The Age has dominated tonight’s prestigious 30th Melbourne Press Club Quill Awards, collecting a record 14 awards including the Gold Quill and Journalist of the Year. It is the best result for The Age since the Quill began in 1995.
The masthead led the charge by Nine’s journalists and editorial teams, with the strength and breadth of journalism at The Age, The Australian Financial Review, Good Weekend, 9News, 60 Minutes and 3AW collecting 18 awards across multiple categories.
The acclaimed Graham Perkin Australian Journalist of the Year Award was presented to Nick McKenzie – the only journalist to win the Perkin three times in the 49-year-history of the award – for his exceptional body of work exposing the endemic corruption within the CFMEU. The investigation ran across The Age, The Australian Financial Review, 60 Minutes and The Sydney Morning Herald.
Alongside Ben Schneiders and David Marin-Guzman, McKenzie (The Age and The Australian Financial Review), also won the prestigious Gold Quill for their investigative series Building Bad. Judges praised it as “public interest journalism at its finest”, recognising the team’s courage and determination in exposing corruption within Australia’s construction industry. The investigation also won the News Report in Writing Quill and the Grant Hattam Quill for Investigative Journalism.
The full list of awards and highly commended follows:
Nine’s Award Winners
Graham Perkin Australian Journalist of the Year Award – Nick McKenzie (The Age)
Gold Quill – Nick McKenzie, Ben Schneiders, and David Marin-Guzman (The Age and The Australian Financial Review) for Building Bad
Grant Hattam Quill for Investigative Journalism – The ‘Building Bad’ Team (60 Minutes, The Age and The Australian Financial Review)Building Bad
News Report in Writing – Nick McKenzie, Ben Schneiders and David Marin-Guzman (The Age and The Australian Financial Review)Building Bad
Feature Writing – Michael Bachelard, Nick McKenzie, Ruby Schwartz, and the Visual Stories Team (Good Weekend) for Road to Ruin
Scoop of the Year – John Silvester (The Age) for How Police tracked the Easey Street suspect
Keith Dunstan Quill for Commentary – Waleed Aly (The Age)
Radio Current Affairs – Heidi Murphy (3AW) for Long Shift
Coverage of Women in Sport – Hannah Kennelly (The Age and The Mansfield Courier) There’s nowhere for them to go: When girls are booted out of football
Excellence in Indigenous Affairs Reporting – The Age Investigations and Visual Stories Teams, (The Age) for Carbon ‘sharks’: How private companies are cashing in on ancient practices
TV/Video News – Christine Ahern (9News Melbourne) for The Yarra Valley Grammar ‘Unrapeable’ Scandal
TV Camera Work (Creative) – Ryan Mason (9News Melbourne) for Marathon Man
TV Camera Work (Shot of the Year) – Peter Washington (9News Melbourne) for Sam Murphy Phone Find
Podcasting – Michael Bachelard and Ruby Schwartz (The Age) for Trial by Water
News Photograph – Christopher Hopkins (The Age) for Riot
Artwork – Marija Ercegovac (The Age) for Seeing Red
Cartoon – Badiuaco(The Age) for Albo’s Choice
Highly Commended
Breaking News Team (The Age) – Best Breaking News or Live Coverage for Easey Street
Gillian Lantouris (9News Melbourne) – Scoop of the Year for Mick Murphy: Exclusive interview with Samantha Murphy’s widower
Jason Conduit and Gillian Lantouris (9News Melbourne) – TV Video News for Mick Murphy: Exclusive interview with Samantha Murphy’s widower
John Silvester (The Age) – Keith Dunstan Quill for Commentary for Inside the Justice System
Carla Jaeger (The Age) – Young Journalist of the Year
Tom Morris (9News Melbourne) – Sports News for Christian Petracca Stories
Visual Stories Team (The Age) – Sports Feature for Faster, higher, stronger: How the Paris 1924 champions would go against today’s Olympians
Aisha Dow, The Age Visual Stories Team and Julia Carr-Catzel (The Age) – Best Coverage of an Issue for Scam Investigation
Nino Bucci (The Age) – Grant Hattam Quill for Investigative Journalism
Visual Stories Team (The Age) – Innovation in Journalism for Faster, higher, stronger series
Visual Stories Team and Shane Wright (The Age) – Innovation in Journalism for AI Language Models – Budget Speeches Analysis
Abbir Dib (The Age) – Multicultural Affairs and Media for Every morning I check WhatsApp to make sure my Teta in Lebanon is still alive
Benjamin Preiss (The Age) – Multicultural Affairs and Media for More than one community, this was an attack on Melbourne’s multicultural fabric
Sarah Danckert and Carla Jaeger(The Age) – Business/News Feature for Cash for the boys: How underworld figures pulled the strings at ASX-listed company
Jason Conduit and Ross Barker (9News Melbourne – TV Camera Work Shot of the Year for The Derrimut Fire Aerials
Megan Herbert (The Age) – Cartoon for How to Cook Australia’s energy transition
Justin McManus (The Age) – Features Photograph for Dyurrite Dreaming
Patrick Elligett, Editor of The Age, said, “No newsroom in the country has consistently generated such a high standard of impactful, public interest journalism as The Age has over many years now.”
“Our winners and finalists deserve every bit of recognition, as do the producers, editors and newsroom staff who work tirelessly behind the scenes and the subscribers who support their work.
“This result also cements Nick McKenzie’s place as one of the greatest journalists of all time.”
Hugh Nailon, Director of 9News Melbourne, said, “With a remarkable number of wins across multiple categories, Nine’s journalists have once again set the standard for excellence at the Quill Awards.”
“Their outstanding work highlights the depth, impact, and fearless commitment to quality journalism that informs and shapes our communities. Nine is proud to celebrate these achievements and the dedication of our teams across publishing, radio, and television.”
Stephen Beers, 3AW Station Manager, said, “This is an exceptional effort by Heidi Murphy and her team – radio at its finest. The story unfolded live on air in just hours, setting the agenda and dominating the news cycle for days.”
This year’s Quill Awards showcased the incredible talent and dedication of Nine’s journalists, with wins spanning investigative reporting, commentary, photography, and live broadcasting. From exposing corruption to breaking major stories and delivering powerful storytelling, their work continues to shape the news agenda and serve the public interest. These awards are a testament to Nine’s unwavering commitment to journalistic excellence and trustworthy local news and current affairs.
For further information, please contact: Caitlin Lynch Senior Communications Manager, Corporate clynch@nine.com.au
Adrian Motte Senior Communications Manager, Trade & Publishing amotte@nine.com.au
9News will deliver Australia’s most comprehensive coverage of the 2025 Federal Budget, live and free on Channel 9 and 9Now, bringing viewers unrivalled analysis and expert insights from the nation’s most trusted political and finance reporters.
On Tuesday, March 25, 9News will have a powerhouse team covering every angle of Budget day, from early morning updates to in-depth analysis late into the night.
Bringing together an exceptional lineup of the country’s most experienced and respected journalists,9News’ coverage will be led by:
Charles Croucher – Federal Political Editor Andrew Probyn – National Affairs Editor Effie Zahos – Money Editor Chris Kohler – Finance Editor Liz Daniels – Today Show Political Reporter Claudia Vrdoljak – Political Reporter Amanda Copp – Political Reporter
EXTENSIVE COVERAGE ACROSS THE DAY
9News’ Budget coverage will commence on Today, broadcasting live from Canberra on the morning of Budget day.
Updates will continue across the day in9News bulletins at 11.30am, 4.00pm and 6.00pm.
At 10.00pm, 9News will deliver an in-depth 9News Budget Special hosted by Peter Overton, featuring expert analysis from Charles Croucher, Andrew Probyn, Effie Zahos and Chris Kohler. The special will include exclusive interviews with Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor, as well as industry reactions from Amanda Copp.
On Wednesday, our expert team will continue to break down the key takeaways from the Budget, delivering in-depth analysis, reactions and insights throughout the day – helping Australians understand exactly what it means for them.
Additionally, in the lead-up to Budget night, Federal Political EditorCharles Croucher will sit down for an exclusive one-on-one interview with Treasurer Jim Chalmers this Sunday on Weekend Today.
For the most comprehensive coverage and expert analysis of the 2025 Federal Budget, Australians can rely on 9News – the nation’s leader in trusted journalism – live and free on Channel 9 and 9Now.
For further information, please contact: Terry Stuart Senior Communications Manager tstuart@nine.com.au
The countdown has officially begun for this year’s Nine Telethon supporting Mater Little Miracles, which will be broadcast across Channel 9 and 9Now on Saturday 26 April.
The iconic event raises critical funds towards life-saving research, care and equipment at Mater – ensuring Queensland babies have the best possible start to life.
This year’s Nine Telethon is off to a flying start after Health Minister Tim Nicholls announced a commitment of $1,500,000 on behalf of the Queensland Government.
Minister Nicholls said that it was an honour for the Crisafulli Government to launch this year’s Nine Telethon with a $1.5 million donation.
“Queensland babies need and deserve the best possible care,” Minister Nicholls said.
“Mater provides critical care for vulnerable babies from across the state, so I’m encouraging Queenslanders everywhere to support this cause and the dedicated frontline teams who care for our little miracles.”
The Nine Telethon will give viewers an insight into the brave stories of Mater’s miracle babies, their families and the Mater teams who support their inspirational health journeys.
Mater Foundation Chief Executive Andrew Thomas said this year’s broadcast will include special performances by Australian music stars Tones & I and Mark Seymour.
“Mater and our frontline Mater Mothers’ staff are incredibly grateful to Channel Nine for sharing the stories of many Mater Little Miracles, the Queensland Government for generously kick-starting the donations, and all our presenting partners,” Mr Thomas said.
“We’re sure that our Mater babies, parents and staff – supported by Tones & I and Mark Seymour – will provide an incredible show for Nine viewers.
“The Nine Telethon is off to a tremendous start and we’re confident that big-hearted Queenslanders will give our Mater Little Miracles another giant lift on April 26.”
Ipswich parents Georgia and Elliott Gillespie joined the launch to thank Mater for helping to save their newborn son Miles, who was born at Mater Mothers’ Hospital on March 4.
During her pregnancy, tests revealed Mrs Gillespie was at risk of developing haemolytic disease, in which a mother’s blood antibodies attack her baby’s red blood cells, causing anaemia and potentially severe complications.
Baby Miles was monitored extensively at the Mater Centre for Maternal Fetal Medicine by specialist Dr Glenn Gardener and obstetrician Dr Kate Strawson.
While Miles was still in his mother’s womb, Dr Gardener performed three life-saving intrauterine red blood cell transfusions into his umbilical cord.
Miles was delivered via a caesarean section at 37 weeks’ and left hospital a week later.
“Miles came home last week and it was so special, his three doting big sisters were ready for that momentous day – as were we!” Mrs Gillespie said.
“The care we received was amazing – and shows why the Nine Telethon is such a great cause.”
Managing Director for Nine Queensland and Northern New South Wales, Kylie Blucher, said the Telethon target for this year was $9m, after $6.79m was raised last year.
“Babies like Miles are the reason we put our heart and soul into every single Nine Telethon,” Ms Blucher said.
“Every year Channel Nine’s Telethon highlights what amazingly compassionate people Queenslanders are and how much they appreciate the hard work the Mater does, day in and day out.
“We know this year will be no different and we can’t wait for the response from our viewers.”
DONATE: Support Queensland’s littlest lives by making a donation at www.9telethon.com.au
The Storm and Panthers are shaping up for an epic NRL Grand Final rematch on Thursday Night Footy, when NRL Round 3 features the biggest rugby league rivalries with three grudge matches, live and free, on Channel 9 and 9Now this weekend.
On Thursday Night Footy from 7.30pm AEDT, the Storm get their first shot at inflicting some pain on the Panthers for their 2024 Grand Final defeat, when they host them at AAMI Park, Melbourne. Fresh from a bye, the Storm are at full strength after a crushing round 1 victory, while the Panthers are coming off a shock loss to the Roosters last week. Every Storm home game in 2025 is available for free on Channel 9 Melbourne.
Saddle up for the Queensland Derby on Friday Night Footy, when the Broncos host the Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane. While scenes of their epic 2015 Grand Final encounter ring loudest, both sides always bring out the best in each other when they meet regardless of their position on the ladder when Queensland rugby league’s big brother meets little brother.
In his return season with the club, the Broncos sole remaining player from the 2015 Grand Final, Ben Hunt, will be out to put on a show for Broncos fans 10 years on from that painful night.
A local rivalry born out of their 1980s domination headlines Sunday Arvo Footy when the Bulldogs meet the Eels. Captained by NSW State of Origin star Stephen Crichton, the dogs are barking loud after an undefeated start to the season and have shown grit with their defence so far. The Eels are at the opposite end of the spectrum after suffering two heavy defeats in the opening rounds, however motivation won’t be hard to find against their most hated rivals.
In commentary exclusively for Nine’s Wide World of Sports is the best in the business. Hosted by James Bracey and Danika Mason, the expert commentary line up for 2025 features rugby league Immortal Andrew Johns and fellow premiership winners Cameron Smith, Billy Slater, Phil Gould, Johnathan Thurston, Brad Fittler, Paul Gallen, Darren Lockyer, Millie Elliott and Sam Thaiday. Plus women’s internationals Ruan Sims and Allana Ferguson, sideline reporters Marlee Silva and Emma Lawrence, with Lawrence to also host the Sunday Footy Show.
This unrivalled lineup of commentators, boasting 52 Grand Final appearances as players and coaches combined, will provide viewers with insight and analysis all the way through the 2025 season with exclusive access into the dressing sheds after the game.
Calling the live action will be Mat Thompson, Brenton Speed and Peter Psaltis.
BROADCAST SCHEDULE: NRL ROUND 3 ON NINE
Thursday, March 20
THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL – STORM v PANTHERS Sydney 7.30pm on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now Brisbane 6.30pm on 9GemHD, 7.00pm on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now Melbourne 7.30pm on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now Adelaide 7.00pm on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now Perth 4.30pm on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
Friday, March 21
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTY – BRONCOS v COWBOYS Sydney 7.30pm on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now Brisbane 6.30pm on 9GemHD, 7.00pm on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now Melbourne 7.30pm on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now Adelaide 7.00pm on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now Perth 4.30pm on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
Sunday, March 23
WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS – This Week: Mark Taylor, Casey Dellacqua, Ellie Cole and Nick McArdle. Special Guest: Peter Bol Sydney / Brisbane – 10.00am on Channel 9. Melbourne / Adelaide / Perth 12.00pm on Channel 9
THE SUNDAY FOOTY SHOW – Billy Slater, Andrew Johns, Brad Fittler and host Emma Lawrence. Sydney/Brisbane 11.00am on Channel 9 Melbourne 11.00am / Adelaide 10.30am / Perth 10.00am on 9Gem
SUNDAY ARVO FOOTY – EELS v BULLDOGS Sydney 3.00pm on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now Brisbane 2.00pm on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now Melbourne 3.00pm on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now Adelaide 2.30pm on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now Perth 12.00pm on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
Monday, March 24
100% FOOTY – 9.00pm on Channel 9 and 9Now in Sydney/Brisbane, following Married At First Sight. Phil Gould and Paul Gallen are joined by the most capped Queensland Maroons player of all-time, Cameron Smith to weigh in on the big issues. Host James Bracey will steer the ship, while 9News rugby league reporters Danny Weidler and Michael Chammas bring the latest breaking news each week.
NRL ON NINE DIGITAL THIS WEEK: STREAM FREE ON 9NOW
The Manly Way, Season 2. Final Episode – Stream on 9Now The final episode of The Manly Way puts a full stop on the pre-season as the team prepares to whip the Cowboys in their NRL season-opener at their home ground ‘The Fortress’ – 4 Pines Park. The build up to Game 1 includes surfing lessons, a season launch, and heartfelt jersey presentations to a couple of new players.
Keep Moving Forward. Final Episode – Stream on 9Now Tino Fa’asuamaleaui suffered a devastating season ending knee injury nearly 12 months ago at Belmore Oval against the Bulldogs. In the final episode of his recovery journey, he makes his highly anticipated NRL return at the very same location. Capture it all from behind the scenes in Keep Moving Forward on 9Now.
Marlee and Me – Canberra Raiders powerhouse Joe Tapine From growing up in Wellington, New Zealand to making his mark in the NRL, Tapine’s journey is one of resilience and growth. He opens up about his family, the challenges of moving to Australia, and the harsh lessons he learned along the way. We also chat about his Māori heritage, how the All Stars camp deepened his cultural connection, and how fatherhood has changed his perspective on life and footy.
Six Tackles with Gus – Round 3 Gus breaks down the round that was – Should Cowboys fans be concerned? And are the Raiders actually the best team in the comp right now?, And in a Six Tackles exclusive, Gus reveals how the best forward in the comp right now, nearly became a Bulldog. Plus, we put a price on the game’s top players in Gus’ auction house, and a preview of Round 3.
Freddy and The Eighth – every Wednesday on Channel 9 Join Danika Mason, Andrew Johns and Brad Fittler for a unique look at the rugby league world and their take on the biggest moments from the past week with plenty of fun aswell.
NRL ROUND 3 2025 NRL GRAND FINAL REMATCH: STORM V PANTHERS FROM THURSDAY MARCH 20 AT 7.30PM AEDT LIVE AND FREE ON CHANNEL 9HD AND 9NOW
As part of its ongoing commitment to delivering world-class technology and product solutions, Nine has announced a significant restructuring of its Data, Product, and Technology functions. To drive innovation and create greater impact, two key divisions have been created: Consumer and Enterprise.
The Consumer Division will focus on delivering world-class products across Streaming and Publishing, while the Enterprise Division will focus on data leadership and developing solutions to support Nine’s broader business goals.
In line with this new structure, Nine is pleased to announce the appointment of two key leaders to newly created roles. Lewis Evans has been named Chief Product and Technology Officer, Consumer. Evans, currently Director of Product, Streaming, brings extensive experience leading 9Now through major consumer events such the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games. His leadership and innovative mindset will play a pivotal role in advancing Nine’s Streaming and Publishing capabilities.
Nine’s current Chief Data Officer, Suzie Cardwell has been appointed to the expanded role of Chief Data, Product, and Technology Officer, Enterprise. Cardwell has been instrumental in driving cutting-edge data solutions and will continue to lead the charge in developing technology that powers Nine’s commercial, cloud, and advertising platforms.
Nine’s Chief Digital Officer, Alex Parsons said, “This restructure marks a key moment in Nine’s digital transformation. By strategically aligning our teams to dedicated Consumer and Enterprise divisions, we’re ensuring that we solidify our leadership in the digital space – delivering exceptional experiences for our customers, while building and strengthening the robust technology and data infrastructure that drives our business forward.”
“I’m incredibly excited for Lewis and Suzie as they step into their new roles. Both are incredibly talented leaders with a track record of success. Lewis has been a driving force behind 9Now’s growth, and Suzie’s leadership in data and technology has been integral to our digital strategy. I’m confident they will lead their teams to even greater achievements in these key areas.”
The structural changes within Nine’s digital function, which take effect immediately, will support the ongoing transformation and the continued delivery of exceptional technology experiences.
For further information, please contact: Caitlin Lynch Senior Communications Manager, Nine clynch@nine.com.au
Nine today announces it has been appointed by Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) to act as the exclusive sales partner for advertising on the Max streaming service in Australia.
Launching on 31 March, Max will be the home of WBD’s premium slate of content, including HBO and Max Originals such as The Last of Us, The White Lotus and And Just Like That…, as well as hit Warner Bros. films and real-life content from Discovery, HGTV, ID and more.
Nine’s sales team has been appointed as Max’s exclusive sales partner to commercially maximise its ad-supported Basic With Ads tier.
Utilising Nine’s advanced tech systems, Max will be a key component of Nine’s digital video proposition to advertisers, represented by Nine Sales across the country.
When combined with 9Now and Stan Sport, Nine’s representation of WBD creates a significant scale of audience across leading Subscription Video On Demand (SVOD) and Broadcast Video On Demand (BVOD) categories.
Trading on Max’s extensive portfolio of world-class content, this inventory will form part of Nine’s premium revenue strategy driven by Powered (premium integrated sales and strategy) while Nine’s Centre of Digital Excellence (Digital solutions, data, product and programmatic) will form the foundation of the sales strategy.
The relationship will allow Nine to offer agencies and clients innovative and streamlined ad solutions across both SVOD and BVOD platforms, ultimately delivering better business results for advertisers.
WBD’s GM Australia and New Zealand, Michael Brooks, said: “This is the first time WBD’s premium slate of content has existed in one place in Australia. Launching Max with an ad-supported tier creates a compelling offer for viewers and advertisers alike, while partnering with Nine allows us to tap into their deep experience, strong relationships and proven capabilities.”
Nine’s Acting Chief Sales Officer, Matt James, said: “The combination of Max’s amazing content and world-leading advertising products with Nine’s local expertise, sales infrastructure and scale is a unique opportunity for clients in this country. This relationship with WBD will accelerate our strategy into the digital video market and offer clients better return on investment.”
For further information, please contact: Adrian Motte Senior Communications Manager – Publishing & Trade amotte@nine.com.au
Brisbane’s 4BC has seen a huge spike in digital streaming, with session starts up 79% year-on-year in the past week. The increase came as Queenslanders turned to the station for critical updates and reliable information during Cyclone Alfred.
Total listening hours (TLH) for 4BC also jumped 45% compared to the same period last year, while cumulative audience spiked 54% as listeners stayed connected through the storm’s impact, highlighting the vital role of live and local news coverage in times of crisis.
4BC Station Manager, Siobhain McDonnell said the team worked tirelessly to keep listeners informed as the situation unfolded.
“When extreme weather hits, radio is more than just a source of news – it’s a lifeline. Our team at 4BC was committed to delivering accurate and timely updates to support the Brisbane community through Cyclone Alfred. This surge in streaming numbers reflects the trust our listeners place in us, and we’re very grateful for their support.” McDonnell said.
4BC was the only station in Brisbane providing dedicated emergency broadcasts 24 hours a day from Thursday through until Monday night.
“Our presenters, producers, newsroom staff and audio engineers have worked around the clock to provide the latest information while also giving people a sense of connection during a really tough time. I’m so proud of them and I want to thank them for everything they’ve done”, said McDonnell.
As Queensland continues to recover, 4BC remains committed to keeping Brisbane informed and connected with the latest news and community support updates.
