Archives: Media Releases

EXCLUSIVE, LIVE AND FREE ON THE 9NETWORK, STREAM FREE ON 9NOW
FRIDAY, MARCH 20 – SUNDAY, MARCH 22

Australia’s best track and field athletes will take on the best on the planet this weekend when the World Athletics Indoor Championships 2026 is exclusive, live and free from Poland, on the 9Network and free streaming service 9Now. 

Aussie stars Jessica Hull, Nicola Olyslagers, Peter Bol and more are ready to lead the green and gold charge when the starters gun signals the start of coverage on Friday, March 20 from 7.00pm AEST.

After scoring a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics in the women’s 1500m, Hull will front a world-class middle-distance line up that features Bol in the 1500m and 3000m, and rising runners Bob Abdelrahim and Hayley Kitching.

The high-flying Olyslagers is out to score a three-peat of World Indoor pole vault titles, when the current world no.1 forms a strong Aussie double attack on the event with Olympic bronze medallist Eleanor Patterson.

The men’s team is equally formidable with Kurtis Marschall targeting the podium in a world-class pole vault field, fresh off etching his name into the elusive six-metre club.

AUSTRALIAN TEAM – WORLD INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS 2026
Jessica Hull, Women’s 1500m
Nicola Olyslagers, Women’s High Jump
Eleanor Patterson, Women’s Hugh Jump
Peter Bol, Men’s 800m
Bob Abdelrahim, Men’s 800m
Kurtis Marschall, Men’s Pole Vault
Michelle Jenneke, Women’s 60m Hurdles
Hayley Kitching, Womens 800m
Linden Hall, Women’s 3000m
Adam Spencer, Men’s 1500m
Liam Adcock, Men’s Long Jump

WORLD ATHLETICS INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS, POLAND
EXCLUSIVE, LIVE AND FREE ON 9GO! AND 9NOW
FROM FRIDAY, MARCH 20 AT 7.00PM AEST

Thursday 19 March, 2026

3AW has decisively cemented its status as Melbourne’s premier radio destination, yet again proving it is the undisputed leader in the market.

The GfK Survey 1 results, released today, confirm the station’s dominance as the city’s essential source for live, local and engaging talk content,securing a substantial overall audience share of 13.8, alongside a commercial streaming share of 33.8%.

Every week, 705,000 Melburnians tune into 3AW, with the station’s stronghold on the market evident across the schedule, successfully retaining the coveted No. 1 position in breakfast, mornings and evenings.

In the highly competitive breakfast slot, Ross and Russ once again proved unbeatable, claiming a massive 19.4 share. Their must-listen show reaches 446,000 listeners weekly and leads the digital charge with a staggering 45.1% commercial streaming share.

3AW Highlights from GfK Survey 1 include:

• Afternoons with Tony Moclair posted a 10.3 share 
• Drive with Jacqui Felgate recorded a 9.8 share (up 0.9)
• Nights with Denis Walter recorded a 22.3 share (up 0.5) 
• Overnights with Tony McManus recorded a 26.7 share 

3AW Station Manager Stephen Beers said: “We are delighted that 2026 is continuing with us as Melbourne’s number one radio station, delivering trusted news and opinions across all our programs. The dominance of Breakfast with Ross and Russ along with Tom Elliott in Mornings sets up our day and our whole week. Thanks to our hard working staff on and off air and our ever loyal audience for their ongoing support and engagement.”

Source: GfK Radio360 Ratings, 3AW Melbourne Survey 1 2026, Mon-Fri 5.30am-9am, Mon-Fri 9am-12pm, Mon-Fri 12pm-3pm, Mon-Fri 3pm-6pm, Mon-Fri 6pm-7pm, Mon-Thur 7pm-8pm, Mon-Thur 8pm-12am, Fri 7pm-11pm, Sat-Sun 9am-1pm, Mon-Fri 12am-5.30am, Market Share % Total Radio, Streaming share % AP10+ .

Thursday, 19 March, 2026

Sydney’s 2GB has begun 2026 by securing its position as having the undisputed No.1 breakfast show in the city, with the station also seeing big audience increases across the day. 

Today’s GfK Survey 1 ratings for 2026 show the station increased its overall audience, delivering a 12.2 share – with gains across Breakfast, Mornings, Afternoons, Drive, Evenings and Weekends.

The commanding performance was led by Ben Fordham Live, which posted a decisive victory, reaching a 16.6 share (up 1.7) to claim its place as Sydney’s most listened-to Breakfast program. The winning momentum carried through most dayparts, which was evidenced by Mornings with Mark Levy, which increased its share to 14.1 (up 1.1 on last survey) and saw cumulative audience increase by 88,000 listeners. 

2GB has also cemented its status as the outright No.1 in live audio streaming, with its unmatched ability to connect with audiences across all platforms. The station recorded a 32.0 commercial streaming share – a dominance that spanned all dayparts, including the competitive Breakfast and Mornings slots, which recorded massive shares of 43.8 and 32.3 respectively.

2GB Station Manager, Greg Byrnes said: “This is a magnificent start to the year for 2GB, with significant audience growth across every key shift. Ben Fordham’s stunning result in Breakfast proves he’s essential listening for every Sydneysider.  

“The result is well-deserved recognition for all of our on-air and production teams. We look forward to building on this momentum as we celebrate two major milestones this year: the 40th anniversary of the legendary Continuous Call Team and 2GB’s momentous 100th anniversary.”

Highlights from GfK Survey 1 include: 

• Afternoons with Michael McLaren posted a 9.7 share (up 0.6)
• Sydney Now with Clinton Maynard recorded a 6.5 share (up 0.7)
• Wide World of Sports with Adam Hawse recorded a 8.0 share (up 0.8) 
• Money News with James Willis posted a 9.2 share (up 1.9)
• Nights with John Stanley recorded a 17.6 share (up 1.8)
• Weekends with Luke Grant is No.1 posting a 13.2 share (up 2.0)
• Overnights with Phil O’Neil is also No.1 recording 18.3 share (up 0.8)

Source: GfK Radio360 Ratings, 2GB Sydney Survey 1 2026, Mon-Fri 5.30am-9am, Mon-Fri 9am-12pm, Mon-Fri 12pm-3pm, Mon-Fri 3pm-6pm, Mon-Fri 6pm-7pm, Mon-Thur 7pm-8pm, Mon-Thur 8pm-12am, Fri 7pm-11pm, Sat-Sun 9am-1pm, Mon-Fri 12am-5.30am, Market Share % Total Radio, Streaming share % AP10+ .

Thursday, 19 March, 2026

TOTAL RADIO 

Melbourne’s 3AW and Sydney’s 2GB have started 2026 on top of the Breakfast radio ratings – winning the most important shift in the biggest cities. 

Today’s GfK Survey 1 ratings for 2026 show Australians turn to Nine Radio for trusted news and entertainment, with Ben Fordham Live (2GB) and Breakfast with Ross and Russ (3AW) winning the crucial Breakfast battle and being the clear No.1 shows. 

Results today cover the survey period from January 18 to February 28. 3AW is the outright No.1 radio station in Melbourne, while 2GB has grown its audience and is the No.1 talk radio station in Sydney. 

2GB Highlights

• 2GB is the No.1 talk radio in Sydney with a 12.2 share
• Ben Fordham Live is No.1 in Breakfast and has increased his audience to a 16.6 share
• Mornings with Mark Levy is No.1 talk in Sydney with a 14.1 share (up from 13.0) and has seen his cume audience increase by 88,000 listeners

3AW Highlights

• 3AW is the clear No.1 station for Melburnians, delivering a 13.8 share
• Ross and Russ claimed the No.1 Breakfast position with a 19.4 share 
• Mornings with Tom Elliott was No.1 with a 15.7 share 

Greg Byrnes, Nine Radio’s National Content Manager, said: “These results are fantastic and pave the way for another dominant year for our audio business. It’s great to see Ben Fordham increase his listeners in Sydney on his number one breakfast show, resulting in big gains right across the day on 2GB. 3AW has long been Melbourne’s most listened-to radio station, and starts 2026 as the clear number one overall, and in Breakfast and Mornings.

“While the changes we’ve made in Brisbane and Perth will take time to resonate, today’s big increases on 6PR are pleasing to see. Australia knows it can rely on us for trusted news, opinion, and entertainment, and we’re committed to delivering again throughout 2026.”

COMMERCIAL RADIO SHARE	TOTAL RADIO CUME
14.6% (4 markets)	1.719 million listeners each week

STREAMING

Nine Radio is dominant in digital streaming, reflecting its accessibility to listeners on the go, around the house, in the car, or anywhere they choose to tune in. The network has once again claimed the No.1 national share, as well as leading across key dayparts in Sydney and Melbourne.

• 3AW No.1 overall: share 33.8%
• 2GB No.1 overall: share 32%
• Breakfast with Ross and Russ No.1: share 45.1%
• Ben Fordham Live No.1:  share 43.8%
• Mornings with Tom Elliott No.1: share 43.4%
• Mornings with Mark Levy No.1: share 32.3%

Greg Byrnes said: “We are the clear market leader in streaming, and our momentum is accelerating. Our 25% year-on-year increase in audience demonstrates that a growing number of Australians are connecting with our live and local content through a digital device. We are continually refining the app experience, and features like the audio sync during the footy have been an outstanding success.”

“Streaming is the best way to engage our live and local content, it sounds great, is always on and ensures you’re always informed and up to date.”

COMMERCIAL STREAMING SHARE	STREAMING CUME
27.4	453,000

Source: GfK Radio360 Ratings, Survey 1 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.

Thursday, 19 March 2026

LIVE AND FREE ON THE 9NETWORK, STREAM FOR FREE ON 9NOW
SATURDAY, MARCH 21 – SUNDAY, MARCH 22

Nine’s Wide World of Sports will tee up for the Australian WPGA Championship this weekend on the Gold Coast from Saturday, March 21 on the 9Network and 9Now. 

Coverage of the pivotal final two rounds will be shown on 9Go! and to stream free on 9Now, ensuring audiences nationwide won’t miss a single drive, chip, or putt as the players vie for the Karrie Webb Cup and $600,000 in prize money.

Headlining the field at Sanctuary Cove is women’s Major Champion and world No.7 Hannah Green, hot off winning the Australian Open last week, plus fellow LPGA Tour player Steph Kyriacou amongst an entry list with a total of 37 countries represented.

The Australian WPGA Championship will be a feature of the Festival of Golf – a high-energy, feel-good celebration where golf meets food, fun, fashion, and community spirit.

AUSTRALIAN WPGA CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF
SATURDAY, MARCH 21 – SUNDAY, MARCH 22
LIVE AND FREE ON 9GO! AND 9NOW

Thursday 19 March, 2026

The 2026 Nine Telethon supporting Mater Little Miracles is fast approaching, again helping to give our tiniest Queenslanders the best possible start to life, on Saturday, April 18, on Channel 9 and 9Now.

The broadcast will support Mater, Australia’s leader in neonatal critical care and maternal foetal medicine, by raising funds for essential, life-saving research, care, and equipment for seriously ill and premature babies and their mothers.

Kick-starting the fundraising, Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls today announced a commitment of $1,500,000 on behalf of the Queensland Government.

Mr Nicholls said: “The Nine Telethon in support of Mater Little Miracles is a powerful reminder of what Queenslanders can achieve when compassion and community come together to support families facing some of life’s most challenging moments.

“The Queensland Government is proud to be leading the way in this year’s Telethon, providing frontline clinicians and researchers with additional resources to deliver the best possible care for babies.

“Our partnership with Mater has always been grounded in a shared commitment, to give every Queensland baby the strongest possible start to life. 

“This funding will help accelerate vital research and support the development of new treatments and technologies that will continue improving outcomes for the smallest and most vulnerable Queenslanders.”

More than 1,700 babies receive round-the-clock specialist care from the team in the Mater Mothers’ Neonatal Critical Care Unit (NCCU) every year. Amongst the little fighters in Mater’s NCCU are triplet brothers, Gianluca, Danilo and Massimo. At the launch event at Mater Mothers’ Hospital today, the Health Minister met the triplets and their parents Melinda and Gianfranco Lombardo-Vosolo in the NCCU. 

Melinda delivered the triplets in an emergency c-section at the hospital in January, 10 weeks early. Her smallest boy, Gianluca, weighed just 956g at birth, while brother Danilo was only a little larger at 1.09kg, and Massimo weighed in at 1.517kg.

A team of around 20 Mater staff – including obstetricians, midwives and nurses – were involved in the triplets’ delivery. All of the babies received intensive around-the-clock medical care and breathing support in their first weeks of life in the NCCU.

“The first two weeks were gruelling for us, but the care we received from the whole team was sensational,” Melinda said.

“The boys’ health is looking good now and we can’t wait to get them home – but we’re a bit scared about how we are going to manage it all!”

Mater Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Thomas said: “Mater is incredibly grateful to the Queensland Government for its generous contribution to this year’s Nine Telethon supporting Mater Little Miracles.

“Every dollar we receive will make a difference to sick and premature babies and their families through improved care and groundbreaking medical research.

“Lives are saved and changed forever every day at Mater, which is why we’re excited to welcome Nine back into our hospitals for this year’s Telethon.

“It will be an emotional watch for viewers at home, but one which will both amaze and inspire Queenslanders.” 

This year’s broadcast will again include the Nine Telethon Concert, featuring a special performance from Pub Choir. Created and hosted by the talented Astrid Jorgensen, Pub Choir transforms a crowd of strangers into a choir, belting out songs in three-part harmony, perfect for viewers watching at home to join in on the fun.

Managing Director of Nine Queensland Kylie Blucher, said: “The Nine Telethon is a powerful demonstration of the Queensland community coming together for an extraordinary cause. We are incredibly proud to partner with Mater Little Miracles once again, rallying behind our toughest and tiniest.

“The generosity, compassion and willingness to help families doing it tough is truly inspiring and what makes the Nine Telethon so special. Last year Queenslanders helped us to surpass our goal to raise over $10 million and we’re excited to see that same incredible spirit shine through again”.

DONATE: Support Queensland’s littlest lives by making a donation at www.9telethon.com.au.

#9telethon
#materlittlemiracles
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Tuesday 17 March, 2026

Nine has today announced respected journalist and presenter Georgie Gardner has called time on her near 25-year career at Nine.

Since 2002, Georgie has been a constant presence in the living rooms of millions of Australians turning into Nine across the day. After starting at 9News presenting 6pm weekday weather with Brian Henderson and reading the Morning news, Georgie joined the Today Show in 2007 as newsreader and fill-in host – a role she held until 2014. In 2018 she rejoined the Today Show as host for two years. For the better part of 17 years, Georgie has anchored 9News Sydney’s 6pm weekend bulletin. 

Executive Director, News & Current Affairs, Fiona Dear said: “Georgie’s versatility as a presenter has seen her hold almost every on-air news role at Nine. It’s a remarkable achievement and during that time Georgie has been loved and respected by audiences across Australia. 

“She has had a front row seat to some of the most important moments in history, delivering the biggest news stories to audiences first thing in the morning, in prime time at 6pm and late into the evening with Nightline. Georgie’s professionalism and composure during breaking news events makes her one of the most talented newsreaders in the country. Georgie’s decision to step away from television news has our full support and we thank her and wish her well in her future endeavours.” 

Georgie Gardner said: “I could not be more grateful for the range of opportunities Nine has afforded me over nearly a quarter of a century. Anchoring news bulletins across the day, as well as reporting and hosting roles on virtually every news program at the Network has been incredibly satisfying and an enormous privilege.

“I will be forever thankful for having worked with countless colleagues, who are quite simply the best in the industry and I am humbled by the knowledge that there are viewers who have followed my career.”

Georgie will read her final bulletin on Friday 17 April 2026 and her replacement will be announced in due course.

Friday 13 March, 2026

EVERY MONDAY NIGHT OF THE 2026 NRL TELSTRA PREMIERSHIP SEASON

Penrith Panthers, NSW Origin and Australian Kangaroos superstar Nathan Cleary will join the panel of 100% Footy to kick the season off, when the show returns on Monday, March 9 on Channel 9 and 9Now.

The home of the strongest opinions in the NRL from those who count, 100% Footy will be available from 9.00pm for free on Channel 9 and streaming platform 9Now, following Married At First Sight. 

Host James Bracey returns to the desk where rugby league mastermind Phil “Gus” Gould, Sharks premiership captain Paul Gallen, and the most capped Queenslander of all time Cameron Smith will square off.

Joining the crew will be Allana Ferguson, 9News rugby league journalist Danny Weidler to deliver all the latest breaking news in the popular ‘Scuttlebutt’ segment, while Marlee Silva sits down with the game’s biggest names to reveal their personal NRL journeys, kicking off proceedings with Melbourne Storm’s Cameron Munster. Plus we catch up with the heroes of yesteryear with a retro guest each week. 

The Hello Sport boys, Tom Birmingham and Eddy Simpson, will return with new weekly segment 100% Dribble delivering a wrap of the NRL through their irreverent, authentic and off-script style capturing the big plays, chaos and cultural storylines from the greatest game of all.

100% Footy host, James Bracey, said: “We couldn’t be more pumped for the return of 100% Footy. Having Nathan Cleary on the desk for episode one gives us unparalleled insight into the mind of a champion. And throwing the Hello Sport boys into the mix with Gus, Gal, the G.O.A.T Cam Smith and Allana will be chaotic, insightful, and absolute must-watch television. This is a lineup that is great for all footy fans. Fasten your seatbelts.”

100% FOOTY 
MONDAY, MARCH 9 FROM 9.00PM SYD/BRIS
WATCH FOR FREE ON CHANNEL 9 AND 9NOW

Friday 6 March, 2026

MORE BRANDS THAN EVER BEFORE TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE ULTIMATE MARKETING PLATFORM AS SEASON KICKS OFF LIVE AND FREE ON CHANNEL 9 AND 9NOW 

Following a massive 2025 season, where the NRL proved its status as a cultural powerhouse, Nine has today announced its comprehensive sponsorship lineup for the 2026 Telstra NRL Premiership. 

As the NRL begins its final season before the Perth Bears join in 2027 to stamp rugby league’s presence nationally, Nine is delivering a strategic runway for the code’s expansion by providing an unrivalled ecosystem for its commercial partners.

With more than 145 games live and free on the 9Network, including the jewels in the NRL crown – the exclusive men’s and women’s State of Origin and the blockbuster men’s Finals series – as well as the entire NRLW Premiership, Nine’s rugby league ecosystem gives brands unparalleled access to a diverse audience at scale. 

For the 2026 season, Nine welcomes back a who’s who of iconic brands while introducing fresh category leaders to the fold. The lineup is headlined by Telstra, Harvey Norman, McDonald’s, Youi Insurance and Sportsbet, all of whom maintain significant category exclusivity across the Men’s and Women’s Premierships, State of Origin, and the Finals Series. 

Joining them are Ford, Kia, and Isuzu UTE, alongside Westpac, Chemist Warehouse, and Lion. Newcomers Carnival Cruise Line and Jim Beam join as a full Sunday Afternoon sponsor, while Universal Pictures takes a strategic position within the State of Origin series.

“Nine’s offering goes from strength to strength and, for brands, our ‘always on’ strategy provides the ultimate marketing platform that spans the majority of the year,” says Andrew Cann, Nine’s National Commercial Director – Sport. “We are privileged to welcome back our returning partners and sponsors, as well as the new brands joining us.” 

With 77% of fans* agreeing that Nine’s broadcast of the NRL offers the best viewing experience across all sporting events, and 79% of fans* viewing the NRL as a strong endorser for brands, the 2026 season is set to be the most effective marketing platform in Australian sport.

Nine’s 2026 strategy, ‘More Tackles & More Wins’, focuses on the 24/7 fan experience. Partners will now benefit from Australia’s first fully virtual 360-degree studio – utilised during the Winter Olympics – and enhanced player storytelling that bridges the gap between the field and the living room. This innovation allows fans to be brought closer to the action than ever before, providing brands with integrated, premium touchpoints that deliver genuine cut-through.

NRL on Nine provides brands with an increasing number of platforms to connect with rugby league fans through Nine’s 24/7 content and conversations, including 100% Footy as well as the iconic Wide World of Sports every Sunday, through to podcasts, 9Now specials and radio’s WWOS Continuous Call Team.

Commercial opportunities have also been refreshed, including a high-impact 15-second Solus spot immediately following conversion attempts on Nine Radio’s Continuous Call Team, ensuring brands are at the forefront of the game’s most intense moments.

“In 2026, we are going beyond the full 80 minutes to ensure brands connect with highly-engaged NRL fans like never before,” says Sarah Stewart, Nine’s Director of Content Partnerships and Client Experience in Powered. “We will be delivering nearly 900 hours of NRL content this year and, with the upcoming entry of the Perth Bears in 2027, we are providing a runway for brands to activate their marketing campaigns on a national scale never before seen in the NRL.” 

From the grassroots support within NRL programming to the analysis from legends like Billy Slater, Phil Gould, and Johnathan Thurston, Nine’s NRL ecosystem remains in a league of its own.

The 9Network’s coverage of Round 1 of the NRL Premiership season continues tonight from 7.30pm with Melbourne Storm versus the Parramatta Eels, followed by Friday Night Footy (Broncos v Panthers) and Sunday Arvo Footy (Dolphins v Rabbitohs).

1 Source: Publicis Sport & Entertainment, Sep25Q25Q5. 
2 Source: Publicis Sport & Entertainment: DEC24Q1. 

Thursday 5 March, 2026