Archives: Media Releases

As the 2025 Telstra NRL Premiership season kicks off this weekend in Las Vegas, more brands than ever before have partnered with Nine across its unrivalled connected content rugby league ecosystem of Total TV, Total Audio and Total Publishing.

With 189 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 an extended NRLW series from 48 to 74 games, Nine’s NRL ecosystem gives brands unparalleled access to a diverse audience at scale. 

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 new linear magazine show ‘Freddy & The Eighth’ as well as the iconic Wide World of Sports every Sunday, through to podcasts, 9Now specials and Nine Radio’s WWOS Continuous Call Team.

Nine’s full NRL coverage last year reached a Total TV audience of 16.7 million viewers, with the Men’s State of Origin Series reaching 9.4 million Australians, up 17% YoY across Total TV. The Women’s State of Origin Series Total TV reach was 4.3 million, up 72% YoY as the series went from two to three games.  

Nine’s NRL coverage is underpinned by an ecosystem that is connected and allows advertisers to maximise their campaign execution by weaving it across Australia’s most powerful marketing platform. By utilising Nine’s talent and Wide World of Sports content, all audiences across the ecosystem are delivered in a where, how and when manner allowing brands to engage seamlessly. 

This year will see Ford and Red Bull join returning partners Harvey Norman, Telstra, McDonalds, Westpac, Sportsbet, Youi Insurance, Kia and sponsors Chemist Warehouse, Isuzu UTE and Rexona.

“Over the last five years, WWOS has continued to evolve its unrivalled sport mega marketing platform, with a clear focus on delivering the best-in-class sporting assets and solutions for brands. This year’s new, growing and returning partners across our rugby league assets are again testament to that. The role sport content plays in Australians’ lives continues to evolve and grow. At Nine, we are leading the connection of fans and brands in a way no other media company can,” said Matt Granger, Nine’s Director of Sales – Sport, Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Anne Gruber, Director of Content Partnerships – Sport, Olympic and Paralympic Games, said: “We have evolved our NRL proposition, driving focus on the success and effectiveness of our cross-platform ecosystem partnerships. In 2025, there will be more league content and more opportunities to contextually connect with audiences from February through to November’s Pacific Championships. Brands can leverage the ‘always on’ conversation seven days a week, 24/7 through Broadcast TV and 9Now magazine shows, match day broadcasts, Nine Radio’s Continuous Call team, live blogs, WWOS.com articles and NRL on Nine social content. In essence, it’s a 10 month marketing campaign across every touchpoint of Nine’s suite of assets.” 

The 9Network’s NRL season kicks off this Sunday, March 2 with two huge games from Las Vegas, with an international between the Australian Jillaroos v England Women, and the NRL Premiership clash between Cronulla Sharks v Penrith Panthers.

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

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

The Australian Financial Review is the country’s most read premium business masthead recording a cross platform readership of 3.43 million people, according to Total News Publishing readership figures released by Roy Morgan today.

The Total News audience of the Financial Review continues to close the gap on its direct competitor The Australian, narrowing to 597,000 down from 604,000 a year ago. 

Highlighting the strength of the Financial Review’s digital subscription offering, 79% of AFR readers engage with the masthead’s online publication. The masthead recorded a print readership of 903,000 during the last four weeks, while the Monday to Friday print edition recorded an average issue readership of 259,000. 

The AFR Weekend Saturday edition had a 5% quarterly increase with a print readership of 184,000.  

The Australian Financial Review Magazine continues to dominate Australia’s monthly magazine insert figures, with a print readership of 484,000. Fin! Magazine has also seen quarterly and annual growth (4% and 9% respectively) and closing in on Wish. 

Nine’s Total Publishing assets reach a de-duplicated audience of 15.877 million* Australians across print and digital.

The Total News Publishing readership figures are produced by Roy Morgan for ThinkNewsBrands. 

Source: Roy Morgan Research, All People 14+ for the 12 months ending December 2024. All audience data is based on the last 4 weeks averaged over the 12 months to December 2024. *This figure includes: nine.com.au, SMH Print & Digital, The Age Print & Digital, AFR Print & Digital, Brisbane Times, WA Today, Domain Digital, Good Weekend VIC & NSW, Sunday Life VIC & NSW, Domain NIM VIC & NSW, AFR Magazine, Fin! Print Platforms include: SMH Print, The Age Print, AFR Print, Good Weekend VIC & NSW, Sunday Life VIC & NSW, Domain NIM VIC & NSW, AFR Magazine, Fin!

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

Monday, February 24, 2025

The Age has once again maintained its lead against its main competitor nationally, with a cross-platform readership of 4.56 million, according to Total News Publishing figures released by Roy Morgan today.

The Age has cemented its place as the nation’s second most read cross-platform masthead after The Sydney Morning Herald and is ahead of its main competitor The Herald Sun by 328,000 readers. 

As The Age’s investigative journalism, daily news and premium lifestyle coverage helped drive the masthead’s subscriber strategy, the latest figures for the 12-month period ending December 2024 show that one in five Australians chose The Age to stay informed.

The Monday to Friday print edition recorded an average issue readership of 252,000 – up 3% compared to last quarter – while Saturday’s print edition recorded 381,000 readers. 

Across The Age and the Herald, readers turn to these mastheads for premium lifestyle coverage, with the lifestyle/culture section recording a cross-platform readership of 2.3 million. 

The country’s most prestigious food news brand, Good Food, recorded a Total News readership of 1.59 million. The subscription-based Good Food app – available as part of Nine’s premium digital packages – launched late last year and is part of the subscriber strategy. 

Meanwhile, Traveller recorded quarterly growth of 2% with 1.67 million readers.

Good Weekend recorded an average issue print readership of 657,000, while Sunday Life recorded an average issue print readership of 348,000 and Domain recorded readership of 457,000. 

“That our audience remains so strong is a testament to the excellent work of our reporting teams, who continue to break news that leads the national agenda and tell exclusive Victorian stories worth paying for,” said The Age editor Patrick Elligett.

Nine’s Total Publishing assets reach a de-duplicated audience of 15.877 million* Australians across print and digital.

The Total News Publishing readership figures are produced by Roy Morgan for ThinkNewsBrands. 

Source: Roy Morgan Research, All People 14+ for the 12 months ending December 2024. All audience data is based on the last 4 weeks averaged over the 12 months to December 2024. *This figure includes: nine.com.au, SMH Print & Digital, The Age Print & Digital, AFR Print & Digital, Brisbane Times, WA Today, Domain Digital, Good Weekend VIC & NSW, Sunday Life VIC & NSW, Domain NIM VIC & NSW, AFR Magazine, Fin! Print Platforms include: SMH Print, The Age Print, AFR Print, Good Weekend VIC & NSW, Sunday Life VIC & NSW, Domain NIM VIC & NSW, AFR Magazine, Fin!

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

Monday, February 24, 2025

The Sydney Morning Herald has once again cemented its position as Australia’s most read cross-platform masthead, with a readership of 6.9 million, according to the Total News Publishing figures released by Roy Morgan today. 

As the breadth of the Herald’s journalism – from its investigations, daily news and premium lifestyle coverage – attracted readers and helped drive the masthead’s subscriber strategy, the latest figures for the 12-month period ending December 2024 show that one in three Australians chose the Herald to stay informed.

The masthead dominates the cross-platform landscape with 6.857 million readers compared to The Daily Telegraph readership of 3.978 million. 

The Monday to Friday print edition recorded an average issue readership of 374,000, while Saturday’s print edition recorded 479,000 readers. In the last four weeks, 1.35 million people on average have read a print edition of the Herald, while The Sun Herald print edition is read by 371,000 people every Sunday.

Across the Herald and The Age, readers turn to these mastheads for premium lifestyle coverage, with the lifestyle/culture section recording a cross-platform readership of 2.3 million.

The country’s most prestigious food news brand, Good Food, recorded a Total News readership of 1.59 million. The subscription-based Good Food app – available as part of Nine’s premium digital packages – launched late last year and is part of the subscriber strategy. 

Meanwhile, Traveller recorded quarterly growth of 2% with 1.67 million readers.

Good Weekend recorded an average issue print readership of 657,000, while Sunday Life recorded an average issue print readership of 348,000 and Domain recorded readership of 457,000. 

Executive editor Luke McIlveen said: “The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age are the nation’s most-read mastheads because we have the best reporters and writers in the business. With a fiercely contested federal election on the horizon, our millions of readers know they can depend on our newsrooms to deliver the most accurate, insightful, up to date and balanced news across all platforms.”

Nine’s Total Publishing assets reach a de-duplicated audience of 15.877 million* Australians across print and digital.

The Total News Publishing readership figures are produced by Roy Morgan for ThinkNewsBrands. 

Source: Roy Morgan Research, All People 14+ for the 12 months ending December 2024. All audience data is based on the last 4 weeks averaged over the 12 months to December 2024. *This figure includes: nine.com.au, SMH Print & Digital, The Age Print & Digital, AFR Print & Digital, Brisbane Times, WA Today, Domain Digital, Good Weekend VIC & NSW, Sunday Life VIC & NSW, Domain NIM VIC & NSW, AFR Magazine, Fin! Print Platforms include: SMH Print, The Age Print, AFR Print, Good Weekend VIC & NSW, Sunday Life VIC & NSW, Domain NIM VIC & NSW, AFR Magazine, Fin!

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

Monday, February 24, 2025

Outdoors and lifestyle expert Paul Burt joins 4BC’s live and local lineup in 2025 with Step Outside with Paul Burt on 4BC Weekends.

From Saturday, March 1, Paul will bring his expertise and passion for the great outdoors to 4BC listeners every Saturday and Sunday from 6am to 8am, showcasing the best of what South East Queensland has to offer.

Focused on all things camping, boating, fishing and outdoor adventures, Step Outside with Paul Burt will provide listeners with all the information they need to make the most of their weekends in the Sunshine State. Whether it’s advice on the best camping spots or where to catch the biggest fish, Paul will help inspire and equip listeners with the knowledge to tackle every outdoor adventure.

Paul Burt said, “I am looking forward to bringing local outdoors content to our listeners. Whatever the weather is doing, what the surf is doing, where the fish are biting, whether listeners are after gardening tips or if they want a good seafood recipe, I want to bring it all to the 4BC audience.”

4BC Content Manager Siobhain McDonnell said, “We are absolutely delighted to have Paul joining the 4BC team. Step Outside is a brilliant addition to our live and local lineup that celebrates all our city and local coastline has to offer.”

Step Outside with Paul Burt will air from 6am to 8am every Saturday and Sunday on Brisbane’s 4BC, commencing Saturday, March 1, 2025.

LISTEN TO 4BC HERE
LIKE 4BC on FACEBOOK
FOLLOW 4BC on X (TWITTER) and INSTAGRAM

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

Lucy Charles
Publicity Assistant, Nine Queensland
lucy.charles@nine.com.au

Friday, February 21, 2025

Pedestrian Group, Australia’s leading youth publisher, is proud to announce the launch of its first-ever digital cover, titled “Culture Makers & Game Changers”, in celebration of Sydney Mardi Gras 2025.

This milestone moment marks a new chapter for Pedestrian Group as it amplifies the voices and stories shaping Australian culture, highlighting individuals who are redefining the status quo and leading the charge for inclusivity and innovation.

The digital cover, a groundbreaking first for PEDESTRIAN.TV, spotlights a diverse group of changemakers who embody the spirit of Mardi Gras and inspire communities across Australia. From artists to activists, entrepreneurs to entertainers, this feature shines a light on those who are making an impact and breaking barriers.

“The launch of our first digital cover, especially as part of Mardi Gras, is a testament to Pedestrian Group’s commitment to celebrating stories that matter,” said Mason Rook, CEO of Pedestrian Group.

“‘Culture Makers & Game Changers’ is more than a feature—it’s a platform to amplify voices, foster inclusivity, and connect with the pulse of Australia’s youth culture. We’re incredibly excited to debut this initiative during one of the most vibrant celebrations of community and pride.”

Curated by Pedestrian’s talented editorial team, the digital cover is a dynamic and humanistic exploration of the culture, identity, and creativity of Mardi Gras. Alex Bruce-Smith, Head of Editorial at Pedestrian Group, shared her enthusiasm for the project:

“‘Culture Makers & Game Changers’ represents everything Pedestrian stands for—championing diversity, celebrating individuality, and telling the stories that shape our world,” said Alex Bruce-Smith.

“This digital cover is a love letter to the trailblazers who inspire us, and we’re honored to share their stories with our audience.”

The issue features interviews with DJ and actress Kath Ebbs, House of Silky’s Father Xander Khoury, Heaps Gay founder Kat Dopper, fashion designer Alix Higgins and First Nations drag queen Felicia Foxx, and includes pieces from some of the most exciting young LGBTQ+ writers in Australia.

The “Culture Makers & Game Changers” digital cover is now live on Pedestrian Group’s platforms, accompanied by in-depth interviews, bold visuals, and exclusive features that capture the essence of Mardi Gras and the vibrant individuals driving change.

As Pedestrian Group continues to innovate and evolve, this initiative underscores its dedication to connecting with audiences through meaningful storytelling and groundbreaking projects.

For further information, please contact:
Mason Rook
CEO, Pedestrian Group
mason.rook@pedestriangroup.com.au

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Married At First Sight has broken an Australian CFTA record for BVOD streaming, with seven episodes now each watched by more than one million viewers solely on 9Now, on top of the overnight broadcast television viewing figures. 

The 12th season of MAFS, which has so far reached 11 million viewers after just 14 episodes across Total TV, has proven to be a watershed moment for Australia’s Free to Air Broadcast Video On Demand (BVOD) platforms. As MAFS continues to dominate the daily conversation, the series has now reached a tipping point where 40% of the Total TV average audience is viewed on 9Now. 

As viewers migrate to watching television on 9Now, OzTam consolidated data shows significant Year-on-Year growth in all key demos and Total People for MAFS, with half of the episodes aired being watched by more than one million BVOD viewers to date: 

• Launch episode BVOD Total audience watched by 1.110 million viewers since January 27 
• Episode two BVOD Total audience watched by 1.114 million viewers since January 28
• Episode three BVOD Total audience watched by 1.123 million viewers since January 29
• Episode four BVOD Total audience watched by 1.110 million viewers since January 30
• Episode six BVOD Total audience watched by 1.046 million viewers since February 3 
• Episode seven BVOD Total audience watched by 1.081 million viewers since February 4 
• Episode eight BVOD Total audience watched by 1.050 million viewers since February 5 

These episodes will continue to grow over the coming days, weeks and months as viewers catch up on the series that has once again captivated a nation and dominated conversation. 

And crucially for advertisers, MAFS is consistently engaging with the key demo of People 16-39, with 60% of this audience coming from 9Now. 

Across Total TV, MAFS has seen double-digit growth not just on BVOD but also on broadcast TV. The series to date has recorded an average Total TV audience of 2.45 million, with broadcast TV up 15% YoY and BVOD up a huge 36% YoY, resulting in Total TV growth of 23% YoY.  

Hamish Turner, Director of 9Now and Programming, said: “Married at First Sight resonates with Australians like no other program. With the series holding up a mirror to society, the story arc of MAFS provides not only the classic watercooler conversation, but is also relevant to today’s complex world of dating and relationships. Its success continues to drive massive engagement across all platforms, with the format seeing incredible yearly growth and engagement that is critical to maintaining audiences throughout the year.”   

Matt James, Nine’s Acting Chief Sales Officer, said: “The critical mass engagement from Australians that Married At First Sight attracts is undeniably an indication of the power of television. With more than half of 9Now viewers coming from 16-39s who are deeply engaged with each episode, there is no other platform where advertisers can reach this audience at scale in a premium, brand-safe environment in such a small window of time.” 

Source: TVMAP Program Analyser, OzTAM VOZ Data ,National (inc Spill), Married at First Sight, Cumulative Reach (includes encores), Average Audience (excludes encores), 27/01/2025 – 17/02/2025 v 29/01/2024 – 19/02/2024, Total People, People 16-39, Total TV, Total Broadcast, Total BVOD. Consolidated 28 as at 17/02, YoY based on When Watched for like for like comparison. Data copyright © OzTAM 2025

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

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

The independent and award-winning journalism in The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age will be made available to university students and campus staff in a new premium subscription licensing deal announced by Nine today.   

Campus Access gives universities access to the Herald and The Age, and is the first time Nine Publishing has developed a direct to student/faculty licence that allows complete access to a premium digital subscription.

With plans to make the licensing deal available to universities around Australia, the first institution to enter into an arrangement is the University of Sydney, which will launch during Welcome Fest this week from Wednesday, 19 February.  

The Campus Access partnership will allow students and staff to access a complimentary subscription to the Herald via the university’s portal. With personalised subscription access, students and staff can download the Good Food and news apps, enjoy puzzles, browse Today’s Paper and stay informed with independent coverage of news, politics, business, world, food, travel and culture. 

Supported with a marketing campaign and an on-the-ground presence during Welcome Fest, including an activation featuring Herald journalists, photographers, free merchandise and prizes, the initiative is the latest strategic move to engage audiences with quality, objective journalism. 

Bevan Shields, editor of the Herald, said: “The arrangement between The Sydney Morning Herald and the University of Sydney will make our award-winning journalism more available to an audience which may otherwise struggle to access it. In the process, we hope to help tackle one of the biggest challenges facing all publishers around the globe: how to encourage more young readers to engage with our content.” 

Ashleigh Thomas, Director of Commercial Growth for Nine Publishing, said: “We are excited to introduce Campus Access, a new institutional licence that provides university students and staff with seamless access to the trusted journalism found in our Publishing portfolio. Never before have we been able to offer this type of licence at scale and this marks a significant step in making quality journalism more accessible to the next generation.”

University of Sydney Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Mark Scott, said: “We’re delighted to give our students and staff access to the Herald’s independent news coverage and their apps. We hope our community makes the most of this opportunity to access accurate and timely news and analysis, whatever their many and varied interests.”

University of Sydney Vice-President External Engagement, Kirsten Andrews, said: “It is more important than ever our community has access to the media to keep informed about important issues and stay across diverse voices and opinions. We encourage students to come to the SMH stall at Welcome Fest where they can meet senior Herald reporters, have a free professional headshot taken by a newsroom photographer and gain insights into journalism and the media industry.”  

James McCluskie, Nine’s Client Director of Education, Workplace, Finance and Technology, said: “We look forward to sharing the benefits of Campus Access with other universities across both NSW and Victoria with a long term view to grow the number of partner institutions.”

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

Monday, February 17, 2025

This Monday an unmissable investigation into one of the most shocking frauds in modern Australian history.

The explosive special, Dangerous Lies will unravel the tangled web of deception spun by Belle Gibson, the so-called wellness warrior who built an empire and a global wellness brand on a foundation of untruths. 

Through in-depth interviews and never-before-seen footage of her notorious 60 Minutes interview with Tara Brown this special feature looks at how Belle Gibson’s fabricated cancer diagnosis was exposed.

At her peak, Belle Gibson was a social media sensation, a best-selling author, and the face of alternative healing until investigative journalists uncovered the scandal that shocked a nation. 

This is the inside story of how she was caught out as those closest to her speak out, revealing the emotional toll of her deception and the devastating impact on those who trusted her story.

Featuring interviews with her former friend Chanelle McAuliffe, Belle’s brother Nick Gibson, Tara Brown and Nick Toscano, The Age journalist who along with Beau Donelly broke the story, this Nine special will delve into the psychology of deception, the dangers of social media misinformation, and the unchecked rise of self-proclaimed health gurus.

Tune in for an unmissable special event this Monday, February 17 at 9:10 PM on Channel 9 and 9Now.

 DANGEROUS LIES
UNMASKING BELLE GIBSON
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17, AT 9.10PM ON CHANNEL 9 & 9NOW

For further information, please contact:
Alexandra Maiolo
9Network Publicity 
alexandra.maiolo@nine.com.au 

Friday, February 14, 2025

Keypath Education Australia, the global EdTech leader, has partnered with The Australian Financial Review to launch AFR Short Courses, powered by Keypath’s StudyNext platform – offering business professionals access to world-leading flexible, high-quality learning options.

The AFR Short Course platform will feature courses from leading institutions across Australia and New Zealand, including Microsoft, CPA Australia, UNSW, The University of Sydney, Melbourne Business School, The University of Queensland, The University of Auckland, and more. These courses will focus on high-demand skills, equipping busy professionals with practical knowledge for today’s evolving business landscape. 

Commencing with offerings across AI and Data, it is targeted at addressing the vast upskilling needs of busy working professionals through the compelling power of the StudyNext platform.

Designed to provide a simplified experience to search for trusted educational upskilling options, AFR Short Courses range from two-hour courses to six-week programs. The initial offerings focus on AI and Data, with future portfolios expanding into areas such as finance, leadership, communication, and Environmental, Social, and Governance.

James McCluskie, Nine’s Client Director for Education & Workplace, Finance & Technology  said: “Following on from the successful launch of the AFR Executive Education platform in November last year, we are thrilled to be able to again partner with Keypath Education on the launch of the AFR Short Courses Platform on afr.com. This platform, powered by StudyNext, provides our monthly digital audience of 2.5 million the ability to source information on a wide range of the highest quality short courses provided by some of our leading business schools & Universities.

“Combined with the authoritative leadership and careers editorial content of The Australian Financial Review, the platform makes the researching and decision-making process around taking the next step in your management career easier than ever before.”

Financial Review Editor-in-chief James Chessell said: “The AFR Short Courses platform powered by StudyNext is the ideal destination for those who wish to get ahead, a one-stop shop for the latest trends in upskilling as well as a pathway to future career growth.

“The Financial Review strives to be the ‘The daily habit of successful people’ and with the launch of this platform, we seek to partner with Keypath Education and Australia institutions to help make the Financial Review the daily habit of successful careers.”

Commenting on behalf of Microsoft, Yasminka Nemet, Future Skills Lead, Education, said: “Microsoft is delighted to be able to provide our globally developed course material for AFR Short Courses alongside the prestigious institutions that are already contributing to StudyNext. This collaboration will also help reach our goal of providing one million people across Australia and New Zealand with the education and tools they need to flourish in the new AI economy by 2026.”

Keypath Education Asia Pacific CEO, Ryan O’Hare said: “By providing high-quality, career-relevant courses in high-demand fields; Keypath, in partnership with the AFR, is excited to help, guide and empower, professionals via the StudyNext platform to streamline their learning choices, gain valuable skills and advance their careers.”

This partnership builds on the success of the AFR Executive Education StudyNext platform, launched in November 2024. The platform provides information on over 1,000 postgraduate business courses, helping professionals research and find study options that align with their career goals and lifestyles.

To find out more and get access to the AFR Executive Education StudyNext Short Courses platform, visit: afr.studynext.com

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

Friday, February 14, 2025