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3AW has surged to its best Survey 1 ratings in more than 15 years to cement its position as the undisputed heartbeat of Melbourne.

The GfK Radio 360 Survey 1 results released today confirms 3AW is to be the powerhouse of Melbourne radio with a leading audience share of 16.8 (up 3.2) and a commanding commercial streaming share of 35.9%.

Every week, 750,000 Melburnians tune in to 3AW for its unique live and local talk radio programming.

The station boasted audience gains in all dayparts and is now No. 1 in breakfast, mornings, afternoons, drive and evenings.

This marks the first time that Jacqui Felgate has been the outright No. 1 in drive, recording a share of 12.4 – up 3.7 on Survey 8 of 2024.

3AW Station Manager, Stephen Beers, said:

“Jacqui’s remarkable result – achieving the number one drive spot for the first time in just a year – is a testament to her hard work, dedication and the strong connection she’s forged with Melbourne listeners. Her unique blend of breaking news, insightful commentary and engaging conversation has clearly resonated and we’re incredibly proud of her achievement.”

Ross and Russ continue their reign over Melbourne breakfast radio, commanding a 21.3% share. This impressive result, a 1.3 point increase from last year’s Survey 8, places them a significant 9.7 points ahead of their nearest rival. Their award-winning show draws 460,000 listeners weekly. They also dominate the digital space with a whopping 52.9% share of commercial streaming.

Tom Elliott kicks off 2025 as No. 1 in the mornings slot with a share of 19 – up 3.4 on his last survey – and a weekly audience of 514,000. He also commands a winning 36.5% share of the commercial streaming market.

Tony Moclair is outright No. 1 in afternoons, boasting a share of 13.9 – up 4.6 on Survey 8 of last year and  more than 10 points ahead of his nearest talk competitor.

Denis Walter leads Melbourne’s evening radio listening, claiming the top position with a commanding 25.1 share – up a massive 7.1 points on Survey 8 last year.

Darren James‘ Weekend Breakfast continues to dominate the airwaves on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

3AW Station Manager, Stephen Beers, commented:

“These outstanding Survey 1 results are a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire 3AW team. We’re incredibly proud to see our live, local programming resonating so strongly with Melbourne listeners across all dayparts and platforms. To achieve our best Survey 1 in over 15 years is a fantastic result and we look forward to continuing to serve Melbourne with the news, information and entertainment they rely on. Thanks to our loyal listeners for again making us number one.”

Source: GfK Radio360 Ratings, 3AW Melbourne Survey 1 2025, Mon-Sun 5.30am-12MN, Mon-Fri 5.30am-8.30am, Mon-Fri 8.30am-12pm, Mon-Fri 12pm-3pm, Mon-Fri 3pm-6pm, Mon-Thurs 8pm-12MN, Fri 7pm-12MN, Weekends 5.30am-12MN, Cume (000s), Market Share % Total Radio, Commercial Streaming share %, AP10+ , unless otherwise specified.

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

Thursday, 27 March, 2025

2GB is back on top as Sydney’s No.1 in 2025, according to GfK Radio 360 Survey 1. The station delivered a dominant 11.6 radio share and an impressive 33.9 commercial streaming share, further cementing its position as the go-to station for the best in news, talk, opinion and entertainment.

Ben Fordham Live is Sydney’s No.1 in Breakfast, leading both radio and live audio streaming with a remarkable 14.4 share and a 47.5 share in commercial streaming. Meanwhile, Mark Levy has celebrated his first survey in the Mornings slot with an incredible No.1 share of 13.5 in radio and 37.2 in commercial streaming.  

2GB Station Manager, Greg Byrnes, said: “It’s a great start to the year for 2GB – number one in Sydney, number one in Breakfast, number one in Mornings, and that’s despite major changes across the line up.”

“Mark Levy has compared replacing Ray Hadley as like coming in for Bradman but he’s hit it out of the park in survey one. We’re all really pleased for Mark and his team, as we are for Ben who’s again the clear number one in Breakfast. 

“We thank listeners who tune in everyday, and we thank the many others who have sampled and obviously like what they hear. There’s a big year ahead and Sydney can rely on 2GB for honest opinion and up to the minute news, sport and information.”

On his first survey result in Mornings, Mark Levy said: “I’m over the moon that 2GB has started the year as the number one radio station in Sydney, including in Breakfast, Mornings and Nights.”

“I want to thank each and every one of our loyal listeners for sticking with us. I’ve worked here for a while and have got to speak to so many of them over the years – I’m delighted they’re enjoying what I’m doing. It’s the start of a lot of hard work and I’m looking forward to it!”

Further highlights from GfK Radio 360 Survey 1, 2025 in Sydney:

• Afternoons with Michael McLaren posted a 8.6 (Mon-Fri 12pm-3pm)
• Sydney Now with Clinton Maynard recorded a 7.4 share (Mon-Fri 3pm-6pm)
• Wide World of Sports with Adam Hawse recorded a 7.8 share (up 1.3) (Mon-Fri 6-7pm)
• Money News with Deborah Knight posted an 10.7 share (up 2.6) (Mon-Thu 7pm-8pm)
• Nights with John Stanley remains the clear No.1 with a 18.4 share (up 1.9) (Mon-Thurs 8pm-12am, Fri 7pm-12am)
• Weekends with Luke Grant posted a 11.4 share (up 0.3) (Sat-Sun 9am-1pm)

Source: GfK Radio360 Ratings, 2GB Sydney Survey 1 2025, Mon-Fri 5.30am-9am, Mon-Fri 9am-12pm, Mon-Fri 12pm-3pm, Mon-Fri 3pm-6pm, Mon-Thur 7pm-8pm, Mon-Thur 8pm-12MN, Fri 7pm-12MN, Sat-Sun 9am-1pm, Fri 7pm-11pm, Sat 1pm-10pm, Sun 1pm-6pm, Market Share % Total Radio, Streaming share % AP10+ .

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

Thursday, 27 March, 2025

TOTAL RADIO 

It’s a sensational start to the 2025 ratings year for Nine Radio, with Sydney’s 2GB and Melbourne’s 3AW dominating their respective markets in the year’s first GfK Survey.

2GB has reclaimed its position as Sydney’s No.1 station, delivering a 11.6 share and outstanding results across all key timeslots. Ben Fordham Live is the clear No.1 in Breakfast with a dominant 14.4 share, reinforcing the show’s status as the city’s most trusted source for news, talk, and opinion. In his first survey in Mornings, Mark Levy knocked it out of the park to claim the No.1 spot with a 13.5 share. 

3AW has surged even further ahead as Melbourne’s top radio station, delivering an incredible 16.8 share, up a significant 3.2 points. Ross Stevenson and Russel Howcroft have further cemented their leadership in Breakfast, achieving a 21.3 share (up 1.3) and setting a high bar for the day. Tom Elliott followed suit, commanding the No.1 spot in Mornings with 19.0 (up 3.4). 

Greg Byrnes, National Content Manager, Nine Radio, said: “These are stunning results and lay the foundations for another dominant year for our live and local content. We’ve had big audience gains right across the network, particularly in 25-54s.”

“3AW is clearly the heartbeat of Melbourne. Today’s 16.8 share is the station’s best survey 1 result in over 15 years and we congratulate the entire team.

“In Sydney, for 2GB to be number one after major line up changes is also remarkable. In Brisbane, there’s been a solid increase in breakfast while Perth, Breakfast is number one talk.

“With a federal election there will be no let up in the content and we thank those listeners across the country for turning to us every day.”

COMMERCIAL RADIO SHARE	TOTAL RADIO CUME
15.9 (4 markets)	1.738 million listeners each week

STREAMING

The future of live audio streaming is talk as Nine Radio claims the No.1 position nationally with a 32.3% share. Digital listenership continues to surge during the Breakfast and Morning timeslots, with 3AW and 2GB the top streaming stations, with shares of 35.9% and 33.9%, respectively. 

In 3AW Breakfast, Ross and Russ claimed a mammoth No.1 commercial streaming share of 52.9% and Ben Fordham led the way on 2GB with 47.5%. This trend continues into Mornings, with Tom Elliott at 3AW delivering a 36.5% share and Mark Levy at 2GB with 37.2%.

Greg Byrnes said: “Our talk stations dominate streaming because it sounds great, is accessible and Australians want to stay in touch regardless of where they are.”

“We’ve led the market since the introduction of Radio360 and the live and local, always on, nature of our content means the audience is growing each year.

“Across the country, the audience figures in our key shifts are terrific and we look forward to another year of leading the way in live audio streaming.”

COMMERCIAL STREAMING SHARE	STREAMING CUME
32.3	362,000 (up 2% YoY)

PODCASTS 

The Nine Podcast Network reached over 1.35 million listeners in February 2025, marking an impressive 17% year-over-year growth across its premium catch-up radio and original podcasts.

Ben Fordham Live saw a standout increase, climbing 37% from the previous year to reach over 233,000 listeners. Other strong performers included 3AW Mornings with Tom Elliott (67,000 listeners), 3AW Breakfast with Ross and Russel (58,000 listeners), and the newly launched 2GB Mornings with Mark Levy, already attracting 39,000 listeners per month.

Nine Talk Radio’s focus on live and local content continues to resonate, with more than 702,000 listeners tuning into Nine Radio catch-up podcasts in February – an 11% increase year-on-year.

Meanwhile, Nine’s original podcasts across News, Sport, and Lifestyle now reach over 725,000 monthly listeners (up 27% YoY). Standout titles include Somehow Related with Dave O’Neil and Glenn Robbins, Better Than Yesterday with Osher Günsberg, and Prime Time with Bec Wilson, which made its debut on the Australian Podcast Ranker.

Mia Stern, Head of Podcasts and Digital Content, said: “The encouraging growth of our catch-up and original podcast listenership reflects the power of Nine Radio’s trusted voices and our commitment to delivering local stories that matter. We’re thrilled to see strong year-on-year growth and remain committed to delivering compelling, on-demand audio experiences for Australians everywhere.”

FEB 25 TOTAL DOWNLOADS	FEB 25 TOTAL LISTENERS
3.1 million	1.35 million

Source: GfK Radio360 Ratings, Survey 1 2025, Mon-Sun 5.30am-12MN, Market Share % Total, Market Share Streaming %, Commercial Streaming Share %, Cume (000s) Total and Streaming, 3AW Breakfast Mon-Fri 5.30am-8.30am, 3AW Mornings 8.30am-12pm, AP10+, Nine Radio – 2GB, 3AW, 4BC, 6PR, unless otherwise specified.

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

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

Thursday, 27 March, 2025

The Panthers meet Bennett’s Bunnies on Thursday, the Dolphins v Broncos Battle of Brisbane on Friday and the classic Manly v Parramatta match up are all live and free on Channel 9 and 9Now this weekend in NRL Round 4.

Supercoach Wayne Bennett will need to pull out all his tricks when the Rabbitohs face the Panthers on Thursday Night Footy from 7.30pm AEDT. The Panthers are without Nathan Cleary but still have the man voted best player in the world last year – Isaah Yeo to lead the way while the club’s depth is tested early in the season following back to back losses.

The Rabbitohs hit a road block against the Sharks last week and are keen to bounce back as Cody Walker, Jack Wighton and emerging halfback Jamie Humphreys are tasked with bringing glory to South Sydney against the reigning Premiers.

The Battle of Brisbane between the Dolphins and Broncos is all set to light up Friday Night Footy from Suncorp Stadium. The Dolphins are winless so far and desperate to get off the canvas to start their 2025 campaign. A win against their cross town rivals would be very sweet, but Broncos stars Reece Walsh, Pat Carrigan and the returning Kotoni Staggs have got other ideas in their bid to show who is the top dog in Brisbane. 

In a massive week of news for the Manly Sea Eagles, they will headline Sunday Arvo Footy following the announcement that their longest standing player in history, Daly Cherry-Evans, will depart the club at the end of the year. The Sea Eagles are boosted by the return of Tom Trbojevic from injury for their home clash against the winless Eels.    

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.

This unrivalled lineup of commentators, boasts 52 Grand Final appearances as players and coaches combined, as they 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 is Mat Thompson, Peter Psaltis and Brenton Speed.

BROADCAST SCHEDULE: NRL ROUND 4 ON NINE

Thursday, March 27

THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL – RABBITOHS 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 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
Adelaide        7.00pm on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
Perth              4.30pm on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now

Friday, March 28

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTY – DOLPHINS v BRONCOS
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 30

WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS – This Week: Roz Kelly, Jimmy Bartel, Ariarne Titmus and Craig Foster
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 – SEA EAGLES v EELS
Sydney          3.00pm on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now
Brisbane        2.00pm on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now
Melbourne     3.00pm on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
Adelaide        2.30pm on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
Perth             12.00pm on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now

Monday, March 31

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

Marlee and Me – 2024 Dally M medallist Jahrome Hughes, Melbourne Storm: 
Jahrome Hughes has developed into one of the most composed and skillful playmakers in the game, this is his full story. From growing up in New Zealand to becoming a premiership-winning NRL star to being voted best player in the game after winning the Dally M medal.
We dive deep into the role his family and culture have played in shaping him, exploring his identity as a proud Māori man and the values instilled in him from a young age. Jahrome opens up about the challenges he’s faced along the way, the sacrifices his family made for his career, and the resilience that has defined his path to the top.

Six Tackles with Gus
This week Gus praises the way DCE has gone about this week’s news that he will be leaving Manly at season’s end. Gus realised something was up after receiving a phone call about DCE’s future late last year.
Are we seeing too many set restarts in our game, are Penrith still the team to beat, and how important are mascots to our game?

Freddy and The Eighth – Wednesday night on Channel 9 in NSW/QLD, Stream on 9Now
Special Guest this week: Bulldogs forward Josh Curran.
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 as well. 

NRL ON NINE ROUND 4 2025
FROM THURSDAY MARCH 27 AT 7.30PM AEDT
LIVE AND FREE ON CHANNEL 9HD AND 9NOW

Wednesday, 26 March, 2025

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.

For further information, please contact:
Channel 9 Publicity 
Christabel Huynh
christabel.huynh@nine.com.au

Wednesday, 26 March, 2025

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 

Monday, 24 March, 2025

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

Monday, March 24, 2025

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
• Sports Feature – Melissa Fyfe (Good Weekend) for Reining Queen 
• 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

Friday, March 21, 2025

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

Friday, March 21, 2025

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

#9telethon
#materlittlemiracles
Follow @9NewsQueensland on Instagram and Facebook
Follow and @MaterQld on Instagram and Facebook 

For further information, please contact:
Lis Clough
Communications Manager, Nine Queensland
lclough@nine.com.au 

Thursday, March 20, 2025