Big Ideas season has begun

Now in its seventh year, Big Ideas Delivered is the next iteration of The Big Ideas Store, and has evolved over the years from a small pop up store in Sydney to a virtual event, and then a week-long event in Sydney to now being a roadshow of in-person events in the offices of some of the biggest media agencies in Australia.  

Big Ideas Delivered will cover some of the most pressing topics facing advertisers today, including a deep dive into the country’s housing crisis with a fascinating insight into the evolution of how young Australians are getting onto the property ladder and what that means for brands. The research explores the societal and cultural impact of the compromise Australians are making.

There is also new research and a playbook for clients on how the demographic of people aged over 50 is overlooked and undervalued by brands despite their huge spending power and the greatest generational wealth transfer in human history currently underway to them. The research also challenges the industry about how they represent this audience and our role in media to change society’s perception of ageing. 

There will also be research and insights into consumer trends and expectations around sustainability in a cost of living crisis and consumer appetite for change; and how Artificial Intelligence, personalisation and augmented reality is driving trends in the global retail sector.  

“These insights and panels empower our agency partners to better inform brands about our constantly evolving world and culture” says Day “Big ideas are in Powered’s DNA, and through this forward-thinking research, we’re committed to deeply understanding what drives Australians across all demographics and categories, ensuring greater impact, connection, and campaign effectiveness for our partners”

The events come as Powered bolsters its ranks with the appointments of Remi Baker as Director of Insights and Innovation, and Stewart Gurney as Director of Strategy and Effectiveness. 

Both known for their media agency experience, Remi was most recently Sydney Head of Strategy at PHD where she chaired the PHD Innovation Council which contributed to PHD Australia being awarded No.1 for Best Innovation Program and No.1 Most Innovative Media & Marketing Company in the AFR’s Most Innovative awards. 

She has been recognised as a Cannes Young Lions winner, Microsoft Innovation award winner and Festival of Media APAC Next Generation Winner. In her role as Director of Insights and Innovation, she will uncover market-leading insights on consumer trends and cultural shifts to enable brands and clients to reach their audiences in more creative and innovative ways. 

Stewart has spent more than 20 years immersed in the world of media agencies, most recently as Chief Strategy Officer at Kaimera. In a storied career that has taken him from the UK to Australia, he was previously PHD’s Chief Strategy Officer Australia and has worked at MediaCom and Vizeum. 

Having spent years understanding client needs and crafting strategies, he has a strong grasp of the challenges CMOs and brands face, and how publishers can address their evolving priorities. As Director of Strategy and Effectiveness, he will ensure that Powered delivers results for partners. 

For pictures, click HERE

For more details HERE

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

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Pedestrian Group expands talent roster to drive youth-focused innovation

“Our ability to deliver authentic, community-driven content not only strengthens our bond with our readers but also positions us as a trusted alternative to the unpredictable environment of social networks.”

As Australia’s youth-centric publisher, Pedestrian Group prides itself on telling the stories that matter to young Australians, creating spaces for dialogue, and providing advertisers with a safe and impactful way to reach this critical audience. With an emphasis on innovation, cultural relevance, and a deep understanding of youth, Pedestrian Group continues to lead the charge in redefining what it means to engage with the next generation.

The new appointments bring a wealth of expertise and fresh perspectives to the team:

Jillian Matthews, National Sales Director – Bringing over 15 years of exceptional media experience, Jill Matthews joins Pedestrian Group as National Sales Director, a newly created role designed to elevate the company’s commercial strategy. Reporting directly to CEO Mason Rook, Jill will spearhead innovative approaches for brands and advertisers to connect with Pedestrian’s dedicated audience of young Australians. A key part of her remit will also involve fostering a strong, positive, and empowering culture within the commercial team, ensuring Pedestrian’s values are embedded in every partnership. Previously serving as State Sales Director for VIC and SA at The Guardian Australia, Jill’s leadership and expertise will drive the next chapter of growth for Pedestrian Group.

“Jill’s proven track record in media and her deep understanding of the Australian advertising landscape make her the perfect fit to lead our commercial strategy,” said Rook.

“We’re thrilled to have her on board as we continue to grow and innovate.”

Josh Casemore, NSW Sales Director – Josh Casemore joins Pedestrian Group as NSW Sales Director, bringing nearly six years of experience from The Guardian Australia. Reporting to Jill Matthews, Josh will play a key role in driving commercial success across the region. In addition to his commercial responsibilities, Josh will work to cultivate an empowering and inclusive culture that supports team collaboration and individual growth. His collaborative approach and innovative mindset will enhance Pedestrian’s relationships with advertisers and further solidify its market leadership.

Hannah Brenegan, Advertising and Partnerships Director – Hannah Brenegan steps into the role of Advertising & Partnerships Director, bringing nearly four years of success from her tenure at The Guardian Australia. Based in the Sydney office, Hannah’s expertise in creating impactful partnerships will strengthen Pedestrian’s advertising ecosystem and help brands resonate with the youth demographic.

Lisa Costa Santos, Senior Advertising and Partnerships Director – Lisa Costa Santos brings over eight years of experience to her new role as Senior Advertising and Partnerships Director at Pedestrian Group. Based in Melbourne and reporting to Jill Matthews, Lisa’s strategic vision and deep industry knowledge will be instrumental in expanding Pedestrians capabilities and fostering meaningful connections with advertisers.

“We are excited to welcome Josh, Hannah, and Lisa to Pedestrian Group. Each of them brings unique skills and perspectives that will undoubtedly enhance our ability to deliver value to both our audience and our advertising partners”, added Rook.

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

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

NRL 2025 kicks off with Indigenous vs Maori All Stars

The 2025 NRL Indigenous All Stars will feature the freakishly fast Hamiso Tabui-Fidow, while the Maori All Stars will have more than a skip in their step with Knights superstar Kalyn Ponga joining their lineup. 

Speaking ahead of the clash, Dolphins, Queensland Maroons and Australian Kangaroos outside back Tabui-Fidow, who is proudly representing his Torres Strait Islander heritage for the Indigenous All Stars this week, said: “This is the most culturally significant week in the NRL season. It’s incredibly special for us to represent our people.

“This opportunity is an opportunity to learn more about ourselves and educate others. I can’t wait to get out on the field against the Maori All Stars, we’ll play our style of footy and put on a show to kick off the footy season.”

Nine’s Wide World of Sports will include expert commentary, in-depth analysis, ensuring that viewers don’t miss a moment of the action

Coverage is hosted by James Bracey and Danika Mason, with expert comments from Indigenous All Stars legend Johnathan Thurston, the Eighth Immortal Andrew Johns, premiership winning coach Phil Gould and international rugby league representatives Ruan Sims and Allana Ferguson. During the games sideline reporters Danika Mason and Marlee Silva are joined by commentators Mat Thompson and Brenton Speed.

BROADCAST SCHEDULE

Saturday, February 15

Mixed Touch Football
Sydney             4.30pm LIVE and FREE, 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
Brisbane           3.30pm LIVE and FREE, 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
Melbourne        4.30pm LIVE and FREE, 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
Adelaide           4.00pm LIVE and FREE, 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
Perth                1.30pm LIVE and FREE, 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now

Women’s All Stars
Sydney             5.30pm LIVE and FREE, 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
Brisbane           4.30pm LIVE and FREE, 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
Melbourne        5.30pm LIVE and FREE, 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
Adelaide           5.00pm LIVE and FREE, 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
Perth                2.30pm LIVE and FREE, 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now

Men’s All Stars
Sydney             7.30pm LIVE and FREE, Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now
Brisbane           6.30pm on 9GemHD switching to Channel 9 at 7.00pm, stream on 9Now
Melbourne        7.30pm LIVE and FREE, Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now
Adelaide           7.00pm LIVE and FREE, 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
Perth                4.30pm LIVE and FREE, 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

FW and The Parenthood launch new series on Australia’s childcare crisis

At What Cost? is a limited series by FW, produced in partnership with The Parenthood.
Listen to episode one, “A guilt-filled juggle.” on Apple or Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Media opportunities:

Georgie Dent, host of At What Cost? and CEO of The Parenthood

Helen McCabe, FW managing director

For further information, please contact:
Sally Spicer
FW Communications Director
sally@futurewomen.com 

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

9Podcasts launches new parenting podcast: Baby Talk with Tayla Broad and Lana Murphy 

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

Monday, February 10, 2025

Liz Hayes announces new chapter

Liz’s expansive and award-winning media career allows for an incredibly diverse and impressive portfolio of stories. She is a master storyteller who boasts an innate ability to connect with people. However, her impact extends beyond storytelling, with Liz firmly cemented as one of Australia’s most accomplished women in media. 

Liz joined 9News in 1981 as a reporter and then went on to present the morning bulletin. In 1986 she became co-host of Today with Steve Liebmann, a role she held for 10 years. 

She joined 60 Minutes in 1996 and has covered everything from US presidential elections to the heart-wrenching Syrian refugee crisis, as well as natural disasters across the globe. 

Renowned as one of the greatest interviewers on Australian television, she has sat down with Prime Ministers and politicians, influential business people, Hollywood actors, music legends, and world-class athletes. But ultimately, Liz’s greatest impact has been shining a light on the stories of everyday people who find themselves in extraordinary situations. 

Over the past four-and-a-half decades, Liz’s contribution to journalism has been recognised with a Logie Award for producing and presenting acclaimed documentary The Greatest Gift and the 2024 Media Diversity Australia Award for Under Investigation with Liz Hayes. The award celebrates journalists making an outstanding contribution through their reporting on diverse people or issues in Australia, and was the first time any commercial television network has been recognised in this category.

Liz Hayes said: “When I arrived at Nine I had little more than a notebook and a typewriter, but like my new and far more experienced colleagues, I carried with me an enormous passion for telling stories. I was blessed. I had found my tribe. Even Nine’s owner at the time, Kerry Packer, seemed to carry the same passionate story telling gene.

“Of course since then much has changed. The media world has evolved as have I. What hasn’t changed is the need for good stories to be told, and I will continue to tell them.

“I leave Nine grateful for the decades of experience, the wonderful friendships that have endured and deeply appreciative to the many people who trusted me to tell their stories.”

Nine Director of Television, Michael Healy said: “Liz Hayes is an Australian television legend and has dedicated most of her career to Nine, she will leave an undeniable legacy.  

“Her many accomplishments speak volumes about the type of journalist she is – tenacious, a truth seeker, and above all, a storyteller. I’d like to recognise Liz for the impact she has had on Australian journalism and thank her for all she has done for Nine over the past 44 years. 

For further information, please contact:
Amanda Poulos
Channel 9 Publicity 
apoulos@nine.com.au 

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Married at First Sight becomes the ultimate love match for brands wanting to reach viewers

As the series continues to see impressive annual growth, brands are tapping into the power of MAFS to connect with more Australians than any other television program, resulting in high levels of consumer engagement. 

Long term returning sponsors include KFC, which is in its 9th year of sponsoring MAFS, HBF for the 2nd year; Nestle (3 seasons), Stan (4 seasons) and Chemist Warehouse (2 seasons). Youi Insurance (2 seasons), Snooze (3 seasons), Cocobella (2 seasons), Palmer’s Skincare, BIC, Garnier, Maybelline, Simon Curwood Jewellers (2 seasons), Domain (2 seasons), Finder, KenoGO and Snaffle (3 seasons) also continue their sponsorships. 

This season marks a decade since the reality juggernaut first began in 2015, captivating Australia. In 2025, MAFS will bring even more spellbinding outpouring of love and drama as this year’s brides and grooms fast track their relationships, revealing the most honest, raw and vulnerable sides the couples have ever shown to viewers. 

Sarah Stewart, Powered’s Director of Content Partnerships and Client Experience, said: “It is fantastic to again see so many brands align with MAFS and further extend their sponsorships. The audience of Married at First Sight is deeply engaged and research shows brand recall is high.” 

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

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Nine announces senior appointments in TV News and Current Affairs

It’s a return to Nine for Best who previously held reporting and leadership roles as Nine’s Europe Correspondent based in London and Senior Reporter in Brisbane, as well as News Director in Perth – a role he held for more than three years. Since leaving Nine in 2022, Best has gone on to senior communications and leadership roles at Tattarang and Minderoo, and Gladstone Ports Corporation. 

Kendall Bora has been appointed US Bureau Chief. Currently the Executive Producer of the Today Show, Bora will be relocating to Los Angeles to lead Nine’s US coverage at a crucial time in global affairs.

Fiona Dear said: “These three appointments underline the calibre of people we have leading our News & Current Affairs at Nine.

“Hugh is one of Australia’s most experienced news leaders, with widespread respect across the industry. He was the standout candidate for this national leadership role. Hugh has done a terrific job unofficially acting in this capacity since December, so I am excited to formalise this appointment.

“We’re excited to welcome Michael home to Nine and to 9News Sydney. Michael is a collaborative and supportive leader and a passionate newshound, which is a winning combination for this role. We’re particularly excited about his ability to hit the ground running at Nine, while bringing a new and fresh perspective to the Sydney newsroom.  

“Kendall has had a stellar run at Today Show as EP and has spearheaded a number of transformative projects, including the streamlining of the entire Today Show team. With the global focus on all things America, I’m excited about what she can achieve as head of Nine’s famed US bureau.”

Hugh Nailon said: “Working for 9News is an absolute privilege. I am looking forward to continuing in this new role, which allows me to support and inspire the talented teams in Nine’s newsrooms around the country and our foreign bureaus.”

Michael Best said: “I am proud and excited to be returning to 9News. I have always believed in the critical role great journalism plays in society. At a time when we have unlimited access to information, we need a trusted source that we can rely on to make informed decisions every day for our families, our businesses and our lives. Now, more than ever, Sydney needs the facts. That’s what 9News Sydney delivers every single day. I am looking forward to continuing the important legacy of 9News Sydney and building our connection with the people who are the heart of this great city.”

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

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

The 9Network to showcase the Invictus Games

The 9Network’s comprehensive coverage will bring all the action and heartfelt moments directly to Australian audiences where they’ll receive every Team Australia event and all competition finals events live, plus catchup on the Daily Mini Highlights on 9Now. While 9GemHD provides a Daily Highlights show every afternoon of competition plus the Closing Ceremony before competition concludes on Tuesday, February 18. 

The Invictus Games Foundation offers a recovery pathway for international wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women (WIS). Over 500 competitors from over 20 nations to compete in adaptive sports, including the new winter sports: Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding, Nordic Skiing and Biathlon, Skeleton, and Wheelchair Curling, in addition to the core Invictus Games sports of indoor rowing, sitting volleyball, swimming, wheelchair rugby and wheelchair basketball. Enabling those involved to reclaim their purpose, identity and future, beyond injury.

The Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 will mark a historic moment as it integrates adaptive winter sports for the first time, including skiing, snowboarding and skeleton events. 

Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, said: “The Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 will offer a global platform to expand the range and profile of winter adaptive sports. With deep respect, I’m also pleased to share that the Games in Canada will be held in partnership with the First Nations, in the spirit of truth and reconciliation with Indigenous communities.”

Simon Fordham, Nine Wide World of Sports Head of Partnerships and Strategy, said: “The Invictus Games are a beacon of hope, resilience, and determination, and we are honoured to broadcast this event to Australian audiences. Partnering with the Invictus Games Foundation allows us to showcase the remarkable achievements of these competitors and celebrate their unwavering spirit. We look forward to bringing their stories to life and highlighting the incredible efforts of Team Australia, ensuring the Games’ message of recovery and unity resonates far and wide.”

VIEWING GUIDE 9GEMHD

9NOW LIVE STREAMING GUIDE – INVICTUS GAMES
Live and Free

Renowned sales leader Julia Edwards appointed as Nine’s Director – Programmatic Sales

She will report into Nick Young, Nine’s Commercial Director – Digital. 

Edwards has extensive experience in programmatic advertising, having previously worked as Yahoo’s Commercial Director and Sales Director (NSW); Head of Partnerships – Foxtel & Global Partners at Multi Channel Network; as well as stints at Seven and Everguide.   

Nick Young, Nine’s Commercial Director – Digital, said: “I am thrilled to welcome Julia to Nine. With her depth of experience across the media industry and expertise in the programmatic space, she will be pivotal in driving our business forward across 9Now, Publishing and Audio.” 

Julia Edwards said: “I’m thrilled to be a part of Nine’s growth, helping connect programmatic advertisers with premium inventory across Nine’s video, audio, and publishing assets. Together, we will be focused on driving transparency, collaboration, and effectiveness in the dynamic world of total media.”

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

Monday, February 3, 2025