Pedestrian Group unveils first-ever digital cover: “Culture Makers & Game Changers” celebrating Sydney Mardi Gras 2025

“‘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.

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

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Married at First Sight shatters Australian streaming records

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.” 

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

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

The Herald and The Age launch new subscription licence for university students

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

Dangerous Lies: Unmasking Belle Gibson

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

The Financial Review and Keypath Education partner launch innovative AI-enabled short course platform for business professionals

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

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