Archives: Media Releases

Partnership Cements Nine as the Only Destination for Australian Rugby Fans – Including Two Tournaments on Home Soil!

In a clear demonstration of its commitment to bringing Australians major sporting moments, Nine has secured the exclusive broadcast rights to the upcoming Men’s and Women’s Rugby World Cups, showcasing its unique ability to connect with the widest possible audience while providing a dedicated home for passionate fans.

This golden era for Rugby kicks off with the highly anticipated British & Irish Lions Tour in 2025, bolstered by the game-changing Rugby World Cup deal that solidifies Stan Sport, the 9Network and 9Now as the ultimate destination for rugby. 

Nine’s leading streaming and broadcast platforms will showcase the upcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, followed by the Men’s Rugby World Cup in 2027 – the first time since 2003 – and the Women’s Rugby World Cups 2029 – hosted right here on home soil. Stan Sport will deliver every match from all three tournaments live and on-demand, while all the must-see action – including Wallabies and Wallaroos games – will be live and free on the 9Network and 9Now.

With the unmatched combination of the 9Network, 9Now and Stan Sport, fans won’t miss a moment – from the first kick-off to the final whistle. Whether live on free-to-air, streaming on demand, or diving into expert commentary, analysis and entertainment across Nine’s unrivalled suite of digital, publishing and audio assets, audiences will experience the Rugby World Cups like never before.

Coverage kicks off with Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 in England (22 August – 27 September 2025 UK time). Wallaroos matches will air live on the 9Network and 9Now, with all 32 tournament games available live and on-demand on Stan Sport.

Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 then returns to Australian shores with the biggest sporting moment of the year delivering fans a six-week, nationwide celebration of rugby. Nine will be at the heart of the action, broadcasting games from the early rounds right through to the finals, including all Wallabies and Wallaroos games, live and free on the 9Network and 9Now.

For the ultimate rugby experience, Stan Sport will stream all 52 matches live with replays, mini matches and highlights available on demand. With an expanded 24-team format, this Rugby World Cup promises to be an unmissable event for the entire country.

Australia will also host the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029 for the very first time the tournament comes to our shores. 9Network will air at least half of all matches, including all Wallaroos games, with the entire tournament available to stream on Stan Sport.

The deal also includes major international competitions from 2025 to 2029, including:

• World Rugby U20 Championship (2025, Italy)
  
• Pacific Nations Cup (2025, USA)
  
• WXV Tournaments (from 2026)
  
• HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series (2025–2029)

This agreement builds on the acclaimed coverage on Stan Sport, the 9Network and 9Now of Women’s Rugby World Cup 2021 (played in 2022) and Men’s Rugby World Cup 2023 in France, and cements Nine’s position as the home of the biggest and most iconic sporting events in Australia. 

Nine Chair, Catherine West, said: “Securing the rights to these global events is a testament to Nine’s long-term strategy and deep commitment to delivering value for audiences, partners and shareholders. Major sporting bodies know they can trust Nine to bring an exceptional experience for fans that builds interest not just in the event but also engagement in their sport. Rugby is living proof of that value Nine brings.”

Matt Stanton, Nine CEO, said: “The Rugby World Cup agreement reinforces the power of Nine. Whether it’s streaming on 9Now or Stan Sport, watching at home on 9 Network, listening on radio or getting the analysis across our publishing mastheads, Nine can bring the game to Australian audiences like no other media company can. It not just cements Nine as the home of rugby, it strengthens our position as the place for iconic national and international sport with an unmatched ability to reach audiences across any and every platform. 

“It’s not just the fans that benefit from this partnership with World Rugby, our sponsors and advertisers know they can trust Nine to elevate their brands and engage with audiences in a meaningful and impactful way that adds to the experience for our audiences.”

World Rugby Chair, Brett Robison said: “This landmark partnership is all about reigniting the love of rugby down under. With Nine unmatched reach, expert analysis, and comprehensive coverage across its broadcast and digital platforms, we are ensuring rugby is accessible to a wide audience and offering a unique and immersive destination for fans in the country.”

World Rugby CEO, Alan Gilpin added: “World Rugby and Nine are uniting to deliver unprecedented visibility for the sport and its stars in Australia, ensuring the next generation of rugby fans is inspired by the action both on and off the field. As we enter a golden decade for the sport in Australia, we are excited to continue our fruitful relationship with Nine all the way to two era-defining Rugby World Cups in 2027 and 2029.”

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

Monday, 12 May, 2025

Nine today announced that Ashley Earnshaw, who has served as Director of Sales – Total Audio since 2021, is stepping down. During his tenure as a key commercial leader within Nine’s audio division, Ash has been instrumental in guiding Nine’s audio team through a period of positive evolution and growth.

“My time at Nine has been a truly valuable experience, and I’m incredibly proud of what the Total Audio team has accomplished as the audio landscape has continued its rapid digital transformation,” said Earnshaw.

“After careful consideration, I’ve decided the time is right to pursue new professional opportunities. While it’s a tough decision to leave a business that is primed for growth, I’m also excited by the prospect of applying my skills and experience in new areas to drive value.

“I’m fully committed to ensuring a smooth and effective handover and will be working closely with the team in the coming months as they transition to the new operational framework. I’m grateful for the professional relationships and friendships I’ve built here and extend my best wishes to Nine Radio Managing Director, Tom Malone, Chief Sales Officer Matt James, and all my colleagues at Nine.”

Tom Malone, Managing Director – Nine Radio, said: “Ash has provided steady and effective leadership to our Total Audio sales division during a time of considerable change. His dedication to the business and his team has been clear, and we appreciate his commitment to supporting a seamless transition to a new structure.”

Earnshaw will remain with Nine to the end of June to facilitate a smooth transition to the new operating model for the Total Audio sales team. The process for identifying his successor is currently underway, and further details will be communicated in due course.

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

Friday, 9 May, 2025

Authors Rodney Hall and Lech Blaine led an esteemed field of writers at The Age’s annual Book of the Year Awards last night during the opening night of the Melbourne Writers Festival. 

With Hall’s novel Vortex taking out the fiction category, and Blaine’s memoir Australian Gospel awarded best non-fiction, the winners each received $10,000 thanks to the Copyright Agency’s Cultural Fund. 

Both authors were praised by the judges – author and critic Bram Presser; The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald’s Canberra Bureau Chief Michelle Griffin; author, reviewer and mission director of Caritas Australia, Michael McGirr, and author and director Lorin Clake – for writing books that stay with readers long after their final pages. 

Queensland-based Hall, who is 89 and unable to attend the awards in person, said that Vortex “was a risk from the beginning”. The novel, which is set in Brisbane in 1954, depicts an alternative history of the 20th century.   

Blaine’s memoir Australian Gospel tells the story of his family’s battle with the biological parents of his three fostered siblings. The parents were Christian fanatics who fought for decades to get their children back.  

The Age editor Patrick Elligett said: “Engaging with thought provoking ideas and stories is addictive and The Age is proud of its long history encouraging that addiction through its coverage of the literary scene and support of writers around the country.”

The Age Book of the Year Awards has been running for 44 years and has honoured some of the most celebrated writers in Australia including David Malouf, Thea Astley, Tony Birch, Tim Winton, Elizabeth Jolley and Robbie Arnott. 

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

Friday, 9 May, 2025

In the 45th year of Australian sport’s fiercest rivalry, the award winning podcast series Stories of Origin returns for 2025 with its most emotional series yet – Magic Moments, as James Tedesco features this week when Teddy’s Match Winner is available today – Monday, May 5.

In his first deep dive into his famous moment, Tedesco relives one of the greatest moments in State of Origin history. Listeners are taken back to the 2019 series decider in Sydney, where New South Wales stood on the edge of despair until one frantic, flawless sequence flipped the script forever. 

Tedesco’s miraculous final-minute try cemented his place in Origin folklore leaving Queensland stunned and NSW with their first back-to-back series win since 2005.

The 2025 Magic Moments Stories covers Arthur Beetson’s thunderous first steps onto Lang Park in 1980, Coyne’s miracle try to Ben Hunt’s runaway redemption. Rare and never-before-heard Nine archive audio, raw behind-the-scenes reflections, and the emotion that makes Origin what it is – passion, pride, and power.

From the unforgettable to the unbelievable, these are the moments that made you shout, cry, and believe again. Chosen by fans and told by legends, this six-part series takes you inside the most iconic plays in State of Origin history – straight from the mouths of those who lived them.

Narrated by Mathew Thompson, the series featuring Wally Lewis, Brad Fittler, Phil Gould, Ben Hunt, Roy Masters, Billy Slater, and more.

Stories of Origin – Teddy’s Match Winner on 9Now, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

Podcast Available on 9Podcasts, Spotify, Apple and Google

STORIES OF ORIGIN – EPISODE LIST AND RELEASE DATES

Episode 1 – Arthur Beetson’s Arrival
Guests: Wally Lewis, Phil Gould, Roy Masters
Features rare audio from the Nine archive, unheard for over 45 years.

Episode 2 – Teddy’s Match Winner – Released Monday, May 5
Guests: James Tedesco, Brad Fittler

Episode 3 – The Miracle Try – Released Monday, May 12
Guests: Mark Coyne, Peter Sterling, Phil Gould, Wally Lewis, Brad Fittler

Episode 4 – Turvey Chaired Off – Released Monday, May 19
Guests: Mark Geyer, Roy Masters, Phil Gould, Darryl Brohman, Peter Wynn

Episode 5 – Go Dozer! Hunt 2022 – Released Monday, May 26
Guests: Ben Hunt, Billy Slater, Johnathan Thurston, James Tedesco

Episode 6 – Decider 2024 – Released Monday, June 2
Guests: Darren Lockyer, Mark Geyer, Brad Fittler, Johnathan Thurston

Monday, 5 May, 2025

The journey of Australia’s newest NRL team continues with RISE OF THE DOLPHINS: Episode 2 on Channel 9 following 100% Footy, or to stream anywhere, anytime on 9Now from Monday, May 5.

This three part series dives deeper into the lives, laughs, and dressing room moments of the Dolphins as they tackle their final season under the legendary coach Wayne Bennett.

Building on the heartfelt and humorous tone of the series, Episode 2 offers fans an intimate look at the personalities that define the Dolphins on and off the field. From brushstrokes to birth stories, it’s an episode packed with unexpected moments and behind-the-scenes gold.

Episode 2 Highlights:

• Herbie Farnworth gives the ultimate quiz to partner Lily — how well does she really know the Dolphins roster?
• Josh Kerr and partner Dijana get creative in a quirky and heartfelt portrait painting session.
• Josh Kerr and Connelly Lemuelu get deep (and a little wild) with conspiracy theories in their Perth hotel room.
• Mascot Dwayne Bennett makes his on-screen debut, while the WAGS watch the Warriors game.
• Mic’d Up Mayhem as Herbie’s partner Lily captures all the drama as he faces his former team, the Broncos.
• Tom Gilbert’s North Harbour Segment gives fans a glimpse into his life off the field and his special connection with the North Harbour community.

Rise of The Dolphins is more than a sports docuseries – it’s a raw, often hilarious, and always human look into what makes a team more than just a lineup.

Sunday, 4 May, 2025

A family lunch in country Victoria ended in tragedy. Three guests died. A fourth nearly didn’t survive. Now, as Erin Patterson faces court charged with their murders, 9News, The Age and 9Podcasts invite audiences inside the case that has captivated the world.

The Mushroom Trial: Say Grace is the latest must-listen podcast from Australia’s most trusted newsroom. Led by 9News and The Age journalists Penelope Liersch and Erin Pearson, the podcast takes listeners into the courtroom in real time – unpacking the evidence, analysing the testimony, and offering exclusive insights from inside the Latrobe Valley courtroom.

Building on the success of The Missing Campers Trial, Liersch and Pearson once again combine their expertise in crime and justice reporting to deliver a gripping narrative backed by Nine’s unmatched journalistic resources, real-time reporting, and multimedia storytelling.

“This is a case that’s made headlines around the world,” said co-host Penelope Liersch. “But what really happens in court is far more complex than a headline. We’re here to help listeners understand every step—from the evidence to the emotion in the room.”

“The prosecution will try to prove the accused had murderous intent,” added Erin Pearson, Crime and Justice Reporter at The Age. “We’ll take people with us into the courtroom to understand how the justice system works when someone stands trial for murder.”

The first episode of The Mushroom Trial: Say Grace is available now. New episodes will drop as the trial unfolds. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

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

Friday, 2 May, 2025

Nine today announced the appointment of highly respected journalist Joel Dry as the new co-presenter of 9News Queensland’s 6.00pm bulletin, alongside Melissa Downes. Joel will commence his role in August.

This appointment marks a significant return to Nine for Joel, who first began his television reporting career with the network in Adelaide in September 2009. He subsequently moved to Channel 9 Queensland in December 2011 and later served as a federal politics reporter for Channel 9 in Canberra.

Joel is stepping into the role previously held by the esteemed Andrew “Lofty” Lofthouse, who retired earlier this year.

Melissa Downes, 9News Queensland presenter said, “This is an exciting time for 9News Queensland, a regeneration, and I know the team will be just as delighted as I am to have Joel joining me on the 6.00pm news desk. I know he will bring a new energy to the newsroom and his insightful reporting will add depth to our bulletin, offering our viewers an even richer understanding of the stories that matter most.

“We are thrilled to welcome Joel back to Nine,” said Brendan Hockings, Director of 9News Queensland.

“His extensive experience covering significant Queensland stories, from natural disasters to major sporting events including the Olympics and Commonwealth Games, speaks volumes about his dedication and journalistic skill. He is a familiar and trusted face for our viewers.

“Joel’s deep understanding of Queensland and his proven track record make him the ideal choice to partner with Melissa. We know our audience will warmly welcome him to the 6.00pm bulletin.”

Joel Dry said, “I’m thrilled to be returning home to Nine, where I began my life in news many years ago.

“I have so much respect for Melissa who was always very generous and supportive to me during my years at Nine and it’s an honour to again work alongside such an admired journalist.”

“The team in the Channel 9 Queensland newsroom are tough, fair, relentless and award winning. I can’t wait to be a part of bringing Queenslanders the news they deserve.

Joel’s connection to 9News Queensland runs deep. It was there that he met his now wife, Jessica Milward, a senior journalist currently serving as Channel 9’s Europe Correspondent in the London bureau. Joel is presently in the UK supporting Jessica in her role.

The couple announced their engagement live on Today in 2016 and married in 2018 and have one child together. Jessica will also be returning to Brisbane later this year, reuniting the couple in the same newsroom.

Joel’s return signifies an exciting new chapter for 9News Queensland, building on its commitment to delivering trusted and comprehensive news coverage to viewers across the state.

For further information, please contact:
Lucy Charles
9Network Publicity
lucy.charles@nine.com.au

Friday, 2 May, 2025

Perth’s 6PR has reaffirmed its dominance as the No.1 news and talk station in WA achieving a 7.3 share – a growth of 0.2% from the previous survey and up 1.8% year-on-year. 

Time Spent Listening for 6PR was again #1 in Perth increasing another 34 minutes with its closest competitor nearly 2 hours behind.

6PR Breakfast with Steve Mills and Karl Langdon (5am – 9am) recorded a share of 9.8 – up 0.4% compared to last survey. 

Perth Today with Simon Beaumont (9am – 1pm) posted a share of 7.6 (up 1.6%, year-on-year), and Perth Live with Oliver Peterson (1pm – 5pm) secured a share of 5.6 – up 1.2% year-on-year. 

Streaming also continues to be a strong growth channel:

• Streaming Millsy and Karl: #1 Share – 22
• Streaming Share: 11.8% (No.1 Talk Station in streaming) 

6PR Content Manager, Brad Pottinger said: “Great to see Perth listeners tuning in for even longer with TSL continuing to be #1. Survey 2 included our AFL coverage with cume and share growth in all timeslots survey to survey plus year-on-year. I’m not surprised due to the talent in our team.” 

Further highlights of GfK Radio 360 Survey 2 in Perth are:

• Wide World of Sports recorded a share of 5.8 (Monday-Friday 5.00pm – 7.00pm) 
• Weekends with Jamie Burnett claimed a share of 8.3 – up 2.5% year on year (Sat 6.00am-10.00am and Sun 6.00am- 12pm) 

Source: GfK Radio360 Ratings, 6PR Perth Survey 2, 2025, Mon-Fri 5.00am – 9.00am, Mon-Fri, 9.00am – 1.00pm, Mon-Fri, 1.00pm – 5.00pm, Market Share % Total Radio, Streaming share % Cume (000s), TSL (HH:MM) AP10+, unless otherwise specified.

For further information, please contact:
Bayley Howe
Marketing & Publicity Executive
bayleyhowe@nine.com.au

Thursday, 1 May, 2025

Brisbane’s 4BC continues its upward trajectory in 2025, recording solid growth across all key programming, with the station achieving an overall share of 4.9% (up 0.5) in the latest GfK Radio survey results.

The station’s total radio cumulative audience saw a strong increase of 16.5%, including a massive 42% surge among People 25–54 and a 15.2% rise in the 40+ demographic. AP10+ is up 10% compared to the previous survey, while 4BC’s streaming audience also continues to build, posting a 16% increase in cume and delivering a streaming share of 6.6%.

All local shows, Breakfast with Peter Fegan, Mornings with Bill McDonald, Afternoons with Sofie Formica, Drive with Gary Hardgrave, and Wide World of Sports with Peter Psaltis, recorded gains in both market share and cumulative audience, including the station’s new weekend show, Step Outside with Paul Burt, making a strong debut in its first survey with 4BC.

4BC Content Manager, Siobhain McDonnell says: “Seeing this growth across all local dayparts is a testament to the team’s hard work and commitment to rebuild as Brisbane’s prominent talk station. We are committed to keeping Brisbane entertained and informed and the results today reflect that”.

The Survey 2 results highlight that 4BC’s dedication to delivering live and local programming continues to strike a chord with Brisbane audiences.

Source: GfK Radio360 Ratings, 4BC Brisbane Survey 2 2025, Mon-Sun 5.30am-12MN, Mon-Fri 12-3pm, Mon-Fri 3pm-6pm, WWOS Mon-Fri 6-7pm, Sat-Sun 6am-8am, Market Share %, Cume (000s), Total Radio, Streaming Cume, Streaming Share%, AP10+ unless otherwise specified.

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

For further information, please contact:
Lucy Charles
Publicity Assistant, Nine Queensland
lucy.charles@nine.com.au

Thursday, 1 May, 2025

3AW has once again claimed the crown as Melbourne’s No. 1 radio station, continuing its reign as the city’s trusted source for live, local and engaging talk radio.

The GfK Radio 360 Survey 2 results, released today, show 3AW firmly ahead of the pack with an impressive audience share of 14.1 and a leading commercial streaming share of 28.4%.

Each week, 687,000 Melburnians tune in to 3AW, drawn to its compelling content across news, opinion, sport and conversation.

3AW remains No. 1 in key dayparts – Breakfast, Mornings, Evenings, Weekends and Football – with continued strong performances across all programs.

Ross and Russ remain unmatched at Breakfast, posting a market-leading share of 19.3 – up 0.7 on the same survey last year and 8.6 points ahead of their nearest competitor. Their show reaches 450,000 listeners every week and continues to dominate commercial streaming with a 46.1% share.

Tom Elliott has once again delivered a winning performance in Mornings, recording a share of 15.8 and attracting a weekly audience of 447,000. He also leads the commercial streaming space with 33.5%.

In Afternoons, Tony Moclair delivered a share of 9.9. His blend of topical conversation and listener engagement continues to resonate strongly with Melbourne audiences.

In Drive, Jacqui Felgate recorded a share of 9.8 – up 2.4 points on the same survey last year. 

In Evenings, Denis Walter continues to lead the market with a share of 24.7 – up 0.9 points on the same survey last year.

3AW Football has had a great start to 2025 – the number 1 station overall for Thursday night, Friday night, Saturday and Sunday in the competitive AFL market.

Darren James’ Weekend Breakfast also maintains its position as Melbourne’s favourite weekend listening.

3AW Station Manager Stephen Beers said:
“These results are a great endorsement of the work our entire team does every day to deliver quality, live and local programming. We’re thrilled to remain Melbourne’s No. 1 station and grateful to our listeners for their loyalty and trust. Our commitment is always to inform and entertain this city, and these results reflect the strength of that connection.”

Source: GfK Radio360 Ratings, 3AW Melbourne Survey 2 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-Wed 8pm-12MN, AFL Thur-Fri 7pm-12MN, Sat 12-8PM, Sun 12-7PM, 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, 1 May, 2025