Archives: Media Releases

9News Queensland has today announced the retirement of esteemed presenter and journalist Andrew ‘Lofty’ Lofthouse, to focus on his health. 

Lofthouse has been with Nine for 17 years, 16 of those spent beside his on air partner, Melissa Downes. He first joined 9News Queensland as a weekend presenter before seamlessly transitioning to the weekday spotlight a year later, where he has been a daily constant in the lives of viewers. His long standing on air partnership with Downes has delivered Queenslanders some of the State’s biggest stories, including the devastating floods of 2011 and 2022, when he and Downes anchored live coverage from the banks of the Brisbane River. He broadcast live from the Cyclone Yasi impact zone, Christchurch after the earthquake and in Paris just last year, for Nine’s Olympic Games. 

9News Queensland News Director Brendan Hockings said: “Lofty is a rare gem and an exceptional talent. For someone so respected, he is also so humble. He is the journo who offers to carry the tripod. The colleague who makes you a cuppa. The news anchor who doesn’t see himself as any more than part of the team. The example he has set as a newsman is the gold standard. He is rare, he is loved and he is forever Nine Queensland. We wish him our love and support as he navigates this next period.”

Andrew Lofthouse said: “I’ve been in the business a long time. I’ve done a heck of a lot with Nine. It’s been an amazing privilege and a wonderful experience with the best in the business.  And of course, our incredible viewers who make it all worthwhile. I’m currently dealing with a bit of a health issue so now is a good time for me to pull back and slow down a little after a dream career. Thanks for watching!”

9News Presenter Melissa Downes said: “Andrew Lofthouse is one of the true gentlemen of the TV News business. He is incredibly passionate about quality journalism, taking an interest in every story in our bulletin. Lofty is so much more than just a colleague, he’s one of my closest friends and I’m so incredibly grateful for the 16 years we shared on the 9News desk.”

Melissa Downes will continue to present 9News Queensland until a co-presenter is appointed. 

Lofthouse’s career at Nine will be recognised at the end of tonight’s 6pm bulletin. 

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

Monday, January 20, 2025

Alex De Minaur’s charge towards the finals will headline Australian Open Day 9 in huge night session from 7.00pm, live and free on the 9Network.

Facing America’s Alex Michelsen on Rod Laver Arena, the man they call ‘Demon’ is hell bent on making his first ever quarterfinals appearance at his home Slam. In their last meeting on clay at the French Open De Minaur prevailed in straight sets.

Before De Minaur is on court in the night session, women’s world no.2 Iga Swiatek faces Germany’s Eva Lys, who had her bags packed for home after losing in the qualifying rounds.

Lys claimed a lucky loser entry following a player withdrawal and now finds herself in the fourth round of a Grand Slam, the first time a women’s lucky loser has done so at the Australian Open.

Men’s world no.1 Jannik Sinner will take on Holger Rune during the day session on Channel 9. While it’s a mix of youth and experience when 38-year-old french veteran Gael Monfils meets rising American star Ben Shelton.

Throughout the 2025 Australian Open, fans will have the ability to watch every point of every match, at any time live, free and on any device in HD on 9Now.

Day Session	11.00am AEDT – Monday January 20
	Elina Svitolina (UKR) [28] v Veronika Kudermetova
	Jannik Sinner (ITA) [1] v Holger Rune (DEN) [13]
	Gael Monfils (FRA) v Ben Shelton (USA) [21]
	Elena Rybakina (KAZ) [6] v Madison Keys (USA) [19]
	Lorenzo Sonega (ITA) v Learner Tien (USA)
	Emma Navarro (USA) [8] v Daria Kasatkina [9]
Night Session	Begins 7.00pm AEDT
	Iga Swiatek (POL) [2] v Eva Lys (GER)
	Alex De Minaur (AUS) [8] v Alex Michelsen (USA)

Stream – 9Now Every Match, Every Court

Sunday, January 19, 2025

Carlos Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff and Novak Djokovic will look to book their spots in the quaterfinals on Australian Open Day 8, live and free on the 9Network.

After conquering Wimbledon, the US Open and the French Open by the age of 21, Alcaraz has his eyes firmly on his first Australian Open Men’s title. However he will need to deal with gritty world no.15 Jack Draper, who prevailed over Aussies Thanasi Kokkinakis and Aleksandar Vukic in five sets.

With 12 singles titles between them, two players with a valid ownership claim on Melbourne Park, Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic, are also back on court.

Djokovic faces Brisbane International champion Jiri Lehecka, while Sabalenka comes up against Mirra Andreeva. On the path to a semifinal against reigning champion Sabalenka is Coco Gauff, who meets Belinda Bencic.

Aussies Kimberly Birrell and Olivia Gadecki are out to stay alive in the second round of the women’s doubles draw.

Throughout the 2025 Australian Open, fans will have the ability to watch every point of every match, at any time live, free and on any device in HD on 9Now.

Day Session	11.00am AEDT – Sunday January 19
	Aryna Sabalenka [1] v Mirra Andreeva [14]
	Coco Gauff (USA) [3] v Belinda Bencic (SUI)
	Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) [3] v Jack Draper (GBR) [15]
	Donna Vekic (CRO) [18] v Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova [27]
	Paula Badosa (ESP) [11] v Olga Danilovic (SRB)
	Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (ESP) v Tommy Paul (USA) [12]
	Ugo Humbert (FRA) [14] v Alexander Zverev (GER) [2]
Night Session	Begins 7.00pm AEDT
	Novak Djokovic (SRB) [7] v Jiri Lehecka (CZE) [24]
	Elina Svitolina (UKR) [28] v Jasmine Paolini (ITA) [4]
	Miomir Kecmanovic (SRB) v Holger Rune (DEN) [13]

Stream – 9Now Every Match, Every Court

Sunday, January 19, 2025

Alex de Minaur is out to continue his charge through the opening rounds during the day session of Australian Open Day 7, live and free on the 9Network.

Yet to drop a set, De Minaur faces seeded Argentinian Francisco Cerundolo, who has built a giant killing reputation with 11 wins against top ten ranked players since 2022.

Danielle Collins makes her way onto Rod Laver Arena for an all-American clash with Madison Keys. Collins has adopted the villain role comfortably with the local crowds and will be more than prepared to feed off the crowd’s energy if required.

Reigning champion Jannik Sinner leads off the night session on Channel 9, while Iga Swiatek and Taylor Fritz are on court in the day session.

Throughout the 2025 Australian Open, fans will have the ability to watch every point of every match, at any time live, free and on any device in HD on 9Now.

Day Session	11.00am AEDT – Saturday January 18
	Tristan Schoolkate (AUS)/Adam Walton (AUS) v Austin Krajicek (USA)/Rajeev Ram (USA)
	Emma Raducanu (GBR) v Iga Swiatek (POL) [2]
	Alex de Minaur (AUS) [8] v Francisco Cerundolo (ARG)
	Ben Shelton (USA) [21] v Lorenzo Musetti (ITA) [16]
	Alex Michelsen (USA) v Karen Khachanov [19]
	Emma Narvarro (USA) [8] v Ons Jabeur (TUN)
	Taylor Fritz (USA) [4] v Gael Monfils (FRA)
Night Session	Begins 7.00pm AEDT
	Jannik Sinner (ITA) [1] v Marcos Giron (USA)
	Danielle Collins (USA) [10] v Madison Keys (USA) [19]
	Elina Svitolina (UKR) [28] v Jasmine Paolini (ITA) [4]
	Miomir Kecmanovic (SRB) v Holger Rune (DEN) [13]

Stream – 9Now Every Match, Every Court

Beatriz Haddad Maia (BRA)[15] v Veronika Kudermetova – Day Session

Corentin Moutet (FRA) v Learner Tien (USA)[Q] – Day Session

Friday, January 17, 2025

The groundbreaking docu-series Big Miracles returns to offer viewers an intimate look into some of Australia’s most remarkable stories of IVF and infertility on Wednesday, February 5, at 9.00pm on Channel 9 and 9Now. 

In this emotionally charged new season, narrated again by Lisa McCune, a light will shine on an issue that affects millions worldwide, with one in six couples struggling with infertility each year in Australia alone. 

We will meet new singles and couples hoping to overcome impossible odds and witness the ultimate story of selflessness and hope involving two sisters, one born without a uterus, the other prepared to give her sister and best friend the greatest gift of all. 

When this extraordinary series began filming four years ago, we met the first brave participants willing to share the most intimate moments of their lives. A couple in their late 40s, Sheila and Tyson, captured hearts from the beginning and finally, in the new season premiere, after much heartache and hope, they will welcome their miracle baby. But it won’t be easy.

Big Miracles will also follow hopeful mums who have decided to go it alone, including TV personality Angie Kent. Despite facing multiple fertility-related conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome and endometriosis that will challenge her fertility, Angie is determined to have a baby on her own. 

Every day the medical technology in and around IVF offers more possibilities to those battling inconceivable odds, like returning couples Ilina and Nick, who are faced with one of the most difficult fertility cases doctors have seen, and Christie and Perry, who spent two years struggling with unexplained infertility before receiving a positive pregnancy result in season two. 

Providing unprecedented access to fertility clinics across Australia, Big Miracles highlights the dedication and expertise of the doctors, scientists and nurses helping hopeful parents achieve their dreams. 

The inspiring new journeys in season three track couples including Alicia and Chris and Kaiti and Sally, who are hoping to overcome the heartbreak of multiple miscarriages, as well as single Anna, who is embarking on a solo road to motherhood with the support of her girlfriends.  

In the final episode, a moving wrap-up will revisit all the beautiful stories told throughout the three seasons and the courageous individuals who have shared their struggles, dreams and heartbreaks. It’s a celebration of the miracles that can be created through love and determination with the help of the wonderful world of modern fertility medicine.  

Filmed over the course of four years and documenting the physical, financial and emotional road to parenthood, this powerful series demonstrates the unyielding resilience of the human spirit. 

Big Miracles Season Three is produced by Ronde Media for the 9Network. Post, digital and visual effects are supported by Screen NSW.

BIG MIRACLES RETURNS
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, AT 9.00PM ON CHANNEL 9 & 9NOW

MEDIA KIT, EPISODES AND IMAGES AVAILABLE
ON NINE MEDIA ROOM

For further information, please contact:
Aimee Ball
9Network Publicity
aimee.ball@nine.com.au 

Friday, January 17, 2025

Award-winning talk radio journalist and broadcaster Clinton Maynard has been announced as the new host of the 2GB Drive program in 2025.  

Sydney Now with Clinton Maynard will launch on Monday 27 January 2025, airing from 3.00-6.00pm.

Maynard has won four Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs) including the Brian White Award for Excellence in Journalism for the last three years (2022, 2023, 2024). He has also won a Kennedy Award and been a Walkley Award finalist. 

He has covered some of the biggest stories of recent years, including the COVID pandemic (attending more than 180 press conferences), the funeral of Queen Elizabeth ll, the Boxing Day Tsunami, Shapelle Corby’s sentence, the arrest of the Bali Nine, the rescue of the Beaconsfield Miners, the Olympic Games, as well as countless floods, fires and protests.

Clinton Maynard said, “When I was 15, I walked into 2GB’s studio as a work experience kid in love with talk radio and spent a week with the Drive Show. To be appointed to present that same show, three decades later, is a dream come true. I can’t wait to talk about what matters to our Sydney listeners every day and have a few laughs along the way.”

2GB Content Manager, Luke Davis said, “Clinton Maynard is a talk radio specialist. He has dedicated his life and career to the medium and knows how to tell a story, entertain and connect with audiences. As we enter this new era of 2GB Drive, and a federal election year, there is no one better placed to dissect the issues that matter to Sydneysiders on their drive home than Clinton Maynard. He’s ready and raring to go.”

Maynard joined the 2UE newsroom as a cadet journalist in 1997 and went on to become a crime reporter, political reporter and eventually the News Director and Content Director at the station.

As a presenter, he has hosted news talk programs on 2UE, Macquarie Sports Radio and 2GB, where most recently he has been the Weekday Overnights host and the regular fill-in presenter on 2GB Drive.

Sydney Now with Clinton Maynard will launch on Monday 27 January 2025.

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

Friday, January 17, 2025

It’s big names and big games on Australian Open Day 6 when Carlos Alcaraz, Coco Gauff, Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka are ready to roll, live and free on the 9Network.

Australia’s Aleksandar Vukic will fight to stay alive in the men’s singles draw, alongside countryman Alex De Minaur, when Vukic meets the United Kingdom’s Jack Draper, for a third round match up during the night session.

After overcoming the local crowd in an epic five set win against Thanasi Kokkinakis, world no.15 Draper will be wary of the unseeded Aussie looking to pull off another underdog victory.

Plus Paris 2024 men’s doubles gold medalist Matt Ebden gets his AO25 campaign underway in the first round of the doubles draw.

Throughout the 2025 Australian Open, fans will have the ability to watch every point of every match, at any time live, free and on any device in HD on 9Now.

Day Session	11.00am AEDT – Friday January 17
	Matthew Ebden (AUS)/Joran Vliegen (BEL) [9] v Krajicek/Ram (USA)
	Aryna Sabalenka [1] v Clara Tauson (DEN)
	Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) [3] v Nuno Borges (POR)
	Naomi Osaka (JPN) v Belinda Bencic (SUI)
	Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova v Laura Siegemund (GER)
	Diana Shnaider [12] v Donna Vekic (CRO) [18]
	Alexander Zverev (GER) [2] v Jacob Fearnley (GBR)
Night Session	Begins 7.00pm AEDT
	Coco Gauff (USA) [3] v Leylah Fernandez (CAN) [30]
	Aleksandar Vukic (AUS) v Jack Draper (GBR) [15]
	Novak Djokovic (SRB) [7] v Tomas Machac (CZE) [26]
	Jessica Pegula (USA) [7] v Olga Danilovic (SRB)

Stream – 9Now Every Match, Every Court

Tommy Paul (USA)[12] v Roberto Carballes Baena (SPA) – Day Session

Thursday, January 16, 2025

The incredible journey of Jelena Dokic will be showcased nationally following the Australian Open, when Unbreakable premieres on Wednesday, January 29 at 9.00pm AEDT, on Channel 9 and 9Now.

With no details spared, Dokic details the mental and physical obstacles she faced behind closed doors as her talent went on display in the very public international tennis arena.

Based on her first book, Unbreakable is a story of survival that transcends the game of Tennis. From surviving as a refugee, twice, to the heights of becoming world No.4 and most importantly, how she survived an unimaginable storm of abuse to ultimately triumph after enduring poverty, bullying and extreme brutality. 

Directed by Ivan O’Mahoney and co-author of her books Jessica Halloran, Unbreakable features firsthand testimonies from Jelena herself, Australian and international tennis greats, including Todd Woodbridge, Lindsay Davenport, Pam Shriver, Mark Philippoussis former coaches Tony Roche and Lesley Bowrey, Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley as well as former WTA officials, journalist Chris Clarey of the NY Times and CBS 60 Minutes reporter Jon Wertheim.

Speaking ahead of Channel 9’s national broadcast premiere, Dokic said: “This is an open, honest and raw account of my story but most importantly it’s one of growth and healing. 

“I hope Unbreakable helps people learn and understand, so they ultimately feel empowered to act if they see or experience this type of behaviour. No matter who you are, or what adversity you face in life, you can survive and move forward.”

Unbreakable was produced by Roadshow Films for Nine.

UNBREAKABLE
9.00PM AEDT WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29
CHANNEL 9 AND 9NOW

Thursday, January 16, 2025

It’s Aussie action aplenty on Australian Open Day 5 when Alex De Minaur is back, while Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis will reunite for the men’s doubles, live and free on the 9Network.

After a straight sets opening round victory De Minaur will be looking to pick up where he left off, when he meets American Tristan Boyer on Rod Laver Arena.

The ‘Special K’s’ will return to their home Slam for the first time since their thrilling AO title-winning run in 2022. Their 2025 campaign kicking off with an all-Australian first round clash against James Duckworth/Aleksandar Vukic.

Leading off the night session is the David and Goliath clash between world no.1 Jannik Sinner and Australian wildcard Tristan Schoolkate.

9Now will allow viewers to keep an eye on Katie Boulter’s second round game while she is on court at the same time as her fiance De Minaur. Plus, world no.4 Taylor Fritz also features in the day session.

Throughout the 2025 Australian Open, fans will have the ability to watch every point of every match, at any time live, free and on any device in HD on 9Now.

Day Session	11.00am AEDT – Thursday January 16
	Hubert Hurkacz (POL) [18] v Miomir Kecmanovic (SRB)
	Iga Swiatek (POL) [2] v Rebecca Sramkova (SVK)
	Alex De Minaur (AUS) [8] v Tristan Boyer (USA)
	James McCabe (AUS) v Alex Michelsen (USA)
	Emma Raducanu (GBR) v Amanda Anisimova (USA)
	Ben Shelton (USA) [21] v Pablo Carreno Busta (ESP)
	Frances Tiafoe (USA) [17] v Fabian Marozsan (HUN)
Night Session	Begins 7.00pm AEDT
	Jannik Sinner (ITA) [1] v Tristan Schoolkate (AUS)
	Nick Kyrgios/Thanasi Kokkinakis (AUS) v James Duckworth/Aleksandar Vukic (AUS)
	Daniil Medvedev [5] v Learner Tien (USA)
	Destanee Aiava (AUS) v Danielle Collins (USA) [10]
	Jasmine Paolini (ITA) [4] v Renata Zarazua (MEX)

Stream – 9Now Every Match, Every Court

Taylor Fritz (USA)[4] v Cristian Garin (CHI)- Day Session

Matteo Berrettini (ITA) v Holger Rune (DEN)[13] – Day Session

Veronika Kudermetova v Katie Boulter [22](GBR) – Day Session

Thursday, January 16, 2025

Wednesday 15 January 2025: Nine Entertainment Co. (Nine) is accelerating the Group’s strategic transformation, with an operating model reset and new Executive Team.

Nine’s refreshed operating model will more effectively leverage the Group’s portfolio of premium media assets, simplify business operations, reduce duplication, and provide greater accountability.

As part of Nine’s strategic transformation program, the business will be streamlined into three consumer-focused divisions:

• Streaming & Broadcast;
• Publishing; and
• Marketplaces

The updated operating model will help deliver the Group’s Integrated Audience Platform strategy, while strengthening Nine’s operational and financial performance. It will underpin Nine’s plan to reduce its cost base by a further $50 million in FY25 and enhance profitability through greater utilisation of the business’s premium assets.

The three divisions will be supported by Group functions working across the business, reducing duplication and introducing consistent, company-wide processes, which are critical for Nine’s ongoing cultural transformation.

Nine has appointed experienced industry executive Amanda Laing as Managing Director of the Streaming & Broadcast division, which brings together Stan, 9Now, Broadcast Television, and Radio.

Ms Laing brings with her a strong background in television, streaming, digital, print and video-on-demand as well as expertise in commercial strategies and partnerships, business transformation, sports and entertainment content and rights, and mergers and acquisitions. Most recently, Ms Laing was Chief Commercial and Content Officer at Foxtel Group and Managing Director at Binge.

The current Publishing division, led by Managing Director Tory Maguire, will be expanded to include nine.com.au alongside Nine’s publishing assets, including The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, and The Australian Financial Review.

The creation of a Marketplaces division provides more targeted oversight of Domain and Drive and ensures Nine is capitalising on value creation opportunities from Streaming & Broadcast and Publishing and across the Group. Alex Parsons will oversee Marketplaces in addition to his Chief Digital Officer role. There is no change to the current business structure or governance of Domain, an ASX-listed business.

Nine has also appointed James Boyce as Director of Regulatory, Public Affairs and Communications to enhance the Group’s focus on the regulatory environment. Mr Boyce is an experienced regulatory, government and communications leader, with a deep understanding of industry policy, national affairs and the media landscape. He joins Nine from Paramount (Australia and New Zealand), where he was head of government and regulatory affairs.

In line with the new operating model, Nine will transition to a more streamlined eight-member Executive Team reporting to Acting Chief Executive Officer Matt Stanton.

Nine Acting Chief Executive Officer Matt Stanton said: “Our operating model reset will help accelerate the strategic transformation underway at Nine by improving how the different parts of the business work together. Our new approach will better position the business to manage the challenging external environment and ensure the company is future-fit to sustainably deliver for our consumers, partners, shareholders and people.

“Aligned with the greater accountability that flows from resetting the operating model, I’m pleased to unveil a new and focused Executive Team to lead Nine through its next phase of growth. The appointment of Amanda, one of the top media executives in the country, will add extraordinary industry expertise and energy to Nine’s experienced Executive Team in 2025 while James will sharpen the Group’s focus on the evolving regulatory landscape.”

Media contact:
Caitlin Lynch
Senior Communications Manager – Corporate 
clynch@nine.com.au