Archives: Media Releases

The 2025 Adelaide International will serve up an entree of top-flight tennis live and free on the 9Network and 9Now from today – Monday, January 6.

Hometown hero Thanasi Kokkinakis will ride a wave of local support from tonight, when he begins his campaign alongside 16 of the world’s top 20 in the city of churches.

Aiming to spoil the party for Kokkinakis will be Tommy Paul, Felix Auger-Aliassime and Brisbane International champion Jiri Lehecka, plus Aussies Aleksandar Vukic, Chris O’Connell and wildcard Tristan Schoolkate when they feature in the men’s singles field.

Paris 2024 gold medallist Matt Ebden will hold green and gold hopes in the men’s doubles.

Thirteen of the world top 20 will turn out for the women’s singles, including Jess Pegula, 2023 Wimbledon singles champion Marketa Vondrousova, reigning champ Jelena Ostapenko, Ons Jabeur in her return from injury and Australia’s Olivia Gadecki.

Nine’s Wide World of Sports tennis expert, Casey Dellacqua, said: “The Adelaide International will be a great form guide to the Australian Open with a stacked women’s field and a few men who will cause headaches for the big names.

“Thanasi always plays his best tennis at Memorial Drive and he believes he can pull off some big wins at home, so expect his games to be great viewing. 

“Adelaide holds advantages for the players because they can enjoy a relatively quiet week leading into the Open, with the hot conditions allowing them to acclimatise before the pressure of Grand Slam tennis begins in Melbourne. Results here suggest that those who enjoy a good lead-in week tend to have a strong run at the Open.” 

Featuring alongside Dellacqua in tournament commentary will be Nine’s Sam Smith, Tom Rehn and Peter Psaltis, hosted by Nick McArdle and Brett Phillips.

Broadcast Schedule

ADELAIDE INTERNATIONAL: MONDAY JANUARY 6 TO 11
LIVE AND FREE ON 9GEMHD
STREAM EVERY MATCH FREE ON 9NOW

Monday, January 6, 2025

Adelaide’s famous number 9 has officially joined Nine, with former Crows Captain Rory Sloane to join the network as AFL expert commentator in 2025. 

The 2016 All-Australian representative and two-time Crows best and fairest, played 255 AFL games and retired following the 2024 season as one of the game’s most widely admired and respected leaders.

He makes the switch from the playing field into various roles within Australia’s largest media company, joining the panels of the AFL Sunday Footy Show and Footy Classified, as well as weekly contributions to 9News Adelaide and radio commentary on 3AW football.

“It’s a great opportunity and I’m incredibly excited to join the team, growing up as a kid my whole Sunday was centred around the Wide World of Sports, so to now be joining them is quite an honour and the realisation of a dream,” said Sloane.

“I’m really keen to bring my personality, thoughts and views on all things footy. Throughout my playing career I’ve spent a lot of time analysing the game, coaching the midfield and identifying where the trends and edges over the opposition are. I want to share those with the audience and some views that they may not have had previously.

“With so much media experience within the Nine Footy team, I’m sure I’ll learn a lot from them while bringing the average age of the Footy Show down at the same time.”

Nine Director of Sport, Brent Williams, said: “As a player, Rory Sloane always led by example. His courage and fearless leadership drew respect and admiration from all AFL fans, no matter who you barracked for. We are thrilled to be welcoming the Adelaide Crows great into the Wide World of Sports family and look forward to his contribution across all of our platforms.” 

Director of 9News Adelaide, Jeremy Pudney, said: “Rory Sloane was a champion player and one of the things that made him a great of the Adelaide Football Club, was his understanding of the game. We are thrilled that his insight and knowledge will now be shared with 9News Adelaide’s audience and that Rory will be a part of our already outstanding weekly AFL coverage.”

Nine is committed to delivering comprehensive AFL coverage every week, with two episodes of Footy Classified, The Sunday Footy Show and Footy Furnace ensuring fans stay connected to every moment of the game.

Sunday, January 5, 2025

Australia’s No. 1 reality television show and most talked about social experiment, Married at First Sight, returns on Monday, January 27 at 7.30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now for its blockbuster 12th season. 

The new season marks a decade since the reality juggernaut first began in 2015, captivating Australia with its bold and unique take on the eternal search for love.

In 2025, Married at First Sight brings even more spellbinding outpourings of love, romance, passion and drama as a new set of 20 brides and grooms take the huge leap of faith and embark on their marital journey with someone they’ve only just met at the altar. 

Season 12 of Married at First Sight will be the most explosive series yet, showcasing moments never seen before in the history of the show.  The drama begins straight from the weddings, where bombshells are dropped at first sight, shaping relationships for the entire experiment. Instant sparks fly for some, and others hit the friendzone. 

In a brand-new twist to the experiment, some of the strongest couples will be faced with their biggest challenge yet: Final Test Week, an international MAFS first, where the participants will be confronted with the age-old question, “is the grass greener on the other side?”. 

This season is certain to get Australia talking and falling in love with these new couples. With the unpredictable Dinner Parties and emotionally charged Commitment Ceremonies, prepare for laughter, tears and a whole lot of drama, as this season surprises with shock twists and turns. 

Our trio of experts are returning, certified sexologist Alessandra Rampolla and relationship experts John Aiken and Mel Schilling. They will match our singles before guiding the couples throughout their marriage journey and putting them to the ultimate test of building genuine, long-lasting relationships. 

This season, the brides and grooms will fast-track their relationship, baring all in the most honest, raw, relatable and vulnerable display of emotions in this gripping quest for marital bliss. 

Ten years on, Married at First Sight continues to be the talk of the nation, capturing millions of viewers and hearts.

Get ready for unprecedented drama matched with fairytale romances as television’s biggest reality show returns for its most highly anticipated season yet. 

Married at First Sight is produced by Endemol Shine Australia (a Banijay Entertainment Company) for the 9Network. 

MARRIED AT FIRST SIGHT
RETURNS MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2025
AT 7.30PM ON CHANNEL 9 AND 9NOW

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For further information, please contact:
Alessandra Muratore
9Network Publicity
alessandra.muratore@nine.com.au

Sunday, December 22, 2024

Experienced media executive Lisa Muxworthy has been appointed to the newly created role of Head of Growth Content at Nine’s metro mastheads.

Muxworthy, who drove record numbers at news.com.au during her four years as editor-in-chief, brings her expertise and leadership to The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Brisbane Times and WAtoday. 

As Head of Growth Content, Muxworthy will drive a growth content strategy to attract new audiences across Nine’s market-leading mastheads. 

Muxworthy will take responsibility for a new Growth Content reporting team and editor, social media teams, as well as search, audio and video content. 

“I am thrilled to join the talented team of editors and journalists at The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age and have the opportunity to execute strategies for growing audiences and push the boundaries of content discovery and distribution,” Muxworthy said.

The Sydney Morning Herald is the nation’s most-read masthead, while The Age is the second most read title in the country. 

“Lisa is the complete package when it comes to digital publishing,” Executive Editor Luke McIlveen said. 

“Under her editorship, News.com.au won the Gold Walkey in 2022 for the Britanny Higgins story and Lisa was part of the team that drove important editorial campaigns including Let Her Speak, which led to the abolition of sexual assault victim gag laws in Victoria, Tasmania and the Northern Territory.

“Lisa is respected across the industry as an exceptional leader who builds high-performing teams with incredible culture and has a proven track record of growing audiences and engagement. 

“She’s a passionate editor who puts the audience first and I’m delighted to have Lisa on my leadership team.”

Muxworthy will commence her new role on February 3, 2025.

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

Friday, December 20, 2024

Nine’s Wide World of Sports is the new home for the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, as Australia’s toughest and most prestigious ocean race is live and free on Channel 9 and 9Now, from 12.30pm AEDT on December 26.

The spectacle of the 79th edition of the race will be covered with a pre-show build up at North Head, before the starting cannon fires at 1.00pm for the gruelling 600 nautical mile journey south to Hobart.

Today Show will kickstart Boxing Day live from Rushcutters Bay to capture the build up as thousands of people line Sydney Harbour, with regular crosses throughout the morning during sport, weather and entertainment segments. Then, as the winning boat arrives, Today will be live from Hobart to kickstart the celebrations.

A fleet of 108 yachts will take to the water as defending champion Law Connect faces stiff opposition for victory from Master Lock Comanche, who was pipped at the post in 2023, and Wild Thing 100.

The talented team bringing the race action to screens includes host Gordon Bray, who is joined for expert comments by ex-Olympian and seasoned sailor Lisa Darmanin, and 31-race Sydney Hobart veteran Peter Shipway.

ROLEX SYDNEY HOBART YACHT RACE 2024
LIVE AND FREE ON CHANNEL 9 AND 9NOW
DECEMBER 26, 12.30PM AEDT

Friday, December 20, 2024

Nine has today announced the appointments of Brendan Hockings and Michael Genovese as TV News Directors in Queensland and Western Australia, respectively. 

Mr Hockings, who has been acting in the role since November, will oversee 9News operations for Brisbane, Gold Coast and Darwin. Beginning his career at Nine 20 years ago, Mr Hockings is a highly respected journalist and leader, having covered some of the biggest stories in Queensland and around the world. 

Mr Genovese will oversee the TV Newsroom in Perth after acting in the role for the past three months. He is a seasoned senior reporter and presenter, having held a number of positions within Nine including WAtoday, 6PR, Today Show and 9News where he was based in LA as Nine’s US Correspondent. Mr Genovese has seamlessly transitioned into a leadership role over the past few months following the recent appointment of Gareth Parker to the Network News Content Director role.

Director of TV News & Current Affairs Fiona Dear said: “We were overwhelmed with applications from highly talented journalists and leaders during this process and these internal appointments showcase the depth we have within 9News. 

“Both Brendan and Michael are exceptional journalists, leaders, and people, and we are extremely fortunate to have individuals of their calibre to appoint into these key leadership positions to drive our transformation and continue to uplift Nine’s culture.

“Over the past few months they have provided leadership stability and strong editorial guidance to their respective newsrooms, and I am proud to formally announce them in these roles today.”

Mr Hockings said: “I marvel constantly at the creativity, passion and dedication of our 9News Queensland team. I’m honoured to take up this role and look forward to leading this extraordinary team of people as we tell Queensland and the Northern Territory’s greatest stories.” 

Mr Genovese said: “Nine Perth has been my home for over a decade and it’s a privilege to take on the role of News Director and lead the hard-working team here. As West Australians turn to 9News as their trusted source of information, we remain committed to delivering the stories that matter to Perth, every single day.”

The recruitment for the Sydney TV News Director role remains underway. 

For further information, please contact:
Claudine Blondeau
Communications Manager – Queensland
cblondeau@nine.com.au

Bayley Howe
Marketing & Publicity Executive – Perth
bayleyhowe@nine.com.au

Thursday, December 19, 2024

Wide World of Sports is set and ready to serve up the summer of tennis when national pride goes on the line in the United Cup, from December 27 on the 9Network and to stream on 9Now.

With every game available live and free, Australia will take on the world in Sydney and Perth for the annual mixed-teams event.

The best men’s and women’s players from 18 nations will compete for US$10 million prize-money in the special United Cup format where each tie includes one men’s singles, one women’s singles, and a mixed doubles match.

The United Cup will feature seven of the world’s top 10 women and six of the world’s top 12 men, including superstars Alex de Minaur, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz and Greek duo Stefanos Tsitsipas and Maria Sakkari.

Joining De Minaur on team Australia in Sydney will be Paris 2024 gold medallist Matt Ebden and top 100 women’s singles player Olivia Gadecki. 

The tournament commentary line up will include Nine’s Jelena Dokic, Jim Courier, Todd Woodbridge, Sam Smith and Casey Dellacqua in Sydney, while Mark Philippoussis and David Culbert will commentate on coverage for the hotly contested group stages in Perth.

Wide World of Sports tennis expert, Jelena Dokic, said: “The United Cup format is unique and so great because it brings men’s and women’s tennis together creating a team environment that players love and tight contests.

“The United States go in as favourites this year with Coco and Fritz, but Australia can do really well with Olivia Gadecki on the rise and De Minaur being injury free. He thrives playing at his favourite court in the world, Ken Rosewall Arena, where he beat Novak Djokovic last year. 

“De Minaur could be playing against his girlfriend Katie Boulter with Australia meeting Great Britain in the group stages for the mixed doubles tie. I’m expecting the mixed ties will produce many close match ups and decide which nation will progress.

“Getting plenty of matches under your belt coupled with being in a team environment, is a great way to start the tennis year and build momentum going into the Australian Open.”

The 9Network’s coverage will be hosted by Roz Kelly, Nick McArdle and Zac Bailey on Channel 9HD and 9GemHD, with every match streamed on 9Now. 

Broadcast Schedule

UNITED CUP: DECEMBER 27 TO JANUARY 5
LIVE AND FREE ON THE 9NETWORK 
STREAM EVERY MATCH ON 9NOW

For further information, please contact:
Claudine Blondeau
Communications Manager, Nine Queensland
cblondeau@nine.com.au

Thursday, December 19, 2024

The 9Network are excited to announce a partnership with A+E Media Group, bringing another two dedicated FAST channels to Australian audiences on 9Now. 

The LMN: Lifetime Movie Network FAST channel is currently streaming on 9Now, showcasing a festive collection this holiday season with the best Christmas movies, mistletoe moments and heartwarming tales to fill your days with holiday spirit. 

Following the festive season, from January 1, 2025, the channel will deliver Lifetime® Original Movies including thrillers, steamy romance and biopics from Lifetime’s catalogue.  

Also coming in 2025 to 9Now, the HISTORY2 (H2®) FAST Channel, delivering a free destination for the very best of The HISTORY®Channel. From best-in-class documentary events, to its signature slate of industry-leading nonfiction series and premium fact-based scripted programming. The channel will feature a line-up of series and specials including Alcatraz Escape: The Lost Evidence, Hiroshima: 75 Years Later, Hitler’s Secret Tunnels, Road to 9/11, and many more. 

The launch expands 9Now’s streaming and FAST channel lineup, reinforcing and strengthening our commitment to bringing premium content to Australian audiences as a leading destination to deliver quality, on-demand entertainment. 

For further information, please contact:
Alessandra Muratore
9Network Publicity
alessandra.muratore@nine.com.au

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Nine today announced the resignation of Chief Sales Officer Michael Stephenson, with experienced Nine executive Matt James appointed to the role on an interim basis.

As Chief Sales Officer for almost a decade, Mr Stephenson was a member of Nine’s Group Leadership Team, with accountability for the company’s advertising revenue across its Total Television, Total Publishing and Total Audio assets. Nine has a strong position in the national advertising market and our commercial partners and clients recognise Nine’s deep understanding of industry trends.

Nine Acting Chief Executive Officer, Matthew Stanton said “Since Michael joined as Director of Sales for ninemsn almost two decades ago, Nine has successfully responded to the changing industry dynamics and consistently performed strongly in the advertising market. During his tenure, Nine has developed the television trading platform 9Galaxy, launched self-serve advertising platform 9AdManager and rapidly grown our BVOD revenue share to 47 per cent in FY24.

“We are fortunate that high-calibre media executive Matt James is stepping in to lead the Sales team to ensure continuity for Nine’s key partners and sales team. With experience on both the media and agency sides, a strong background in digital, and extensive knowledge of Nine, Matt is well placed to ensure he hits the ground running with the Sales team during 2025.”

For the past four years Mr James has been Managing Director of Nine Melbourne and more recently has worked closely in a senior strategy role across the wider Nine Group, as part of the Nine2028 transformation team. Prior to taking up the Melbourne role in 2020, he was CEO of global media agency Zenith based in London after previously holding the roles of inaugural Group CEO of Publicis Media and CEO of Zenith Australia and New Zealand. Mr James held senior roles with Nine earlier in his career, including Group Director of the client solutions division, Powered, and Managing Director of Nine’s Digital Media division.

A recruitment process to confirm the appointment of a Chief Sales Officer on a permanent basis is expected to be finalised in the New Year.

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

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

The biggest names in the business – Nick Kyrgios, Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka – will begin their 2025 Australian Open run in a red-hot field at the Brisbane International from December 29 live and free on the 9Go! and 9Now.

Making his keenly anticipated return to top-flight competition Kyrgios lines up against Djokovic, who is on the hunt for his 100th title, in a field that includes defending champion Grigor Dimitrov (world No.10), Holger Rune (No.13), Frances Tiafoe (No.18) and Matteo Berrettini (No.34).

World No.1 and defending Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka heads up a women’s draw featuring four top-10 players including Jess Pegula (No.7), Emma Navarro (No.8) and Daria Kasatkina (No.9) plus former world no.1 Victoria Azarenka.

Flying the Aussie flag will be Alexei Popyrin (No. 24) and Jordan Thompson (No.26) and wildcard Alja Tomljanovic. While Kyrgios and Djokovic will make for a mouth watering duo when they team up for a shot at the men’s doubles title.

Featuring in tournament commentary will be Nine’s Jelena Dokic, John Millman, Tom Rehn and Peter Psaltis, hosted by Georgie Parker and Brett Phillips.

Nine Wide World of Sports tennis expert, John Millman, said: “For Kyrgios I think his main focus will be to get through the tournament injury free. Really it is a litmus test to see how the knee and wrist holds up after the limited tournament schedule the past two years. 

“But it seems during he has still been hitting quite regularly and he still possesses one of the biggest weapons in tennis, his serve. So I feel like he will be very competitive. 

“The star power on show is indicative of how players see the Brisbane International as perfect preparation heading into the Australian Open. The women’s draw headlined by world number one Sabalenka holds the tantalising thought of a US Open rematch with Jessica Pegula. 

“In the men’s draw it’s the first time Novak has played in this tournament since 2009. Bringing Andy Murray into his coaching team looks to be an inspired choice as he looks to return to grand slam glory in 2025. Outside of Djokovic we should be keeping an eye on defending champion Dimitrov.”

Broadcast Schedule

BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL FROM DECEMBER 29
LIVE AND FREE ON THE 9NETWORK 
STREAM EVERY MATCH FREE ON 9NOW

Wednesday, December 18, 2024