Archives: Media Releases

FOUR GAMES OF FOOTY FOR FREE ON
CHANNEL 9HD AND 9NOW

Saturday nights are about to get a whole lot bigger, when Saturday Night Footy joins Nine’s blockbuster NRL lineup from this Saturday, August 8 live and free from 7.00pm AEST on Channel 9HD and 9Now.

The party starts this week in Round 23, when Saturday Night Footy kicks off during Indigenous Round with the Rabbitohs taking on the Eels under the lights at Allianz Stadium. Joining Channel 9HD and 9Now’s powerhouse lineup of Thursday and Friday Night Footy, Sunday Footy, and free coverage of every NRLW fixture, the addition of Saturday Night Footy gives footy fans four nights of live and free NRL action every week for the remainder of the season.

Leading the Saturday Night Footy coverage is Nine’s all-star commentary team. Hosted by Allana Ferguson, the expert lineup features rugby league immortal, Andrew Johns and fellow premiership winners Brad Fittler, Johnathan Thurston, Billy Slater, Phil Gould, Paul Gallen plus Marlee Silva and rugby league international Ruan Sims, ensuring viewers have the best seat in the house for every match.

Calling the live action is Mathew Thompson, Peter Psaltis and Brenton Speed.

As the commentary team gears up to light up Saturday nights, NRL on Nine’s Brad Fittler, Allana Ferguson, and Johnathan Thurston are already catching the Saturday night fever.

Brad Fittler said:

“Everyone wanted to be able to dance like John Travolta. Not many could pull off the outfit as well. He was the king of the nightclub and after this shoot we’ve all got Saturday Night fever for some free footy on the run to the finals.
“I remember the 80s and 90s was all about footy and nightclubs and everyone danced. Sadly I don’t dance as much but I still love watching footy.”

NRL ON NINE – BROADCAST SCHEDULE:
From Thursday, August 6

THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTY – TITANS v COWBOYS
7.30pm AEST LIVE and FREE on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTY – ROOSTERS v BULLDOGS
7.30pm AEST LIVE and FREE on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now
 
SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTY – RABBBITOHS v EELS
7.00pm AEST LIVE and FREE on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now

SUNDAY FOOTY – DRAGONS v SHARKS
3.30pm AEST LIVE and FREE on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now

NRLW ROUND 6
Stream every NRLW game for free on 9Now

Saturday, August 8
Bulldogs v Cowboys         12.30pm AEST LIVE and FREE on Channel 9HD
Sharks v Titans                3.15pm AEST LIVE and FREE on Channel 9HD
Warriors v Knights           5.00pm AEST LIVE and FREE on 9GemHD
Followed by NRL Saturday Night Footy Rabbitohs V Eels

Sunday, August 9
Raiders v Broncos            11.30am AEST LIVE and FREE on Channel 9HD
Dragons v Wests Tigers    1.30pm AEST LIVE and FREE on Channel 9HD
Roosters v Eels                 6.00pm AEST LIVE and FREE on 9GemHD

NRL SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTY ON CHANNEL 9 AND 9NOW
FOUR GAMES OF NRL LIVE AND FREE EVERY WEEK

Tuesday 4 August, 2026

Leading Out of Home operator QMS NZ has today unveiled the next chapter of ‘The Victoria’, its original premier Digital Large Format landmark billboard, completely rebuilt and repositioned for Auckland’s newly revitalised Midtown precinct.

Originally launched in 2015 as the company’s first iconic Digital Large Format asset, ‘The Victoria’ has helped define the Auckland skyline for almost a decade. Now completely rebuilt, the landmark site has undergone a full transformation, emerging as a high impact, technologically advanced, digital canvas designed for brands to capture the attention of audiences in the heart of Auckland at the prominent intersection of Victoria Street and Hobson Street.

‘The Victoria’ features a brand new state-of-the-art 8m x 16m Daktronics screen, delivering ultra sharp pixel density, exceptional legibility and vibrant colour reproduction that maintains peak visibility under Auckland’s changing light conditions.

The relaunch comes at a defining moment for Auckland’s city centre, as the completion of the City Rail Link begins to reshape CBD audience movement and commuter behaviour.

Midtown has emerged as one of Auckland’s highest density pedestrian hubs, with ‘The Victoria’ positioned at its epicentre. Delivering more than 240,000 weekly impressions and a +1 reach of 30,000, the landmark asset is strategically placed to capture major CRL commuter flows to and from Te Waihorotiu Station, premium entertainment and dining audiences heading toward and through the SkyCity precinct, and high-volume vehicle traffic entering the CBD.

This unique intersection allows advertisers to connect with diverse, high-value consumers including city workers, business professionals, university students, social gatherers, and international visitors.

Ben Gibb, QMS NZ National Sales Director, said the revamp of ‘The Victoria’ represents a critical piece in the business’ multi-format network strategy.

“True audience solutions require premium, high-impact, digital landmarks that intersect flawlessly with everyday commuter behaviour. The revitalisation of ‘The Victoria’ does exactly that, embedding a world-class digital canvas at the single most important pedestrian and transit nexus in the city.
“This launch also represents QMS’ active contribution to Auckland’s broader city centre transformation. Combined with our market leading Auckland Transport contract, we are connecting our high impact large format landmarks to create a more integrated Out of Home presence across the city.”

New Zealand broadcaster TVNZ has signed on as the exclusive launch partner for the landmark site, utilising the screen’s advanced capabilities to showcase its content offering.

Commercial opportunities across ‘The Victoria’ and the wider QMS NZ Large Format network are available immediately.

Monday 3 August, 2026

SUNDAY, AUGUST 9, AT 7.00AM AEST

Nine has today announced a partnership with The IRONMAN Group to bring Australia’s most celebrated fun run directly to viewers across the nation, with the Voltaren City2Surf streaming live and free via a pop-up 9Now channel on Sunday, August 9, from 7.00am AEST.

Marking the first time the event has been broadcast since 2019, the 9Now coverage will bring viewers front-row access to all the action of the world’s largest fun run. The sold-out 2026 event will see 90,000 runners line up for the 56th running of the City2Surf, taking on the legendary 14-kilometre course from Sydney’s CBD to Bondi Beach.

Coverage kicks off at 7.00am before the first wave of runners cross the start line at 7.35am. Viewers will enjoy full coverage of the women’s and men’s elite races with cameras positioned across the start and finish lines, on motorcycles and dedicated vantage points including Rose Bay and the notorious Heartbreak Hill.

To give audiences a look into what makes the event so special year after year, the coverage will include insights from a mix of celebrities, charity runners, and elite athletes.

The commentary will be led by radio personalities Liam Flanagan and Tammy Barker, with running expert Matty Abel joining to break down the elite race. Bringing extra colour and atmosphere directly from the ground, radio announcer Lyndal Rogers will host from the start line in Hyde Park, while 13-time IRONMAN triathlete, and the voice of IRONMAN in Australia, Pete Murray captures the triumph and emotion at the finish line.

Whether you’re tracking the lead pack, hunting for your mates in costume, or taking in the Heartbreak Hill drama from the comfort of your living room, the ultimate front-row seat is right at your fingertips. Don’t miss a single step, sweat-soaked smile, or finish-line celebration.

CITY2SURF 2026: LIVE ON 9NOW
SUNDAY, AUGUST 9, AT 7:00AM AEST

Monday 3 August, 2026

As The Block returns for its 22nd season on Sunday night – this time in the coastal town of Mt Eliza in Melbourne’s picturesque Mornington Peninsula – the format will once again set the bar for storytelling that organically weaves in integration, ensuring brands can tell their stories like never before.  

Featuring a powerhouse roster of major partners, sponsors and suppliers leveraging the show’s unrivalled commercial effectiveness, The Block will see five eager teams transform family-sized properties into luxury resort-style homes with water views. 

Fresh Gemba research commissioned by Nine reveals that embedding brands into the contestants’ daily routines drives purchase intent amongst viewers, with an 8.4% average lift in brand consideration, and elevates brand perception with a 43% growth in “Premium” brand association. 

With the series featuring a collection of shops – Bunnings mini-store, Chemist Warehouse and McCafé  (which marks its 13th year of sponsoring The Block) – the hub becomes a central point for the contestants, becoming a focal point for story content.  

Driving storytelling even deeper is new sponsor Chery, which becomes an extension of the set, creating the opportunity to showcase the transition to and from The Block and keep the storyline flowing. With the Blockheads toughest challenge often keeping within budget, CommBank will provide weekly budgeting tools, while in its 12th year of The Block, Domain will use the series to launch an immersive 3D room reveal through its app. 

New brands Australian Retirement Trust, Chery and Stan join a group of diverse brands returning this year as partners including ALDI, Arnott’s, Bunnings Warehouse, Chemist Warehouse, CommBank, Domain, Google Search, McCafé, Snooze, Simparica Trio, and Youi.

Official suppliers include Beacon Lighting, Beaumont Tiles, BlueScope (TRUECORE® & COLORBOND® steel), e&s, Freedom Furniture, Freedom Wardrobes, Kinsman Kitchens, Reece, Flooring Xtra, and Stratco.

The Block provides brands a platform only the power of broadcast can provide. With the series building Total TV audiences over the past three years, there is no better way for brands to reach a highly-engaged audience at scale with a strong intent to purchase. Last season reached 14.8 million Australians (1.6 million per episode) and generated 1.5 billion minutes of live and catch-up viewing on 9Now.

“The evolution of our partnerships has become significantly more organic over the years,” said Sarah Stewart, Powered’s Director of Content Partnerships and Client Experience.
“Viewers have a strong desire to see the Blockheads renovating, so we bring brands directly into their day-to-day reality. By making these brands essential to the contestants’ daily routines – whether grabbing a coffee at McCafé or sourcing supplies at the onsite hubs – the integration feels completely authentic and advances the storyline naturally without breaking the fourth wall.”

The Block premieres this Sunday, August 2 at 7.00pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.

Follow @TheBlock on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter

Learn more about The Block at: nine.com.au/theblock

*Gemba stats from 2025 

Thursday 30 July, 2026

9News has today declared victory in the 2026 television ratings year across the 5 City Metro on the back of a complete sweep across all East Coast capitals.

Following recent wins in Sydney and Brisbane, 9News has now clinched Melbourne at the conclusion of Week 22 of the official survey year.

Beyond the East Coast, 9News Adelaide has secured the year in the key People 25-54 demographic alongside a 16.3% year-on-year 6.00pm Total People audience increase, while 9News Perth continues to grow.

As viewing habits evolve, 9News continues to secure its digital future across the Total TV ecosystem. In live streaming across the 5 City Metro, 9News has won every week of the 2026 survey year, averaging a BVOD audience of 150,200 per bulletin, growing by 59.9% year-on-year. Streaming growth is replicated across all markets with 9News increasing on 9Now in Sydney by +55.2%, Brisbane +66.4%, Melbourne +60.1%, Adelaide +60.5% and Perth +63.5%.

Fiona Dear, Nine’s Executive Director of News and Current Affairs, said:

 “Securing the 5 City Metro on the back of our clean sweep across the East Coast is an incredible achievement and speaks volumes about the relentless work of our newsrooms every day. What makes this result even more rewarding is our momentum nationwide – from Adelaide’s outstanding win in the 25–54 demographic to continued audience growth in Perth, alongside enormous digital streaming growth on 9Now.
“Whether tuning in on broadcast or streaming live, Australians are choosing 9News. This success is a credit to the whole team as well as the millions of viewers who tune in every night. We never take their loyalty for granted, and we remain dedicated to delivering news they can rely on.”

Total TV Average Audience
2026 Survey YTD

	5 CITY METRO	SYDNEY	MELBOURNE	BRISBANE
9News	925,400	248,300	278,000	224,000
7News	868,400	209,100	255,400	158,300

Source: OzTAM, 2026 Survey YTD M-F & Sun – Sat, Weeks 7- 30, excluding Easter, Overnight TTL TV, Total Ppl, AVD AUD, YoY performance, 5 City, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Nine News & Seven News. As of 26/07/2026.

Monday 27 July, 2026

Boomtown, the media industry collective representing the 10 million people living in regional Australia, today announced the appointment of respected TV sales executive and regional media specialist, Nathan Patrick, as its new Chairman.

He takes on the role as Boomtown Chairman in addition to his current role as Nine Commercial Director – Regional, as incumbent Chair Andrew “Billy” Baxter steps down to focus on the international growth of his business, the 24 Hour Business Plan, as well as other Board roles.

Patrick is a regional media specialist and advocate with nearly two decades of industry experience across WIN Television and Nine. After holding pivotal leadership roles at WIN, including Sydney Sales Director and Commercial Director, he transitioned into a regional TV leadership role at Nine. Patrick has been involved with Boomtown since its inception, serving on the SteerCo to promote the value of regional media to national advertisers. 

“We are delighted to announce Nathan as Boomtown’s new Chairman,” the Boomtown collective said.
“Appointing an internal Chair brings Boomtown’s wealth of regional knowledge and industry expertise even closer to the centre of its decision-making and harnesses the collective’s unrivalled regional expertise. Nathan’s deep understanding of the regional media landscape, combined with his longstanding commitment to Boomtown, makes him the ideal person to represent and champion Boomtown to continue driving increased advertising investment into regional Australia. We would also like to sincerely thank outgoing Chairman Andrew ‘Billy’ Baxter for his passion, advocacy and leadership during his tenure.”

Commenting on his appointment, Patrick said:

“I’m honoured that the Boomtown collective has entrusted me with the role of Chairman. Having spent nearly two decades in regional media, I’ve seen firsthand how Boomtown has transformed perceptions of regional Australia and firmly established it as a key and growing market for advertisers.
“The opportunity ahead is enormous. Regional Australia is now a $250 billion consumer market,* with some of the strongest household balance sheets in the nation and spending power that outpaces metropolitan Australia across multiple categories*. Regional Australians don’t just have the capacity to spend; they spend with confidence.
“The data demonstrates the real growth opportunity for brands that can step outside of the metro mindset. By ignoring regional Australia, brands risk leaving 37% of the population behind.
“My focus will be ensuring even more brands recognise the commercial opportunity that exists beyond the capital cities.”

During his tenure at Boomtown, outgoing Chairman Andrew ‘Billy’ Baxter led several initiatives including the landmark Boomtown Spend Snapshot report, created by Boomtown in partnership with CommBank iQ, which found that regional consumers consistently outspend across major categories, including groceries, petrol, home and lifestyle, with many categories also recording faster growth in regional areas.

He was also involved in the formation of the inaugural Boomtown Insiders advisory council, designed to nurture budding industry talent, encouraging them to be lifelong advocates for regional media, as well as helping to grow Boomtown’s successful Masterclasses.

“It’s been an absolute privilege to lead the Boomtown collective over the past year and to work alongside such a passionate group of people who are deeply committed to championing regional Australia,” Baxter said.
“I’m incredibly grateful to our members and to our Marketing Lead, Francesca Ryan, whose passion, dedication and tireless work have been instrumental in growing Boomtown’s impact and ensuring regional audiences receive the recognition they deserve.
“I leave the role immensely proud of what we’ve accomplished together and with complete confidence in Boomtown’s future. I’ll continue to be one of regional media’s biggest supporters and look forward to celebrating the collective’s many successes in the years ahead.”

Patrick’s appointment is effective from 10th August.

For more information, visit https://boomtown.media

Source: * Boomtown Spend Snapshot

Monday 27 July, 2026

Jackson, Fleur and Alex have been crowned the LEGO® Masters: Bricktacular champions in the epic event series LEGO® Masters: Bricktacular, taking home the grand prize of $100,000 and trophy.

Their win brought to a close one of the most competitive LEGO® Masters series battles ever, as contestant team trios competed to create masterpieces from four iconic and powerful worlds: The Lord of The Rings, DC Heroes, Bluey’s World, and Jurassic World.

In a finale literally millions of years in the making, the three remaining teams created a spectacular dinosaur, action-packed moment in just 12 hours, using environments from the Jurassic World franchise: land, air and water.

Despite breathtaking builds by the other teams of Gabby, Oskari & Aura, and Trent, Alex G & Felix, it was Jackson, Fleur and Alex’s ambitious pterodactyl air build, “Monorail Mayhem” that caught the eye of “Brickman” and 200 members of the public with its eye-catching colour palette and motorised movement.

Host Hamish Blake said:

“This is the eighth time the trophy has been hoisted and it was one of the most deserved hoistings yet. These guys were amazing.”

Judge Ryan “Brickman” McNaught said:

“Every season I think I’ve seen it all, and every season the builders prove me wrong. The Jurassic finale demanded creativity, technical skill and nerves of steel, and the standard was simply phenomenal. To still be surprised after eight seasons is something special. They should all be incredibly proud of what they’ve achieved.”

Jackson, Fleur and Alex said:

“We’re so excited by the win, especially with such a high level of talent in the competition. The three of us are super proud of the way we were able to combine our talents.”

LEGO® Masters Australia is produced by Endemol Shine Australia (ESA), part of Media and Entertainment Group, Banijay Entertainment for the 9Network.

Monday 27 July, 2026

Digital outdoor media leader QMS has released new research showing its Milano Cortina Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games network drove significant gains in awareness, brand equity and long-term memory encoding for partners, reinforcing the power of premium Digital Out of Home (DOOH) to amplify culturally significant moments and deliver full-funnel impact.

New research conducted by Kantar shows the Winter Games Network delivered meaningful gains across key brand equity measures including Consideration (+8.9%pts), Affinity (+7.6%pts) and Preference (+5.7%pts). The research also reinforced the strength of the Olympic and Paralympic environment, with 84% of Australians holding a positive view of brands associated with the Games.

Neuro Insight research further underscores the impact of the network, with partner brand ads achieving +19% stronger long-term memory encoding compared to Neuro Insights global benchmarks.

“The Milano Cortina Winter Games Network delivered a premium, high-impact environment that drove measurable results for partners.”

– Tim Murphy, Chief Sales Officer – QMS

“The research shows the strength of Games association in creating a positive halo for brands, and when that association is strong it drives deeper brand impact well beyond awareness.
“Combining this with contextual, moment-led creative and quality digital formats it enhances engagement, memorability and overall brand perception.”

– Christian Zavecz, Chief Strategy Officer – QMS

“The Olympic and Paralympic Games proved to be an effective environment for building positive brand associations augmented by the significant positive perceptions that Australians have of Games partners.
“This underpins partner brand benefits from both immediate impact and longer-term equity growth.”

– Sharon Hilton, Head of Media – Kantar Australia

Reflecting on the cultural impact of the partnership, Australian Olympic Committee Chief Executive Officer, Mark Arbib, said the collaboration set a new benchmark for winter sports property engagement during the Games.

“Milano Cortina 2026 was a milestone moment for Australia’s Winter Olympic Team. The stories of our incredible Australian winter athletes – of courage, grit, and triumph – truly captured the hearts and attention of Australians everywhere.
“QMS have been a longstanding partner who not only understood the power of those stories but possessed the scale and creativity to bring them to life across the country. 
“Their digital network scale gave Australians the chance to experience the highlights of the Games as they happened, in the moments that mattered. It is a partnership we are deeply proud of, and it was incredible to see how our athletes’ journeys were seen, celebrated, and supported.”

– Mark Arbib, Chief Executive Officer – Australian Olympic Committee

Murphy added the results build on the momentum of QMS’ broader Olympic and Paralympic strategy:

“From launch through to sell-out and delivery, the Milano Cortina Winter Games Network success highlights the strength of our premium digital offering as well as the shift in clients really starting to understand the power and impact that dynamic DOOH can deliver on such a large scale.”

Thursday 23 July, 2026

THIS SATURDAY AT 7.30PM ON CHANNEL 9 AND 9NOW

Trade the city lights for a sky full of stars as My Way heads bush for a special one-hour journey into the heart of Outback Queensland, this Saturday at 7.30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.

Hit the road and uncover the real magic of the Outback, its people. Whether you’re up for adventure, a touch of luxury or a peerless cosmic experience, this unmissable episode has something for every traveller.

Meet Canadian-born space enthusiast Alex MacDonald, who found his cosmic calling at the Charleville Cosmos Centre, and high-energy Amanda-Lyn Pearson in Winton, who has the bush in stitches with the Crack Up Sisters. Hitch a ride with Alan Smith, the master storyteller behind Longreach’s Outback Aussie Tours, and stop for a beer with Tom and Grant at the Stonehenge Hotel, the lifeline of their tiny town.

The adventure continues in Birdsville with Ben Fullagar, who manages the famous Birdsville Hotel with true Aussie pub spirit, and in Boulia, where Shelley Lorenson and her powerhouse team of mums run the town’s famous camel races.

Then dig into the past with Robyn Mackenzie, who put Eromanga on the map after finding dinosaur bones on her land, before relaxing and unwinding with Rob Russell at his family’s artesian oasis at Charlotte Plainsnear Cunnamulla.

From the stories they tell to the land they call home, these are the people who make the Outback so special. See exactly why in this special one-hour episode of My Way, this Saturday at 7.30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now. 

Watch My Way on 9Now

Tuesday 21 July, 2026

WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, AT 7.30PM ON CHANNEL 9 AND 9NOW

It is a family affair like no other as three famous Australians team up with a family member to face the machine in a special prime-time edition of Tipping Point Australia, airing Wednesday at 7.30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.

Hosted by tennis legend Todd Woodbridge, this star-studded celebrity family special sees these dynamic family duos work together, all while testing their trivia, timing and nerve to battle it out for a $40,000 cash prize for their chosen charities.

Stepping up to the counter is The Floor host Rodger Corser, who is teaming up with his daughter, Zipporah, hoping to orchestrate a winning performance against the machine.

Joining them is Nine’s legendary Entertainment Editor Richard Wilkins, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with his stylish and charismatic son, Christian, to see if they can charm the counters into a major win.

Completing the competitive lineup is beloved Today Extra host Sylvia Jeffreys, who will be counting on lifelong teamwork as she sides with her older sister, Claire.

Will these famous families master the machine under pressure? Expect plenty of heart, competitive spirit and edge-of-your-seat drama as these three pairs take on Tipping Point’s riveting blend of chance and skill.

Tuesday 21 July, 2026