Archives: Media Releases

Nine today announced the appointment of Gareth Parker, currently 9News Perth’s Director of News, to the newly created role of Network News Content Director.

Reporting to the 9Network’s Director of News and Current Affairs, Fiona Dear, this position will see Parker relocate to Sydney and work from the Network’s headquarters, where he will oversee and help coordinate critical news coverage to Channel 9’s state-based newsrooms.

From the latest political news out of Canberra, to finance, health, tech and major event reporting, Parker will manage the quick and cohesive distribution of news content nationally across 9Network’s key platforms to better inform audiences, evolving the 9News structure and setting an industry-leading precedent. 

Dear is looking forward to welcoming Parker to this strategic new position, which will help ensure diverse content is better delivered to consumers who are craving trusted up-to-date news whenever and wherever they are. 

“The 9News Network desk is a critical piece of our transformation project in terms of delivering expert content for the entire network. Gareth has done an incredible job leading the team in Perth and significantly growing that audience and I can’t wait to see what he achieves with this new network project.”

Parker is proud of the achievements of the Perth team during his tenure and will continue to work closely with the local 9News division in his new role. 

“We have grown audiences significantly over the past two years in Perth, and this is a testament to the hard work and commitment of the team, with more and more viewers trusting and turning to 9News.

“I can’t thank the entire Nine Perth team enough for their unwavering support and hard work in the service of our audiences and I look forward to getting stuck into this national role to maximise the reach and impact of our talented reporting teams right around the country.

“Thanks especially to Nine Perth Managing Director Clive Bingwa for his support, and to Fiona Dear for her faith in me.”

Stepping in as interim 9News Perth Director of News, is Michael Genovese. A seasoned senior reporter and presenter, having worked on the national Today show as well as overseas as US correspondent, he will lead the local team during this transitional period.

“Having worked at Nine for over a decade this appointment is a privilege, and I’m eager to step in and continue to grow audiences and lead the team to continue to deliver Perth’s best news, from Today Perth in the morning, to our afternoon and flagship 6pm bulletins,” Genovese said.

“Gareth leaves big shoes to fill. He has done a tremendous job in Perth and we wish him all the best for his new Network appointment.”

For further information, please contact:
Peter Brennan
Program, Marketing and Communications Manager
pebrennan@nine.com.au

Wednesday, September 25, 2024

The final step on the journey to an NRL Grand Final will be taken by the top four teams of the season when the NRL Preliminary Finals are live and free on the 9Network this weekend.

WATCH LIVE AND FREE ON CHANNEL 9HD, STREAM ON 9NOW

Two titans of the NRL will shake down the thunder in the Melbourne sky on Friday night, when the Storm step onto AAMI Park for a ferocious encounter against the Roosters.

Electrifying Storm stars Cam Munster, Ryan Papenhuyzen, Jahrome Hughes and Xavier Coates are refreshed after the week off, and will need to be at their attacking best against a Roosters side boasting hard-headed forwards Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Victor Radley and Angus Crichton, looking to knock the minor premiers out in an upset.

On Saturday night, Nathan Cleary and the Panthers are chasing another slice of history when they aim to become the first team in 53 years to qualify for five successive Grand Finals.

But first they need to stop a late-season surge from the Sharks, who at long odds to win, will want nothing more than to silence their premiership doubters by ending the Panthers run of dominance.

The 9Network is the only place you can see every game of the 2024 NRL Finals Series live with the Wide World of Sports’ coverage available on Channel 9 and 9Now, culminating in exclusive coverage of the NRL Grand Final.

BROADCAST SCHEDULE

Friday, September 27
Storm v Roosters – Semi Final 1 

Syd/Bris/Melb          7.00pm LIVE and FREE on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now
Adelaide                     6.30pm LIVE and FREE on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
Perth                            5.30pm LIVE and FREE on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now

Saturday, September 28
Panthers v Sharks – Semi Final 2 

Syd/Bris/Melb           7.00pm LIVE and FREE on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now
Adelaide                      6.30pm LIVE and FREE on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
Perth                            5.30pm LIVE and FREE on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now

THE ONLY PLACE TO SEE EVERY NRL FINALS GAME LIVE
WATCH ON CHANNEL 9HD, STREAM ON 9NOW
LIVE AND FREE

Wednesday, September 25, 2024

The 2024 NRLW Finals Series will burst into life with a sizzling Sunday of semi finals footy, when back-to-back games are live and free on the 9Network from 2.00pm AEST this Sunday, September 29. 

The Brisbane Broncos, Sydney Roosters, Newcastle Knights and Cronulla Sharks will face off in two elimination games for a place in the NRLW Grand Final.

First up, the minor premiership winning Brisbane Broncos will carry the hopes of Queensland with them against the Sharks, featuring NSW fullback Emma Tonegato. Straight after, Millie Elliott’s Roosters will be out to end the premiership run of the Knights. However, their Dally M Medallist Tamika Upton and the Southwell sisters, Hannah and Jesse, know exactly how to defend their kingdom.

Hosted by Emma Lawrence, Nine’s NRLW final commentary team is headed up by international rugby league representatives Ruan Sims and Allana Ferguson, plus NRL premiership winners Andrew Johns, Billy Slater, Darren Lockyer, sideline reporter Marlee Silva and commentators Brenton Speed and Peter Psaltis.

In between the games, a finals edition of NRLWrap with special guest, the eighth rugby league Immortal Andrew Johns, will cover off all the latest news and views.

The NRLW Grand Final will feature in Nine’s huge Grand Final Day coverage on Sunday, October 6 at Accor Stadium that begins with Today at 7.00am AEST culminating in Exclusive coverage of the NRL Grand Final from 6.30pm AEST.

BROADCAST SCHEDULE

Sunday, September 27
Broncos (1) v Sharks (4) –  Semi Final 1
Syd/Bris            2.00pm pm LIVE and FREE on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now
Melbourne        2.00pm pm LIVE and FREE on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
Adelaide           1.30pm LIVE and FREE on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
Perth                12.00pm LIVE and FREE on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now

Roosters (2) v Knights(3) – Semi Final 2
Syd/Bris          4.15pm LIVE and FREE on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now
Melb                4.15pm LIVE and FREE on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
Adelaide          3.45pm LIVE and FREE on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
Perth               2.15pm LIVE and FREE on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now

EVERY 2024 NRLW FINALS GAME LIVE AND FREE
WATCH ON CHANNEL 9HD, STREAM ON 9NOW

Wednesday, September 25, 2024

The Financial Review About Time Watch Weekend has cemented its status as Australia’s prestige watch event, after 1000-odd subscribers and readers attended the event in both Sydney and Melbourne. 

Fifteen of the world’s top watchmakers from Switzerland, Germany, Italy and Japan participated in About Time, which was held for the first time in Melbourne on September 14 and 15, before moving to Sydney on September 21 and 22. 

More than 920 subscribers and readers of the Financial Review registered to attend the event, which consisted of hourly activations in watchmakers’ CBD boutiques. Activities ranged from hands-on workshops run by watchmakers to showcases of historical and heritage timepieces. Swim stars Emma McKeon and Cody Simpson, both OMEGA ambassadors, also appeared in Q&A sessions. 

“About Time is becoming a signature event for the Financial Review and a key moment in the calendar for the watch industry,” said AFR Magazine editor Matthew Drummond. “A highlight for me were the sessions with our Watch Editor, Bani McSpedden, at which he discussed trends in the industry and what had caught his eye at About Time.” 

Bani McSpedden said: “When it comes to stimulating sales, there’s nothing like seeing a watch in the metal, on the wrist, something that exposure on social media can never match.

Events such as About Time are just the tonic the industry needs, bringing new timepieces and the stories behind them directly to prospective buyers.”

Participating watch brands included Cartier, Chopard, Grand Seiko, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Panerai, Piaget, Ralph Lauren, and Vacheron Constantin. Joining the event for the first time were A Lange & Sohne, Bulgari, Girard-Perregaux, Longines, Omega and Tudor. Almost 3400 appointments to brands’ hourly activations were booked across the two weekends, with attendees signing up for an average of 3.5 appointments each.

Society in Melbourne and The Charles Grand Brasserie in Sydney were venue partners for About Time, with attendees enjoying complimentary snacks and wines from Handpicked Wines as beverage partner. About Time merchandise was also sold via The Store. 

“About Time represents a significant innovation in the way we work with luxury advertisers to engage our Financial Review subscribers and readers directly, beyond the page and screen,” said Chloe Moo, Nine Publishing’s Client Director of Luxury. “The Watch Weekend’s mobilisation of affluent and influential subscribers within the Sydney and Melbourne CBDs is a strong demonstration that our premium audiences have an active appetite for watches and accessing exceptional experiences, especially when facilitated through their trusted publication.”

A unique feature of About Time is that it is exclusively promoted on AFR channels – the Financial Review newspaper, afr.com, and AFR Magazine – thereby ensuring a high calibre of attendees. As well as promotion through editorial, the event was amplified through digital and print ads as well as eDMs to the Financial Review’s subscriber base. Just under 2000 appointments were booked in the first seven hours via an eDM sent to subscribers in Sydney and Melbourne. 

With The Australian Financial Review Magazine dominating Australia’s monthly magazine insert readership figures – it has a print readership of 500,000 according to Roy Morgan’s last figures – About Time builds on Nine’s strong growth in the luxury category. 

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

Tuesday, September 24, 2024

The Great Barrier Reef is set to become even more spectacular as it transforms into a breathtaking stage for Savannah Sounds On The Reef, a one-of-a-kind music event featuring a star-studded lineup of artists, this Saturday at 2.00pm AEST on Channel 9 and 9Now.

Set against the backdrop of pristine Moore Reef, viewers will have an exclusive front-row seat upon a floating pontoon surrounded by the stunning landscapes of one of Australia’s most cherished natural wonders and the brilliance of artists such as Sheppard, Lee Kernaghan, Max Jackson and Kairos Kin, who feature in the upcoming Savannah In The Round festival.

Savannah Sounds on The Reef is part of a broader initiative to revitalise tourism and support the region’s recovery following the devastation of Cyclone Jasper. This inaugural, not-for-profit event is a tribute to the dedicated volunteers and community leaders who played crucial roles during and after the cyclone.

James Dein, CEO of Sound Australia and the visionary behind Savannah In The Round, said: “Music has a remarkable ability to connect and inspire, making this event a perfect opportunity to showcase the beauty of this enchanting region and celebrate the remarkable people who bring it to life.

“Savannah In The Round features some of Australia’s most talented artists, and through Savannah Sounds on The Reef, audiences have the chance to preview the festival and fall in love with the extraordinary music and stunning landscapes here in our own backyard.”

Prepare to be mesmerised by the stunning beauty of the Great Barrier Reef and the magical music of Savannah Sounds On The Reef, this Saturday at 2.00pm AEST on Channel 9 and 9Now.

Savannah In The Round and Savannah Sounds On The Reef are supported by sponsorship from Tourism and Events Queensland and the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

For further information, please contact:
Madison Long
9 Publicity
madison.long@nine.com.au

Tuesday, September 24, 2024

The acclaimed series RPA returns to dive into the extraordinary world of medical miracles on Thursday, October 3, at 8.30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.

Granting viewers an intimate pass into the heart of one of Australia’s leading public hospitals, Sydney’s Royal Prince Alfred, this real-life series unveils the untold stories of patients and the medical teams dedicated to their care.

Each episode reveals the lives and motivations of the frontline medical professionals and connects with people facing their hardest days. With unprecedented access to the esteemed hospital, there will be more moments of heartache, joy, determination and courage.

Actor Rodger Corser returns as the narrator, guiding viewers through the intricate world of medical procedures and the emotional struggles and resilience of patients confronting life-altering changes.

In this season, RPA will introduce the very latest cutting-edge technologies and procedures: from minimally invasive lung, heart and robotic surgeries to the inspiring and revolutionary work of Australian of the Year Dr Richard Scolyer, the world’s leading melanoma pathologist, who becomes the test subject for a radical new experimental treatment to try and save him from a fatal brain tumour called glioblastoma.  

The new series will showcase other advancements in medical science and highlight the human stories behind every case, making it a compelling exploration of the trials and triumphs of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

RPA is a 9Network series produced by McAvoy Media with the cooperation of patients and staff at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.

RPA
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, AT 8.30PM ON CHANNEL 9 & 9NOW

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

Friday, September 20, 2024

The Wallabies will fight for a breakthrough in an effort to end a 22 year hoodoo, when they meet the All Blacks in the 2024 Bledisloe Cup, this Saturday at 3.15pm, live and free on Channel 9HD.

In the first of two games, James Slipper will become the most capped Wallaby of all-time in his 140th Test match, surpassing George Gregan, in a team welcoming back injured stars Fraser McReight, Hunter Paisami, Noah Lolesio and Tom Wright, while 34-year-old veteran halfback Nic White also earns a return to the green and gold.

The All Blacks are boosted by the experience of the returning Beauden Barrett at fullback, when he lines up alongside his brothers Jordie and team captain Scott.

In the coaches box the highly anticipated showdown between two New Zealand natives will take place when the Wallabies’ Joe Schmidt meets breakdancing All Blacks coach Scott Robertson. So far they have a similar international win record and desperately want to win the trans-Tasman battle to validate their appointments.

Coverage on Channel 9HD and Stan Sport will feature Wallabies greats Michael Hooper, Tim Horan and Justin Harrison, and All Blacks legends Andrew Mehrtens and Sonny Bill Williams.

Sean Maloney will call the match, while Michael Atkinson and Nick McArdle host the coverage alongside former internationals Morgan Turinui and Allana Ferguson.

The game is available to stream ad-free, live and on demand in 4K UHD on Stan Sport.

WALLABIES v ALL BLACKS: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
Game 1, Accor Stadium, Sydney

ALL BLACKS v WALLABIES: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
Game 2, Wellington, New Zealand

Thursday, September 19, 2024

It’s win or bust for the Sharks, Cowboys, Roosters and Sea Eagles when they chase a preliminary finals spot in an epic NRL Finals week two, live and free on the 9Network this weekend.

First up on Friday night from 7.00pm, a hungry Cronulla Sharks outfit are out to break their run of eight consecutive finals losses when they take on a gunslinging North Queensland Cowboys side known for their all out attacking style.

With questions surrounding his big-game performances, Sharks playmaker Nicho Hynes is hellbent on delivering an emphatic answer. But to do so the Sharks will also need to drown the relentless scoreboard threats of Tom Dearden, Valentine Holmes and Scott Drinkwater.

On Saturday night It’s the battle of the birds when the Sydney Roosters meet the Manly Sea Eagles from 7.00pm. After being outclassed by the Panthers last week, the Roosters revert back to their chook pen at Allianz Stadium, where they’ll welcome back enforcer Victor Radley, as captain James Tedesco rallies his troops to keep their season alive in his 250th NRL game.

In two match-ups this season, it’s one win apiece for either side, and Manly will come with winning momentum and two of the NRL’s biggest names – Daly Cherry-Evans and Tom Trbojevic – having a few tricks up their sleeve in what shapes as a bruising encounter.

The 9Network is the only place you can see every game of the 2024 NRL Finals Series, with the Wide World of Sports’ coverage available on Channel 9 and 9Now, culminating in exclusive coverage of the NRL Grand Final.

BROADCAST SCHEDULE

Friday, September 20
Sharks v Cowboys – Semi Final 1
Syd/Bris/Melb 7.00pm LIVE and FREE on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now
Adelaide        7.00pm LIVE and FREE on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
Perth  5.30pm LIVE and FREE on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now

Saturday, September 21
Roosters v Sea Eagles – Semi Final 2
Syd/Bris/Melb 7.00pm LIVE and FREE on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now
Adelaide        6.30pm LIVE and FREE on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
Perth  5.30pm LIVE and FREE on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now

THE ONLY PLACE TO SEE EVERY NRL FINALS GAME LIVE
WATCH ON CHANNEL 9HD, STREAM ON 9NOW
LIVE AND FREE

Thursday, September 19, 2024

Brisbane’s 4BC has announced it will be taking on a new direction in the Breakfast timeslot as Laurel Edwards, Gary Clare and Mark Hine prepare to bid farewell.

Laurel, Gary and Mark have been part of the morning routine for millions of Brisbane listeners for over 30 years thanks to their chemistry, music and determination to make people laugh.

Head of Content for Nine Radio, Greg Byrnes, said: “Laurel, Gary and Mark have played a crucial role in our live and local content strategy. It’s been a privilege to have them engage with Brisbane through 4BC but we’ve decided to take a new approach to Breakfast.

“Their loyal listeners, and all of us at 4BC, will miss them greatly, but we’ll be sending them off in a style worthy of their remarkable careers.” 

Laurel, Gary and Mark will take their planned survey break next week and return on Monday, September 23, for a final week of cheers and tears as they reflect on their most memorable moments and farewell their 4BC listeners.

Their final day on air will be Friday, September 27.

An announcement on Brisbane’s 4BC Breakfast lineup for the remainder of 2024 will be made soon.

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

Friday, September 13, 2024

The 9Network is excited to announce that esteemed financial commentator and author Effie Zahos will join the network in a full-time capacity as 9News Money Editor from October 7.

Effie, who is currently a regular contributor to theToday show, will bring her extensive knowledge and talent for breaking down complex financial issues in a way that’s easy to understand for all Australians. In her new role, Effie will work across 9News, A Current Affair, Today, and Today Extra, delivering critical financial insights that directly impact Australian households and families.

Effie will also collaborate closely with 9News Finance Editor Chris Kohler. While Chris provides expert analysis on the broader world of finance and property, Effie will hone in on what these developments mean for the everyday consumer – covering topics from budgeting and saving to how changes in interest rates, superannuation, and housing prices affect household finances.

Effie Zahos said of her new role:
“I’m thrilled to be joining the 9Network full-time as 9News Money Editor. Finance doesn’t have to be complicated, and I’m passionate about helping everyday Aussies understand how changes in the economy impact them. With the cost of living and interest rates at the top of everyone’s minds, there’s never been a more important time to break down what it all means for families and households.”

Chris Kohler, 9News Finance Editor, welcomed Effie’s appointment:
“Effie is a powerhouse when it comes to personal finance, and I’m looking forward to working with her. Together, we’ll be able to cover every aspect of finance – from big-picture economic shifts to the everyday financial decisions Australians face. With Effie on board, we’re providing viewers with an even broader scope of expert financial analysis.”

Fiona Dear, Nine’s Director of News & Current Affairs, praised Effie’s unique approach:
“Effie has an extraordinary ability to simplify even the most complex financial topics, and we’re delighted to welcome her to the team full-time. With Effie and Chris working together, the 9Network will offer the most comprehensive and accessible finance reporting in the country, giving viewers everything they need to stay informed, whether it’s on a national level or in their own home budgets.”

With two of Australia’s leading financial experts on the team, the 9Network continues its commitment to delivering top-tier, trusted financial news and analysis. Effie and Chris will provide in-depth coverage of property markets, shares, superannuation, interest rates, and more – ensuring Australians have the knowledge to make informed financial decisions.

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

Friday, September 13, 2024