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9News Queensland is celebrating its continued dominance as the premier and most trusted local news bulletin, with less than three months remaining in the official OzTAM survey period.

Queensland’s longest-serving and top presenting duo, Melissa Downes and Andrew Lofthouse, have once again earned the gold medal. Throughout the 40-week OzTAM calendar, they topped the ratings for 24 weeks in the Monday to Friday 6.00pm to 7.00pm timeslot, and for 21 weeks in the Sunday to Saturday 6.00pm to 7.00pm period. Their strong performance is underscored by a notable Total TV Reach of 2.8 million and a Total TV Average Audience of 185,000 (Monday to Friday).

Melissa Downes said: “What a sparkling result for the 9News Queensland team, and what better way to celebrate than with the dazzling Riverfire festivities over the weekend. This year has been truly monumental, and it’s an honour to be part of a team so dedicated to delivering the news that matters to Queenslanders.

“Each bulletin is a collective team effort, and we’re fortunate to work with the best in the business. We’re immensely grateful to our viewers for their daily support and look forward to connecting with and thanking them when we’re out in the community.”

Andrew Lofthouse said: “Reaching the top spot in the ratings is always an honour. It’s all thanks to the hard work of the people behind the scenes who make each bulletin a reality, and of course the amazing support from our loyal viewers.

“This year has been a special one, bringing Queenslanders the very best of Paris at the historic Olympic Games and now getting to cheer on our Paralympians. It is wonderful to have the opportunity to infuse a contagious energy into our bulletins and it is clear how Queenslanders responded.”

Adding to the 9News gold rush, 9News Gold Coast, presented by Paul Taylor and Eva Milic, remained the city’s preferred bulletin, maintaining the top spot every week of the OzTAM survey calendar year-to-date*. Additionally, 9News Queensland 4.00pm, presented by Aislin Kriukelis and Alison Ariotti, has notched up 25 weeks of success, proving its competitive strength.

Amanda Paterson, Director of 9News Queensland, said: “We are thrilled to see 9News achieve record ratings this year and stand out as the leading local news service. From our flagship 6.00pm bulletin to our popular Gold Coast and 4.00pm broadcasts, we’ve firmly established ourselves at the top.

“This year has been particularly significant, with local athletes shining on the global stage. Nine’s exclusive coverage of the Paris Olympics showcased Australia’s remarkable achievements and highlighted incredible stories, thanks to our dedicated newsroom. As we look to the Paris Paralympic Games, we’re excited to continue to bring these stories to our viewers.

“The unwavering support from Queenslanders has been crucial in driving our commitment to excellence. I want to acknowledge the outstanding efforts of our team, whose dedication is key to our success. Gold all round!”

The 2024 OzTAM television survey concludes on November 30.

*Source: OzTAM Brisbane Region 5 | Overnight | Mon-Fri 1730-1800 | Total People AUD | TAM Linear only 

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

Tuesday, September 3, 2024

Wineglass Bay in Tasmania has been voted Australia’s best beach while the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour is our country’s favourite ‘big thing’, according to exclusive research conducted by Nine.

As spring arrives and thoughts of a getaway become reality, 9Travel and Today have joined forces to launch the Aussie Travel Trends Index – a comprehensive survey into the travel habits of Australians.

The research, conducted through the Nine Audience Insights team, looked at where, when and how Australians are travelling, the emerging trends in travel and some key shifts for the future.

The number one beach in Australia, voted for by Nine readers and viewers, was a surprise with iconic locations like Bondi beach being pushed out by the picturesque Wineglass Bay in Tasmania. Closely followed by Whitehaven Beach in Queensland, Hyams Beach in NSW and Noosa Beach, Surfers Paradise rounded out the top five. Sydney’s Bondi had only 4% of the Nine audience ranking it as the number one beach destination.

While Nine audiences’ travelled to all Australian states and territories, Far North Queensland and Melbourne were the winners when it came to domestic travel, while overwhelmingly Europe was the top overseas holiday destination. 

Australians also revealed they were willing to spend up to $5,000 on a domestic holiday and up to $20,000 on an international trip.

When it came to “Big Things” the number one Big Thing was the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour, followed by the Big Pineapple then the Big Merino.

The Aussie Travel Trends Index also looked at the best camping spots, the top tourist destination, Australia’s favourite regional town and the best Honeymoon spot.

“The Aussie Travel Trends Index highlights all the very best things about our great country – as well as providing valuable insights for our commercial partners. We can tell you exactly how much our audience wants to spend and where,” said Director of Nine.com.au Kerri Elstub.

Steven Burling, Director of Morning Television, said: “Today viewers are passionate travellers and they particularly love exploring Australia. I know they’ll be intrigued to see where their favourite destinations place on the Aussie Travel Trends Index.”

The research will be rolled out across 9Travel over the next ten weeks – and will be presented on Today in a series of appearances by keen traveller and presenter Sami Lukis. 

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

Tuesday, September 3, 2024

The ladder-leading Sharks are under pressure when they take on the 2023 grand finalists, the Titans, in Round 6 of the NRLW competition at 11.00am AEST Saturday, live and free on the 9Network.

LIVE AND FREE ON THE 9NETWORK
WESTPAC NRLW WRAP FROM 2.30PM AEST SATURDAY

With their winning streak on the line, the Sharks have named an unchanged side led by captain Tiana Penitani, who has four tries from her past five games. The Titans have made a number of changes, including Sienna Lofipo replacing suspended five-eighth Taliah Fuimaono.

On Saturday afternoon the Eels play the Dragons. The Eels are looking to barge into the top four after three wins this season. The Dragons have three previous victories over the Eels, but will need to dig deep after being outscored 56-12 in the last two rounds.

For the latest NRLW news, viewers can turn to the Westpac NRLW Wrap from 2.30pm AEST on Saturday, with Emma Lawrence, Ruan Sims, Allana Ferguson and Marlee Silva.

Sunday’s triple-header starts with the Knights versus Wests Tigers, the cellar dwellers. Knights fullback Tamika Upton scored twice last week and can repeat the dose. Still chasing their first win, the Tigers welcome back centre Shaianne McGlone, hoping she can spark the attack.

Then it’s a Queensland derby when the Broncos meet the Cowboys. Three wins have the Broncos in second spot on the table, and with Mele Hufanga loving Totally Workwear Stadium – she has seven tries there in four games – they go in as favourites. The Cowboys, with three wins and sitting outside the top four, have savage second-rower Tiana Rafstrand-Smith primed to stop the Broncos bucking.

Rounding out the weekend, the third-ranked Roosters battle the Raiders. The Roosters have shifted fullback Taina Naividi to the wing, Tiana Davison goes to lock, and Otesa Pule starts in the front row. In the Raiders’ first game at Allianz Stadium, they mark it with the return of Monalisa Soliola, Ashleigh Quinlan and Shakiah Tungai.

BROADCAST SCHEDULE
Saturday, August 31
TITANS V SHARKS 

EELS V DRAGONS 

Sunday, September 1 
KNIGHTS V WESTS TIGERS 

BRONCOS V COWBOYS

ROOSTERS V RAIDERS 

NRLW ON NINE: ROUND 6
LIVE AND FREE ON THE 9NETWORK

Follow NRLW on Nine on Instagram, Facebook & X

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

Friday, August 30, 2024

Get ready Australia – It’s time to drill down on what Australians really think and challenge the nation with a fresh round of the biggest questions when The Hundred with Andy Lee returns to Channel 9 and 9Now on Tuesday, September 10, at 8.45pm. 

Joining host Andy Lee for season 7 are 100 everyday Aussies who zoom in live to the studio from across the nation. Carefully selected to perfectly represent a cross section of Australia, “The Hundred” stand by to be polled live, providing the fascinating stories behind the stats as three comedy panellists battle it out to see who knows Australia best.

The Hundred with Andy Lee uncovers what Australia really thinks about the biggest and the smallest issues, and everything in between. This season, comedian Mike Goldstein and media personality Sophie Monk continue as regular panellists, and they are joined by a selection of top comedians including Tom Gleeson, Will Anderson, Kate Langbroek, Pete Helliar and many more.

In the first episode we will learn what percentage of The Hundred have spied on an ex online, and how many have a secret they intend to take to the grave. 

Sophie Monk said: “We asked the hundred how many wanted me back at the desk. It came back 51 percent… that’s more than half!” 

Couples Court is back solving relationship dramas around Australia. This or That returns, examining whether orange juice should be served with pulp or no pulp, and we ask if booing at sport is considered acceptable or crappy. All that plus the revelation of Australia’s biggest bogan.

Aussie favourites including Rodger Corser will join the show to see how many people can put a name to a face, while other popular segments including Pick The Percent are back too.

“With bigger and better stats every season, I can’t wait to get back in the saddle and plumb the depths of the Australian psyche,” Mike Goldstein said.

Andy Lee said: “Mike, Soph and I are pumped to be back. We have new games and new themes. One game called Is It Legal? finds out whether Australians think certain things are legal or not. Might be a good one for the police to tune in for.”

No matter what story has the nation captivated or which hot and controversial topics are trending, we’ll dive deep to uncover Australia’s true opinions when The Hundred with Andy Lee returns to Channel 9 and 9Now on Tuesday, September 10.

The Hundred with Andy Lee is an original concept by Screentime Australia and Andy Lee, produced by Endemol Shine Australia (a Banijay Entertainment company) in association with Channel 9.

For further information, please contact:
Alexandra Reed 
Channel 9 Publicity 
alexandra.reed@nine.com.au

Friday, August 30, 2024