Archives: Media Releases

9News Queensland and 9 Gold Coast News have once again cemented their status as the state’s most trusted news services, officially claiming the 2026 ratings year.

Across both the 5-day and 7-day broadcasts, 9News Queensland has won 21 weeks of the 40-week official ratings calendar across all key demographics and Total People. This spectacular achievement marks 9News Queensland’s 7th consecutive ratings year as the No.1 news bulletin in Brisbane.

Driven by a relentless commitment to breaking vital local stories, the Queensland 6pm bulletin has drawn an average nightly audience across the 7-days of 213,700, representing a +4.3% year-on-year growth across Total People.

In live streaming, 9News Queensland has also won every week of the 2026 ratings year with an average BVOD audience across Total TV across the 7-days of 34,400 per bulletin, growing by 67% year-on-year. The growth on 9Now continued across all key demos: People 25-54 (+61.2%), People 16-39 (+57.1%) and Grocery Shoppers 18+ (69%).

9News weeknight presenters Melissa Downes and Joel Dry said: 

“We are incredibly grateful to our viewers for their ongoing support. Knowing that Queenslanders turn to us every night for their news is a responsibility we don’t take lightly. We’re thrilled to be part of such a dedicated team and look forward to continuing to tell the stories that matter most to our communities.”

The survey year-to-date Total TV average audience figures are as follows:

This year also marks 30 years of 9 Gold Coast News – a milestone that highlights the bulletin’s enduring relationship with the local community. Led by presenters Eva Milic and Paul Taylor, the bulletin remains the undisputed choice for coastal viewers, securing a dominant year-to-date Total People primary channel FTA share of 64.0%.

Brendan Hockings, Director of 9News Queensland, said

“Winning the ratings year is a testament to the relentless hard work of our entire newsrooms in Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Reaching seven consecutive years as No.1 at 6pm, alongside the Gold Coast’s incredible 30-year milestone, shows that our commitment to local journalism resonates deeply. We don’t take this trust for granted, and we will continue to show up for Queenslanders every single day with the news that impacts their lives.”

This 2026 ratings victory underscores 9News’ successful evolution into a true Total TV powerhouse. By dominating both traditional linear broadcast and digital live streaming via 9Now, 9News ensures that premium, trusted local journalism remains accessible to all Queenslanders, whenever and wherever they choose to watch.

Tuesday 21 July, 2026

THE BLOCK PREMIERES SUNDAY, AUGUST 2, AT 7.00PM ON CHANNEL 9 AND 9NOW

The Block moves to Victoria’s stunning Mornington Peninsula coastline for its 22nd season, boasting spectacular water views for the first time in the show’s history, premiering Sunday, August 2, at 7.00pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.

Mount Eliza, approximately one hour from the Melbourne CBD is known for its elegant homes, scenic beaches, spectacular sunsets and vibrant community life. With sweeping views across Port Phillip Bay to the city skyline, Mount Eliza offers prime real estate.

For Season 22, the teams will take on five luxury homes set in two distinct precincts: Uptown and Downtown. Designed under the expert eye of award-winning Block architect Julian Brenchley, the contestants arrive to find structural frames already complete. 

Host Scott Cam says The Block has been wanting to come to the Peninsula for years. And now, here we are – the dream location.

He will once again be joined by his great friend Shelley Craft. Scott has hosted the series for two decades, with this season marking his 20th season at the helm, and he still gets great enjoyment from it.

He says: 

“The new contestants as they arrive on day one are excited and green and nervous. I enjoy that process. I love building and I love TV, so it’s the perfect combination. I also enjoy creating family viewing. I am a family man at heart, and I like to make something that mum, dad and the three kids can watch together. That’s exactly what The Block does.”

This is Shelley’s 19th season on The Block and talking about why the show is such a success, she said:

“Honestly, it’s the people. Cast and crew. Every season is completely different because the contestants are different. There’s something inspiring about the way they put it all on the line, with the hope of creating new opportunities for their future.”

Once again, the teams will need to ensure no detail is overlooked while transforming every corner of these exclusive homes to win over our three judges, interior designers Shaynna Blaze and Darren Palmer and real estate trailblazer Marty Fox. All while under the watchful eye of Foreman Dan Reilly. 

The contestants who will build these magnificent homes in Mount Eliza are:

• Builder Rick (63) and personal trainer and brow business owner Tayla (32) – father and daughter from Altona, VIC
• Stay-at-home mum and business owner Chantel (32) and personal trainer and online fitness coach Wyatt (30) – couple from the Gold Coast, QLD
• Cattle station managers Adam (48) and Jolene (42) – married couple from Roxby Downs, SA
• “Secret” construction site manager Courtney (34) and interior designer Sev (37) – best friends from Brisbane, QLD
• Paramedic Lisa (34) and Rosco, a FIFO oil and gas logistics expert (38) – married couple from Perth, WA

Executive Producer and series creator Julian Cress said:

“The stunning backdrop of Port Phillip Bay and the Melbourne skyline fulfills a long-held ambition for us as producers, in what is an aspirational blue-chip real estate location.”

Julian credits this season’s contestants with raising the bar.

“We hand-picked five ultra-competitive couples, many with significant renovation experience, to deliver five stunning, high-end homes in just 12 weeks.”

As always, there are many twists and turns, and these contestants will be under more pressure than any group in the history of The Block as the judges set one of the toughest design briefs ever. 

“Unlike last year’s more remote location where noise was not a concern, Mount Eliza is a premium residential neighbourhood and we need to adhere to strict council regulations,” Julian said.

In another series first, the five couples will not be living on-site. Instead, they will live together in a nearby sharehouse provided by former contestants Emma and Ben from Season 21 in Daylesford. 

“While living together offers opportunities for shared meals and camaraderie, it also ensures the competitive tension remains constant as contestants spend nearly every waking hour in each other’s company.”

The Block moves to Mount Eliza and premieres on Sunday, August 2, at 7.00pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.

Thursday 16 July, 2026

TOMORROW NIGHT AT 7.30PM
ON CHANNEL 9 AND 9NOW

The boarding passes are tucked away and the passports are packed as three of Australia’s most beloved duos from Travel Guides prepare to face the machine in a chaotic, prime-time celebrity special of Tipping Point Australia, airing tomorrow night (Wednesday, July 15) at 7.30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.

Hosted by tennis legend Todd Woodbridge, this special charity edition sees standard game show etiquette completely thrown out the window. In this high-stakes showdown, a star-studded lineup of daring duos will unleash their signature banter, cultural confusion and highly unpredictable strategies on the machine, all in a bid to secure a massive $40,000 cash prize for their chosen charities.

Stepping up to the podium are Newcastle’s filter-free and Travel Guides Originals Mark and Cathy Fren. Known for their unapologetic critiques and love of a good deal, they’ll be looking to score the ultimate bargain from the machine.

Joining them are Love Island besties Mitch and Callum, bringing their trademark energy and bromance from the villa straight to the Tipping Point machine.

Completing the lineup are MAFS breakout stars Lucinda Light and Andrea Thompson, ready to inject their unique charm, warmth and vibrant spirits into the game.

Will they master the machine, or will their strategy face a major delay? Expect edge-of-your-seat drama, non-stop hilarity and absolute chaos as these three iconic duos take on Tipping Point’s riveting blend of chance and skill.

Tuesday 14 July, 2026

SERIES EXAMINES HOW JUSTICE SYSTEM IS FAILING WOMEN SUFFERING DOMESTIC ABUSE

Virginia Giuffre is known for taking on the world’s most famous paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell, and the former prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

Lesser known was the battle she fought behind closed doors, including what happened in the months leading up to her death in Perth, Western Australia. This is at the centre of a gripping new podcast from The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and WAToday.     

The four-part investigative series, titled Virginia, by Good Weekend senior writer and Walkley Award winner Melissa Fyfe and WAToday journalist Carla Hildebrandt, launches tomorrow, Saturday, July 11, with weekly episodes available on all major podcast platforms. 

With access to Virginia’s diaries, court documents, personal texts to her friends and family and exclusive interviews with those with her until the end, the series pieces together what happened in those last months before she took her life in April 2025.

Virginia examines the violence both she and her husband reported against each other, the interim restraining order filed against her, the removal of her children by a magistrate, and the system she turned to for protection that ultimately let her down. 

Journalist Carla Hildebrandt said:

”The series raises questions about how police and the courts treat domestic violence victims and how far we have to go. It explores the systemic failures that preceded her death and asks what must change to prevent similar tragedies.”

Journalist Melissa Fyfe said:

“What began as a look into the battle for Virginia’s estate soon turned into a much bigger story – if this could happen to Virginia who had a high profile and financial means, could it happen to women across Australia?”

The first episode tracks Virginia’s childhood, her descent into Epstein’s web and her chance meeting of her-husband-to-be, Australian Robbie Giuffre, in Thailand.

The pair met in October 2002 when Virginia, then 19, was on holiday in Thailand after escaping the clutches of Epstein. They married in 10 days and lived almost all of their 22-years of married life in Australia. 

The second episode reveals the first signs of abuse noticed by Virginia’s family when she was living in the United States and a horrifying incident in Colorado that would have lasting consequences for Robbie, ultimately leading to the family returning to Australia to live. 

The third episode examines the last four months of Virginia’s life, including the West Australian police response to a violent incident between Robbie and Virginia, and how Virginia ended up losing access to her two youngest children for six months. 

The final episode details Virginia’s increasing isolation and the circumstances surrounding a social media post by Virginia that rippled out across the globe.

Melissa Fyfe said:

“By the end of her life, Virginia was a wealthy woman. And a famous campaigner for justice. Despite this, she still fell through the gaps of our justice and police systems.” 

Carla Hildebrandt said:

“One of the most confronting parts of investigating this story was realising that after years of reforms and growing awareness around domestic violence, victims are still too often misunderstood, disbelieved and left to navigate systems that fail them.”

New episodes of Virginia will be released every Saturday from July 11 across The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, WAToday, APPLE,  SPOTIFY, PODCAST APP among others 

Friday 10 July, 2026

GAME III: THE DECIDER THE HIGHEST TOTAL TV RESULT FOR A STATE OF ORIGIN IN RATINGS HISTORY (VOZ/TAM/VPM)

GAME III: THE DECIDER CLAIMS AUSTRALIA’S NO.1 TOTAL TV PROGRAM OF THE YEAR

The 2026 Ampol State of Origin series has rewritten the record books, setting new benchmarks for viewership across broadcast and streaming, with a phenomenal Total TV National Reach of 12 million Australians tuning in throughout the thrilling series on the 9Network.

Last night’s State of Origin III: The Decider 2026 smashed broadcasting records with a historic Total TV Reach of 6.032 million viewers, cementing its place as the the No.1 Total TV Program of the year and a Total TV audience of 4.290 million making it the highest-rating State of Origin match in history (based on Total TV and Overnight VOZ/TAM/ VPM Ratings System). The blockbuster event also drew a massive BVOD audience of 1.685 million – a phenomenal 70.9% year-on-year surge.

Furthermore, the thrilling Game III decider significantly increased Total TV audiences year-on-year across local markets including Sydney (+20%), Brisbane (+9%) and Perth (+6%).

State of Origin Game I secured an extraordinary Total TV average audience of 3.99 million, making it the highest-rating State of Origin match in VOZ history at the time. On 9Now, the dramatic opener captivated streaming audiences, setting a powerful baseline for a record-shattering series.

State of Origin Game II achieved even greater heights, drawing a record-breaking Total TV Reach over 6 million viewers and a Total TV average audience of 4.286 million as a historic crowd packed the MCG. Streaming on 9Now soared to unprecedented levels, breaking the all-time Australian BVOD record with 1.713 million viewers tuning into the live stream.

The 2026 State of Origin series has cemented rugby league’s position as Australia’s biggest television event with all three men’s matches now ranking as the three highest-rating television programs of 2026 across any Australian broadcaster. Combined with record audiences across the Women’s State of Origin series, the results reinforce the continued growth of the game and the strength of Nine’s long-term partnership with the NRL.

Adding further momentum to a blockbuster year of Rugby League, the 2026 Women’s State of Origin series also reached spectacular new heights for the 9Network. The WSOO averaged a national reach of 2 million Australians per match, fuelled by a 53% year-on-year surge in BVOD viewing on 9Now.

Amanda Laing, Nine’s Managing Director of Streaming and Broadcast, said:

“State of Origin on Nine has rewritten the record books once again with more than 12 million Australians watching the 2026 series, reinforcing why Nine remains the Home of Rugby League’s biggest moments.”
“Across broadcast and free streaming, this year’s series became the most-streamed State of Origin series in history, with all six men’s and women’s matches delivering record audiences, as we connect more Australians with rugby league than ever before.”
“Following this week’s landmark rights agreement, we’re proud to continue our long-term partnership with the NRL. Together, we remain committed to the continued growth of the game, by bringing more Australians closer to the stories, rivalries and moments that make rugby league such an important part of our national culture.”

Nine’s Director of Sport, Brent Williams, said: 

“State of Origin again delivered some of the most dramatic, high-stakes football we’ve ever seen. From kick off in Sydney to the decider in Brisbane, the intensity on the field was matched only by the passion of the fans. Congratulations to the players, who year after year continue to deliver sporting drama at its absolute best.”
“Origin is the pinnacle of live sports broadcasting and I want to say a huge thank you to our world-class Wide World of Sports production crew, technical engineers and legendary commentary team who work tirelessly to bring viewers closer to the action than ever before.”

With absolute dominance across all screens, key demographics, and both the men’s and women’s competitions, the 2026 State of Origin shield reinforces that nothing captivates the nation, dominates the conversation, and delivers unrivaled scale for commercial partners quite like Origin on Nine.

Source: TVMAP VOZ Program Analyser, VOZ Data 5.9 © OzTAM Pty Limited [2026], National, Nine Content, State of Origin Rugby League, Reach (Incl Pre/Post, Average Audience (Excl Pre/Post), Total People, Total TV, Overnight, as at 09/07/2026. (TAM/VPM data)

Thursday 09 July, 2026

Digital outdoor media leader QMS has today announced the launch of ‘The Jewel’, a brand-new digital large format site at 240 Queen Street, set to become one of Brisbane’s most iconic billboard locations.

Positioned in a prime CBD pedestrian precinct linking Brisbane’s key luxury retail and financial hubs, the site offers dominant streetscape presence and uncluttered viewing giving clients high-impact visibility among a valuable audience of professionals, corporate decision-makers and retail consumers within one of the city’s busiest environments. 

‘The Jewel’ features a newly installed, high-quality portrait screen with full motion and 3DOOH enabled capability, giving brands the ability to deliver immersive, attention-commanding creative executions at scale, with campaigns able to deliver more than 800,000 impressions across a week*.

The launch of ‘The Jewel’ further expands QMS’ premium Digital Large Format network, joining a growing portfolio of high-profile assets across Australia that support full motion and 3DOOH creative, including The Emporium (VIC), The Queen (QLD), Manly Wharf (NSW), Victoria Cross Station (NSW) and Rundle Mall (SA).

“‘The Jewel’ is set to become one of Brisbane’s most iconic and in demand Digital Out of Home assets. Its scale, location and advanced digital capability allow us to offer clients a truly premium creative canvas in the heart of the CBD.”

  – Sara Lappage, Chief Operating Officer – QMS

“As Brisbane continues its evolution toward 2032, with the city’s profile set to grow nationally and globally, ‘The Jewel’ provides brands with a powerful platform to build presence with valuable audiences at scale, in one of the city’s most important commercial and cultural precincts.”
“Importantly, it strengthens our national network of high-impact digital locations giving brands greater flexibility to deliver bold, creative and contextually relevant campaigns across multiple cities. ”
“Much like The Emporium in Melbourne, this site sets a new benchmark for creative impact in the Brisbane market.”

The addition of ‘The Jewel’ reinforces QMS’ continued investment in premium digital infrastructure, further strengthening its position as the leader in premium digital OOH across Australia.

*Source: QMS, MOVE, Reference Week 28 July to 3 August 2025, The Jewel, P14+, Brisbane, 10% SOT, VAC.

Tuesday 7 July, 2026

NINE EXTENDS LONG-TERM PARTNERSHIP WITH THE NRL, SECURING THE GAME’S BIGGEST MOMENTS LIVE AND FREE FOR AUSTRALIANS

Nine Entertainment (Nine) today announced it has secured a new long-term agreement with the National Rugby League (NRL), extending one of Australian sport’s most enduring and successful partnerships into its fourth decade.

Under the agreement, Nine retains exclusive rights to deliver the game’s biggest moments live and free to millions of Australians across Channel 9 and 9Now,  including the State of Origin series and the NRL Grand Final, and the Women’s State of Origin. Also secured are free-to-air and free streaming rights to three live NRL matches each week, the NRL Finals Series, 33 live NRLW matches, the NRLW Final Series, the NRLW Grand Final, and Men’s and Women’s Test Matches played in Australia, reinforcing Nine’s long-standing commitment to ensuring one of the nation’s most important sporting codes remains accessible to Australians.

Matt Stanton, Nine Chief Executive Officer, said:

“As our partnership with the NRL enters its fourth decade, this agreement reinforces Nine’s long-term strategy of investing in premium live sport and the moments that matter most.”
The next era presents an extraordinary opportunity for rugby league. Nine brings together an unmatched breadth of media capabilities and a proven track record of growing audiences, deepening fandom and creating cultural moments around the game’s biggest occasions. This year alone, the top two highest-rating television programs across any Australian broadcaster have both been NRL, demonstrating the enduring strength of the game and the opportunity that still lies ahead.”
“We’re uniquely positioned to help unlock the next phase of the game’s growth.”

For more than 30 years, Nine and the NRL have worked together to create some of Australia’s most iconic sporting moments. Throughout the current rights period, that partnership has continued to expand the game’s reach and relevance to Australians, with record-breaking audiences, increased visibility for the women’s game, premium storytelling and continued innovation across broadcast and free streaming.

Amanda Laing, Nine Managing Director, Streaming and Broadcast, said:

“The measure of a great sporting partnership is the growth of the audiences it builds, the fandom it creates and the long-term growth it unlocks for the sport.”
“The audience momentum we’ve seen across rugby league in recent years has been exceptional. Australians are spending more time with the game than ever before, State of Origin has delivered the biggest audiences in its history, and free streaming on 9Now continues to set new records. Those results don’t happen by chance. They come from continually evolving with audiences and finding new ways to strengthen the connection between fans and the game.”
“Nine’s partnership with the NRL has delivered sustained growth across every measure, reinforcing rugby league’s position as Australia’s most powerful sporting properties.”

Audience highlights include*:

• Streaming continues to accelerate: BVOD audiences increased 69% for Men’s State of Origin, 131% for the Women’s Grand Final and 52% for Women’s State of Origin
• Overall engagement continues to grow: Total Minutes Viewed across all rugby league coverage on Nine is up 15% year-on-year and 20% since 2023, demonstrating Australians are spending more time with the game than ever before.
• Commercial audiences continue to strengthen: Viewing among People 25–54 is up 19% year-on-year and 27% since 2023, reinforcing rugby league’s growing appeal among one of Australia’s most valuable advertising demographics.
• The biggest moments continue to get bigger: 
• The 2025 NRL Finals Series audience grew 33% year-on-year, while the Grand Final audience increased 35%.
• The 2025 NRLW Finals Series audience grew 17% year-on-year, while the NRLW Grand Final audience increased 55%.

Peter V’landys, Chairman, Australian Rugby League Commission thanked all broadcast partners for their collaboration and said the result future proofs the game and provides a platform for growth in Australia and globally.

“Today marks a defining moment for rugby league. The Commission has worked hard in the last five years to make the game more entertaining for our fans, effectively doubling our audience. Our Players and Clubs that made this possible will now be justifiably rewarded.”
“This agreement is the largest commercial deal ever secured by an Australian sport, but its significance goes well beyond the financial outcome. It returns the draw back to the NRL and will ensure fair and equitable scheduling for all Clubs. It also gives us greater flexibility to shape the future of the game, and ensures more fans can access rugby league than ever before.”
“We entered these negotiations with a clear objective – secure long-term growth while retaining control of the things that matter most. We have achieved that outcome.”
“I want to thank Foxtel Group CEO Patrick Delany, Nine Chair Peter Tonagh, Nine CEO Matt Stanton, and Sky NZ CEO Sophie Moloney for reaching a landmark agreement that puts the fans and the future of rugby league first,” Mr V’landys AM said.

NRL Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Abdo described the deal as a reflection of the unprecedented growth of rugby league and the confidence the market had in rugby league’s future.

“This agreement reflects the strength of rugby league today and confidence in where the game can go next. It is the result of years of planning, discipline and execution by the Commission as we positioned the game to maximise its value in a rapidly changing media landscape.”
“The outcome gives us the certainty, flexibility and resources to pursue ambitious growth opportunities across every level of the game.”
“In particular, more investment than ever will go into grassroots and community football to drive participation and ensure all levels of the game flourish.”
“Rugby league is now in the best possible position for further expansion and continued growth from a community level through to the international stage.”
“Most importantly, it gives the game greater control over how rugby league is produced, distributed and experienced, ensuring fans remain at the centre of every decision we make,” Mr Abdo said.

Beyond live match coverage, Nine continues to invest in rugby league through original content, analysis, podcasts, social storytelling and flagship programming including 100% Footy, ensuring fans remain connected to the game throughout the week.

This agreement further strengthens Nine’s premium sport offering alongside all four Tennis Grand Slams, the Olympic Games, the Premier League, Rugby Union, the NBL and WNBL, Netball and more. Together, these partnerships reflect Nine’s long-term strategy of investing in premium live sport and delivering the sporting moments that matter most to Australians.

* Audience highlights from 2023 when VOZ was introduced, superseding all prior TV data reporting.

Tuesday 07 July, 2026

QUEENSLAND v NEW SOUTH WALES –  WEDNESDAY, JULY 8
EXCLUSIVE, LIVE AND FREE ON CHANNEL 9 AND 9NOW

LATRELL MITCHELL, PATTY CARRIGAN AND LIAM MARTIN TONIGHT ON 100% FOOTY

Immortality awaits in Ampol State of Origin III – The Decider when the series is on the line between Queensland and New South Wales – exclusive, live and free on Channel 9HD and 9Now – Wednesday, July 8, from 7.00pm AEST.

Billy Slater’s Queensland Maroons have the wind behind their sails following a dominant game two victory, as they look to clinch back-to-back series wins at a sold out Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane in front of a wave of Maroon. Paving Queensland’s path to glory will be Cameron Munster, Sam Walker, Kalyn Ponga and Harry Grant.

While the NSW Blues have a mountain to climb, faced with the challenge of winning the series at a hostile Suncorp Stadium against a Maroons side with an unchanged starting line up and plenty of confidence.

Opportunity awaits for a lasting legacy if the Blues can upset the Queensland party when Nathan Cleary, Payne Haas, James Tedesco, Stephen Crichton and captain Isaah Yeo aim to inspire when they line up as outsiders.

Wide World of Sports’ exclusive Origin coverage will be hosted by James Bracey with a cast of the biggest names in modern rugby league history, Andrew Johns, Cameron Smith, Phil Gould, Darren Lockyer, Johnathan Thurston, Sam Thaiday and Brad Fittler, all on hand to dissect every moment of the action.

Danika Mason will deliver live updates from the sideline alongside Fittler and Lockyer, while  Allana Ferguson joins the panel to analyse the key match-ups. In the commentary box Mathew Thompson is flanked by former NSW and Queensland captains, Andrew Johns and Cameron Smith. 

Experience State of Origin like never before with 9Now’s Battle View. This ultimate multi-view live stream lets you follow the main game while keeping an eye on the halfbacks Nathan Cleary (NSW) and Sam Walker (Queensland), all on the one screen streamed side-by-side live. Download the app or head to 9now.com.au

Feature stories in pregame will include an insight into the story behind the resurgence of Maroons try scoring sensation Selwyn Cobbo, when Johnathan Thurston breaks down the raw, explosive rise of Cherbourg hero and his epic return to the Origin arena in Cobbo’s Comeback.

Instilling belief in the Blues is three NSW who have won series deciding game three’s in Brisbane – Benny Elias (1994), Anthony Minichello (2005) and Jake Trbojevic (2024), when they unite to back Laurie Daley’s Blues to ambush Queensland and steal the series right in their own backyard in The Suncorp Heist.

Moments before kick off don’t miss Jai Arrow when he carries the Ampol State of Origin shield onto Suncorp Stadium ahead of The Decider. 

After the game you can catch up with 9Now mini-match for all the best bits in a 20-minute breakdown.

AMPOL STATE OF ORIGIN III: THE DECIDER – QUEENSLAND v NEW SOUTH WALES 
LIVE from Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane – Wednesday, July 8

Sydney                 7.00pm LIVE on Channel 9HD and 9Now
Brisbane               7.00pm LIVE on Channel 9HD and 9Now
Melbourne            7.00pm LIVE on Channel 9HD and 9Now
Adelaide               6.30pm LIVE on 9GemHD, 7.00pm on Channel 9HD and 9Now
Perth                     5.00pm LIVE on 9GemHD, 5.30pm on Channel 9HD and 9Now

THE BUILD-UP TO ORIGIN III: THE DECIDER ON NINE
Available on Channel 9 and 9Now

100% FOOTY – Tonight – Monday, July 6 at 8.45pm AEST
South Sydney Rabbitohs superstar Latrell Mitchell joins the home of the biggest opinions from those who matter, Host James Bracey is joined by Gus Gould, Cameron Smith, Paul Gallen and Allana Ferguson for a huge preview of The Decider. Queensland Maroons forward Pat Carrigan and NSW Blues enforcer Liam Martin join the show from origin camp.

FREDDY AND THE EIGHTH – Tuesday night, July 7, late
NSW legends Brad Fittler and the Eighth rugby league Immortal Andrew Johns preview The Decider with Danika Mason. 

SIX TACKLES WITH GUS ORIGIN III: THE DECIDER PREVIEW
Phil “Gus” Gould and channel 9 NRL caller Mat Thompson preview the big game with a Queensland Maroons legend to join as a surprise special guest.

STATE OF ORIGIN III: THE DECIDER
WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, AT 7.00PM AEST
EXCLUSIVE, LIVE AND FREE ON CHANNEL 9 AND 9NOW

Monday 06 July, 2026

OUTBACK TERROR: THE FALCONIO MURDER

PREMIERING TUESDAY, JULY 14, AT 8:30PM ON CHANNEL 9 AND 9NOW

Witness one of Australia’s most infamous cold cases transform into a live investigation when Outback Terror: The Falconio Murder premieres Tuesday, July 14, at 8.30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.

Twenty-five years after the shocking murder of British backpacker Peter Falconio and the ambush of his girlfriend Joanne Lees on a remote stretch of highway in the Northern Territory, a haunting mystery remains.

In this gripping documentary, world-renowned geoforensic specialist, Dr Mark Harrison MBE, and former FBI behavioural profiler, Kathy Canning-Mello, combine geoforensics, environmental analysis and behavioural science in the hope of answering the lingering question: where is Peter?

Battling the unforgiving terrain of the vast Australian Outback, the pair re-examine the evidence and get inside the mind of the murderer, Bradley John Murdoch, to pinpoint the most likely location of Peter’s body.

Narrated by Australian actress Marta Dusseldorp, Outback Terror: The Falconio Murder features accounts from those who were on the frontlines of the case, including Senior Sergeant Erica Gibson, who took Joanne Lees’ initial statement on the night of the crime, and retired Detective Geoff Carson, who helped to bring Murdoch to justice.

The series also features journalist Meni Caroutas, who was on the ground in Alice Springs as the global media storm unfolded, and an exclusive interview with Libby Andrew, the former police officer who was Joanne’s chaperone in the aftermath of the 2001 murder.

Dr Mark Harrison MBE said: 

“This isn’t simply a documentary looking back at an infamous crime. It’s an active investigation using enhanced behavioural and geoforensic techniques that have evolved dramatically over the past two decades, with success in locating victims.”

Kathy Canning-Mello said: 

“As a behavioural profiler, my role is to understand the decisions an offender makes before, during and after a crime. Those choices leave patterns, and patterns leave clues. By re-examining this case with fresh eyes and modern investigative methods, we hope to bring new understanding to one of Australia’s most enduring mysteries.”

Beyond revealing the advancements in science and technology, the documentary also revisits the media scrutiny of Joanne Lees, and challenges aspects of the narrative that have endured for decades to reveal her extraordinary courage and resilience.

Outback Terror: The Falconio Murder is produced by Prospero Productions for the 9Network and UKTV. Principal production funding from Screen Australia, in association with Screenwest and Lotterywest. International sales by Sphere Abacus.

OUTBACK TERROR: THE FALCONIO MURDER

TUESDAY, JULY 14, AT 8:30PM ON CHANNEL 9 AND 9NOW

Monday 06 July, 2026

Nine Entertainment Co (Nine) and Microsoft today announced an agreement to allow Nine’s professional, high-value journalism to play a crucial role in AI outputs generated by millions of Microsoft Copilot users.

This is a first-of-its-kind deal in Australia between Microsoft and a major news media company, championing original, trusted news sources through attribution, recognition and innovation.

The agreement allows Microsoft Copilot to reference the text of Nine’s masthead content (beyond paywalled previews) during AI searches to contextualise and ‘ground’ outputs. 

By referencing real-time reports from Nine’s publishing mastheads the system ensures Copilot outputs are grounded in verified facts while including references for its users. 

Copilot will display snippets, headlines and summaries and will direct audiences to Nine’s mastheads for the complete story, giving users a gateway to a trusted source. 

The agreement covers content from across Nine’s mastheads including The Australian Financial Review, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Brisbane Times and WAToday.  

CEO of Nine Entertainment Matt Stanton said:

“We are delighted to partner with Microsoft on this agreement. As AI continues to evolve, the role of verified, premium journalism in grounding these outputs is essential.” 
“This collaboration is a win-win, delivering for users of AI while respecting copyright and protecting the long-term value of our intellectual property,”

“AI is transforming the way Australians connect with information, and access to trustworthy sources has never mattered more,” said Jane Livesey, President of Microsoft Australia and New Zealand.
“Our agreement with Nine will ground responses from Microsoft Copilot in trusted mastheads, giving people verified facts, a clear path to the full story, and confidence in what they read. Forward-thinking partnerships like this show how technology and media companies can work together to ensure a thriving future for Australian journalism.” 

Managing Director, Publishing at Nine Entertainment Tory Maguire said the deal was the first of its kind for Microsoft in the Asia Pacific Region and represented a significant milestone in the relationship between Australian media companies and AI focused technology companies.

“Microsoft has been a proactive, engaged partner who is committed to attribution of sources. This continues to unlock new revenue opportunities for our mastheads as the media ecosystem continues to evolve, supporting local and trusted Australian journalism.”
“It means helping Microsoft connect users with more informed, high-quality information through its AI offerings while also delivering for content owners,” she said. 
“We are meeting readers where they are, and by providing important context for Copilot we ensure AI outputs are grounded in verified facts, with an easy click through to our websites to read the full article.”

Friday 03 July, 2026