Archives: Media Releases

Nine Radio and 9Podcasts have broken their own record with an astounding 41 finalist nominations across 20 categories in the 35th annual Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs), announced today.

From breaking news to investigative journalism, storytelling, production, sports coverage, and diversity and inclusion (both on and off-air), these nominations highlight Nine Radio’s deep connection with its audiences and the triumph of its comprehensive audio strategy.

Leading the charge are 2GB’s Ben Fordham, Ray Hadley and Chris O’Keefe and 3AW’s Neil Mitchell – all finalists for both Best Talk Presenter and Best Current Affairs Presenter. Tom Elliott is also nominated for Best Talk Presenter. Fordham and Hadley are also contenders for Individual Talent of the Year. 

In a nod to the new talent Nine’s stations continue to develop and discover, 2GB’s Chris O’Keefe and 3AW’s Jacqui Felgate are in the running for Best New On-Air Talent.

It’s a big year for Sydney’s top station, 2GB, which is vying for Station of the Year, Content Manager Luke Davis for Best Content Director, with Fordham, Mark Levy and Will Bottom and Hadley also nominated for Best News Event Coverage for their reports on the Bondi Junction Attacks and the Sydney Car Pursuit, respectively.

In sport, the late David Morrow, Mark Levy, Anthony Hudson, and Shane McInnes are all nominated in the Best Sports Presenter category, while the Continuous Call Team’s coverage of 2023 NRL Grand Final is a finalist for Best Sports Event Coverage. 

Nine Radio’s journalists dominate the Best News Presenter and Brian White awards, with David Armstrong, Gail Watson, Rhiannon Soliman-Marron, Ben Fordham, Clinton Maynard and Zac de Silva all finalists.

9Podcasts’ award-winning, critically acclaimed and hugely popular series, Hannah’s Story, adds to its accolades with nominations for Podcast of the Year, Best Documentary Audio, and Best Podcast Producer for Jess Lodge. Producers Sam Stove and Matty White also earned Best Podcast Producer nominations.

Nine Radio’s successful internship program was also nominated in the special category for Diversity and Inclusion.

Nine Radio Managing Director, Tom Malone, said: “This is an outstanding result for Nine’s radio stations and podcast teams. They are a dedicated group of professionals who strive for excellence in all they do. At the heart of their purpose is serving our listeners, as a destination for live and local content – always relevant, always on. These nominations are a huge testament to their hard work and commitment, and a wonderful reflection on them, and all of their colleagues who strive for excellence every day.”

See the full list of Nine nominees here.

The ACRA winners will be announced in Sydney on Saturday, October 12.

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

Thursday, July 25, 2024

The 2024 NRLW season kicks off on Nine with a prime-time showdown between the reigning premiers, Newcastle Knights, and Sydney Roosters, this Thursday, July 25, from 7.30pm AEST on Channel 9HD and 9Now.

The season opener heralds another absorbing season of women’s rugby league. Nine’s commitment to the NRLW competition means all 48 matches will be broadcast live and free.

In 2024, there will be consecutive Thursday night prime-time fixtures – Round 8 and Round 9 – which will include the 2023 Grand Final rematch when the Gold Coast Titans host the Knights in an NRLW double-header.

Leading the NRLW coverage is host Emma Lawrence, alongside a commentary lineup that includes expert perspectives from Ruan Sims, Allana Ferguson, and NRLW player Millie Elliott, complemented by sideline reporters Marlee Silva and Bronte Gildea.

This season Nine’s coverage will feature a roster of callers: Mat Thompson, Peter Psaltis, Brenton Speed, Anthony Maroon and Drury Forbes. They will be supported with comments from rugby league legends including Phil Gould, Andrew Johns, Brad Fittler, Billy Slater and Darren Lockyer.

In addition to Nine’s live game coverage, NRLW fans will get exclusive content in the weekly Westpac NRLW Wrap, which dives into matches with analysis, player interviews, and exclusive behind-the-scenes access.

Plus, the NRLW Weekly podcast, hosted by Marlee Silva and Ruan Sims, will debate the hot topics, profile the players, and provide insights from the experts who know women’s rugby league best.

Wide World of Sports’ Head of Partnerships & Strategy, Simon Fordham, said: “The 2024 NRLW season on Nine will continue the momentum of the historic first-ever, three-game Women’s State of Origin series that smashed attendance and ratings records.

“Nine’s commitment to women’s rugby league is unmatched and Nine is the only place to see State of Origin and every NRLW game until 2027. This commitment extends beyond rugby league to the Olympic Games, where you’ll be able to watch every match featuring our female superstars including the Rugby Sevens, Hockeyroos, Matildas and Opals during Paris 2024, which starts this week.

“This depth of coverage cements Nine as the trusted home where Australians can unite to witness and cherish unforgettable sporting moments.”

NRLW 2024: EVERY GAME, EVERY ROUND
LIVE AND FREE ON THE 9NETWORK AND 9NOW
FROM THURSDAY, JULY 25, 7.30PM AEST 

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

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

James Chessell has been appointed Editor-in-chief of The Australian Financial Review after Michael Stutchbury called time on his extraordinary 13-year leadership of Australia’s premier business, financial and political publication.

Managing Director of Nine Publishing, Tory Maguire, said Stutchbury, 67, was leaving the Financial Review in a powerful position and deserved enormous credit for building the masthead into arguably the most successful digital subscription publication in the country.

“Michael Stutchbury’s legacy at the AFR is immense, having led the newsroom through a period of ever-accelerating change in the way audiences consume and pay for journalism. He did this by ensuring the AFR is essential reading for anyone with an interest in corporate life, finance and politics,” Maguire said.

“Everyone in corporate Australia knows that to be in the conversation they need to read the AFR. You can see this when you look around  at any AFR event and spot the countless decision makers in the room. 

“Stutch’s fierce belief in what the AFR should be – high quality, relevant, fair and energetic – drove his approach to pushing the masthead to its full potential, including the development of the Financial Review’s highly successful Ventures events business. He is a giant of Australian journalism.”

Stutchbury is the Financial Review’s longest-serving editor or editor-in-chief in the masthead’s seven decade history. Along with his previous five and a half years as editor of The Australian, he is Australia’s longest-ever serving national newspaper editor or editor-in-chief.

After taking a break he will return to the Financial Review in a writing role as Editor-at-large later in the year.

Stutchbury said the Financial Review’s achievements rested on its reporters, photographers, artists, designers and editors, including former long-time Editor Paul Bailey and current Editor Fiona Buffini along with Managing editor Cosima Marriner. 

“After facing a potential loss just over a decade ago, the Financial Review has never been more profitable as it has built a business model around premium digital subscriptions,” he said.

“As the team has managed the shift out of print, the masthead has never had more paying subscribers. It has doubled its audience share compared to its national rival. It has been judged Australia’s most-trusted newspaper brand.

“This fundamentally rests on the Financial Review’s high-quality journalism that has never won more plaudits and awards than in the past year. This has been led by the story of 2023, the PwC tax leaks scandal, that is now being capped by the story of this year, the CFMEU investigation. 

“It is not easy to walk away from the privilege of leading a newsroom that has delivered so  much. But, after 13 full-on years, now is the right time for someone with fresh energy and new ideas to lead the Financial Review’s next phase of growth.

“As a Walkley award-winning former Europe correspondent and Business editor for the Financial Review, James Chessell is the ideal person to take on this exciting challenge. The Financial Review is his natural home.”   

Chessell was until January the Managing Director of Nine Publishing and prior to that Executive Editor of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. He has also worked for The Australian and was part of Financial Review teams that won the 2014 Walkley Award for Business Journalism and the 2013 Citi Journalism Award for Excellence.

Maguire said Chessell’s experience, including editing two of Australia’s biggest mastheads combined with his time running the publishing business, makes him uniquely qualified to step into such an important role.

“Having worked for James for more than five years while he was both executive editor and managing director I know him to be the most energetic, talented and determined person to take the AFR on the next phase of its growth. He understands audiences and believes in storytelling of the highest standard.

“He also has the best contact book of any journalist in business, which is essential for the Editor-in-chief, and his love of being in a newsroom is boundless. The publishing team is incredibly lucky James is willing to return to Nine and lead the AFR.”

Stutchbury’s last day leading the Financial Review will be August 9 and Chessell will start on August 12.

“I’m very excited about taking over from Stutch who is the best editor I’ve worked for bar none,” Chessell said.

“He made the Financial Review sharper and smarter than at any other time in its 73-year history and I’m delighted he will be writing for the masthead for many years to come. The AFR has done an outstanding job exposing corporate and political profligacy under Stutch without forgetting its mission to champion authentic innovation, entrepreneurism and success.” 

“The Financial Review has always been a critically important voice in the financial and political conversations that matter in Australia through rigorous news, analysis and public interest journalism. The current media landscape means the work is not without its complications but there is no better editorial team to face up to these challenges than the Financial Review newsroom.

“I’m also very excited to be reunited with Tory and the Nine Publishing team, who are the best in the business. I’m incredibly lucky to be stewarding a masthead in such great shape but there is still plenty of work to do and I can’t wait to get started.”

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

Monday, July 22, 2024

Nine as today announced accomplished media executive Mason Rook as CEO of Pedestrian, Australia’s leading voice in youth publishing. He will take up the role effective Monday, 29 July.

With an extensive background in the publishing industry and a passion for driving youth engagement in today’s biggest issues, Rook brings a wealth of experience and innovation to the role.

This appointment marks a significant milestone in Pedestrian’s journey as it refocuses on building out its owned and operated business across publishing and television, leveraging the breadth of Nine’s assets as Australia’s Media Company.

Rook joins Pedestrian from The Guardian, where he held the position of Commercial Director and played a pivotal role in the growth of its Australian business. His leadership was instrumental in driving strong commercial outcomes, fostering creative client collaborations and championing initiatives that resonated with brands.

He has previously held senior commercial positions at ARN, The Daily Mail, and Nine, where he was Sales Director.

As Pedestrian CEO, Rook will spearhead strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing content quality and alignment, diversifying the publisher’s commercial base and leveraging Pedestrian’s entire suite of unique assets to better connect leading brands with the youth of Australia. A commitment to inclusivity and innovation aligns perfectly with Rook’s mission to inspire and entertain the next generation of content consumers.

“We are delighted to welcome Mason back to the Nine business in his new role with Pedestrian,” said Alex Parsons, Nine’s Chief Digital Officer and Chair of Pedestrian. 

“Mason’s impressive track record and forward-thinking approach makes him the ideal leader to guide us through the next, exciting phase of our growth. He is without doubt one of the most talented media operators I have worked with.”

Of his appointment to CEO, Rook said, “I am thrilled to be joining Pedestrian and to have the opportunity to lead such a dynamic and impactful organisation. I’ve been a personal fan of the business for many years and I look forward to working with the talented team to deliver exceptional content and connect Australia’s best brands to these audiences in new and exciting ways.”

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

Monday, July 22, 2024

On April 16, 1994, Anthea Bradshaw married her high school sweetheart in a beautiful ceremony at Adelaide’s Tusmore Park Uniting Church. Just 96 days later, she was found murdered—strangled and stabbed—in Brunei, South East Asia. Three decades later, her death remains a mystery.

In Just Married: The Anthea Bradshaw Mystery, 9News Senior Reporter, Ben Avery and the 9Podcasts team launch an active investigation into her unsolved murder—something no police force in the world is doing right now. This podcast delves into the strange circumstances of her death, uncovering evidence and exploring theories, forensics, and alibis that have stumped investigators for years.

Avery interviews Anthea’s family, friends, and former detectives to piece together her life and final moments. The podcast seeks to answer two crucial questions: Who wanted Anthea Bradshaw dead, and why?

His global search for answers has revealed new evidence and witness accounts previously unknown to the public. “There’s a lot the public hasn’t been told about this case,” Avery says. “Anthea’s family and friends want everyone to know the full story and they won’t rest until her killer is brought to justice.”

Del Fordham, 9Podcasts Content Director, adds, “This investigation has been painstakingly put together by Ben, with the unwavering support of the Bradshaw family. We hope to provide them with the answers they seek.”

Just Married: The Anthea Bradshaw Mystery launches today, 22 July. New episodes of the compelling exploration of this cold case and the quest for justice drops weekly on  APPLE PODCASTS and SPOTIFY.

Download Ben Avery’s biography here

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

Monday, July 22, 2024

The 2024 State of Origin series has rewritten the record books, setting new benchmarks for viewership across broadcast and streaming, with10.789 million Australians tuning in throughout the thrilling series.

The New South Wales Blues defied the odds to clinch the series in Brisbane for only the third time in the 44-year history of State of Origin, defeating the Queensland Maroons in a contest that captured audiences across the nation.

The three game series, which averaged 3.409 million viewers per match (up 14.9% year-on-year), ranks as the three highest rating programs of the year (based on overnight figures).

State of Origin 2024 also smashed viewing figures on 9Now with the three matches ranking as the three-highest rating programs of all time on Australia’s No. 1 free-to-air BVOD platform. The series recorded an average BVOD audience of 788,000 per match – up an incredible 50.4% year-on-year.

Wednesday night’s match soared to a National Total TV Reach of 5.426 million and a Total TV National Audience of 3.652 million – up 44.7% year-on-year. It also now takes out the title as the No. 1 program of the year, based on overnight ratings. Game 3 is the highest rating match since Game 1 of 2016 and the highest rating Game 3 since 2013*. 

On 9Now, the series decider, won by the New South Wales Blues, recorded a BVOD audience of864,000 – up 83.1% year-on-year. It takes the title of the No. 1 program of all time on 9Now and the second highest rating live program of all time (across all broadcasters).

State of Origin Game 1 secured a National Total TV Reach of 5.244 million and a Total TV National Audience of 3.377 million, making it the second highest rating program of the year (on overnight data). On 9Now, Game 1 recorded a BVOD audience of 760,000 – up 41.8% year-on-year. It also ranks as the No. 2 program of all time on 9Now and the third highest rating live program of all time (across all broadcasters).

State of Origin Game 2 achieved the highest ratings for a Game 2 since 2017*. It garnered a National Total TV Reach of 5.129 million and a Total TV National Audience of 3.193 million, making it the third highest rating program of the year-to-date (on overnight data). On 9Now, Game 2 recorded a BVOD audience of 739,000 – up 31.1% year-on-year. It also ranks as the No. 3 program of all time on 9Now and the fourth highest rating live program of all time (across all broadcasters).

Hamish Turner, Director of 9Now and Nine Programming, said: “We are immensely proud of having delivered a world-class broadcast of one of the most unforgettable State of Origin series to date. More than ten million Australians united in celebrating these phenomenal athletes and the greatest rivalry in sporting history. Last night’s decider epitomised the essence of Origin, holding viewers captivated until the final moment and breaking records across both broadcast and streaming. Congratulations to everyone at the NRL for staging such a memorable series.”

*(based on overnight using TAM/VPM data).

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

Friday, July 19, 2024

The Hundred with Andy Lee returns to Channel 9 and 9Now on Tuesday, July 23, at 8.00pm with a special Olympic episode featuring top comedians and 100 everyday Australians Zooming in from all over the country to tell us what really makes Australia tick.

This time Andy and the comedians are putting their pride on the line in the show’s first-ever battle of the nations in the countdown to Channel 9’s Olympic and Paralympic coverage. 

The panellists competing for the gold include Kate Langbroek representing Australia, Guy Williams representing New Zealand, and Mike Goldstein representing the USA. Who will triumph and claim top spot on the podium in the competition of knowing just what makes Aussies tick?

In this episode we find out what percentage of The Hundred have invaded a sporting pitch, and what The Hundred really think of Nick Kyrgios. In Match Em, we reveal four up-and-coming athletic stars, and in This or That, it’s time to find out if walking should be considered a sport. Also, is it crazy to get married on Grand Final Day?

A special guest,“Lethal Leisel” Jones, who won three gold medals in the pool at four Olympic Games, also joins the show this week. Will she get the recognition she deserves when she Faces The Hundred?

“My hair colour has changed that many times I’m not certain The Hundred will even know who I am. Any blonde swimmer is interchangeable, so I can be Susie O’Neill or Libby Trickett. Hopefully Kate, Guy and Mike can tell the difference between us all,” Leisel says.

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

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

Wednesday, July 17, 2024