Archives: Media Releases

The gripping new podcast series from 9News Queensland and 9Podcasts, The Ultimate Sacrifice, launches today (July 15), delving into the harrowing events of December 12, 2022, when two police officers were murdered in a shocking ambush at Wieambilla, Queensland.

On a day that left an indelible mark on the state and shook the nation, a routine callout to a remote property in Wieambilla, west of Brisbane, plunged four young police officers into the grip of unimaginable evil. 

Constables Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold died in a cold-blooded execution at the property, while their colleagues, Constables Randall Kirk and Keely Brough, bravely risked their lives to call for backup. Despite sustaining injuries, they miraculously escaped and survived the ambush. Innocent neighbour Alan Dare, who courageously sought to investigate the unfolding chaos, was also shot dead.

The Ultimate Sacrifice, led by the acclaimed duo of 9News Queensland presenter Melissa Downes and producer Jessica Lodge, who made the award-winning podcast Hannah’s Story, confronts the haunting question: how did a routine callout lead to Queensland’s deadliest police shooting and Australia’s first Christian terrorist attack?

In four compelling episodes dropping in the first two weeks, The Ultimate Sacrifice meticulously examines the events leading up to the deaths of six people, including the three killers. 

The podcast will revisit the six-hour gun battle waged by the police officers, and explore the long-term investigation into conspiracy and religious extremism that reveals how the murderers – once respected teachers – turned to heinous violence. It also covers the arrest of an American man, discovered nearly a year after the ambush to be connected with the killers.

From Monday, July 29, the podcast will continue by tracking the four-week coronial inquest into the massacre with frequent episodes. Listeners will receive updates on unfolding evidence and conclusions, including testimonies, new details, previously unheard recordings, and crucial evidence revealing the heroism and camaraderie displayed on that tragic day.

Melissa Downes said: “December 12, 2022, is a day that left a lasting impression on us all, a stark reminder of how unexpected tragedy can profoundly touch our community forever. The Ultimate Sacrifice is our heartfelt exploration into the events of that unforgettable day and an earnest pursuit of answers. It is a tribute to the police lives lost and a solemn recognition of the bravery shown by all who responded.”

Jessica Lodge said: “Having witnessed the impact of our first 9News podcast, Hannah’s Story, we approached this new project with a sense of privilege and responsibility. As we uncover new evidence during the upcoming inquest, we hold the highest regard for Rachel and Matthew, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Our goal is to ensure their courage and the events of that fateful day are honoured with the utmost respect.”

Head of 9Podcasts, Mia Stern, said: “The team behind The Ultimate Sacrifice is exceptional,  bringing award-winning talent to this new podcast. It will serve as a tool for understanding, education and emotional reflection as Australia revisits that harrowing day. With Melissa and Jessica leading the way, we have the perfect duo to navigate the complexities of this story with expertise and empathy.”

The Ultimate Sacrifice is available now wherever you get your podcasts (Spotify, Apple Podcasts). It is produced in a partnership between 9News and 9Podcasts.

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

Monday, July 15, 2024

The 2024 Ampol State of Origin series between the Queensland Maroons and New South Wales Blues erupts in a heart-pounding decider, exclusive, live and free on Channel 9HD and 9Now, on Wednesday, July 17, from 7.00pm AEST

Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, the hallowed home of Origin, will transform into a battleground where the Origin shield hangs in the balance amidst a thunderous crowd of passionate Queensland supporters.

The Maroons, reeling from a first-half annihilation in Origin II, will dig in for their lives to deny a series victory to the Blues and prolong their curse at “The Cauldron” that dates back to 2005 – the last time New South Wales won a series decider in Brisbane.

With team changes including the sizzling Kayln Ponga, recalled Origin veteran Dane Gagai, and the return of Selwyn Cobbo, the Maroons are chasing three series wins in a row under coach Billy Slater.

Michael “Madge” Maguire’s Blues, who were set alight by Mitchell Moses in Origin II, have also made changes, with workhorse forward Mitchell Barnett and blockbusting centre Bradman Best coming into a side brimming with confidence.

Wide World of Sports’ coverage of The Decider will be led by James Bracey and supported by a stellar lineup of rugby league legends, including Andrew Johns, Cameron Smith, Johnathan Thurston, Phil Gould, Darren Lockyer, Paul “Fatty” Vautin and Paul Gallen.

Plus, injured Queensland playmaker Cameron Munster will make another special guest commentary appearance.

In the commentary box, Mat Thompson will join New South Wales and Queensland greats Andrew Johns and Cameron Smith, while Brad Fittler, Danika Mason and Darren Lockyer provide sideline reports. Emma Lawrence and Allana Ferguson will deliver breaking news and updates in the build-up to kick-off, rounding out Nine’s exclusive coverage.

From in-depth pre-game analysis to the final whistle, viewers can expect comprehensive coverage, top commentary and exclusive insights into the strategies shaping this historic encounter.

Wide World of Sports will take fans inside the coaching box for in-game comments from Slater, for added intensity and excitement.

9Now will stream State of Origin III live and free with comprehensive coverage that includes four additional streams to choose from:

• Player Cam NSW: Get up close to the action with halfback Mitchell Moses.
• Player Cam QLD: Read the game from fullback Reece Walsh’s perspective.
• Spidercam: An eagle-eye view for a detailed look at the action.

Fans can also catch up on all the highlights with a 20-minute breakdown on 9Now mini-match.

WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS DIGITAL: AVAILABLE ON 9NOW

QUEENSLANDER
The Sunshine State’s favourite sons, Wally “The King” Lewis and Darren Lockyer, give their Maroon-coloured preview of how the Queenslanders are shaping up for Origin III. Hosted by 9News Queensland’s Adam Jackson. 

WWOS.NINE.COM.AU
The premier online destination for all things State of Origin, offering:

• Live blog: Featuring video highlights and expert analysis.
• Comprehensive Match Centre: Includes scores, stats and video highlights.
• The Mole’s Player Ratings: No-holds-barred assessments of player performances.
• Match reports: Capturing all the key moments in the game.

BROADCAST TIMES
STATE OF ORIGIN III – QUEENSLAND v NEW SOUTH WALES
Wednesday, July 17
Exclusive, Live and Free from Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

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

Follow NRL on Nine on Instagram, Facebook & X (Twitter)

Sunday, July 14, 2024

Despite the absence of key Origin players this week, NRL on Nine provides three absorbing contests featuring teams bunched just outside the top eight, live and free on Channel 9HD and 9Now.

In Thursday Night Footy, Wayne Bennett’s Dolphins are out to break a losing streak against the resurgent Rabbitohs, who are gunning for six wins in a row under the coaching of Ben Hornby. The stakes are raised as Bennett prepares to lead the Bunnies in 2025, promising an unmissable showdown.

NRL on Nine will be live from the Dolphins’ home ground with host James Bracey, joined by Paul Gallen, Allana Ferguson, Mat Thompson, Phil Gould and Andrew Johns, along with Danika Mason and Brad Fittler providing sideline updates.

On Friday Night Footy, the top four-placed Sharks need to get back in the swim after three narrow defeats, against a Tigers team that poses a danger despite being out of finals contention. After conceding 138 points in their last three away fixtures, the Tigers face the challenge of containing Sharks winger Ronaldo Mulitalo, who has scored 33 tries in 31 games at their home ground, PointsBet Stadium, the venue for this clash.

Then on Sunday Footy, Tom “Turbo” Trbojevic regains his fullback spot for the Sea Eagles against the Knights, who are separated by one point on the competition ladder. This is a rivalry etched in rugby league history: the legendary 1997 Grand Final that gave the Knights their first premiership by downing the Sea Eagles.

On Sunday, Wide World of Sports, followed by The Sunday Footy Show at 11.00am, will have all the analysis and latest highlights for NRL Round 19.

BROADCAST SCHEDULE

Thursday, July 11

THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTY – DOLPHINS V RABBITOHS

Friday, July 12

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTY – SHARKS V TIGERS  

Sunday, July 14

WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS – From 10.00am.

THE SUNDAY FOOTY SHOW – From 11.00am. Join Danika Mason, Andrew Johns, Brad Fittler and Cameron Smith as they dive into all things rugby league and hear from NRL stars.

HOSTPLUS QLD CUP – From 2.10pm. Brisbane Tigers v Northern Pride, available on the 9Now pop-up channel live and free.

SUNDAY ARVO FOOTY – SEA EAGLES V KNIGHTS

Monday, July 15

100% Footy – 10.00pm on Channel 9HD in Sydney and Brisbane.

The always outspoken Phil Gould and Paul Gallen debate the biggest issues in the game with host James Bracey.

NRL ROUND 19 ON THE 9NETWORK
FROM THURSDAY, JULY 11, AT 7.30PM
LIVE AND FREE ON 9NOW AND CHANNEL 9HD

Follow NRL on Nine on Instagram, Facebook & X 

Thursday, July 11, 2024

Perth’s 6PR is on top as the No.1 news and talk station in the West, posting its biggest cumulative audience result on record, including incredible audience growth across all shifts in GfK Radio 360 Survey 4. The station recorded a share of 8.6 – up 1.3 points on last survey and up 1.6 points year-on-year. 

Steve Mills and Karl Langdon jumped to a share of 12.1 in Breakfast (up 0.8) stamping its position in that time slot as Perth’s No.1 talk show and the equal second most listened to Breakfast show in the local market. 

Gary Adshead posted a 9.8 share in Mornings (up 1.8), Afternoons with Julie-anne Sprague increased by 1.2 points to a 6.6 share, and Perth Live with Oliver Peterson secured 7.7 – up 1.5 on last survey. 

There was also growth across the board in commercial streaming, with the station posting a 11% share (up 0.3). Breakfast recorded a stunning 23.1% share (up 7.2) – continuing their reign as the No.1 streamed Breakfast show in Perth – and Mornings recorded a 13.2% share of streaming (up 3.1). 

6PR Station Manager, Emily White said: “Perth listeners are increasingly tuning into 6PR for News as it happens from Presenters they trust. It’s real conversations with real people who also love to have a laugh. 

“We love this city and we talk about the big issues that matter to West Australians, including the good and the bad for Freo and West Coast.

“And with the Olympics just around the corner, Wide World of Sports on 6PR will bring you live coverage from Paris every day from 4pm.”

Further highlights of GfK Radio 360 Survey 4 in Perth are:

• Wide World of Sports recorded a share of 5.7 (Mon-Thu 6pm – 7pm)

• The Nightshift with Tod Johnston recorded a share of 7.8 (Mon-Fri 8pm-12am) 

• Weekends increased by 2.2 points to deliver a 9.2 share across Saturday and Sunday (6.00am – 12md)

Source: GfK Radio360 Ratings, 6PR Perth Survey 4 2024, Mon-Fri 5.00am-9am, Mon-Fri 9am-12pm, Mon-Fri 12pm-3pm, Mon-Fri 3pm-6pm, Mon-Thur 7pm-8pm, Mon-Thur 8pm-12MN, Sat-Sun 9am-1pm, Fri 7pm-11pm, Sat 1pm-10pm, Sun 1pm-6pm, Market Share % Total Radio, Streaming share % AP10+.

For further information, please contact:
Bayley Howe
Marketing & Publicity Executive
bayleyhowe@nine.com.au

Tuesday, July 9, 2024

Melbourne radio listeners have awarded 3AW gold as the city’s premier radio station.

Today’s release of the GfK Radio 360 Survey 4 results reveals that 3AW boasts a leading audience share of 13.7 and commercial streaming share of 26.5%.

Each week, the station’s captivating mix of live and locally-focused talk radio reaches a cumulative audience of 725,000 Melburnians.

Ross and Russ continue to dominate Melbourne’s Breakfast radio airwaves, securing a remarkable 19.6 share – 8.8 points ahead of their nearest rival. Additionally, the dynamic duo captured a commanding 35.8% of the commercial streaming audience.

In his fourth survey in the Mornings slot, Tom Elliott dominated as Melbourne’s No. 1 with a winning 15.7 share. Elliott also posted a winning commercial streaming share of 33.6%.

Tony Moclair is the No.1 Afternoon talk program with a share of 10.5 – more than double his nearest talk competitor.

Jacqui Felgate is Melbourne’s No. 1 Drive talk program with an 8.4 share – up 0.1 on Survey 3 and her second successive survey share growth.

Denis Walter remains the leading Evening program in Melbourne, boasting a 21.3 share – 9.5 points ahead of his nearest competitor.

Stephen Beers, 3AW Station Manager, said: “Survey 4 again sets 3AW as Melbourne’s favourite radio destination. From the dominance of Breakfast with Ross and Russ, and the continued strong lead of Tom Elliott in Mornings; to Jacqui Felgate increasing her share in the Drive shift, this is a pleasing result for the teams on and off air for 3AW. Thanks again to our loyal listeners and we look forward to bringing all the excitement of the Olympics to them in the coming weeks.”

Source: GfK Radio360 Ratings, 3AW Melbourne Survey 4 2024, Mon-Sun 5.30am-12MN, Mon-Fri 5.30am-8.30am, Mon-Fri 8.30am-12pm, Mon-Fri 12pm-3pm, Mon-Fri 3pm-6pm, Mon-Thurs 8pm-12MN, Weekends 5.30am-12MN, Cume (000s), Market Share % Total Radio, Streaming share %, Commercial Share AP10+ , unless otherwise specified. 

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

Tuesday, July 9, 2024

2GB is on top of the podium in radio and commercial streaming in Sydney, claiming the No.1 position in GfK Radio 360 Survey 4 with a total radio share of 14.0 (up 0.7) and a commercial streaming share of 29.7.

And Sydneysiders have another reason to celebrate today, with Ray Hadley clocking up an incredible 20 years of consecutive ratings wins – one of the longest streaks of all time. 

The Ray Hadley Morning Show recorded a 16.4 share (up 1.1 points) and a 28.8 commercial streaming share, further demonstrating Hadley’s position as one of Australia’s most popular and respected broadcasters. 

Ben Fordham Live is Sydney’s No.1 in Breakfast, with 17.0 (up 0.4), while in commercial streaming 2GB Breakfast posted an incredible 43.9 share (up 3.3), reinforcing the power of live and local content across all devices. 

2GB Content Manager, Luke Davis, said: “This is another extraordinary result for 2GB, with share increases across every key timeslot!

“Ray Hadley today reaches 20 years unbeaten on Mornings, which is one for the history books, while Ben Fordham continues his incredible dominance of Breakfast in this city. 

“Sydney listeners are turning to 2GB and our experienced broadcasters in increasing numbers, and with our exclusive Olympic Games coverage just 17 days away, there’s still plenty to look forward to!”

Further highlights of Gfk Radio 360 Survey 4 in Sydney: 

• Afternoons with Michael McLaren recorded his best share since taking the helm of Afternoons with 10.6 (up 0.5) (Mon-Fri 12pm-3pm)
• Drive with Chris O’Keefe recorded his best result of the year with 8.3 share (up 0.7) (Mon-Fri 3pm-6pm)
• Money News with Deborah Knight is No.1 with a 15.9 share (up 4.7) (Mon-Thu 7pm-8pm)
• Nights with John Stanley remains the clear No.1 with a share of 22.2 (more than double his nearest competitor) (Mon-Fri 8pm-12am)
• Weekends with Luke Grant is No.1 with a share of 13.2 (Sat-Sun 9am-1pm)
• The Continuous Call Team is No.1 in the Friday, Saturday and Sunday time slots with a 12.2 share (up 1.2 and 2.3 points clear of its nearest rival)

Source: GfK Radio360 Ratings, 2GB Sydney Survey 4 2024, Mon-Fri 5.30am-9am, Mon-Fri 9am-12pm, Mon-Fri 12pm-3pm, Mon-Fri 3pm-6pm, Mon-Thur 7pm-8pm, Mon-Thur 8pm-12MN, Sat-Sun 9am-1pm, Fri 7pm-11pm, Sat 1pm-10pm, Sun 1pm-6pm, Market Share % Total Radio, Streaming share % AP10+ .

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

Tuesday, July 9, 2024

TOTAL RADIO 

Nine’s talk stations have claimed triple gold in GfK Radio 360 Survey 4, with listeners declaring Sydney’s 2GB and Melbourne’s 3AW their No.1 station, and the stations’ Breakfast and Mornings programs sitting on top of the podium in commercial radio and streaming. 

In Sydney, 2GB recorded a 14.0 share (up 0.7) and in Melbourne, 3AW recorded 13.7 – stamping Nine’s live and local programs as the definitive agenda setters for listeners every day.  

In the Breakfast shift, 2GB’s Ben Fordham Live is No.1 in Sydney with a share of 17.0 (up 0.4) and 3AW’s Breakfast with Ross and Russ is No.1 in Melbourne with 19.6. 

The Ray Hadley Morning Show is No.1 for the 158th time – marking Hadley’s incredible 20th year of consecutive survey wins in Mornings, with a 16.4 share (up 1.1). Mornings with Tom Elliott also remains No.1 with Melbourne listeners, recording a dominant 15.7 share. 

Nine Radio’s Head of Content, Greg Byrnes, said: “These results show Australians have turned to talk in big numbers, and as the home of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Nine’s talk stations have laid the foundations for another dominant year in 2024.

“The number one results in Sydney and Melbourne, along with the record cume result in Perth, highlight the strength of our always on, live and local content. 

“Talk radio is relentless. what Ray Hadley has achieved today is truly remarkable and he’d be the first to thank his hundreds of thousands of listeners who tune in every day right around the country.”

COMMERCIAL RADIO SHARE	TOTAL RADIO CUME
17.7 (4 markets)	1.9 million listeners each week

STREAMING

Nine Radio is the No.1 destination for live audio listeners across the country, with a commercial streaming share of 26.9.

2GB and 3AW are No.1 in overall commercial streaming, with a 29.7 and 26.5 share respectively, as well as across all main standard sessions. 

Breakfast and Mornings saw significant listener numbers, with Ben Fordham out in front with a commercial streaming share of 43.9 (up 3.3) and Ross and Russ recording a dominant commercial streaming share of 35.8.

Mornings at 2GB and 3AW also recorded a No.1 commercial streaming share with a 28.8 for Ray Hadley and 33.6 for Tom Elliott (up 4.2), respectively.

Greg Byrnes, said: “For over a year now the Radio360 data has highlighted Nine Radio’s dominance in streaming. Listening via a connected device is fast becoming the preferred way to consume talk radio – it sounds better, it’s easily accessible and more and more Australians are finding that out for themselves.”

COMMERCIAL STREAMING SHARE	STREAMING CUME
26.9	388,000

PODCASTS 

Australians’ appetite for Nine’s ratings-leading talk and opinion remains high with more than 644,000 listeners tuning into Nine Radio catch up podcasts in June, and the network recording more than 1.7M downloads.

As winter hits in the southern states, Nine’s premier sporting content is firing listeners up, with the 3AW Football catch up podcast reaching more than 72,000 listeners – up a remarkable 46% MoM – and 3AW Wide World of Sports posting an impressive 36% MoM increase, with more than 34,000 listeners. The Continuous Call Team also posted a 45% MoM increase in catch up listeners.

Nine’s Head of Podcasts and Digital Content, Mia Stern said: “Sport is a key pillar of our content programming and with the Olympic Games just 17 days away, we’re thrilled to see the appetite from listeners continue to grow across our sport catch up programs. 

“Aussies are some of the most passionate sports fans in the world and Nine Radio will be the number one destination for catch up listeners later this month, as we deliver every moment of the Olympic and Paralympic as Australia’s official broadcaster.”

CATCH UP DOWNLOADS	CATCH UP LISTENERS
1.761 million	644,704

Source: GfK Radio360 Ratings, Survey 4 2024, Mon-Sun 5.30am-12MN, Market Share % Total, Market Share Streaming %, Commercial Streaming Share %, Cume (000s) Total and Streaming, 3AW Breakfast Mon-Fri 5.30am-8.30am, 3AW Mornings 8.30am-12pm, AP10+, Nine Radio – 2GB, 3AW, 4BC, 6PR, unless otherwise specified.Source: Triton Podcast Metrics, June 2024, Downloads, Listeners, Nine Entertainment, unless otherwise specified.

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

Tuesday, July 9, 2024

Today marks an incredible 20 years of consecutive ratings wins for Australia’s most awarded, successful and versatile radio broadcaster, Ray Hadley – one of the longest winning streaks of all time.

Survey 4 of Radio360 ratings saw The Ray Hadley Morning Show record a 16.4 share, up 1.1 points – further demonstrating Hadley’s position as one of Australia’s most popular and respected broadcasters. 

On his 20-year milestone, Ray Hadley said: “A lot has happened personally and professionally over the past 20 years. My now adult children were children themselves when this journey started and now they have provided me with 7 wonderful grandchildren – those little ones usurp any commercial success.

“A wise old broadcaster once told me: ‘Be yourself, get in before anyone else and work public holidays’. The formula seems to have worked.

“My thanks to my wife Sophie for her total loyalty, and love to John Singleton for having faith in me all those years ago.”

Managing Director of Nine Radio, Tom Malone said: “This is an extraordinary achievement. As far we know, no individual broadcaster has been number one for 20 years, without a blip. It’s the perfect scorecard! It all comes down to Ray’s work ethic and his commitment to his listeners.”

Hadley’s unbeaten streak started in Survey 4, 2004 and he remains the most decorated radio host in Australian Commercial Radio Award (ACRA) history, with a stunning 34 awards.

He was inducted into the ACRA Hall of Fame in 2017 and honoured with the special Country Music Capital Award for his passionate and sustained support and promotion of Australian country music at the 52nd Golden Guitar Awards.

After 19 successful years broadcasting at 2UE, Hadley joined 2GB in late 2001 and on 4th March 2002, The Ray Hadley Morning Show first went to air. Hadley is also the founding member of The Continuous Call Team (CCT).

Hadley’s passion for sport broadcasting has seen him cover 98 State of Origins, 34 Rugby League Grand Finals, three Rugby World Cups, and will this year be Nine Radio’s lead commentator for his seventh Olympic Games.

Source: GfK Radio360 Ratings, 2GB Sydney Survey 4 2024, Share, Cume (000s), Mon-Fri 9am-12pm, AP10+, unless otherwise specified

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

Tuesday, July 9, 2024