Archives: Media Releases

NRL on Nine: round 18

NRL on Nine this week is all about redemption and the chase for a spot in the top-eight, with three games live and free on Channel 9HD and 9Now.

At Suncorp Stadium for Friday Night Footy, the Broncos, bolstered by the return of State of Origin stars Payne Haas, Patrick Carrigan and Reece Walsh, meet their 2023 Grand Final adversaries, the Panthers, who are smarting after losing to the Cowboys last weekend.

The defending premiers welcome back NSW Blues representatives: Brian To’o, Jarome Luai, Dylan Edwards and Liam Martin who they will look to for a challenging away win.   

NRL on Nine will be live on the ground with host James Bracey, joined by Brad Fittler and Johnathan Thurston, Paul “Fatty” Vautin, Cameron Smith and Peter Psaltis, while Darren Lockyer and Danika Mason provide sideline updates.

But first up, Thursday Night Footy will ignite CommBank Stadium with the Eels facing the resurgent Rabbitohs. Can Mitchell Moses replicate his State of Origin magic to lift the Eels up the ladder, or will the Rabbitohs, led by skipper Cameron Murray, another Origin star, extend their winning streak to five?

Wrapping up the weekend, Sunday Footy comes from GIO Stadium, where the Newcastle Knights, with barnstorming centre Bradman Best, face Ricky Stuart’s Canberra Raiders who are desperate for a win after dropping their last three home games.

Wide World of Sports, followed by The Sunday Footy Show at 11.00am, will have all the comprehensive analysis and latest highlights for NRL Round 18.

BROADCAST SCHEDULE

Thursday, July 4

THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTY –  EELS V RABBITOHS

Friday, July 5

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTY – BRONCOS V PANTHERS

Sunday, July 7

WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS – From 10.00am, hosted by Roz Kelly. Mark Taylor and Gus Worland debate all the juicy topics in sport. 

THE SUNDAY FOOTY SHOW – From 11.00am. Join Danika Mason, Andrew Johns, Brad Fittler and Billy Slater as they dive into all things rugby league and chat with the NRL’s biggest stars.

HOSTPLUS QLD CUP – From 2.10pm. Souths Logan Magpies v Wynnum Manly Seagulls, available on the 9Now pop-up channel live and free.

SUNDAY ARVO FOOTY – RAIDERS V KNIGHTS

Monday, July 8

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

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

NRL ON NINE: ROUND 18
FROM THURSDAY, JULY 4, AT 7.30PM
LIVE AND FREE ON 9NOW AND CHANNEL 9HD

Follow NRL on Nine on Instagram, Facebook & X

Thursday, July 4, 2024

Beyond the headlines with Australia’s dream team: the Matildas

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS WITH STEPH CATLEY, CAITLIN FOORD, 
LYDIA WILLIAMS, TEAGAN MICAH AND CHARLI GRANT

BEHIND-THE-SCENES ACCESS INTO THE MATILDAS TRAINING CAMP

MATILDAS: THE RISE
PREMIERING TUESDAY, JULY 16 AT 7.30PM ON CHANNEL 9 AND 9NOW

BEYOND THE DREAM SERIES CONTINUES ON THE ROAD TO PARIS 2024

It’s been a legendary, meteoric rise to fame and success, but now the Matildas face their biggest battle yet. Matildas: The Rise, produced by 60 Minutes, showcases exclusive access and interviews with the team that captured the nation’s hearts, premiering Tuesday, July 16 at 7.30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now. 

This feature continues Nine’s Beyond The Dream series in the lead up to the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024. 

Presented by 60 Minutes’ Amelia Adams, sitting down with some of the biggest names of the beloved Australian women’s football team including senior players Steph Catley, Caitlin Foord and Lydia Williams, goalkeeper Teagan Micah and one of the youngest in the team Charli Grant to share their incredible personal stories and journey. We also go behind the scenes, with exclusive access, into the Matildas inner sanctum, their training camp in Florida, USA with a look into their preparations for the upcoming Olympic Games. 

They share their stories of determination, willpower and self-belief from growing up having to join and play in boys teams, the careers they forged, friendships they’ve formed, fighting for recognition and the battle for equality. Throughout it all they never gave up, becoming closer than ever as a team, and it all paid off at last year’s World Cup on home soil where they became Australia’s sporting heroes. Now they’re in their biggest battle yet, hungry for a medal with all eyes on Paris 2024. 

Steph Catley will lead and captain Australia’s women’s football team in Paris, as both her and Foord will become three-time Olympians, with goalkeeper Teagan Micah returning for her second Olympic Games. Veteran and goalkeeper Lydia Williams will retire from international football following these Olympic Games, with the 35-year-old to finish her international career as the Matildas’ longest-serving player after an incredible 20 years with the national team.

The Matildas are set to enter Paris off the back of Australia’s best-ever finish in Olympic Games football, after narrowly missing out on the podium finishing fourth in Tokyo 2020. Drawn in Group B with a pool against former Olympic gold medallists and powerhouses USA and Germany along with Zambia. The Matildas will open their Olympic Games campaign, before the Opening Ceremony, on Friday, July 26 from 3.00am (AEST) on Nine’s Olympic Games coverage. 

Adams also speaks with former, and longest-serving, Matildas coach Tom Sermanni. He was at Australia’s helm for 12 years, including the introduction of women’s football as an Olympic sport in Sydney 2000, and gave debuts to some of the most recognisable faces of today’s national team, including Catley, Foord, Williams and many more. Sermanni reflects the many memorable moments of the team’s remarkable journey to success and his own instrumental influence in the team’s development, “I feel privileged to have been a part of it.” 

In addition we hear from Caitlin Foord’s older sister Jamie, sharing her memories growing up with her sister, including watching on in her early days in primary school against the boys, “she was playing with kids nearly two years older than her, I would watch, they were older than her and bigger than her but she was better than them. She really showed the boys up.”

Amelia Adams: “Spending time with these remarkable women, it quickly became clear how and why they’ve become such a formidable force in world football. It was a privilege to film and spend time with the Matildas, and to see how their legacy is inspiring a new generation of Australian girls into the world game (including my own 7 year old daughter, also named Matilda, among them). 

Beyond The Dream goes beyond the headlines to discover the untold stories that led to some of the greatest Olympic and Paralympic moments. With unprecedented access, this brand new documentary series will capture the raw spirit of some of the greatest athletes of all time. 

Beyond The Dream | Matildas: The Rise is produced by 60 Minutes for the 9Network. 

BEYOND THE DREAM
MATILDAS: THE RISE PREMIERES TUESDAY, JULY 16 AT 7.30PM 
ON CHANNEL 9 AND 9NOW

For further information, please contact:
Alessandra Muratore
9Network Publicity
alessandra.muratore@nine.com.au 

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

Nine announces full Olympic Games schedule, Australia’s most accomplished hosting line-up and a superstar commentary team

As we officially enter the Olympic month of July, Australia’s Home of the Olympics, the 9Network, today reveals its full schedule, as well as its hosting and superstar commentator and expert line-up for Paris 2024.

Nine’s coverage begins the week leading into the Opening Ceremony on Monday, July 21, with Today, A Current Affair and 9News broadcasting from Paris – and an Olympic special presentation Let The Games Begin, screening on Wednesday, July 24 on Channel 9 and 9Now.

Following the special, competition kicks off with the Men’s Rugby Sevens and the Men’s Football, both screening from 11.00pm AEST. The following night the Matildas start their Olympic medal campaign. The 9Network’s 24 hour coverage of the Olympic Games starts early on Saturday, July 27 with the Opening Ceremony beginning at 3am AEST and won’t stop until the Closing Ceremony on Monday, August 12. The two week broadcast will come live from Nine’s state-of-the-art Trocadero studio opposite the Eiffel Tower in Paris.  

With 9Now streaming every moment of every event free and in full HD across more than 40 dedicated channels, viewers will experience 24/7 Olympics coverage across Channel 9HD and 9GemHD by Australia’s most accomplished television hosting team:  

Channel 9
6.30am-11.00am AEST: Sarah Abo and Karl Stefanovic, as Australia wakes up
11.00am-12.00pm AEST: 9News bulletin
12.00pm-3.00pm AEST: Todd Woodbridge capturing the magic moments of the day
3.00pm-7.00pm AEST: Leila McKinnon and Dylan Alcott as live sport begins 
6.00pm-7.00pm AEST: 9News state bulletins
7.00pm-1.00am AEST: Ally Langdon and James Bracey with all the prime-time action
1.00am-6.30am AEST: Eddie McGuire from Paris including competition Finals  

9Gem
5.00pm-10.00pm AEST: Sylvia Jeffreys 
10.00pm-3.00am AEST: Nick McArdle 
3.00am-8.00am AEST: Sam McClure 
8.00am-5.00pm AEST: Hosted long-form replays 

A superstar expert and commentary team will reveal what it takes to perform on the world’s biggest sporting stage. The lineup includes Cate Campbell, Ian Thorpe, Giaan Rooney, Ellie Cole, Mat Thompson and Roz Kelly taking viewers poolside to be alongside every stroke of what is considered one of Australia’s strongest ever swim teams. 

Track and Field events will be led by Gerard Whateley – who will be the 9Network’s voice of athletics – alongside Tamsyn Lewis-Manou, Olympic gold medalist pole vaulter Steve Hooker, Dave Culbert, Olympic four-time gold medalist sprinter Michael Johnson and Tony Jones.  

As Team Australia competes through the two week event, viewers will feel they have a front row seat to every moment guided by renowned experts and commentators Cadel Evans, Andrew Gaze, Phil Liggett, Kerri Pottharst, James Tomkins, Sam Fricker, Scott McGrory, Kate Bates, Caroline Buchanan, Mitch Tomlinson, Ryan Williams, Nick Boserio, Georgie Parker, Richard Fox, Andy Raymond, Todd Woodbridge, Drew Mitchell, Sera Naiqama, Grace Gill, Emma Snowsill, Will McCloy, Brenton Speed, Peter Psaltis, Adam Papalia, Russell Mark, Sean Maloney, Annabelle Williams, Matt Hill, Will Davies, Mark Taylor, Sophie Smith, Shane McInnes, and Jenna O’Hea. Biographies and the sports they are commentating/giving expert analysis of can be found in the press kit attached.  

Olympic medalist swimmer Cate Campbell – who made national headlines during last month’s Australian Swimming Trials – joins the 9Network as a swimming expert. She will also be a swimming expert for the 9Network’s Paralympics coverage. 

“While I might have missed out on being part of the Australia Olympic team and competing in Paris, I am so excited to still be heading over the Games as part of the Channel 9 broadcast team,” said Cate. “This will be the first Olympic Games I have watched since Athens 2004 and I can’t wait to cheer on our swimmers as they hit the pool. I hope Australia falls in love with our swimmers and I look forward to shining a spotlight on the incredible talent we have on the Olympic team.”

Highly regarded sports broadcaster Gerard Whateley will be the 9Network’s voice of athletics, taking on the high profile role during a time of renaissance for our track and field team.

“I’m most looking forward to Track and Field in the iconic Stade De France, which will be the venue for Paris’ biggest sporting and entertainment events,” said Gerard. “After the main stadium in Tokyo was largely empty, the athletes will this time compete in front of 80,000-strong crowds. And while athletics has a galaxy of stars, the face of the sport will be determined by the races at these Olympic Games.”

The Games of the XXXIII Olympiad will unite Australians like never before across an unrivalled platform of television, streaming, Stan Sport, digital publishing and audio, ensuring that viewers, listeners and readers feel like they are in the ultimate front-row seat to every sport and every venue.

The Olympic Games Paris 2024 Nine Press Kit is now available HERE

OLYMPIC GAMES PARIS 2024 LIVE AND FREE ON CHANNEL 9, 9GEM AND 9NOW. EVERY OLYMPIC EVENT STREAMED LIVE AND FREE
WITH REPLAYS AND EVERY BIG AUSTRALIAN MOMENT ON 9NOW

For further information, please contact:
Ryley McKay
Senior Publicist & Digital Manager – Sport
ryley.mckay@nine.com.au

Alessandra Muratore
Senior Publicist
alessandra.muratore@nine.com.au

Adrian Motte
Senior Communications Manager
amotte@nine.com.au

Monday, July 1, 2024

Swimming stars make a splash on Tipping Point Australia

Tipping Point Australia presents a special prime-time episode next Tuesday, July 2, at 7.30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.

The nation’s new favourite game show, hosted by tennis legend Todd Woodbridge, will see three of Australia’s greatest swimming legends all playing for charity in the lead-up to Channel 9’s Olympic and Paralympic coverage. 

Bringing their competitive spirit from the pool to the Tipping Point machine are four-time gold medallist Libby Trickett, three-time gold medallist Emily Seebohm, and dual Paralympic gold medallist Blake Cochrane, who is also a Nine Paralympic co-host alongside James Bracey, Ellie Cole, Dylan Alcott, Sylvia Jeffreys and Kurt Fearnley. 

Libby Trickett, known for her speed and tenacity in the pool, showcases her strategic prowess. Blake Cochrane, all determination and resilience, brings his analytical skills to the fore. And multiple world-record holder Emily Seebohm, celebrated for her backstroke and relay performances, uses her keen focus and precision.

With the Tipping Point counters, including the mystery counter, worth more than ever, who will make the biggest splash in the Tipping Point machine and secure the most money for their charity?

Tune in for an exhilarating episode of Tipping Point Australia filled with heartwarming moments, fierce competition and the spirit of giving, as these outstanding swimmers compete to make a difference beyond the pool.

For further information, please contact:
Alexandra Maiolo
9Network Publicity 
alexandra.maiolo@nine.com.au

Friday, June 28, 2024

PEDESTRIAN TELEVISION Awards honour Barkaa, Tony Armstrong, Kween Kong, Lime Cordiale, Anna Paul and more

Pedestrian Group held the inaugural PEDESTRIAN TELEVISION Awards presented by UberPool last night, honoring the people and moments that made the biggest impact in Australian pop culture in the past twelve months.  

Hosted by PEDESTRIAN alum, writer and comedian Froomes with live performances by Barkaa and 1300, the ceremony at Darlinghurst’s Cell Block Theatre was attended by 200+ influencers and creatives, sponsored by UberPool, Cupio Wines, 9Nine, V Refresh, and Lynx Fine Fragrance Collection.

Winners include a breakdancer heading to the Olympic Games Paris 2024, a breakout Heartbreak High star, a groundbreaking drag queen, a phenomenon with over 12 million followers across her social platforms and more, selected by PEDESTRIAN for their excellence in their domains and influence on young Australians.

PEOPLE’S CHOICE CREATOR OF THE YEAR presented by Uber Pool
WINNER: Anna Paul 

PEDESTRIAN TELEVISION MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR presented by Lynx Fine Fragrance Collection
WINNER: Lime Cordiale – The Big Reveal; Ou L’Hypocrite

LITTY COMMITTEE YOUNG WRITER OF THE YEAR
WINNER: Bri Lee

SCREEN STAR OF THE YEAR
WINNER: Sherry-Lee Watson

ICON OF THE YEAR presented by Cupio Wines
WINNER: Tony Armstrong

QUEER EXCELLENCE OF THE YEAR
WINNER: Kween Kong

SPORTS STAR OF THE YEAR presented by 9Now
WINNER: Rachael Gunn

GAME CHANGER OF THE YEAR
WINNER: Barkaa 

James McManus, Executive Creative Director, said: “Our TV lineup and headlines make PEDESTRIAN the curators of chaos, and the home of pop culture. The first PEDESTRIAN TELEVISION Awards highlight the eclectic mix of stuff we bring audiences on every screen – our local music programming, real queer representation, the next wave of sports people, authors, creators and more – embodied by the insanely talented winners selected by them and our team.”

The awards ceremony will air on PEDESTRIAN TELEVISION on 9Now live and on demand from July 18 2024. 

About Pedestrian Group
Pedestrian Group is Australia’s leading youth-centered publisher and creator of TV Channel PEDESTRIAN TELEVISION, streaming chaos 24/7 on 9Now. It is home to PEDESTRIAN.TV, The Chainsaw, VICE Australia, Refinery29 Australia, Lifehacker Australia, Gizmodo Australia, and Kotaku Australia, as well as the Open Air Cinemas. It is wholly owned by Nine, Australia’s largest locally-owned media company.

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

Thursday, June 27, 2024

Island paradise: The Block 20th season goes coastal

Get ready to celebrate two decades of design, drama, and dazzling renovations when The Block returns for an incredible 20th season in 2024.

Australia’s favourite home renovation show is heading to the stunning coastal location of Phillip Island, a cruisy two-hour drive from Melbourne and home to the world famous Australian MotoGP and Penguin Parade. 

In the new season of The Block, five couples from around Australia make the move to Phillip Island to build a new home that could change their lives forever come auction day. 

The Blockheads will renovate five luxury family holiday homes – once again designed by longtime Block architect Julian Brenchley – from an abandoned resort just a few minutes’ drive from the town of Cowes.

Host Scott Cam is back for an incredible 18th season and will be joined by trusty co-host Shelley Craft for her 17th season on the show. 

“When I drove into the site for the first time I knew it was going to be a big job for our contestants,” Scott said. “The houses are enormous and when you walk around the site, there are surprises at every turn, including a tennis court and a swimming pool.”

This year there are some big changes on the show. Keith Schleiger steps down from his longtime role as Foreman as he was unable to move to Phillip Island fulltime, so Dan Reilly will take on the role as sole Foreman.

Veteran judge Neale Whitaker has also handed the baton on, to real estate director Marty Fox. Marty will join Shaynna Blaze and Darren Palmer to judge the spectacular rooms with the brief of creating a perfect holiday home.

But fans don’t have to worry, both Keith and Neale will be making special guest appearances throughout the season. 

The Block couples who will start the renovations on Phillip Island are: 

  • Carpenter Jesse (29) and claims specialist Paige (27) – engaged couple from WA
  • Electrician Kristian (31) and restaurant manager Mimi (28) – newlyweds from SA
  • PlumberRicky (34) and IT worker Haydn (37) – best mates from VIC
  • Events account director and furniture designer Courtney (32) and landscape business development manager Grant (29) – married couple from NSW
  • Hairdresser and business owner Kylie (37) and electrician and plumber Brad (32) – married parents from QLD

The 20th season of The Block will also be celebrated with a number of fan favourites returning to the show to lend a helping hand for this monster build. Plus, as this season builds to the auction, a select group of the Allstars will be helping this year’s Blockheads to create something never seen on the Block before.

The returning Allstar Blockheads include: 
Steph and Gian (2023), Eliza and Liberty (2023), Jimmy and Tam (2020), Alisa and Lysandra (2013, 2014), Ronnie and Georgia (2020, 2021), Michael and Carlene (2014), Kyal and Kara (2014), Tom and Sarah-Jane (2022), Omar and Oz (2022), Dale and Sophie (2012) and Andy and Deb (2019). 

The picturesque backdrop of Phillip Island is the perfect location to celebrate the 20th season of the ratings juggernaut created by Julian Cress and David Barbour. They have plans to celebrate everything Phillip Island has to offer and show it off to Australia and the world. 

“Marking season 20, it felt like we really needed to do something special,” Cress said. “We weren’t going to settle for just any location as it’s a major milestone, and Phillip Island has exceeded all of our expectations.

“Not only is it the natural beauty of the place, but the warm welcome we were given from the local community made it a very special experience for the entire cast, the crew, hosts and judges.” 

As well as the incredible holiday houses being built, this season is no exception to Block drama.

“We set out to build five holiday houses, but it certainly wasn’t a holiday for some of our contestants,” Cress said. “Without giving too much away, the audience is going to be in for some major surprises across this series.” 

The first series of The Block premiered in 2003 from the Sydney suburb of Bondi and was an immediate ratings smash. Twenty seasons later, it is entrenched as a cultural phenomenon, as well as one of the most successful shows in Australian television history.

The Block has seen:

  • Over 900 episodes created
  • More than $34,000,000 in prizemoney won
  • 176 Blockheads on the show
  • 98 homes renovated
  • 200 bathrooms built 
  • 98 kitchens built
  • Broadcasts in 170 territories around the world

The Block in Phillip Island is set to celebrate a milestone 20th season in 2024 and is coming soon to Channel 9 and 9Now. 

#TheBlock
Follow @TheBlock on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter
Learn more about The Block at: nine.com.au/theblock

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

Thursday, June 27, 2024

Wimbledon 2024 begins Monday live and free on 9Gem and Channel 9

Wimbledon 2024, the third major Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year, begins on Monday July 1, from 7.30pm on 9Gem before moving to Channel 9 later in the evening.

Over the two-week tournament, grass-court glory awaits as the best of the best converge on the All England Lawn Tennis Club, with the winners taking home the Gentlemen’s Singles Trophy and the Rosewater Dish for the women.

Nine’s Wide World of Sports commentary team for Wimbledon will include Todd Woodbridge, Alica Molik, Tony Jones, Jelena Dokic, Samantha Stosur and Brenton Speed, with Roz Kelly and Brett Phillips hosting. 

After reaching the quarter-finals at Roland Garros earlier this year, Alex de Minaur is among the 11 Australian players confirmed for the singles at Wimbledon. Completing the male Aussie lineup are Thanasi Kokkinakis, Jordan Thompson, Alexei Popyrin, Chris O’Connell, Rinky Hijikata, Max Purcell, Aleksander Vukic and Adam Walton.

After missing Wimbledon in 2023 due to a knee injury, Aijla Tomjanovic will return to the grass. Daria Saville is the other Australian woman  in the tournament. 

Coming off his first French Open title, defending Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz is considered the man to beat. Alcaraz, 21, recently became the youngest male player to win major titles on all three surfaces, after claiming the US Open in 2023. His strongest opponent is the 2024 Australian Open champion and current world No.1 Jannik Sinner.

After her recent victory at Roland Garros, world No.1 Iga Świątek is aiming to add a grass court Wimbledon major to her trophy cabinet. Apart from the top seed, Australia Open champion and world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka and American Coco Gauff are among the fancied contenders. 

The great Aussie champion Ash Barty will make a return to Wimbledon to play in the Invitational Doubles, playing for the first time since retiring after winning the 2022 Australian Open.

ON 9GEM AND CHANNEL 9
BEGINS MONDAY, JULY, 1 AT 7.30PM 
WIMBLEDON 2024

To find out more information on subsequent programming details for the tournament, check your local TV guides.

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

Wednesday, June 26, 2024

Australia’s strongest team of journalists assembled to cover the Olympics Games Paris 2024

With just one month to go until the Opening Ceremony of Paris 2024, Nine today announces its strongest team of journalists ever sent to an Olympic Games.

Featuring a team that has covered a combined 29 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and an astounding 60 major awards between them, the strength of Australia’s most respected news brands – The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Brisbane Times and WAtoday – will ensure Paris 2024 will be covered like no previous Olympic Games.

Leveraging the 9Network’s television coverage as the official broadcaster of the Olympic Games, the mastheads’ digital sites will feature Olympics footage and live streams unavailable to other publishers.

A special Paris 2024 hub will be available across the digital sites and apps, giving readers access to the full range of Olympics data, including a live medal tally plus searchable competition schedules and results.

The hub will feature round-the-clock coverage, including a daily blog, world-class visual storytelling and unique insights into what many are expecting to be one of the most visually spectacular Olympic Games to ever be held.

The team of 18 includes the Herald and Age chief reporters Jordan Baker and Chip Le Grand, Europe Correspondent Rob Harris, Sport Editors Chloe Saltau and Ian Fuge, and Eddie Jim, the reigning Walkley Award-winning portrait photographer of the year. 

The full list includes Ian Fuge (Editor); Chloe Saltau (Editor); Megan Levy (Digital Producer); Eddie Jim (Photographer); Rob Harris (News, general sport, cycling); Jordan Baker (News, rowing, canoeing); Marta Pascual Juanola (News, general sport); Konrad Marshall (sport colour); Michael Gleeson (Athletics); Chip Le Grand (Swimming, sport politics); Greg Baum (Sport colour); Emma Kemp (Swimming, football); Tom Decent (Swimming, athletics); Andrew Webster (Sports columnist); Michael Chammas (General sport, rugby sevens, basketball); Chris Paine (Head of Premium Content).

In addition to the sports coverage, they’ll bring you all the colour from the streets of Paris and the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad. Subscribers can also immerse themselves in incisive, colourful and thought-provoking analysis on the stories of the day.

“We have assembled the most trusted and accomplished team of journalists in the country to produce unrivalled stories and pictures from Paris,” said Luke McIlveen, Executive Editor of The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Brisbane Times and WAtoday.

“The likes of Greg Baum, Andrew Webster, Emma Kemp, Jordan Baker, Michael Gleeson and Michael Chammas will deliver in-depth coverage and breaking news to our millions of readers online and in print in a way that hasn’t been seen before. The team is excited to hit the ground running in one of the world’s most beautiful cities.”

Joining the metro masthead contingent will be stablemate The Australian Financial Review [afr.com], who will be sending Zoe Samios, Business of Sport Correspondent, and Europe Correspondent Hans van Leeuwen. 

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

Wednesday, June 26, 2024

9Podcasts May snapshot: multiple jumps in shows and sales representation ranking

Nine’s podcast network, 9Podcasts, has leapt up Australian Podcast Ranker to take the No.5 spot for sales representation nationally, with 1,387,096 monthly listeners and 3,635,692 monthly downloads in May 2024. 

The Ben Fordham Live catch up podcast was Nine’s highest ranking podcast at No.29 on the Australian Top Podcast Ranker (up 3 positions in May), attracting more than 194,000 listeners and 388,000 downloads.

Over on the Australian-made podcast ranker, Nine’s new investigative journalism podcast, The Missing Campers Trial debuted at No.53; ACRA winning series Stories of Origin made a return to the top All Australian Made ranker at No.142, and Footy Classified jumped the most positions in the ranker across Nine’s stable, up 14 places this month.

Nine’s Head of Podcasts and Digital Content, Mia Stern said: “The surge in listeners across 9Podcasts’ slate of programs is testament to Nine’s purpose – Australia Belongs Here – and our commitment to showcasing the richness and diversity of Australian news, stories and cultural moments like no other local media organisation can.”

This commitment was reinforced further this month with the 9Podcasts and 9News Queensland podcast collaboration, Hannah’s Story, taking home a prestigious Mid-Year Walkley Award for Excellence in Journalism. 

Presenter Melissa Downes, producer Jessica Lodge, and editor Adam Buncher were awarded with the Our Watch Award for Excellence in Reporting on Violence Against Women for the compelling series, which has dominated the Australian podcast charts and resonated globally, earning numerous national and international accolades, including the Kennedy Award for Outstanding Podcast, the Spotlight category at the Australian Podcast Awards, and the Best Narrative Documentary podcast at the renowned New York Festival Radio Awards.

MAY 2024DOWNLOADSLISTENERS
News, Business, Finance1.137M456,000
True Crime560,000261,000
Nine Sport Podcasts725,000337,000
Nine Podcast Network*4.1M1.6M

Source: Australian Triton Podcast Ranker – Top Podcasts and Top Australian Made, May 1-31 2024, Downloads, Listeners.  *Includes podcast downloads and listeners across all territories/regions

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

Tuesday, June 25, 2024

The decider: Women’s State of Origin Game III

The Ampol Women’s State of Origin series is on the line and the only place to see the outcome is on Channel 9 and 9Now, exclusive, live and free for Game III this Thursday from 7.30pm AEST.

In the first ever decider for the Women’s series, the New South Wales Sky Blues and Queensland Maroons will wage war in Townsville where the 2024 series champions will be crowned. 

The Maroons saved the series with a last-gasp field goal in Game II, and veteran Queensland captain Ali Brigginshaw plus skilful backs Lauren Brown and Tamika Upton will lead the charge to lift the shield in front of the devoted Maroons faithful in Far North Queensland.

The Sky Blues will roll out a team of the biggest names in NRLW when Millie Elliot, Kezie Apps, Jaime Chapman, Emma Tonegato and Isabelle Kelly get their second chance to wrap up the series after dominating Game I. 

NSW Sky Blues forward Millie Elliot said: “To be able to play game three in a sell-out in Townsville is a huge thrill. A three-game Women’s Origin series has been a long time coming, and to have so many people invested in the decider is very exciting. Queensland snatched victory from us in Newcastle last time out so we want to return the favour.” 

Nine’s exclusive coverage, available on Channel 9HD or to stream on 9Now, will be hosted by Emma Lawrence and Danika Mason, assisted by rugby league experts Phil Gould, Johnathan Thurston, Allana Ferguson, Sam Thaiday and commentator Peter Psaltis.

AMPOL WOMEN’S STATE OF ORIGIN III – QUEENSLAND v NEW SOUTH WALES 
Thursday, June 27 – Townsville, Queensland

Sydney                 7.30pm LIVE on Channel 9HD and 9Now
Brisbane               7.30pm LIVE on Channel 9HD and 9Now
Melbourne            7.30pm LIVE on Channel 9HD and 9Now
Adelaide               7.00pm LIVE on 9GemHD and 9Now
Perth                     5.30pm LIVE on 9GemHD and 9Now

WOMEN’S STATE OF ORIGIN GAME III
EXCLUSIVE LIVE AND FREE
THURSDAY, JUNE 27, AT 7.30PM

Monday, June 24, 2024