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Triple gold for Nine Radio

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 SHARETOTAL 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 SHARESTREAMING CUME
26.9388,000

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 DOWNLOADSCATCH UP LISTENERS
1.761 million644,704

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

Ray Hadley celebrates 20 years on top of the ratings

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

Nine and ABC partner to deliver radio coverage of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 to more Australians

Nine has today confirmed a sub-licensing agreement that will allow the ABC Local Radio network to broadcast the 2024 Paris Olympic Games to listeners on 891 ABC Adelaide, 105.7 ABC Darwin, 936 ABC Hobart, 666 ABC Canberra and DAB+ channels in those markets, as well as local ABC radio stations across regional, rural and remote Australia.

As Australia’s Home of the Olympics and Paralympics, Nine will deliver unparalleled coverage of the 2024 Summer Games across its television, audio, and publishing platforms, including exclusive commentary and coverage of every moment of action on its talk radio stations and streaming platforms Sydney’s 2GB, Melbourne’s 3AW, Brisbane’s 4BC and Perth’s 6PR. 

The deal between Nine and the ABC will extend the radio coverage (AM/FM and DAB+) of the Olympic Games to ensure every Australian can access live broadcasts of our most loved athletes competing on the world stage, and help unite the country around these spectacular sporting moments.

Under the deal, the ABC Local Radio network will bring its listeners the excitement from the Olympic Games using its own expert commentary.

Coverage will include every Australian gold medal chance, Opening, Closing and Victory Ceremonies; highlights programs, updates of key events, and general replay coverage; and comprehensive coverage during regularly scheduled news programming. In addition, Nine will provide ABC Local Radio with access to its exclusive live, on the ground television and radio commentary and interviews, as well as those of the IOC.

All broadcast coverage by the ABC will acknowledge Nine as the Home of the Olympics during licensed broadcasts, as well as in any promotional material. 

Managing Director of Nine Radio, Tom Malone said: “Nine’s talk radio stations have a long history of collaborating with the ABC for Olympic broadcasts. This agreement augments our distribution and commercial strategy in our local markets, ensuring all Australians can access the Olympic Games through their local ABC radio station in regional, rural and remote areas.”

ABC Managing Director, David Anderson said: “The spirit of the Olympic Games is about uniting and inspiring people, and I am delighted to provide audiences with access to such an important global event. Regional, rural and remote areas of Australia are home to many past, present and aspiring Australian athletes, and all should have the opportunity to support and be inspired by those at the Olympic Games.

“I look forward to working with Nine to bring the excitement of the games to audiences around the country.”

Audiences can watch the full coverage of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on the Nine Network, with full detail of Nine’s comprehensive coverage available here.  

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

Nikki Tugwell
ABC Communications
Tugwell.Nikki@abc.net.au

Monday, July 8, 2024

Olympic legends come out to play for charity

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

The nation’s new favourite game show, hosted by Todd Woodbridge, will see three more Australian Olympic legends step up to the machine to raise funds for their chosen charities in the countdown to Channel 9’s Olympic and Paralympic coverage. 

Cycling champion, four-time Olympian and dual Olympic gold medallist Anna Meares, three-time Olympian and pole vault gold medallist Steve Hooker, and two-time beach volleyball Olympian, gold medallist and commentator Kerri Pottharst, will bring their competitive edge and Olympic spirit to the Tipping Point game.

Anna Meares, renowned for winning eleven world championships and her speed and determination on the track, applies her sharp focus and tactical thinking, while Steve Hooker, whose resilience and strength earned him a gold and made him the first Australian man to hold both the Olympic and world title at the same time, brings his calculated approach to the game. And Kerri Pottharst, with a career spanning over an incredible 22 years, shows her competitive flair and precision.

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

Join us for an unforgettable episode full of nail-biting moments, inspiring stories, and the joy of supporting great charities as these three Olympic legends compete for a wonderful cause.

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

Thursday, July 4, 2024

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. 

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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