Archives: Media Releases

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

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

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

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

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

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

CEO of Nine Entertainment Matt Stanton said:

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

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

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

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

Friday 03 July, 2026

WATCH EVERY NRLW GAME LIVE AND FREE ON THE 9NETWORK AND 9NOW

BEGINS THURSDAY, JULY 2

The 2026 Telstra NRLW season is ready for lift off and every game is available live and free on Channel 9 and 9Now, beginning with Sharks v Knights in primetime this Thursday, July 2 at 7.30pm AEST.

Nine’s Wide World of Sports will deliver unprecedented access to the 12-team competition where fans won’t miss a single second across all 11 rounds of the regular season, the 6-team Finals Series all the way through to the Grand Final on Sunday, October 4. 

The defending champion Brisbane Broncos enter the season as the hunted, bolstered by the marquee signings of Dally M Halfback of the Year Jesse Southwell alongside Dally M Medallist Tamika Upton. Looking to dethrone them are the Sydney Roosters, spearheaded by Isabelle Kelly and the returning Millie Elliott, and the Cronulla Sharks with Tiana Penitani-Gray leading the way.

Hot on their heals for a spot in the finals is Jaime Chapman and rugby sevens star Teagan Levi at the Gold Coast Titans, Yasmin Meakes and the Newcastle Knights, lightning fast Teagan “Flash” Berry and the Dragons, Kennedy Cherrington’s Parramatta Eels and the New Zealand Warriors, Canterbury Bulldogs and Wests Tigers ready to shake up the competition.

Hosted by Bronte Gildea, Nine’s NRLW commentary team features the biggest names in the game with international rugby league representatives Ruan Sims, Millie Elliott, and Allana Ferguson, plus NRL premiership winners Billy Slater, Andrew Johns, Cameron Smith, Johnathan Thurston, Brad Fittler, Phil Gould, Paul Gallen, sideline reporters Marlee Silva and commentators Brenton Speed, Peter Psaltis, Mat Thompson and Anthony Maroon.

Nine Head of Partnerships and Strategy, Simon Fordham, said:

“Nine is the home of NRLW and we’re excited to be broadcasting every NRLW game live and free on Channel 9 and 9Now, as we continue to grow with the premier women’s football competition in Australia and New Zealand.
Every year these athletes and teams rise to a new level and we’re committed to showcasing their stories both on the field and off, with our dedicated women’s rugby league show NRLWRAP joining our line up as well.”

BROADCAST SCHEDULE: ROUND 1
All times AEST – Check local guides for details

Thursday, July 2
Sharks v Knights                7.30pm AEST LIVE and FREE on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now

Saturday, July 4
Titans v Roosters              12.30pm AEST LIVE and FREE on Channel 9HD stream free on 9Now

NRLWRAP: Women’s dedicated rugby league show 
Join Bronte Gildea, Millie Elliott, Ruan Sims, Allana Ferguson and Marlee Silva for all the latest news from the NRLW. This week NSW Blues players Kennedy Cherrington and Yasmin Meakes join the show.

Dragons v Raiders            3.15pm AEST LIVE and FREE on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now

Broncos v Cowboys          5.15pm AEST LIVE and FREE on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now

Sunday, July 5

Eels v Tigers                   11.45am AEST LIVE and FREE on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now

Warriors v Bulldogs         1.45pm AEST LIVE and FREE on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now

EVERY 2026 NRLW GAME IS
LIVE AND FREE ON THE 9NETWORK

WATCH ON CHANNEL 9, STREAM ON 9NOW

Wednesday 01 July, 2026

BEGINS MONDAY JUNE 29
LIVE AND FREE ON CHANNEL 9 AND 9NOW

EVERY MATCH LIVE AND ON DEMAND
WITH CENTRE COURT IN 4K ON STAN SPORT

A fresh chapter in the story of the most prestigious Grand Slam tennis tournament in the world is ready to be written at Wimbledon, when Nine serves up two weeks of greatness from Monday June 29, from 7.30pm AEST – live and free on Channel 9 and 9Now, with every match live and on demand on Stan Sport.

As the home of Grand Slam tennis, Nine’s Wide World of Sports will be on the ground at the hallowed grass courts of the All England Lawn Tennis Club to deliver unparalleled Wimbledon access.

In commentary is former Wimbledon Doubles Champion Todd Woodbridge, Wimbledon singles semi-finalist Jelena Dokic, and former pro Alicia Molik for insights, analysis and interviews with the biggest names in world tennis as the tournament unfolds. Brenton Speed will call matches live while viewers will be kept up to date by hosts Sam McClure and Brett Phillips.

With the pen in hand are the best players on the planet, world no.1 Jannik Sinner, freshly crowned French Open champion Alexander Zverev, Ben Shelton, Novak Djokovic, Aussie Alex de Minaur, Taylor Fritz and Daniil Medvedev in the men’s draw.

All eyes in the women’s draw will be on the comeback of 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams, when she lines up in a field that includes world no.1 Aryna Sabalenka, defending champion Iga Swiatek, Mirra Andreeva, Coco Gauff, Elena Rybakina and Jess Pegula. Williams will also team up with her sister, Venus, in the women’s doubles.

Joining De Minaur to fly the Aussie flag in the men’s singles is Alexei Popyrin, Thanasi Kokkinakis, Alexander Vukic, James Duckworth, Adam Walton and Rinky Hijikata. Keep an eye out for wildcard Nick Kyrgios in the men’s doubles when he lines up with Alexander Bublik.

While Maya Joint, Talia Gibson, Daria Kasatkina, Kimberly Birrell and Ajla Tomljanovic will be gunning for Aussie glory In the women’s singles draw.

Nine’s extensive broadcast will ensure Australians don’t miss a serve, volley, or match point. Coverage will be available on a mix of Channel 9 and 9Gem in the Eastern states. Nine’s broadcast will also be available to stream live and free on 9Now. Stan Sport will have every game ad-free, live and on demand, with Centre Court 4K Ultra HD.

WIMBLEDON 2026
BEGINS MONDAY, JUNE 29 AT 7.30PM AEST 
LIVE AND FREE ON CHANNEL 9 AND 9NOW 
 

EVERY MATCH STREAMING AD-FREE, LIVE & ON DEMAND
WITH CENTRE COURT IN 4K UHD ON STAN SPORT

Sunday 28 June, 2026

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, AT 7.30PM ON CHANNEL 9 AND 9NOW

Leave the boots in the locker room, because three of Australia’s most celebrated athletes are stepping up to the machine to test their trivia skills and drop-zone timing. In a special prime-time Battle of the Codes edition of Tipping Point Australia, these sporting icons will battle it out for a $40,000 cash prize for their chosen charity. 

Hosted by tennis legend Todd Woodbridge, this ultimate sporting showdown features a powerhouse lineup ready to tackle the unpredictable Tipping Point machine:

• NRL Legend Johnathan Thurston, bringing his trademark competitive drive from the pitch straight to the buzzer.
   
• AFLW Superstar Ebony Marinoff, applies her champion tactical skill to master the drop zones.
   
• Socceroos Great Archie Thompson, aiming to find the back of the net and the bottom of the machine with perfect timing.

Will their sporting instincts translate to trivia triumph, or will the machine win the day?  Expect edge-of-your-seat drama and high-stakes competition as these three sporting forces take on Tipping Point’s riveting blend of chance and skill.

Find out who dominates the machine on Wednesday, June 24, at 7:30 pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.

Wednesday 24 June, 2026

Nine Entertainment Co (Nine) today announces its digital outdoor media leader QMS, has secured a new agreement with Metcash Limited (MTS) to represent its independent retail media network ‘LocalEyes’ throughout Australia.

Effective 1^st September, the agreement includes an initial 860 digital screens across Metcash’s food, liquor and hardware pillars, encompassing some of Australia’s most successful independent retail brands including IGA, Mitre10, Cellarbrations, Bottle O, Home Hardware, Total Tools and more. 

Combined with QMS’ existing OOH network, Metcash’s retail media network not only delivers audiences at scale, it connects with those audiences deep in the heart of local communities.  

Nine Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Matt Stanton, said the agreement represents a significant step forward in the evolution of Nine’s integrated media offering.

“When Nine added QMS’ premium Digital Out of Home assets to our existing portfolio of streaming, broadcast and publishing assets, we created a unique and powerful media ecosystem that allows advertisers to engage consumers from the ‘Sofa to the Street’.
With Metcash’s ‘LocalEyes’ in-store digital screen network, we are extending that proposition from Sofa to the Street all the way to the Store.
This is an example of one of the many benefits we are seeing from bringing QMS into Nine, enabling us to enter the retail media sector with an unrivalled proposition in Australia.
Now more than ever, we can engage and activate consumers wherever they may be, delivering meaningful outcomes for advertisers, agencies and shareholders.”

QMS Chief Executive Officer, John O’Neill, said the partnership marks a major milestone in the continued expansion of QMS’ Digital Out of Home network and its entry into the retail media category.

“We are proud to partner with Metcash to represent the LocalEyes instore digital screen network nationally within media agencies, extending our digital footprint into one of the most valuable and rapidly growing segments of the media landscape.
With the potential to expand the network across more than 3,000 retail locations, including IGA, Mitre10, Total Tools, Cellarbrations, BottleO and more, this partnership enables us to deliver more connected, data-led solutions that bridge awareness and conversion. By leveraging the strength of Nine, QMS and Metcash data, we can create tailored audience and category solutions that maximise scale, relevance and impact for our advertisers and media agencies.”

Metcash Group Chief Executive Officer, Doug Jones, said the partnership would enhance Metcash’s retail media offering while supporting its independent retailer network.

“As the largest wholesaler and service provider to independent retailers in Australia, servicing over 7.0 million shopper visits per week, we are delighted to partner with Nine and QMS to further strengthen our retail media network across food, liquor and hardware,” Mr Jones said.
“This partnership expands access for advertisers to reach shoppers across a diverse range of retail categories, while enabling our independent retailers to stay focused on what they do best – delivering exceptional, locally relevant experiences for their communities.”

The agreement builds on Nine’s recent acquisition of QMS and further strengthens its position as Australia’s leading digital media company, combining premium content, data and digital outdoor to deliver full-funnel outcomes for advertisers. 

Monday 22 June, 2026

9Network and Stan today secured an incredible 36 nominations for the 66th TV WEEK Logie Awards. 

Across a wide range of genres, the nominations highlight the high caliber of Australian storytelling, showcasing the exceptional breadth of talent across both platforms. With 29 nominations for 9Network and 7 for Stan, recognition spans programs and personalities in news and current affairs, sport, documentaries, drama, lifestyle, reality, and entertainment. 

A standout moment at the TV WEEK Logie Awards nominations event this morning saw Ally Langdon and Todd Woodbridge, two of Channel 9’s most dedicated broadcasters, honoured with nominations for the TV WEEK Gold Logie. 

This incredible achievement is a testament to their hard work, professionalism, and the strong connection they have built with audiences right across the country.

Nine Managing Director, Streaming and Broadcast, Amanda Laing said: “At the heart of every nomination is a talented team of people dedicated to creating stories, and capturing performances and moments that resonate with Australians. Whether through trusted news and current affairs, live sport, premium drama and entertainment, established and beloved formats as well as new and innovative shows, this recognition reflects the passion, creativity and commitment of our teams and production partners across 9Network and Stan.
These nominations speak to the strength and diversity of Australian storytelling, and the enduring connection great content can build with audiences across the country. We’re proud to back the stories, talent and creative ambition that continue to shape Australia’s cultural conversation.
Congratulations to everyone whose work has been recognised this year, and thank you to the audiences who continue to welcome these stories into their homes and lives.”

2026 TV WEEK LOGIE AWARD NOMINATIONS – 9NETWORK & STAN

TV WEEK GOLD LOGIE – Most Popular Personality on Australian Television

• Ally Langdon, A Current Affair, The Great Debate, Election 2025: Australia Decides, Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games and Parental Guidance, 9Network
• Todd Woodbridge, Tipping Point Australia, 2026 Australian Open, Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, Roland Garros 2025, Wimbledon 2025, US Open 2025 and Cross Court, 9Network 

TV WEEK SILVER LOGIE – Best Lead Actress in a Drama

• Aisha Dee, Watching You, Stan
• Brooke Satchwell, Dear Life, Stan

TV WEEK SILVER LOGIE – Best Supporting Actress in a Drama

• Eleanor Matsuura, Dear Life, Stan

Best Drama Program

• Dear Life, Stan
• Watching You, Stan

Best Factual or Documentary Program

• Revealed: Death Cap Murders, Stan
• Revealed: Joh – Last King of Queensland, Stan

Bert Newton Award for Most Popular Presenter

• Hamish Blake, LEGO® Masters Australia: Grand Masters of The Galaxy, 9Network

Ray Martin Award for Most Popular News or Public Affairs Presenter

• Ally Langdon, A Current Affair, The Great Debate and Election 2025: Australia Decides, 9Network
• Karl Stefanovic, Today, 9Network
• Sarah Abo, Today, 9Network

Award for Most Popular Sports Presenter

• Danika Mason, Today, NRL and Freddy and the Eighth, 9Network
• Eddie McGuire, Footy Classified Tuesday and 2025 Melbourne Cup Carnival, 9Network
• James Bracey, 9News, Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, NRL, 2026 Australian Open, 2025 Melbourne Cup, 100% Footy and 2025 Australian Swimming Trials, 9Network
• Jelena Dokic, 2026 Australian Open, 2025 Melbourne Cup, Wimbledon 2025, Roland Garros 2025, US Open 2025 and Cross Court 2025, 9Network

Best Entertainment Program

• The Floor, 9Network
• Tipping Point Australia, 9Network

Best Current Affairs Program

• 60 Minutes, 9Network
• A Current Affair, 9Network
• Today, 9Network

Best Competition Reality Program

• LEGO® Masters Australia: Grand Masters of the Galaxy, 9Network
• Love Island, 9Network
• The Block, 9Network

Best Structured Reality Program

• Married at First Sight, 9Network
• The Golden Bachelor, 9Network

Best Lifestyle Program

• Getaway, 9Network
• Travel Guides, 9Network

Best News Coverage or Public Affairs Report

• Fighting Back, A Current Affair, 9Network
• Virginia’s Final Wish, 60 Minutes, 9Network
• Out of Order, 60 Minutes, 9Network

Best Sports Coverage

• 2025 Melbourne Cup Carnival, 9Network
• 2025 Men’s & Women’s State of Origin Series, 9Network
• Australian Open 2026, 9Network
• Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, 9Network

The 66th TV WEEK Logie Awards will take place on Sunday, August 16 in Sydney. Voting is now open for all awards. Fans can vote for 9Network and Stan nominated talent and programs at tvweeklogies.com.au

Monday 22 June, 2026

Two of Australia’s most recognisable champions, Lance “Buddy” Franklin and Johnathan Thurston, step into a new arena in The Long Run, mentoring 12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women as they train for their first ever marathon in a story that goes far beyond sport.

Premiering Sunday, June 28, at 8PM on Channel 9, 9Now and Stan, The Long Run follows the 2025 Indigenous Marathon Project squad across six life-changing months, from the red dirt of Alice Springs to the world stage at the TCS New York City Marathon.

The fly-on-the-wall documentary captures the physical and emotional highs and lows of a challenge that becomes about far more than running, exploring courage, culture, identity and the power of taking on something bigger than yourself.

At the heart of the film is the Indigenous Marathon Project, founded by Australian marathon legend Rob de Castella AO MBE, which has spent the past 16 years using running as a vehicle for health, leadership, resilience and community impact.

For Franklin and Thurston, two champions who built their careers under the pressure of stadium lights, The Long Run offers a rare and deeply personal look at life beyond elite sport. As ambassadors and mentors of the program, the pair form powerful bonds with the squad while reflecting on their own post-retirement journeys.

For the 12 runners, many of whom begin as non-runners, the marathon becomes a transformative test of endurance, identity and purpose. Across the documentary, audiences are invited into stories of cultural pride, personal growth, family, resilience and the determination to create a ripple effect far beyond the finish line.

The Long Run showcases the power of choosing to do hard things, the role of sport in driving community good, and the beauty, strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.

Buddy said: “Being part of this journey was incredibly special. Seeing the squad push themselves, and carry such pride for their families, communities, and culture, is something I will never forget. This documentary is about much more than running. It is about courage, self-belief, and what is possible when people take on something bigger than themselves. Above all, honouring the profound sacrifices of time away from family that made those achievements possible.”

Johnathan Thurston said: “Taking on this journey with the squad was one of the most challenging and rewarding things I’ve ever done. Hearing their stories, understanding what it took for them to get to the start line, and seeing the sacrifices they made along the way was incredibly humbling. I have so much respect for the Indigenous Marathon Foundation. They are genuinely changing lives.”

Robert de Castella said: “The Long Run explores leadership, health, identity, and family through the lens of the Indigenous Marathon Foundation, demonstrating how choosing the ‘hard’ can inspire real and lasting impact in people and communities, while celebrating the strength and resilience of First Nations people and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures as Australia’s greatest national treasure. This is a legacy and message I feel deeply about.”

Through intimate access, breathtaking visuals and deeply human storytelling, The Long Run follows a group of extraordinary Australians as they discover that the finish line is not the end of the journey, but the beginning of something much bigger.

THE LONG RUN PREMIERES SUNDAY, JUNE 28, AT 8PM ON CHANNEL 9, 9NOW AND STAN.

The Long Run is a Nine documentary produced in association with Nine’s Wide World of Sports and Good Shout, with the support of the ACT Government and Screen Canberra, ASICS, TCS Tata Consultancy Services and Kia.

Tuesday 16 June, 2026

QUEENSLAND V NEW SOUTH WALES – WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17
EXCLUSIVE, LIVE AND FREE ON CHANNEL 9 AND 9NOW

The colosseum of Australian sport – The MCG, will host a duel for the ages when Queensland and New South Wales begin a new chapter in greatest rivalry in Aussie sport on Wednesday, June 17 – exclusive, live and free on Channel 9HD and 9Now from 7.00pm AEST.

After James Tedesco’s last gasp heroics in Origin I, the NSW Blues featuring Nathan Cleary, Tedesco, Mitch Moses and captain Isaah Yeo, have the opportunity to seal the series at a venue they’ve won their last four consecutive games.

Heartbroken from a close loss following Kalyn Ponga’s send off in the series opener, Billy Slater’s reigning champion Queensland Maroons have a point to prove. Tasked with keeping their series alive is Melbourne Storm duo Cameron Munster and Harry Grant, plus excitement machine Reece Walsh.

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

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

Experience State of Origin like never before with 9Now’s Battle View. This ultimate multi-view live stream lets you follow the main game while keeping an eye on NSW playmaker Mitch Moses and QLD fullback Kalyn Ponga, all on the one screen streamed side-by-side live. Download the app or head to 9now.com.au

Feature stories in pregame will include a celebration of 20 years since Darren Lockyer’s famous series-clinching try in Game 3, 2006 in Melbourne. This was the moment that changed Origin forever – saving Queensland from the brink and launching their legendary eight-year winning streak.

Spotlight on Nathan Cleary: following his player of the match performance in Origin I, Andrew Johns discusses the Blues halfback’s brilliance and debunks the myth that he has never dominated at the Origin level.

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

AMPOL STATE OF ORIGIN II – QUEENSLAND v NEW SOUTH WALES 
LIVE from the MCG, Wednesday, June 17

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

THE BUILD-UP TO ORIGIN II ON NINE
Available on Channel 9 and 9Now

100% FOOTY – Tonight – Monday, June 15, 
Nathan Cleary and Cameron Munster join the show. 

CAPTAINS PRESS CONFERENCE LIVE ON 9NOW – Tuesday, 12.15pm, June 16
Hear from Queensland Maroons coach and Melbourne Storm big names Billy Slater, Cameron Munster and Harry Grant, plus NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley, captain Isaah Yeo and Cameron Murray on the eve of Origin II.

FREDDY AND THE EIGHTH – Tuesday night, June 16
NSW legends Brad Fittler and the Eighth rugby league Immortal Andrew Johns preview Origin II with Danika Mason. Players from NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders drop by the studio and the boys chat to NSW Blues enforcer Hudson Young. 

SIX TACKLES WITH GUS ORIGIN II PREVIEW
Phil “Gus” Gould and channel 9 NRLcaller Mat Thompson preview the big game at The Locker Room bar outside Accor Stadium to preview the opening game of the 2026 Origin series.

STATE OF ORIGIN II
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, AT 7.00PM AEST
EXCLUSIVE, LIVE AND FREE ON CHANNEL 9 AND 9NOW

Monday 15 June, 2026

One of Channel 9’s most experienced and respected journalists, Mark Burrows, has been appointed presenter of 9News Sydney’s Friday and Saturday 6.00pm bulletins, commencing this week.

A familiar and trusted face to viewers, Mark has been at the forefront of some of the biggest local and international stories of the past four decades, bringing authority, warmth and extensive reporting experience to the desk.

From the Bondi Westfield attack to major world events including the Romanian Revolution, the death of Princess Diana, the Iraq War, the Bali bombings, the Sydney Olympics and the wars in Afghanistan and more recently Ukraine, Mark has built a career defined by trusted reporting and eyewitness journalism.

His work has earned major industry recognition, including a Logie for his coverage of the Romanian Revolution and a Walkley Award for his reporting on the Interlaken canyoning disaster in Switzerland. He was also central to the 9Network’s award-winning coverage of the 2002 Bali bombings.

Director of 9News Sydney, Michael Best, said: “Mark is one of the most trusted and experienced journalists in the country. He has reported from the frontlines and has an extraordinary ability to connect with viewers through clarity, credibility and calmness. We are thrilled to have him presenting 9News Sydney’s Friday and Saturday 6pm bulletins.”

Mark said he was honoured to take on the role: “After so many years reporting for Channel 9, it’s a deep privilege to step into this role and continue bringing Sydney viewers the stories that matter. 9News has always been about trust, accuracy and connection with the audience, and I’m looking forward to continuing that tradition.”

Mark joins a respected presenter line-up of 9News Sydney presenters, including Peter Overton and Deborah Knight, bringing his expertise to the Friday and Saturday 6pm editions of Sydney’s most trusted news. He will also continue to file stories for 9News as Senior Correspondent.

Friday 12 June, 2026

MONDAY, JUNE 22, AT 7.30PM ON CHANNEL 9 & 9NOW

It’s time to grab your passports as the four-time TV Week Logie Award-winning Travel Guides jet off on their most ambitious, hilarious and eye-opening lap yet around the planet, in a new season premiering Monday, June 22, at 7:30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now. 

Australia’s highest rated travel show will see all our favourites return; the Fren family, Matt and Brett, Kevin and Janetta, Kev, Dorian and Teng, and Karly and Bri. They’ll bring their signature charm, witty banter and brutally honest opinions to the world’s most spectacular bucket-list destinations.

And for the first time, this season will also welcome fresh Travel Guides into the fray, including guest appearances from familiar faces Eliza and Liberty (sisters from The Block), award-winning country music couple Brooke and Adam, and Love Island favourites Callum and Mitch getting a taste for life on the road.

The 2026 world tour starts with a tasty trip to South America’s spiciest nation, Chile. From the vibrant, bustling big cities to the snow-capped peaks and icy glaciers of Patagonia, it’s an extraordinary journey to the bottom of the world. While Kevin and Janetta sample Chile’s famous wine scene, and the Fren Family get to know the country’s most famous cat, they all get to cruise to an ancient glacier that’s an extraordinary remnant of the last Ice Age.

And that’s just the beginning for our intrepid travellers, as their jetsetting adventures include living out their Lion King dreams on a surprising animal safari in Tanzania, and discovering the many wonders of Indonesia that lie beyond Bali. And closer to home they’ll discover the laid back beauty of the NSW South Coast, on a road trip that proves a five-star escape can be found right in our own backyard. But will they remember to charge their EVs to ensure they make the distance?

From the airlines they fly, to the hotels they bunk down in, and the array of heart pumping activities along the way, our cast’s vastly different perspectives prove time and again that one person’s idea of holiday perfection is another’s idea of total hell! They call it exactly how they see it and rate every adventure out of five stars.

Travel Guides is produced by Nine, and narrated again by beloved Aussie comedian Denise Scott.

TRAVEL GUIDES 
MONDAY, JUNE 22, AT 7.30PM 
ON CHANNEL 9 AND 9NOW

#TravelGuides
LIKE Travel Guides on Facebook
FOLLOW Travel Guides on Instagram
FOLLOW Travel Guides on X
STREAM FOR FREE on 9NOW

Wednesday 10 June, 2026