Archives: Media Releases

Richard Hunwick, Nine’s Director of Sales – Total Television, has announced he is stepping down from Nine as one of the industry’s most senior sales leaders.

Joining Nine in December 2010 as Director of Sales in Brisbane, Hunwick has forged an enviable reputation which saw him rise through the ranks to become national Director of Sales for Television and Radio through to his current role. He led his team to five consecutive years of being named the Media I National Sales Team of the Year. 

“It’s been an amazing journey at Nine, and it’s been a privilege to lead the best sales team in the country to some incredible success, as we navigated a period of unheralded transformation from a stand alone TV business, to a digital first, multi-platform, content company,” said Hunwick.

“Over the last six months I’ve been thinking about all we’ve achieved, my own future and what opportunities lie ahead. Whilst it was a tough decision to walk away from a business that’s primed for growth in an Olympic year, it’s also the most exciting time I can remember in the media industry. 

“Data and technology are driving unprecedented change right across the media landscape and with change comes opportunity. I’m looking forward to exercising my skills and experience in some new arenas where I can add value.”

“The great thing I’ve learned over the years in this business is the role may change, but the friendships endure, and I wish Stepho [Nine’s Chief Sales Officer Michael Stephenson] and my amazing group of colleagues all the best moving forward.”

Michael Stephenson said: “Over the past 25 years I’ve had the pleasure of working with one of my best friends. Not many people get to do that. Rich has a passion that is infectious, he is an incredible leader of people and he cares more than anyone I know.”

“There has never been a more exciting time to be in television. The pace of change is accelerating and I have no doubt that Rich will continue to have a significant impact on our industry in his next challenge.”

Hunwick will finish up at Nine at the end of September to ensure a seamless transition occurs with his successor. 

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

Friday, May 17, 2024

As small to medium businesses continue to evolve in an ever-changing environment, Nine’s SMB ad platform, Nine Ad Manager, has today announced it will be Principal Sponsor of the CommBank SmallBiz Week 2024.

To be held on May 29-30 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, the event will see Nine hosting workshops throughout both days of the expo. The sponsorship highlights the growing role Nine Ad Manager will play in SMBs marketing and advertising campaigns. 

Now in its third year, CommBank SmallBiz Week brings together B2B suppliers from a diverse range of industries with small business owners and leaders. This year’s event will highlight emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and automation.

The expo features over 120 exhibitors, multiple SMB workshop programs along with 100 speakers on the CommBank Sessions mainstage. Becoming a Principal Sponsor of the CommBank SmallBiz Week event is a natural fit for Nine Ad Manager, as well as being sponsor of the ‘Excellence in Marketing’ and ‘Rising Star’ categories at the CommBank Young Hero Awards dinner on May 28.

“Nine Ad Manager’s objective is to support and champion SMBs and their business growth,” said Ben Campbell, Nine’s Director of Data and Advertising products, who will be a keynote speaker at the event. 

“Utilising the power of one of Australia’s most recognisable Free To Air Broadcast Video On Demand platforms in 9Now, and Artificial Intelligence, Nine Ad Manager allows small businesses to reach highly targeted, local premium audiences at easily accessible rates. We are thrilled to be associated with the CommBank SmallBiz Week 2024.”  

Entry is free. To find out more visit www.smallbizweek.com.au 

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

Friday, May 17, 2024

Nine’s live and local talk stations posted a significant double digit increase in streaming nationally in April 2024, galvanising Nine Radio as the destination for live audio listeners.  

Year on year data, verified by Triton, shows Nine’s talk stations volume of listening is up 20% nationally, with Sydney’s 2GB up even further with 27% growth, and Melbourne’s 3AW up 18%.

SESSION STARTS	TOTAL LISTENING HOURS
10.1M (up 7% YoY)	10.7M (up 20% YoY)

Nine’s catch up podcasts also reign supreme with on-demand audiences with Ben Fordham Live and the Ray Hadley Morning Show each posting listener growth of 44% YoY, while footy fans are continuing to flock to 3AW for the very best in AFL commentary, with 3AW Football catch up podcasts listeners up 17% YoY.

Nine Radio Head of Content, Greg Byrnes, said “These numbers highlight talk radio’s unequivocal dominance in live streaming and catch up and show our audience is only getting bigger.

“We know Australians turn to talk in times of crisis, and that’s been reinforced with recent breaking news events, but they also rely on us for entertainment, excitement and analysis. And with the footy in full swing and the Paris Olympic Games now just 72 days away, our streaming audience will be unprecedented.”

Nine’s Director of Sales, Total Audio, Ashley Earnshaw, said: “The future is bright for Nine Audio, with even greater audiences seeking out our content through our apps via connected devices and across our podcast content.

“Our dominance in digital audiences continues to create full funnel opportunities for brands to blend the reach of radio with data-led targeting capabilities, creating unparalleled impact and effectiveness for brands.”

Source: Triton Webcast Metrics Streaming, April 1-30 2024, TLH – Total Listening Hours, Nine Radio, Unless otherwise specified

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

Wednesday, May 15, 2024

The only place to see all four days of Magic Round is the 9Network, when Women’s State of Origin and Manly v Broncos lead off rugby league’s greatest carnival, live and free from Suncorp Stadium on Channel 9HD and streaming on 9Now.

Women’s State of Origin gets the party started on Thursday Night with Nine’s exclusive broadcast available live and free from 7.30pm.

On Friday Night Footy, the biggest ticket in town, the Brisbane Broncos with stars like Reece Walsh, Pat Carrigan and Kotoni Staggs, will be out to put on one hell of a show against the Manly Sea Eagles.   

Manly and Queensland captain Daly Cherry-Evans, back on familiar ground at The Cauldron, will need to draw on all his experience to get the Sea Eagles without Tom Trbojevic flying again after two narrow yet unexpected losses.

Nine’s Wide World of Sports will have exclusive access to the winning dressing rooms after the game.

On Saturday Night Footy from 7.00pm, all eyes will be on Latrell Mitchell to see if he can pull the Rabbitohs out of a hat, in a magic trick to get his club back in the winners circle, and give Jack Wighton some joy in his 250th NRL game. However the Cowboys, will put their gunslinging attacking style on display to heap more misery on the Rabbitohs.

The NRL Sunday Footy Show comes live this week from Suncorp Stadium from 11.00am before Sunday Arvo Footy at 3.00pm pits the Storm against the Eels.

Proud Queenslanders Cameron Munster and Harry Grant will be relied upon to get the job done for the Storm and they’ll take no mercy on the Eels, who go in as underdogs while they sweat on the return of NSW Origin playmaker Mitch Moses.

BROADCAST SCHEDULE

Thursday, May 16

WOMEN’S STATE OF ORIGIN – QUEENSLAND v NEW SOUTH WALES

Friday May 17

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTY – SEA EAGLES v BRONCOS

Saturday May 18

SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTY – RABBITOHS v COWBOYS

Sunday, May 19

THE SUNDAY FOOTY SHOW – from 11.00am with Billy Slater, Andrew Johns, Brad Fittler and Danika Mason live from Suncorp Stadium.

SUNDAY ARVO FOOTY – MELBOURNE STORM v PARRAMATTA EELS

Monday, May 20

7.30PM LIVE ON 9NOW – 100% FOOTY 
10.00pm on Channel 9HD in Sydney/Brisbane.

Phil Gould and Paul Gallen go head to head after the latest NRL round with host James Bracey. All the latest scoops come from 9News reporter Danny Weidler.

PODCAST AVAILABLE NOW – STORIES OF ORIGIN SEASON 3 ‘ALFIE’

This season, Stories of Origin shines the spotlight on the career of the little number seven who became a giant footballing figure, Alan “Alfie” Langer. Stories of Origin Alfie is available on 9Now and wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted by Nine NRL commentator Mathew Thompson.

9NOW | APPLE | SPOTIFY

NRL MAGIC ROUND ON THE 9NETWORK 
LIVE AND FREE MAY 16-19
WATCH ON CHANNEL 9HD, STREAM ON 9NOW

Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Ampol Women’s State of Origin is back, bigger and better than ever when the first three-game series is Exclusive, Live and Free on Channel 9HD and 9Now, this Thursday at 7.30pm AEST. 

Kicking off Magic Round, where the only place you can watch four days of games is on the 9Network, the NRLW’s most elite players will mark their state lines at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. 

The defending champion Queensland Maroons are captained by decorated veteran Ali Brigginshaw, who will draw on the famous Queensland spirit at home with pointscoring powerhouses Tamika Upton, Shenae Ciesiolka and Julia Robinson.

The New South Wales Sky Blues are hellbent on lifting the shield after losing on points aggregate across two games last year. Led by Kezie Apps and Isabelle Kelly, the Sky Blues boast the biggest names in the game with Millie Elliot (nee Boyle), Jessica Sergis, Emma Tonegato and Jaime Chapman all plotting a crucial first-up win in enemy territory. 

Exclusive coverage on Nine’s Wide World of Sports will be hosted by Emma Lawrence, assisted by rugby league experts Phil Gould, Allana Ferguson, commentator Peter Psaltis and Darren Lockyer alongside Marlee Silva on the sideline.

AMPOL WOMEN’S STATE OF ORIGIN I – QUEENSLAND v NEW SOUTH WALES
Thursday, May 16
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

 
WOMEN’S STATE OF ORIGIN 
EXCLUSIVE LIVE AND FREE
THURSDAY, MAY 16, AT 7.30PM

NINE IS THE ONLY PLACE YOU CAN WATCH FOUR
DAYS OF MAGIC ROUND FOOTY LIVE AND FREE

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

Nine and Magnite (Nasdaq: MGNI), the largest independent sell-side advertising company, today announced they have strengthened their partnership, with Nine adopting Magnite’s SpringServe solution to manage delivery and mediation of its programmatic demand on Nine’s BVOD platform, 9Now.

9Now features some of Australia’s most-watched programs and sporting events including the NRL, Australian Open, Married at First Sight and The Block. The Magnite Streaming SSP will provide the tools to manage and optimise 9Now inventory across multiple demand sources that will put Nine at the forefront of the global programmatic TV market. 

Magnite’s SpringServe will power 9Now’s mediation layer, enabling more efficient management of video advertising while maintaining a high-quality viewer experience. SpringServe is able to enhance the 9Now experience for viewers and advertisers by shifting the way programmatic demand sources access inventory; in SpringServe this supply is offered simultaneously and in parallel, as opposed to in a linear and sequential order allowing advertisers more complete access to audiences.  

Advertisers will also have the ability to test ClearLine, Magnite’s self-service buying solution which provides direct access to premium video inventory on Magnite’s platforms.

Nick Young, Nine’s Digital Commercial Director, said: “Nine continues to invest in developing new market-leading digital and data capabilities to empower brands with more effective ways to reach and influence our vast audiences. 

“It’s critical we partner with the best in class technology to meet the unique needs of advertisers in this market. Magnite is such a business and we are pleased to be extending our partnership with the team.”

Yael Milibank, Managing Director, ANZ at Magnite, said: “Utilising advanced technology designed specifically for programmatic environments helps publishers like Nine maximise revenue potential and tap into new advertising opportunities.”

“Our holistic approach to account service, encompassing tech operations, demand, and deal management, helps our clients navigate the intricate programmatic landscape and empowers them to fully leverage programmatic advertising’s potential. We look forward to delivering positive outcomes for Nine through this unique combination of technology and service.”

Juliette Stead, Head of JAPAC at Magnite, said: “Nine has been a longstanding, valued partner of ours for many years. Their forward-thinking streaming and digital capabilities mean that they have always been early adopters of our technology, and we value their perspective and partnership tremendously. We look forward to continuing to cultivate our relationship through collaboration and innovation for many years to come.”

Jordan King, Nine’s Director of Programmatic and Digital Sales, said: “Magnite has a history of building excellent technology solutions and rolling out products that enable us as a Publisher to best monetise and give access to our inventory. We are excited to deepen our partnership and utilise their tech as Nine’s digital transformation takes pace.”

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

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

Look out world, Australia’s most outrageous adventurers are back with a brand-new, jaw-dropping season of the TV Week Logie Award-winning Travel Guides, premiering Sunday, May 19, at 7.00pm on Channel 9 and 9Now. 

From the star-studded streets of Hollywood in the City of Angels to the Olympic city of Paris and the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu in Peru, Travel Guides returns in a seventh season of bucket-list proportions.

Ready to roam across 10 breathtaking new locations around the world are our favourite travel critics: the Fren family, Matt and Brett, Kevin and Janetta, and Kev, Dorian and Teng. 

Joining them on the road for the first time are Karly and Bri, two besties who met while filming Beauty and the Geek for Channel 9 a couple of years ago and have been inseparable since. Like many Aussies, Karly and Bri have barely travelled further afield than Bali. They will be bringing high energy, total glam and wide-eyed wonder as they explore the wide world with the rest of the gang. 

“Getting the phone call to be on Travel Guides was a surreal moment for us as we’re such big fans of the show. We haven’t done much travelling around the world, so to be able to see the world in all its glory is a once in a lifetime opportunity. And to do it with my best friend is amazing,” Karly said.

Bri added: “I reckon we’re going to bring some sugar and spice and a barrel of laughs. I’d describe us as chaotic travellers. And when we open our mouths we’re never really sure what’s going to come out. But we can promise young, wild-woman energy.”

Coming from different walks of life, our Guides never fail to prove that one person’s idea of holiday heaven is another’s version of holiday hell.

From checking out the local customs and cuisine to all types of different accommodation and adrenaline-filled activities, each episode will see our Guides giving their brutally honest and hilarious take on some of the most epic adventures on the planet. 

And although opinions often differ widely, this season, for the first time, our Guides will all agree on the perfect holiday.

Will it be LA, the Cook Islands, France, India, or will the picturesque waters of Port Stephens and Newcastle, home to the Frens and Matt and Brett, be awarded five stars out of five across the board? 

In the season premiere, Travel Guides goes on a spiritual journey through northern India and Nepal. From the holy waters of the Ganges and the wondrous Taj Mahal to crazy Kathmandu, our Guides seek zen as they test their spirits on a 10-day transcendental trip like no other.

Strap in for the biggest, baddest, most bonkers Travel Guides yet.

Narrated by popular Aussie comedian Denise Scott, Travel Guides is produced by Nine.

TRAVEL GUIDES RETURNS: 
SUNDAY, MAY 19, AT 7.00PM 
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

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

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

In March 2020 two campers, 74-year-old Russell Hill and 73-year-old Carol Clay, headed into the Victorian high country, never to return home. What followed was one of the most perplexing missing persons cases in our country’s history. 

The Missing Campers Trial podcast, a production from the teams at 9News, The Age and 9Podcasts, takes listeners deep inside the meticulous police investigation that ran for 18 months until November 2021 when former Jetstar pilot, Gregory Lynn, was arrested and later charged with two counts of murder.

Today marks the start of the high-profile trial of Gregory Lynn, with Nine’s journalists Penelope Liersch and Erin Pearson taking listeners into the courtroom, revealing every important detail as the evidence unfolds, examining key moments and bringing together the best in Nine’s journalism, audio and video collaboration to cover the unfathomable crimes on trial in Victoria’s highest court.

9News Reporter and co-host, Penelope Liersch said: “This is a case that has drawn attention across Australia and the globe, but at the heart of any case of alleged murder are the people who’ve lost their lives. It’s their story and the stories of their loved ones that we strive to keep at the forefront of our reporting”.

Erin Pearson, Crime and Justice Reporter at The Age said: “Every day cases play out in our legal system, this podcast is a rare opportunity to bring listeners inside that system to see how a jury trial works and why”.

The Missing Campers Trial launches today, 9 May 2024, with episodes dropping weekly everywhere you get your podcasts. 
Listen here on APPLE PODCASTS and SPOTIFY

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

Thursday, May 9, 2024

THURSDAY NIGHT: DOLPHINS V SEA EAGLES AT SUNCORP
FRIDAY NIGHT: EELS V BRONCOS

LIVE AND FREE ON CHANNEL 9, STREAM NRL FOR FREE ON 9NOW

The Dolphins are out to keep defying the odds tonight against Manly, and Reece Walsh and the big-name Broncos face the Eels on Friday – the headline acts for NRL on Nine, live and free on Channel 9HD and 9Now.

Coming into Thursday Night Footy at 7.30pm, the Dolphins with Wayne Bennett at the helm have negotiated the hurdles of injury and player availability, showing grit to beat more favoured opponents and stay inside the top four. They will relish the challenge against the Manly Sea Eagles at Suncorp Stadium.

With Origin stars Tom and Jake Trbojevic and Daly Cherry-Evans at their disposal, the Sea Eagles are always ominous, and will be keen to show their serious premiership credentials with a dominant victory.

On Friday Night Footy, the Broncos burst onto Commbank Stadium against the Eels, with their big names Reece Walsh, Pat Carrigan, Payne Haas and Selwyn Cobbo out to prove that despite the absence of the injured Adam Reynolds they are as threatening as ever.

Don’t miss the post-game show with exclusive access to the winning dressing rooms. Exclusively for Nine’s Wide World of Sports, host James Bracey is joined by rugby league experts Billy Slater, Brad Fittler, Phil Gould and Johnathan Thurston.

The NRL Sunday Footy Show will dissect the round so far from 11.00am before Sunday Arvo Footy from 3.00pm. This week it’s all-out attack in Titans v Cowboys in an all-Queensland affair on the Gold Coast. 

Swimming world championship gold medallist Lani Pallister joins Paul Vautin, Cameron Smith and Johnathan Thurston at the ground, ahead of her tilt for a spot on the Australian Dolphins Olympic team for Paris 2024.

BROADCAST SCHEDULE

Tonight – Thursday, May 9

THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTY – DOLPHINS v SEA EAGLES

Friday May 10

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTY – EELS v BRONCOS

Sunday, May 12

WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS – on Channel 9 and 9Now. Roz Kelly, Mark Taylor and Gus Worland.

THE SUNDAY FOOTY SHOW – from 11.00am with Billy Slater, Andrew Johns, Brad Fittler and Danika Mason.

HOSTPLUS QLD CUP – from 2.10pm. Norths Devils v Brisbane Tigers, available on 9Now pop-up channel live and free.

SUNDAY ARVO FOOTY – GOLD COAST TITANS v NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS

Monday, May 13

7.30PM LIVE ON 9NOW – 100% FOOTY 
10.00pm on Channel 9HD in Sydney/Brisbane.Phil Gould and Paul Gallen go head to head after the latest NRL round with host James Bracey. All the latest scoops come from 9News reporter Michael Chammas.

PODCAST AVAILABLE NOW – STORIES OF ORIGIN SEASON 3 ‘ALFIE’

This season, Stories of Origin shines the spotlight on the career of the little number seven who became a giant footballing figure, Alan “Alfie” Langer. Stories of Origin Alfie is available on 9Now and wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted by Nine’s NRL commentator Mathew Thompson.

9NOW | APPLE | SPOTIFY

NRL ROUND 10 ON THE 9NETWORK
FROM THURSDAY, MAY 9, AT 7.30PM
LIVE AND FREE ON 9NOW AND CHANNEL 9HD

Thursday, May 9, 2024

The country’s most read premium business masthead, The Australian Financial Review, will be a digital-only news title in Western Australia after the costs of printing are set to double.

The proposed 100 per cent increase in the printing price will bring to an end seven decades of the Financial Review distributing a printed newspaper in that state. 

Focusing instead on enhancing the digital offering for WA readers and subscribers on afr.com, this will include an upgrade to the ‘today’s newspaper’ which is digital version of the physical paper. Distribution of the premium magazines produced by the Financial Review will continue.

“This decision is specific to Western Australia and has no impact on our papers and magazines in the rest of the country,” said Tory Maguire, Managing Director of Nine, Publishing.  

“We work very constructively with the printers of our newspapers and magazines to ensure the long-term sustainability of our print products, which continue to be profitable. Fortunately the Financial Review is an incredibly successful digital publication, which has allowed us to make this decision in the best interests of our business.”  

With no alternative printing operations in WA, Nine will ensure print subscribers who wish to continue receiving hard copies of the award-winning monthly magazine, The Australian Financial Review Magazine and quarterly Fin! Magazine, will continue to do so. The glossy magazines will also be sold separately in news agencies. 

With a cross platform readership of 3.5 million people nationally, The Australian Financial Review has led coverage of the rise of Western Australia’s mining and energy sectors since its inception in 1951. The masthead will continue to focus on the state and its contribution to Australia’s prosperity.  

“Our WA coverage was recognised most recently with our journalists winning the business award at this year’s Quill Awards for Journalistic Excellence,” said Editor in chief Michael Stutchbury. “The Financial Review digital readership is disproportionally the biggest of any newspaper brand in Australia and we are confident we can serve all West Australians interested in our award-winning journalism.”

The last Western Australian print edition of The Australian Financial Review will be on May 22 and will also be the day of the Financial Review Mining Summit being held in Perth.  

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

Thursday, May 9, 2024