Team USA win LEGO® Masters Australia

They became the first international team to win LEGO® Masters Australia and the first female team to win a LEGO® Masters competition worldwide, taking home the trophy and $100,000.

In tonight’s Grand Finale the three remaining teams were given 28 hours to build whatever they wanted – and they blew the judges and superfans away with breathtaking builds. 

Alongside the other contestants, 200 members of the public and judge Ryan “Brickman” McNaught determined the winners of LEGO® Masters Australia vs The World 2024.

Krystle and Michelle were faced with the initial challenge of being paired together for the first time in this series. However, week after week they grew stronger, creating awe-inspiring builds. They took a huge risk in the finale by removing their base plate and creating a life-sized “Artist Studio” taken over by mini-figures – the largest build in LEGO® Masters history. There were doubts if they could make their vision come to life in the time given, but they succeeded. 

In second place were the season’s biggest competitors, Felix and Annalena, previous winners of LEGO® Masters Germany. They won the first four episodes on their quest for a second title. In the finale they expanded on the fairy build that gave them victory in Germany, creating “Fairy Village”.

In third place, the homegrown Aussie pair, Shane and Dianne, created their most mature build “Final Frontier”. Playing to their strengths, they took on a huge technical challenge that featured a spaceman who crash-landed on a foreign planet and discovered a floating alien castle in the distance. 

Krystle and Michelle said: “Representing Team USA was an incredible honour. The memories and family made Down Under will be held in our hearts for the rest of our lives. 

“Over the course of the series and building together for the first time, the respect we have for each other is like no other. We were determined to give it everything we had and we are proud to be the first ever all-female team to hoist a LEGO® Masters Australia trophy.”

Brickman said: “It was super exciting having teams from other countries come and do LEGO® Masters Australia, mainly because whilst LEGO® is universal and doesn’t have a language, every country’s builders bring a different and unique style. 

“Krystle and Michelle certainly did that, which made for some amazing builds. Not only did they blow us away with their builds, I think I learnt from them too.” 

LEGO® Masters: Australia vs The World comes from producers Endemol Shine Australia (a Banijay Company). The series is adapted from an original UK format from Tuesday’s Child Productions and The LEGO® Group.

For further information, please contact:
Nine Publicity 
Alexandra Reed 
alexandra.reed@nine.com.au

Tuesday, May 7, 2024

Broncos v Roosters in a superstar Friday night footy on Nine

THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTY: RABBITOHS V PANTHERS
LIVE AND FREE ON CHANNEL 9, STREAM NRL FOR FREE ON 9NOW

The Panthers take on a Rabbitohs outfit desperate to get their season back on track on Thursday Night Footy from 7.30pm.

Both clubs have brought out the best in each other in closely fought games in recent years and this time around an underdog Rabbitohs outfit, who find themselves with a new head coach, are ready to attack the Panthers ominous defensive wall with their rep stars Cam Murray, Cody Walker and Jack Wighton.

NRL on Nine will be live on the ground at Suncorp Stadium for Friday Night Footy between the Broncos and Roosters, for an epic match-up.

After meeting in the Las Vegas season opener, the Broncos and Roosters will shape up for another grudge match with two rock-star player lineups. The Broncos boast Reece Walsh, Adam Reynolds, Kotoni Staggs and Pat Carrigan. The Roosters roll into Suncorp with big names James Tedesco, Joey Manu, Victor Radley and elusive halfback Sam Walker, fresh from putting 60 points on the Dragons on ANZAC Day. 

Exclusively for Nine’s Wide World of Sports, host James Bracey is joined by rugby league experts Andrew Johns, Fatty Vautin and Johnathan Thurston, plus Danika Mason and Darren Lockyer on the sideline and in the sheds post-match.

The NRL Sunday Footy Show will dissect the round so far from 11.00am before the ladder-leading Cronulla Sharks play the St George Illawarra Dragons in their local derby on Sunday Arvo Footy from 3.00pm.

BROADCAST SCHEDULE

Tonight – Thursday, May 2

THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTY – SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS v PENRITH PANTHERS

Friday May 3

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTY – BRISBANE BRONCOS v SYDNEY ROOSTERS

Sunday, May 5

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.
Ipswich Jets v Northern Pride, available on 9Now pop-up channel live and free.

SUNDAY ARVO FOOTY – CRONULLA SHARKS v ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS

Monday, May 6

7.30PM LIVE ON 9NOW – 100% FOOTY 
9.45pm on Channel 9HD in Sydney/Brisbane.

Phil Gould and Paul Gallen go head to head after the eighth round of the season 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’s NRL commentator Mathew Thompson.

9NOW APPLE SPOTIFY

NRL ROUND 9 ON THE 9NETWORK
FROM THURSDAY, MAY 2, AT 7.30PM
LIVE AND FREE ON 9NOW AND CHANNEL 9HD

Thursday, May 2, 2024

14 Aussies, 1 million dollars: television’s ultimate adventure returns

Brimming with fresh twists, a dynamic cast and an even more challenging location, The Summit is back bigger than ever after redefining large-scale adventure in 2023. Think you know the drill? Think again. Back guiding us through these heart-pounding trials and daring escapades is Australian actor Jai Courtney.

Everyone faces their own mountain to climb. Among everyday heroes, who will conquer the summit? Will Lochie the dairy farmer seize victory? Can David, a theatre director, and Theo, a stay-at-home dad, craft compelling strategies? Will Mat Rogers, a sporting legend and seasoned Australian Survivor, brave the wilderness once more for victory? Will the quick thinking of actors Olympia Valance and Simmone Jade Mackinnon suffice? And can Tiffani Wood, a former pop star turned devoted mother, rise to success?

Jai Courtney says: “Last year we were just getting started. This year in The Summit we are going sky high. What the trekkers put themselves through, and the effect it has on them as individuals, is truly special to witness. When humans are pushed to their limits and beyond, remarkable things happen.”

Our trekkers will once more be stripped of their creature comforts, plunging into the awe-inspiring landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island. Against this backdrop of natural marvels, a series of jaw-dropping challenges awaits, designed to test their courage and morals, and push their physical limits to breaking point. 

With their backpacks containing an equal share of one million dollars, the group must reach the peak of a distant mountain in just 15 days to win the cash they’re carrying. 

Get set for a whirlwind of drama, obstacles and strategic betrayal as they vie for the ultimate prize. Be careful who you trust. This season’s trekkers are:

Ava, 29
Aerospace Engineer 
WA
Charlotte, 35
Nurse
NSW
David, 59
Theatre Director
WA
Sharksey, 30
Unprofessional Poker Player
QLD
Lochie, 31
Dairy Farmer
TAS
Mat, 48
Sporting Ledgend
QLD
Olympia, 31
Actor
VIC
Phil, 43
Bali Bombing Survivor
WA
Ros, 41
Farmer
QLD
Simmone, 51
Actor and Single Mum
NSW
Taylor, 28
Wharfie
VIC
Theo, 49
Stay-at-home Dad
VIC
Tiffani, 46
Former Pop Star
NSW
Trisha, 43
Personal Trainer
SA

Join us for an extraordinary expedition where unexpected alliances will form, shocking betrayals will play out, and all 14 mountain trekkers will vie for victory. 

As they race to the pinnacle, who will survive to claim the prize money? Welcome to The Summit, a blockbuster action-adventure filled with cliff-hangers, where reaching the top is just the beginning.

Since the groundbreaking premiere of The Summit in 2023, the format co-developed between Nine and ESA has been sold to several European territories, including CBS in the U.S.A, with its premiere set for later this year.

The Summit is a 9Network and Endemol Shine Australia (A Banijay company) original series, produced by Endemol Shine Australia.

  THE SUMMIT PREMIERS ON CHANNEL 9 AND 9NOW 
7.00PM SUNDAY MAY 12

#TheSummit
Follow The Summit on
FacebookInstagram and X

For further information, please contact:
Alex Dyer 
alex.dyer@nine.com.au 

Tuesday, April 30, 2024

9Podcasts listeners score with growing sport slate

Six Tackles with Gus jumped a staggering 77 places in the Australian (Made) Top Podcast Ranker to land at number 93, with over 59,000 listeners, 93,000 downloads and 100,000 video views in March. And flagship AFL podcasts, Real Footy and 3AW Football returned with a bang, ranking at number 122 and 171, respectively.

Video is increasingly becoming the consumption pattern of choice for sports fans, with Eddie and Jimmy reaching a combined 56,000 downloads and video views, and the Billy Slater Podcast reaching a combined 67,000 downloads and video views in March – with more than half of the audience opting for video on 9Now and Youtube.

It’s not just footy exciting fans this year, as the Paris Olympic Games and Paralympic Games 2024 are fast approaching. To give listeners an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience of what it is like competing at the highest level on the world stage, The Road to Paris podcast launched in March. The 16-part podcast series features candid conversations with some of our greatest Olympians and Paralympians including Anna Meares, Kieran Perkins, Ellie Cole, Curtis McGrath, Andrew Gaze, and Ariarne Titmus as they discuss their own trials and triumphs, glory and heartache – all in the pursuit of Olympic excellence.

The sporting action doesn’t stop there, with Hamish McLachlan and Ross Stevenson delivering the very best in horse racing news, insight and banter each week in Two Each Way and the Wide World of Sports Updates  keeping listeners informed with a daily roundup of need-to-know sporting news.

MARCH 2024DOWNLOADSLISTENERS
Nine Sport Podcasts585,024252,516
Nine Podcast Network3,319,8121,259,684

Nine’s Head of Podcasts and Digital Content, Mia Stern said: “As we begin the countdown to the Olympic and Paralympic Games and the football season gains momentum, so does our connection with the hearts of fans. With each episode, we delve deeper into the drama, the triumphs, and the narratives that define Australian’s passion for sport.

“It’s clear our comprehensive sports content is cutting through with audiences, providing an unparalleled opportunity for advertisers to join the conversation. Brands that align themselves with our passionate listeners tap into a captive audience, where the authenticity of the message merges seamlessly with the passion for the game.”

Source: Australian Podcast Ranker – Top Podcasts Australian Made, March 1-31 2024, Downloads, Listeners. 

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

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

The news you need to know today starts with a new-look WAtoday

With Perth the fastest-growing capital city in Australia – and more than 2.9 million people now calling WA home – the masthead will increase its investment in local content that appeals to growing diverse audiences, cementing its platform as the go-to source for breaking news, analysis, entertainment and more. 

Together with its local team of award-winning journalists and editorial contributions from its stablemates The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and Brisbane TimesWAtoday will work closely with 9News Perth to provide a superior online news service backed by exceptional resources.

WAtoday’s Daile Cross, who worked at the masthead when it launched in 2008 and is now at the helm as Editor, will continue to lead the publication in this exciting new phase, which will include the removal of its paywall for WA content.

“The time is right to unveil a new WAtoday, and unlocking the local paywall will ensure greater reach and a better connection to community, allowing readers premium access to our slate of independent news and analysis, without bias or an agenda,” Cross said.

“We will launch new content, including a new Perth news live blog which will run each weekday, and provide more hyper-local content that will entertain, educate and inspire the people of Perth to better know and understand – and above all be proud of – their exceptional city.

“Also, we’ll be launching a special Lunch With series hosted by respected business journalist Jesinta Burton, who will be up close and personal with some of our state’s top leaders and personalities, warmly conveying their stories through unique candid insight like never before.”  

9News Perth Director of News, Gareth Parker, will assist with local news integration, saying: “It makes sense to come together, and by supporting each other with Nine’s quality news resources, we’ve set a new benchmark when it comes to delivering trusted local news and information for a changing, progressive city.”

Luke McIlveen, Executive Editor of WAtoday, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and Brisbane Times, said: “WAtoday has always upheld its commitment to independent journalism in a market where quality news is so highly sought after. This new chapter will see WAtoday service its growing audience with hyper-local news and state issues, as well as utilising the Walkley Award-winning journalism of its sister mastheads to ensure West Australians receive the world class journalism they deserve.” 

Nine Perth Managing Director, Clive Bingwa, said: “Nine Perth remains committed to delivering audiences quality and trusted news whether it be via our local television, digital or radio assets.

“The investment in WAtoday driven by Daile’s editorial direction will give readers a better alternative source of online news, and together with the support of Gareth and his 9News team will ensure readers are better informed every day, with stories that make a meaningful difference to their lives.”

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WAtoday.com.au

WAtoday Reveals New Era at Perth’s State Buildings: GALLERY 

For further information, please contact:
Peter Brennan
Program, Marketing & Communications Manager
pebrennan@nine.com.au

Adrian Motte
Senior Communications Manager – Trade & Publishing 
amotte@nine.com.au 

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

NRL on Nine’s Anzac Day double

3.00PM DRAGONS V ROOSTERS, 7.30PM STORM V RABBITOHS
LIVE AND FREE ON CHANNEL 9HD AND TO STREAM ON 9NOW

There are four games of footy live and free this weekend on the 9Network, headed up by the ANZAC Day double with the Dragons v Roosters clash at Allianz Stadium from 3.00pm, followed by Storm v Rabbitohs at 7.30pm.

With their backline boosted by the return of speedster Dom Young alongside a battle hardened forward pack featuring enforcer Victor Radley, the Roosters are chasing a bounceback win, while the Dragons, who are resurgent under new coach Shane Flanagan, go on the hunt for points via the scorching speed of fullback Tyrell Sloan and the aerial threat of Zac Lomax.

Host James Bracey will be joined by rugby league experts Andrew Johns, Phil Gould, Cameron Smith, Brad Fittler, Johnathan Thurston and Billy Slater, along with Danika Mason providing sideline updates.

A famous rivalry born out of the 1970s features on Friday Night Footy when the Manly Sea Eagles meet the Parramatta Eels at 4 Pines Park on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.  

Star Sea Eagles backs Tom Trbojevic, Daly Cherry-Evans and Luke Brooks will be ready to pile on the points in front of their raucous home crowd.

The NRL Sunday Footy Show will dissect the round so far from 11.00am before the wounded Raiders meet Nicho Hynes and the high-flying Sharks in Sunday Arvo Footy from 3.00pm.

Phil Gould’s ANZAC Day preview

NRL on Nine expert commentator, Phil Gould said: “ANZAC Day is the most important day on the Australian calendar. It’s a day to stop, reflect and give thanks to all who served this country in conflicts around the world, to protect our freedom and allow us to enjoy the country and the lifestyle we have today.” 

“The traditional ANZAC Day match between the Sydney Roosters and St. George-Illawarra Dragons, is my favourite club game of the year. Rugby league has become a part of this National day of thanks and celebration, honouring our service men and women. 

“The respective clubs and players involved, always see this as a privilege to be a part of the day, and their performances never disappoint. The importance and excitement of the occasion motivates all participants. 

“With both teams presently in great form, this year’s clash promises to carry on that tradition with an action-packed and drama-filled affair. Enjoy your ANZAC Day football.” 

BROADCAST SCHEDULE

Thursday, April 25

THE ANZAC DAY DOUBLE – ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS v SYDNEY ROOSTERS

THE ANZAC DAY DOUBLE – MELBOURNE STORM v SOUTH SYDEY RABBITOHS

Friday April 26

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTY – MANLY SEA EAGLES v PARRAMATTA EELS

Sunday, April 28

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. Townsville Blackhawks v Redcliffe Dolphins

SUNDAY ARVO FOOTY – CANBERRA RAIDERS v CRONULLA SHARKS

Monday, April 29

100% FOOTY – STREAM LIVE ON 9NOW AT 7.30pm
9.45pm on Channel 9HD in Sydney/Brisbane.

Phil Gould and Paul Gallen go head to head after the eighth round of the season with host James Bracey. All the latest scoops come from 9News reporter Michael Chammas.

ANZAC DAY FOOTY ON THE 9NETWORK
FROM THURSDAY, APRIL 25, AT 3.00PM
LIVE AND FREE ON 9NOW AND CHANNEL 9HD

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

9News Queensland to broadcast Anzac Day Dawn Service

For more than a decade, 9News Queensland has stood in solidarity with the community at ANZAC Square, and once again news presenter Andrew Lofthouse will lead the coverage. The service will commence at 4.28am, precisely mirroring the time of the historic landing at Gallipoli in 1915, and will continue until the first light at dawn breaks.

Among the attendees will be official guests, dignitaries, a veterans’ contingent and a catafalque party, along with members of the public, all gathering to pay homage to the sacrifices made by our ANZAC heroes.

Following the Dawn Service, 9News Queensland will transition into the network’s national coverage of ANZAC commemorations, capturing the spirit of remembrance across the country and around the world. Andrew Lofthouse will then bring Queenslanders the latest news at 6.00pm, broadcasting live from ANZAC Square.

On April 25, turn to Channel 9 and 9Now for special coverage by 9News Queensland and 9News, as we unite to honour and remember the eternal significance of ANZAC Day.

LIKE 9News Queensland on FACEBOOK

FOLLOW 9News Queensland on TWITTER and INSTAGRAM

For further information, please contact:
Lucy Charles
Publicity Assistant, Nine Queensland
lucy.charles@nine.com.au

Monday, April 22, 2024

100% Footy goes live on 9Now

In a win for footy mad fans, the earlier time slot of 7.30pm Monday will be in place for the rest of the 2024 NRL season.

With Phil Gould and Paul Gallen squaring off every week on the biggest news items straight after a huge weekend of footy, there’s no better place to find real opinions and the background on developing and current stories.

Host James Bracey and journalists Danny Weidler and Michael Chammas, will deliver all the latest breaking NRL news and opinion done the way that footy fans deserve.

The show will remain in its regular time slot on Channel 9.

100% FOOTY 
FROM MONDAY, APRIL 22, AT 7.30PM AEST
STREAM LIVE AND FREE ON 9NOW 

Monday, April 22, 2024

60 Minutes Australia launches 24/7 channel on 9Now

From unearthing timeless stories about significant world events to exposing the misconduct of public figures, 60 Minutes Australia 24/7 offers an extensive library of heart-pounding investigations and thought-provoking interviews, which showcase the program’s never-ending commitment to producing the very best television reporting.

As Australia’s leading current affairs program and a long-cherished Sunday night tradition, 60 Minutes is now complemented by its 24/7 channel on 9Now. It cements 60 Minutes as the nation’s go-to destination for news beyond the headlines, anytime.

Led by distinguished journalists including Liz HayesTara BrownNick McKenzieAmelia AdamsDimity Clancey, and Adam Hegarty, this award-winning program has shaped perspectives and sparked conversations since it was first broadcast on the 9Network in February 1979. 60 Minutes Australia 24/7 enables viewers to delve into the program’s rich history of compelling stories, featuring both past and present reporters who have contributed to the show’s impressive legacy.  

Kirsty Thomson, Executive Producer of 60 Minutes, said: “Our commitment to delivering Australia’s finest journalism remains unwavering. With the launch of 60 Minutes Australia 24/7, viewers now have the opportunity to access our investigations whenever they want, reaffirming the enduring relevance and impact of our reporting.”

“This marks a significant milestone for 60 Minutes, highlighting the everlasting connection it maintains with its audience.”

Experience 60 Minutes Australia 24/7 now on 9Now.

LIKE 60 Minutes Australia on Facebook 
FOLLOW @60Mins on Twitter 
FOLLOW @60Minutes9 on Instagram 
FOLLOW @60Minutes9 on TikTok 
Get more 60 Minutes on 9Now 

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

Friday, April 19, 2024

Pedestrian Group promotes Spyros Asteriou to Head of Partnerships, NSW with Tess Lastra joining as Head of Partnerships, VIC

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

Thursday, April 18, 2024