Archives: Media Releases

Legendary broadcaster Neil Mitchell is back with the new season of the Neil Mitchell Asks Why podcast, boasting a fresh new format and unmissable line-up of guests from all walks of life.

Each new episode delivers frank and fascinating conversations, ranging from extraordinary personal revelations from one of Australia’s favourite gold medal contenders at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, to the leading Australian doctor facing his inevitable death and what it’s teaching him, and the superwoman who broke a world record but wanted to give up every step of the way.

And while Neil has stepped back from his iconic 3AW Mornings program, podcast listeners won’t miss out on what he does best – sharp analysis and opinion on the biggest issues of the day, with thoughtful breakdowns on everything from immigration to housing, politics and health.

On the return of Neil Mitchell Asks Why, Neil said: “I don’t know how many times on radio over the years I have said “we’re out of time but we could talk for an hour about this’. Now we can. And I’m hungry; this is the longest I have been away from a microphone in more than 35 years. I’ve got things to say, news to analyse and fascinating people I want to talk to at length.”

“With this new podcast season the shackles are off. There will be in-depth interviews of course, digging behind the people making news. And we will introduce a current affairs edge, with the main issues facing Australia explained, analysed and debated.

“It will be fun. Bring it on. Nobody else has time to do this properly. We can, and we will.”

Season 2 of Neil Mitchell Asks Why launched on February 4 and will drop weekly on all major podcast platforms.

NEIL MITCHELL ASKS WHY
EPISODE 1 AVAILABLE 4 FEBRUARY
VIA APPLE PODCASTS & SPOTIFY

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

Monday, February 5, 2024

Australia’s ultimate investigative program returns in a riveting new season of Under Investigation with Liz Hayes, featuring fresh mysteries, cold cases and cover-ups, from Wednesday, February 7, at 9.00pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.

For the program’s 2024 season, acclaimed journalist Liz Hayes takes the UI investigations to a compelling new level. Hayes travels to crime scene locations, joins forensic scientists in their laboratories and interviews witnesses and victims. Formidable teams of experts in every criminal and scientific field analyse the cases at Under Investigation’s signature War Table. 

Launching the new series of UI, there is a dramatic reinvestigation into the fatal shooting of Queensland mother Leanne Sleba. Killed by her husband Geoffrey, while searching for a snake on their rural property, Leanne’s death was ruled an accident. But UI’s experts have questions, and Hayes takes to the road seeking answers. At a ballistics range, the details of Leanne’s shooting in the back are tested with live fire, and snake experts recreate the conditions similar to those on that fateful night, to shed more light on the usual habits of these reptiles.

After a most unusual request, UI will also test the innocence of a man accused of murder. Graham Stafford – who police believe killed 12-year-old Leanne Holland. Stafford willingly submits himself to Liz Hayes and UI’s team of experts in an attempt to clear his name. Charged and convicted of the brutal 1991 murder, then acquitted after 15 years in prison, Stafford has maintained his innocence, despite Queensland Police publicly declaring there was powerful new evidence to prove his guilt. To try to resolve the case once and for all, Hayes works with a team of independent forensic scientists. Their dramatic results punctuate a powerful program.

UI also probes the mysterious disappearance of Queensland woman Sandrine Jourdan, who vanished without trace in a matter of minutes. Computer analysis of Sandrine’s laptops reveals startling evidence that casts new light on the case. UI has also employed a handwriting expert, and in a specially created Evidence Room, Hayes and veteran detective Damian Marrett sift through personal items found near the place where Sandrine was last seen alive.

Also on UI’s case file: the suspicious death of a young man under witness protection. No one should have known his new identity or location. Then Hayes tracks the terrible crimes of one of Western Australia’s most brutal serial rapists – a predator in police uniform. Internationally, UI takes on the “Spy Nation” and reveals how China is targeting the personal data of all Australians. And when beautiful, high-achieving teenager Eden Westbrook is found dead in an idyllic Tasmanian fishing village, it would have the whole world asking questions.

Liz Hayes said: “Our program is about shining a light on difficult and sometimes very dark stories. But it’s always about uncovering the truth, and importantly, offering the families and friends of victims a chance at finding out what happened to someone they love.

“This season I’m venturing out of the studio to meet witnesses, and see for myself some of the crime scenes. I’ll also join our experts in their laboratories and out in the field as they test key pieces of evidence. It’s all about bringing as much information as possible to the War Table.

“This season, Under Investigation is offering our viewers what I hope will be an intriguing and immersive experience.”

Under Investigation with Liz Hayes is produced by the 9Network.

UNDER INVESTIGATION WITH LIZ HAYES:
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, AT 9.00PM ON CHANNEL 9 & 9NOW

#UInvestigate with Liz Hayes on @Channel9 & 9NOW
LIKE Under Investigation on Facebook
FOLLOW Under Investigation on Instagram
FOLLOW Under Investigation on Twitter

For further information, please contact:
Madison Long
9Network Publicity
madison.long@nine.com.au

Thursday, February 1, 2024

The Hundred with Andy Lee returns to Channel 9 and 9Now on Tuesday, February 6, at 8.40pm, with comedians again joining a panel of 100 viewers to tell us what Australians really think. 

Andy Lee is back, joined by 100 everyday Aussies zooming into the studio from across the country. Carefully selected to represent the makeup of Australia, “The Hundred” stand by to be polled live, providing the fascinating stories behind the stats as three comedy panellists battle it out to see who knows Australia best.

Returning for its stellar sixth season, The Hundred with Andy Lee uncovers what Australia really thinks about the biggest and the smallest stories, and everything in between. This year comedian Mike Goldstein and media personality Sophie Monk continue as regular panellists, and they’re joined by a selection of the country’s funniest comedians including Tom Gleeson, Kate Langbroek, Dave Hughes and Luke McGregor.

Andy said: “Soph and Mike are back and we have a bunch of new segments, including one called This or That where we test Australia’s preference on things. For instance: Window or Aisle, Friends or Seinfeld, Hamish or Andy? Actually, I don’t have the guts to ask that last one.”

In the first episode we will learn what percentage of The Hundred have attended the wedding of a couple they thought wouldn’t last, and who wins out as the favourite parent – mum or dad? 

In 2024 Trial By A Hundred is back as we solve the nation’s relationship problems, and we’ll find out just how many people have a secret hobby. And everyone’s favourite segment, Is That Rude, returns as we find out whether it’s rude to swear in front of a baby.

A host of brave, famous faces such as Andrew Gaze, Christopher Pyne and John Aitken will join the show to see how many people can put a name to their faces, while the other popular segments, including Pick The Percent, all make their anticipated returns.

“Great to be back for another season of The Hundred with Andy Lee. One hundred per cent of comedians named Mike Goldstein think this is the best season yet,” Mike Goldstein said.

The Hundred with Andy Lee is an original concept by Screentime Australia and Andy Lee, produced by Endemol Shine Australia in association with Channel 9.

For further information, please contact:
Alexandra Reed 
Channel 9 Publicity 
alexandra.reed@nine.com.au

Wednesday, January 31, 2024

The countdown is officially underway for the Nine Telethon in support of Mater Little Miracles, on Saturday, April 6, on Channel 9 and 9Now.

Commemorating a decade since the inaugural Nine Telethon, the 2024 broadcast aims to propel Mater, Australia’s leader in neonatal critical care and maternal foetal medicine, toward its ongoing mission to improve health outcomes for seriously ill and premature babies and mothers, while encouraging Queenslanders to show their support by donating generously.

Early momentum for the fundraising drive was unveiled today with a commitment of $1,500,000 from Shannon Fentiman, Minister for Health, Mental Health, Ambulance Services, and Minister for Women, on behalf of the Miles Government. This contribution is poised to make a significant impact on Mater’s Neonatal Critical Care Unit (NCCU), which provides cutting-edge specialist care, life-saving equipment, and supports world-leading research that benefits more than 2,000 premature babies annually.

Ms Fentiman said: “I am delighted to announce a $1.5 million donation for this year’s Nine Telethon on April 6 – a commitment that supports Mater in its dedication to providing ongoing assistance to Queensland’s most vulnerable little lives, their mothers and their families, now and into the future.

“This commitment not only aids the delivery of life-saving medical equipment but also propels vital research initiatives and elevates healthcare services throughout Queensland, precisely what Queenslanders deserve.

“We feel honoured to play a role in shaping the trajectory for these precious lives, ensuring they have the best possible start in life, and look forward to following their journeys from their NCCU bed and beyond.”

The heartwarming stories include twin boys Charlie and Oliver, who were born 14 weeks premature, weighing 820gm and a tiny 675gm respectively, but have made considerable progress since receiving expert care in Mater’s NCCU.

Parents Tiahna and Juan Fourie, from Wavell Heights, have spent over 60 days calling Mater home since Charlie and Oliver were born, and said: “We are experiencing first-hand the benefit of having the Mater’s NCCU’s life-saving equipment.

“Charlie has already had surgery and both our little boys will require more treatment before coming home, including needing breathing assistance for some time. Every dollar makes a world of difference.”

Mater Foundation CEO, Andrew Thomas, said: “What a generous kick-start this $1.5 million contribution is to the Nine Telethon – our miracle in the making for Queensland’s sickest and smallest babies.

“With one in five Queensland babies born at a Mater Hospital and over 2,000 at-risk newborns calling our NCCU home annually, we remain steadfast in delivering compassionate critical care. The support from commitments like these, toward the Nine Telethon, will drive pioneering, revolutionary, maternal-foetal medicine treatments and innovations through research and new technology.

“This early display of generosity ensures crucial advancements at Mater and opens the door to limitless possibilities on April 6.”

Managing Director for Nine Queensland and Northern New South Wales, Kylie Blucher, said: “Year after year, the Nine Telethon consistently surpasses our expectations with its remarkable fundraising endeavours and impactful outcomes. As we approach its tenth year, having collectively raised nearly $100 million for Queensland kids and their families, we are anticipating another outstanding telethon.

“It’s an event that brings Queenslanders together in mutual support, and I eagerly anticipate experiencing that genuine, collective spirit once again as we rally around these resilient little fighters.”

Support Queensland’s littlest lives by making a donation at www.9telethon.com.au.

#9telethon
Follow @9NewsQueensland on Instagram and Facebook
Follow and @MaterQld on Instagram and Facebook 
Follow @MaterLittleMiracles on Facebook

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

Tuesday, January 30, 2024

Brands are continuing to fall in love with Australia’s favourite social experiment, Married at First Sight, with some of the country’s most well-known companies headlining the major new sponsors for the 11th season which began last night on Channel 9 and 9Now. 

As MAFS continues to be a powerhouse that captivates the nation, with last night’s premiere attracting a national reach of nearly 2.5 million viewers, brands are choosing to kick the new year off with high impact creative sponsorships throughout the series. 

With a total of 10 new sponsors for this year’s season, brands are tapping into the power of MAFS to connect with more Australians than any other television program, resulting in high levels of consumer engagement. 

Uber will promote their Uber One campaign, with integration including Uber Ride and Uber Eats throughout the season, while HBF – working with Nine’s creative solution division Powered Studios – will launch an integrated TVC featuring the HBF quokkas sneaking into a MAFS Commitment Ceremony.  

With MAFS providing new opportunities for brand integration, online store Snaffle will amplify its ‘strut’ tagline by sponsoring Viewer Polls that appear as participants strut into Dinner Parties, as well as a social series featuring the best ‘struts’ of the week. 

Snooze, Chemist Warehouse and Cocobella will have key billboard placement, while Chery is the official car supplier; Simon Curwood Jewellers is the official ring supplier/jeweller and Shark Beauty Australia will supply their FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System. 

In 2024, MAFS will bring a fresh take on the series with one of the most diverse cast of brides and grooms, a more age diverse mix including our oldest ever participant, and a same sex couple. Together, these loveable, relatable, everyday couples will bare their souls in the name of love. 

Returning sponsors include KFC, which is in its 8th year of sponsoring MAFS, alongside Nestle and Stan. 

Sarah Stewart, Powered’s Director of Content Partnerships and Client Experience, said: “It is fantastic to again see so many brands align with MAFS and further extend their sponsorships through wonderfully clever, bespoke TVC’s which will feature within the series. This heeds the vast amount of brand studies conducted by Gemba for our valued partners that ‘TVC’s tailored to align with a sponsorship deliver higher levels of engagement and brand recall’.” 

Married at First Sight screens Sundays at 7pm, and Mon-Wed at 7.30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.

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

Tuesday, January 30, 2024

It’s time to say goodbye to all that household clutter and stress when Space Invaders returns for its most uplifting series yet, Saturday, February 3, at 7.30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.

Our team of remarkable, passionate Space Invaders will empower you with the tools to tackle the things that are weighing you down as they help everyday families escape their clutter nightmares and lighten their homes and their hearts with a fourth season of this inspirational program.

Join declutter guru Peter Walsh, renovation queen Cherie Barber and obsessive collector Angie Kent as they use their skills, compassion and good humour to guide struggling Aussies through a life-changing journey with amazing renovations and unbelievable transformations.

Learn how to change your mindset around possessions and take action to feel happier than ever when our Space Invaders share decluttering tips and tricks that can improve all our lives.

Peter tackles the physical and emotional baggage that has overtaken homes and strained relationships, and empowers families to “let go” and live the life they deserve clutter-free, and with more clarity.

Cherie takes on the biggest renovations yet, creating spectacular spaces that leave the homeowners gobsmacked. Angie then surprises each family by uncovering their hidden treasures and the stories behind them.

The extraordinary work of our team of home helpers will leave overwhelmed families overjoyed and speechless, as they take home improvement to a breathtaking new level and show how less really can be more.

Space Invaders is produced by WTFN for the 9Network.

SPACE INVADERS
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3, AT 7.30PM ON CHANNEL 9 AND 9NOW

#SpaceInvadersTV
FOLLOW @SpaceInvadersTV on Facebook and Instagram Stream for free on 9NOW

For further information, please contact:
Madison Long
9Network Publicity
madison.long@nine.com.au

Monday, January 29, 2024

Australian broadcasting legend Ray Hadley has been honoured at the 52nd Golden Guitar Awards with the special Country Music Capital Award for his passionate and sustained support and promotion of Australian country music. 

This is one of only a handful of times the Country Music Capital Award has been handed out since its inception at the Golden Guitars in 1977. It is a significant honour that recognises individuals who are not singers, musicians, composers, or music producers (and therefore not covered by the regular criteria for the Awards), but who’ve made a long-term, outstanding contribution to the country music industry. 

Throughout his career, Hadley has been a major supporter of the Australian country music industry, convincing station management the Country Music Countdown deserved to be heard on capital city radio. Hadley has now presented 533 editions of the Country Music Countdown program across the country, providing an invaluable platform to both emerging and established country music artists. The show continues to be the number one rating radio program on Sydney radio each week. 

Ray also uses his number one Mornings program, The Ray Hadley Morning Show, on 2GB to promote Australian country music.

On receiving the Country Music Capital Award, Ray Hadley said: “It was a wonderful surprise and I was very humbled by the Toyota Golden Guitars decision to acknowledge my contribution to Australian country music.”

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

Monday, January 29, 2024

LIVE AND FREE ON THE 9NETWORK
SUNDAY, JANUARY 28 FROM 6.30PM AEDT

A new Australian Open champion will be crowned when Jannik Sinner (4) and Daniil Medvedev (3) face off in the 2024 Australian Open Men’s Singles final, live and free on Channel 9HD and 9Now, tomorrow – Sunday, January 28 from 6.30pm AEDT.

A sign that the new wave has arrived, 22 year old Sinner is the youngest men’s finalist at the Aus Open since Novak Djokovic in 2008. The Italian has been in scintillating form, only dropping his first set to Djokovic in a tie breaker during their semi final.

However Sinner will have to contend with the Slim Reaper – Daniil Medvedev, who is out to avenge losses in his two Australian Open final appearances in 2021 and 2022.

Medvedev has been forced to battle hard in his finals journey, playing consecutive five set thrillers including an emphatic win from two sets down in his semi final.

In commentary on Nine’s Wide World of Sports is Jim Courier, John McEnroe, Jelena Dokic, Todd Woodbridge, Lleyton Hewitt, Sam Stosur, John Millman, Dylan Alcott, Casey Dellacqua, Alicia Molik and Brenton Speed. Alongside hosts James Bracey and Tony Jones.

The final edition of The Morning Serve will wrap up a huge AO24 with some laughs and a recap of the tournament from 2.00pm AEDT featuring the whole commentary team, followed by the women’s doubles final at 3.00pm AEDT.

Day Session
3.00pm AEDT

HSIEH (TPE)/MERTENS (BEL) [2] v KICHENOK (UKR)/OSTAPENKO (LAT) [11]

Night Session
Pre-show from 6.30pm AEDT

DANIIL MEDVEDEV [3] v JANNIK SINNER (ITA) [4]

STREAM THE AO24 MEN’S SINGLES FINAL LIVE AND FREE ON 9NOW

Saturday, January 27, 2024

LIVE AND FREE ON THE 9NETWORK
SATURDAY, JANUARY 27 FROM 6.30PM AEDT

Aryna Sabalenka and Qenwin Zheng will face off for the Women’s Singles crown, while Australia’s Matt Ebden fights for home glory in the Men’s Doubles final, in a huge Saturday Night at the Australian Open on Channel 9HD or to stream on 9Now.

Available live and free from 6.30pm AEDT, Sabalenka has shown no sign of weakness so far by not losing a single set on her journey to the 2024 final, as she eyes back-to-back Australian Open titles.

Her opponent, the No.12 ranked Zheng, will play her first Grand Slam final and is aiming for an upset with her home nation of China and it’s population of 1.4 billion cheering her on. 

Straight after the 2024 women’s singles champion is crowned, Australia’s Matt Ebden will team up with Rohan Bopanna in the Men’s Doubles final in the hope of making it a hat-trick of Aussie Men’s doubles champions at the Australian Open.

In commentary on Nine’s Wide World of Sports is Jim Courier, John McEnroe, Jelena Dokic, Todd Woodbridge, Dylan Alcott, Lleyton Hewitt, Sam Stosur, Casey Dellacqua, Sam Smith, John Millman, Alicia Molik and Brenton Speed. Alongside hosts James Bracey and Tony Jones.

Night Session
Pre-show from 6.30pm AEDT

	AYRNA SABALENKA [2] v QENWIN ZHENG (CHN) [12]
	EBDEN (AUS)/BOPANNA (IND) [2] v BOLELLI (ITA)/VAVASSORI (ITA)

STREAM EVERY AO24 MATCH LIVE AND FREE ON 9NOW

Friday, January 26, 2024

LIVE AND FREE ON THE 9NETWORK
FRIDAY, JANUARY 26

It all comes down to the fight between four on Friday when the Men’s Singles semi finals head up Day 13 of the Australian Open, live and free on Channel 9HD or to stream on 9Now.

The king of Melbourne Park, Novak Djokovic, is first up in the Day Session from 12.00pm AEDT when he faces heavy-hitting Italian world No.4 Jannik Sinner.  

Under lights on Rod Laver Arena from 7.00pm AEDT is world No.3 Daniil Medvedev, who is on the hunt for his second Australian Open final appearance. However Germany’s Alexander Zverev will be standing in his way, fresh from an impressive display against Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter finals.

In commentary on Nine’s Wide World of Sports is Jim Courier, John McEnroe, Jelena Dokic, Todd Woodbridge, Dylan Alcott, Lleyton Hewitt, Sam Stosur, Casey Dellacqua, Sam Smith, John Millman, Alicia Molik and Brenton Speed. Alongside hosts James Bracey, Roz Kelly and Tony Jones.

Day Session
Begins 12.00pm AEDT

	HSIEH (TPE)/ZIELINSKI (POL) [3] v KRAWCZYK (USA)/SKUPSKI (GBR) [2]
	NOVAK DJOKOVIC (SRB) [1] v JANNIK SINNER (ITA) [4]

Night Session
Begins 7.00pm AEDT

DANIIL MEDVEDEV [3] v ALEXANDER ZVEREV (GER) [6]

STREAM EVERY AO24 MATCH LIVE AND FREE ON 9NOW

Thursday, January 25, 2024