Archives: Media Releases

3AW has launched into the Olympic and Paralympic year as Melbourne’s undisputed market leading radio station.

The release of GfK Survey 1 results today reveal that 3AW has a commanding audience share of 14.5 – up 0.9 on Survey 8 of 2023.

Each week 744,000 Melburnians tune into 3AW’s winning mix of live and local talk radio. 

3AW is also clear No.1 in live audio streaming with more than a third of the commercial streaming audience.

Ross and Russ have started 2024 in top form, recording  an impressive 20.3 – up 1.3 on the previous survey and 8.8 points ahead of their nearest competition. The duo also attracted a massive 48.6 share of the commercial streaming audience. 

In his first survey in the Mornings slot, Tom Elliott was a comprehensive No. 1 with a share of 16.9 (up 0.9 points on Survey 8 2023) and a commercial streaming share of 36.9 (up 7.9).

Tony Moclair is the No.1 Afternoon talk program with a share of 10.9 (up 0.6 points on Survey 8 2023) and a market-leading commercial streaming share of 24.1.

Jacqui Felgate’s new program is Melbourne’s No.1 Drive talk program with a share of 8.6. Each week, 342,000 people are tuning into Jacqui’s fresh perspectives and news-breaking agenda.

Denis Walter maintains his dominance as Melbourne’s No. 1 Evening program with a share of 22.8 – up a massive 9.3 share points on Survey 8 2023. 

Stephen Beers, 3AW Station Manager, said: “We’re delighted with the strong start at 3AW for 2024. It’s clear the fresh lineup is resonating with Melburnians and we’re looking forward to another market-leading year ahead.”

“The footy is back, with the best commentary team in the game, and we’re gearing up for all the action from the Olympic and Paralympic Games from July. Every Aussie medal, you’ll hear it live from Paris on 3AW.”

Source: GfK Radio360 Ratings, 3AW Melbourne Survey 1 2024, Mon-Sun 5.30am-12MN, Mon-Fri 5.30am-8.30am, Mon-Fri 8.30am-12pm, Mon-Fri 12pm-3pm, Mon-Fri 3pm-6pm, Mon-Thurs 8pm-12MN & Fri 7pm-12MN, Weekends 5.30am-12MN, Cume (000s), Market Share % Total Radio, Streaming share %, Commercial Share AP10+ , unless otherwise specified. 

For further information, please contact:
Terry Stuart
Senior Communications Manager
tstuart@nine.com.au

Thursday, March 14, 2023

Brisbane’s 4BC has recorded a strong start to 2024 as its live and local content captivates listeners, with an overall share of 6.5 in Gfk Radio360 Survey 1.

4BC’s Laurel, Gary and Mark have lifted their audience as they charm and entertain across the airwaves during Breakfast, posting a share of 7.5 (up 1.1).

Bill McDonald’s new local Morning show recorded its best survey record to date, with an impressive share of 8.7 (up 1.8).

This survey marks six months since 4BC became Brisbane’s only live and local station between 5.30am – 7.00pm weekdays.

Acting 4BC Content Manager, Siobhain McDonnell, said: “Over the past six months, Brisbane has embraced our commitment to live and local programming. Breakfast continues to grow share, and Bill’s new program has undeniably resonated with the 4BC audience. We’re excited to build on that momentum heading into this Olympic and Paralympic year, and lay the foundations as we head towards the excitement of Brisbane 2032.

“Our listeners are passionate about what matters most to Brisbane, and we’re immensely grateful to the 4BC audience for their support.”

4BC’s Breakfast with Laurel, Gary and Mark, Mornings with Bill McDonald, Afternoons with Sofie Formica and Drive with Peter Gleeson, supported by Wide World of Sport with Peter Psaltis and Weekends with Peter Fegan, consistently deliver Brisbane’s best and most comprehensive live and local programming, leading to continued audience growth across the station.

Source: GfK Radio360 Ratings, 4BC Brisbane Survey 1 2024, Mon-Fri 5.30am-9am, Mon-Fri 9am-12pm, Mon-Fri 12pm-3pm, Mon-Fri 3pm-6pm, Mon-Fri 6pm-7pm, Market Share % Total Radio, Streaming share % AP10+

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

Thursday, March 14, 2023

Sydney’s 2GB has started the Olympic and Paralympic year strong as the undisputed No.1 in radio and commercial streaming, with a share of 12.7 (up 0.6) and 30.5 respectively. 

Ben Fordham Live recorded a gold medal performance as No.1 in Breakfast, with a share of 16.6 (up 0.6), while in commercial streaming 2GB Breakfast posted an incredible 35.4 share, reinforcing the power of live and local content across all devices. 

Celebrating one of the longest winning streaks in history, Ray Hadley has notched up an outstanding 155 consecutive survey wins, to be No.1 in Mornings with a radio share of 14.1, and 33.3 in commercial streaming.  

2GB Content Manager, Luke Davis, said: “Today’s results emphatically show that 2GB has started 2024 as Sydney’s best local station. It’s particularly pleasing to see Ben Fordham on top in Breakfast, while Ray Hadley’s unprecedented run in Mornings continues into another year.”

“Our listener engagement flows right throughout the day, into the night and across the weekend, confirming our position as the go-to destination for live news, sport, opinion and entertainment. 

“As Sydney’s official Olympic and Paralympic broadcaster, 2024 is shaping up to be a massive year of radio on 2GB and we’re excited that listeners are choosing to come with us on the journey.”

Further highlights of Gfk Radio360 Survey 1 in Sydney: 

• Afternoons with Michael McLaren recorded a share of 10.0 (up 2.8) (Mon-Fri 12pm-3pm)
• Drive with Chris O’Keefe recorded a share of 8.0 (Mon-Fri 3pm-6pm)
• Nights with John Stanley remains the clear No.1 with share of 23.3 (almost double his nearest rival) (Mon-Fri 8pm-12am)
• Weekends with Luke Grant posted an overall share of 11.6 (Sat-Sun 9am-1pm)
• The Garden Clinic is No.1 with a share of 18.0 (Sat-Sun 6am-8am)

Source: GfK Radio360 Ratings, 2GB Sydney Survey 1 2024, Mon-Fri 5.30am-9am, Mon-Fri 9am-12pm, Mon-Fri 12pm-3pm, Mon-Fri 3pm-6pm, Mon-Thur 8pm-12MN, Fri 7pm-11pm, Sat-Sun 6am-8am, Sat-Sun 9am-1pm, Market Share % Total Radio, Streaming share % AP10+  

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

Thursday, March 14, 2023

TOTAL RADIO

Nine’s talk stations 2GB and 3AW have started hot out of the gate in 2024, standing on top of the dais in Sydney and Melbourne, with a share of 12.7 (up 0.6) and 14.5 (up 0.9) respectively in Gfk Radio360 Survey 1. 

The stations also dominated the key Breakfast and Morning shifts, with 2GB’s Ben Fordham Live the No.1 overall with a 16.6 share (up 0.6), and The Ray Hadley Morning Show claiming the top spot for a record 155 consecutive surveys in Sydney, with a 14.1 share. 

3AW’s Breakfast with Ross and Russ retained its unbroken No.1 position in Melbourne with a 20.3 share (up 1.3), and Tom Elliott posted a huge debut in Mornings with a 16.9 share (up 0.3). 

Nine Radio’s Head of Content, Greg Byrnes, said: “These are stunning results for 2GB and 3AW. To begin the Olympic and Paralympics year in such a commanding position, particularly in Breakfast and Mornings, sets talk radio up for another year of market dominance.”

“Our always on, live and local content has never been more important and we thank our loyal listeners for making us a part of their lives.”

COMMERCIAL RADIO SHARE	TOTAL RADIO CUME
16.8 (4 markets)	1.876 million listeners each week

STREAMING

Nine Radio is the clear No.1 in live audio streaming across the country, posting a commercial streaming share of 29.7 (up 0.5) with particularly strong numbers in Breakfast and Mornings.  

3AW and 2GB are No.1 in overall commercial streaming, with a 33.5 and 30.5 commercial share respectively, as well as across all main standard sessions. 

Ross and Russ recorded an incredible 48.6 commercial streaming share in Breakfast on 3AW, and Ben Fordham was also miles ahead of the competition with a commercial streaming share of 35.4. 

Mornings at 3AW and 2GB also recorded a No.1 commercial streaming share with 36.9 for Tom Elliott and 33.3 for Ray Hadley, respectively.

Greg Byrnes, said: “Radio360 has highlighted talk radio’s dominance in streaming and today’s figures show our listenership is only getting stronger.

Audiences have embraced our new look line-ups across the country and we look forward to even more people connecting to our content via a digital device.”

COMMERCIAL STREAMING SHARE	STREAMING CUME
29.7	355,000

PODCASTS 

The Nine Podcast Network reached over 1.1 million listeners in February (up 22% MoM), with even more Aussies tuning in to the growing slate of local news, sport, entertainment, investigation and lifestyle podcasts.

Highlights included Breakfast with Ross & Russ jumping a whopping 20 places in the Australian Podcast Ranker to number 66, with a reach of more than 74,000 listeners (up 65% MoM) and Mornings with Tom Elliott continuing to deliver a strong monthly audience of 58,000 listeners. The debut of 3AW’s Drive with Jacqui Felgate on the Australian Podcast Ranker has also shown success, with a loyal and growing monthly audience of 36,000 listeners (up 38% MoM). 

In Sydney, 2GB’s Ben Fordham Live leads Nine’s catch up podcast slate at number 32 on the Australian Podcast Ranker, with over 147,000 monthly podcast listeners (up 22% MoM), and The Ray Hadley Morning Show podcast continues to deliver a strong audience, with more than 64,000 monthly listeners (up 2% MoM).

Nine’s premier news podcasts, Hourly News Bulletin and 9News Podcast delivered a strong audience of 149,000 listeners, demonstrating the public interest in credible daily news updates continues to thrive.

Nine’s Head of Podcasts and Digital Content, Mia Stern said: “The continued growth of our on demand radio podcasts is a testament to the strength of programming across our stations and the robust Total Audio strategy across radio, streaming and podcasts, ensuring listeners can tune in to live and local content wherever and whenever they chose, on any device.”

DOWNLOADS	LISTENERS
2.929 million	1.154 million

Source: GfK Radio360 Ratings, Survey 1 2024, Mon-Sun 5.30am-12MN, Market Share % Total, Market Share Streaming %, Commercial Streaming Share %, Cume (000s) Total and Streaming, 3AW Breakfast Mon-Fri 5.30am-8.30am, 3AW Mornings 8.30am-12pm, AP10+, Nine Radio – 2GB, 3AW, 4BC, 6PR, unless otherwise specified.

Source: Triton Podcast Metrics, January-February 2024, Downloads, Listeners, Nine Entertainment, unless otherwise specified.

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

Thursday, March 14, 2023

Australia’s newest entrepreneur hopefuls, looking to turn their dreams into reality, will put everything on the line in Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars, a brand-new series for the 9Network, premiering Tuesday, March 26, at 7.30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now. 

Breaking into the multi-billion-dollar food and beverage industry can be an impossible feat, unless you’re lucky enough to have some big investors behind you. 

Global culinary superstar and CEO Gordon Ramsay will be pitted against Australian business mogul Janine Allis. With an investment of $250,000 each, they’re on the hunt for Australia’s most exciting and innovative new food and drink ideas to mentor and invest in. 

Contestants will first pitch their concepts hoping to win a place in the competition and their dream investor. With only 14 spots up for grabs, they will need to put their best foot forward to impress Gordon and Janine for the chance to be selected in one of their teams. 

These two teams of driven, ambitious, competitive and creative contestants will then have to fight to survive and compete in various high pressure challenges. The losing team faces an intense grilling from Gordon and Janine where one team member will be eliminated. 

Battling it out for their place to the top, they’ll need to prove they have what it takes across all the essential elements of running a successful business including customer service, marketing, sales, branding and event management. 

The winning entrepreneur from each team will take home a cash prize of $250,000 investment, as well as a one year mentorship program from either Gordon or Janine as their investor. 

Gordon Ramsay said: “This is a competition that highlights the most exciting food and drink ideas in the country, some of which may have never been heard of before. Viewers will see what Australia has in terms of Food Stars, and these businesses are going to surprise you.” 

Janine Allis said: “Australia’s food and beverage businesses are some of the most innovative in the world, and the entrepreneurs behind them have thrown everything they have into it. Food Stars showcases some of these extraordinary concepts and products, and viewers will get to see just what they’re made of. It is one hell of a journey.” 

Who will have the raw ingredients and what it takes to become Australia’s next Food Star? 

This bold and competitive format with Gordon Ramsay, already broadcasting in the UK and US, is produced by Endemol Shine Australia (A Banijay company) and Studio Ramsay Global (a FOX Entertainment company), for the 9Network. 

GORDON RAMSAY’S FOOD STARS
TUESDAY, MARCH 26, AT 7.30PM ON CHANNEL 9 & 9NOW

For further information, please contact:
Christabel Huynh
9Network Publicity
christabel.huynh@nine.com.au 

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Two great magicians, Reece Walsh and Latrell Mitchell, are all set for showtime when they put their scintillating skills on display for the Broncos and the Rabbitohs in Round 2 of NRL on Nine, from 6.30pm AEST on 9GemHD and 7.00pm AEST on Channel 9 HD on Thursday Night Football.

THURSDAY NIGHT: REECE WALSH AND LATRELL MITCHELL 
IN BRONCOS V RABBITOHS
PANTHERS V EELS: BATTLE OF THE WEST ON FRIDAY NIGHT
LIVE AND FREE ON CHANNEL 9HD, STREAM FREE ON 9NOW

Coming live and free on Channel 9HD and 9Now, Walsh and Mitchell will have you out of your seat as they scheme for the first win of the season for their proud clubs. 

Then in the Panthers v Eels battle of Sydney’s West on Friday Night Footy, heroic halfbacks Nathan Cleary and Mitchell Moses take centre stage.

Nine NRL expert commentator, Phil “Gus” Gould, said: “The game is defined by its superstars. The players who move you to the edge of your seat, then bring you to your feet with exhilaration.

“Reece Walsh is ‘Reece Lightning’. The excitement machine of the NRL. When Reece gets the ball, the fans from both teams hold their breath. There is always something happening around him. He’s brilliant.

“Latrell Mitchell: Big, strong, fast and powerful. Latrell believes he can will anything to happen on the football field. For the most part, he generally does.

“Nathan Cleary is the master of control. The ultimate game manager. He’s the closest thing the NRL has to the great NFL quarterbacks. Ice cool under pressure. Never beaten. He brings his team mates to life.

“And Mitchell Moses: A creator. He is a scoreboard ‘influencer’. Kick, pass, run, step, support. He has all the skills. Great vision and awareness and great self-belief. Mitchell makes things happen. He gives opposition coaches sleepless nights.”

For the biggest games every week, Nine’s Wide World of Sports has the best commentary team in the NRL, featuring some of the greatest players ever to step onto a rugby league field.

On Thursday Night Football, the most capped NRL player of all time, Cameron Smith, is joined in the commentary box by Paul “Fatty” Vautin, with fellow Queensland State of Origin legends Johnathan Thurston, Darren Lockyer and Sam Thaiday in tow. 

While for the Panthers v Eels battle of Sydney’s West on Friday Night Football, the Eighth Immortal, Andrew Johns, will provide expert comments alongside “Gus” Gould.

NSW Blues legends Brad Fittler and Paul Gallen join the broadcast from the sideline with Danika Mason, and for the NRL on Nine panel hosted by James Bracey. Viewers also get exclusive access to the ground and in the sheds after the game at BlueBet stadium, Penrith. 

Also this week, Sunday Arvo Footy pits the Manly Sea Eagles against the Sydney Roosters. Two of the best fullbacks in the game, Tom Trbojevic and James Tedesco, will hold the keys to consecutive victories after both teams triumphed in their Las Vegas opening round fixtures, along with crafty halfbacks Daly Cherry-Evans and Sam Walker.

Coverage of this game is live from 2.00pm AEST.
 
BROADCAST SCHEDULE

Thursday, March 14

THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTY – BRISBANE BRONCOS v SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS

Friday, March 15

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTY – PENRITH PANTHERS v PARRAMATTA EELS

Sunday, March 17

WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS – on Channel 9 and 9Now. 
Special guest: Curtis McGrath, Paralympics Paris 2024 co-captain
Sydney 10.00am AEDT, Brisbane 10.00am AEST, Melbourne/Adelaide/Perth from 12.00pm

THE SUNDAY FOOTY SHOW from 11.00am with Billy Slater, Andrew Johns, Brad Fittler and Danika Mason.
Special guest: Cronulla Sharks forward Toby Rudolf.

HOSTPLUS QLD CUP from 2.10pm AEST Redcliffe Dolphins v Norths Devils available on 9Now pop up channel live and free.

SUNDAY ARVO FOOTY – MANLY SEA EAGLES v SYDNEY ROOSTERS

Monday, March 18

100% Footy – 10.00pm on Channel 9HD in Sydney/Brisbane, stream free or catch-up on 9Now.

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

NRL ROUND 2 ON THE 9NETWORK
FROM THURSDAY, MARCH 14, AT 6.30PM AEST
LIVE AND FREE ON 9GEMHD, CHANNEL 9HD AND 9NOW

Tuesday, March 13, 2024

Streaming audiences for Nine’s talk stations are surging in 2024, with new figures revealing 12% annual growth in session starts during February. 

Sydney’s 2GB (up 18%) and Melbourne’s 3AW (up 10%) lead the way for audience growth, with all major shifts sharing the spoils. 

February figures, verified by Triton, show listening across the country grew 17% YoY.

SESSION STARTS	TOTAL LISTENING HOURS
10.97M +12% YoY	11.04M +17% YoY

February highlights include:

• Nine’s talk stations up 17% YoY in total listening hours – audio streaming 
• 2GB up 22% and 3AW up 17% YoY
• Podcast downloads up 19% MoM, with a total of 2.929 Million downloads in February

Nine Radio Head of Content, Greg Byrnes, said: “Our digital audience is surging. Talk radio dominates Radio360 data and these figures show during February, even more Australians connected to our live and local content via a digital device.”

“Across the country the live streaming audience has embraced our line-up changes and we thank listeners for their loyalty. It’s clear talk radio is on track for another year of market dominance.”

Nine’s Director of Sales, Total Audio, Ashley Earnshaw, said: “Nine’s digital audio has had enormous growth, whether that’s across digital streaming or our increasingly diverse Nine podcast network.”

“We bring together this scale of digital listening for brands, through the extension of our Tribes data targeting, across the entire of Nine’s audio ecosystem from our apps, to smart speakers and podcasts.

“Ultimately we now deliver a more impactful and effective way to buy Total Audio at Nine.”

Source: Triton Streaming Metrics, February 1-29 2024, Session Starts, Total Listening Hours (TLH), Nine – 2GB, 3AW, 4BC, 6PR Unless otherwise specified.

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

Monday, March 11, 2024

The Australian leg of NRL Round 1 is ready to explode with three dynamite fixtures available live and free from tonight at 7.30pm AEDT on Channel 9HD and 9Now. 

In commentary exclusively on Nine’s Wide World of Sports will be the Eighth Immortal, Andrew Johns, along with NRL premiership winners Cameron Smith, Billy Slater, Paul Vautin, Brad Fittler, Phil Gould, Johnathan Thurston, Paul Gallen, Darren Lockyer and Sam Thaiday.

Hosts James Bracey and Danika Mason, are joined for the live coverage by commentators Mat Thompson and Peter Psaltis, plus sideline reporters and experts Emma Lawrence, Allana Ferguson and Ruan Sims. 

Kalyn Ponga and the Knights will be out to show the Raiders their epic finals win over the Green Machine last season was no fluke when Thursday Night Footy lights up from Newcastle.

The Penrith Panthers premiership powerhouse begin their season in Friday Night Footy  at AAMI Park in Melbourne, where Grand Final hero Nathan Cleary will be pulling the strings to get their campaign for a fourth consecutive premiership off to a flying start. 

After long injury layoffs, fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen returns for the Storm, itching to make up for lost time and help keep the club’s amazing 23-year Round 1 victory streak alive. However, recent form suits the Panthers, having won five of their last six games against the Storm.

Sunday Arvo Footy is an all-Queensland affair from Suncorp Stadium where the Dolphins will meet the North Queensland Cowboys, with coverage from 3.00pm AEDT/2.00PM AEST.

Blink and you’ll miss Dolphins fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, “The Hammer”, at his electric best, when supercoach Wayne Bennett’s men set out to improve on their impressive debut season in 2023. 

The Cowboys need to atone for missing the finals last season, so expect their gunslinging backline stars Scott Drinkwater, Valentine Holmes and Tom Dearden to fire from the get-go.  

BROADCAST SCHEDULE

Thursday, March 7
THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTY – KNIGHTS v RAIDERS
Sydney (AEDT)         7.30pm LIVE and FREE on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now
Brisbane (AEST)       6.30pm on 9Gem, LIVE and FREE 7.00pm on Channel 9HD, stream on 9Now
Melbourne AEDT       7.30pm LIVE and FREE on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now        
Adelaide                    7.00pm LIVE and FREE on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
Perth                         4.30pm LIVE and FREE on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now

Friday, March 8

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTY – STORM v PANTHERS
Sydney AEDT                  7.30pm LIVE and FREE on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now
Melbourne AEDT             7.30pm LIVE and FREE on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now
Brisbane (AEST)              6.30pm on 9Gem, 7.00pm LIVE and FREE on Channel 9HD, stream on 9Now
Adelaide                           7.00pm LIVE and FREE on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
Perth                                4.30pm LIVE and FREE on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now

Sunday, March 10

WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS – on Channel 9 and 9Now. 
Sydney 10.00am AEDT 
Brisbane 9.00am AEST
Melbourne/Adelaide/Perth from 12.00pm

THE SUNDAY FOOTY SHOW from 11.00am with Billy Slater, Andrew Johns, Brad Fittler and Danika Mason. Special guests are Millie Boyle and Shaun Lane. Plus a feature story with Ryan Papenhuyzen, and the new Andrew Johns segment: Turn It Up.

SUNDAY ARVO FOOTY – DOLPHINS v COWBOYS
Sydney AEDT                  3.00pm LIVE and FREE on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now
Melbourne AEDT             3.00pm LIVE and FREE on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
Brisbane AEST                2.00pm LIVE and FREE on Channel 9HD, stream on 9Now
Adelaide                          2.30pm LIVE and FREE on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now
Perth                               12.00pm LIVE and FREE on 9GemHD, stream free on 9Now

Monday, March 11
100% Footy – stream or catch-up on 9Now, watch on 9Gem.
Phil Gould and Paul Gallen go head to head after the first round of the season with host James Bracey and all the latest scoops from 9News reporter Danny Weidler.

NRL ROUND 1 2024 ON THE 9NETWORK
FROM TONIGHT – THURSDAY, MARCH 7
LIVE AND FREE ON CHANNEL 9HD AND 9NOW

Thursday, March 7, 2024

Fresh off the back of the historic double-header in Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium, Sydney’s 2GB and Brisbane’s 4BC have announced full details of its 2024 season coverage and a star-studded line-up. 

The Continuous Call Team

The Continuous Call Team is back for its 38th consecutive year on air, calling every game live and free on 2GB, 4BC and stations across Australia. Tune in each Friday, Saturday and Sunday to hear from best in the business, including Darryl Brohman, Paul Gallen, Mark ‘Piggy’ Riddell, Josh Morris, Jamie Soward, Allana Ferguson, Boyd Cordner and Mark Gasnier, who are all returning. 

This year Mark Levy will step up as lead-commentator across the season, with Mathew Thompson and Chris Warren also calling games each week. And for the first time, renowned journalist and broadcaster Neil Breen will join the Sunday panel, providing his unique insights into the biggest issues facing the world of Rugby League. 

Legendary caller Ray Hadley will headline the commentary box early in the season, as well as during State of Origin and the NRL Finals series, building on his record-breaking tally of 96 Origin and 34 Grand Final calls.

Wide World of Sports

2GB’s Wide World of Sports will also bring listeners even more coverage in 2024, with the launch of a Sunday night edition that will wrap up each massive weekend of sport. Mark Levy will continue as host, and will be joined each week by NSW Rugby League greats Brad Fittler and Paul Gallen, as well as legendary broadcaster Ken Sutcliffe.

9Podcasts

9Podcasts’ popular original NRL podcasts, The Billy Slater Podcast and Six Tackles with Gus will return in 2024, with both programs available on 9Now or wherever you get your podcasts. The Stories of Origin podcast will also return for a third season in the lead-up to this year’s State of Origin series, reliving some of the greatest rivalries in Origin history. 

Mia Stern, Head of Podcasts, said: “9Podcasts is dedicated to giving rugby league fans even more access to the biggest and best names in the game. Every single week of the 2024 season we will hear from Billy Slater, Gus Gould, Mathew Thompson and Mark Levy as they offer their unique perspectives, insightful commentary, expert analysis and share some of the most captivating stories from the world of rugby league.” 

Luke Davis, 2GB Content Manager, said: “2GB has a great legacy of fun, frivolity and football throughout the NRL season and 2024 is shaping up as our biggest and best year yet, so it’s incredibly fitting that we kick off the season live from the sport and entertainment capital of the world – Las Vegas!”

“2GB boasts an unrivalled team of fan-favourites and some of the most accomplished and respected names in Rugby League. With the huge slate including The Continuous Call Team, Wide World of Sports and our podcast offerings, footy fans will be able to access the best quality news, sport and entertainment content every day of the week, on any device, all season long.”

Siobhain McDonnell, 4BC Content Manager, said: “We eat, live and breathe rugby league here in Queensland and we’re excited to deliver another huge year of NRL coverage on 4BC. Joining the ever entertaining Continuous Call Team, is our live and local Wide World of Sports Coverage anchored by sporting veteran and NRL Commentator Peter Psaltis. 

“Peter is joined weekly by Queensland NRL legends Paul Vautin and Johnathan Thurston and delivers unrivalled access to players and coaches across the entire NRL to truly make 4BC the home of NRL coverage in the Sunshine State.”

Full details of 2GB’s 2024 NRL season coverage are below: 

THE CONTINUOUS CALL TEAM – returns Saturday 2 March 2024
Friday Nights – 7.00pm – 11.00pm (8.00pm game calls)
Saturdays – 1.00pm – 10.00pm – (5.30pm and 7.30pm game calls)
Sundays – 1.00pm – 6.00pm (4.00pm game calls)
LISTEN HERE

2GB’S WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS
Sunday to Friday, 6.00pm – 7.00pm
LISTEN HERE 

THE BILLY SLATER PODCAST – released each Monday
League’s greatest fullback joins Mark Levy each Monday to look back on the round-that-was in Rugby League.
LISTEN HERE

SIX TACKLES WITH GUS PODCAST – released each Wednesday
Mathew Thompson and league legend Phil ‘Gus’ Gould bring you the six biggest issues in Rugby League each week.
LISTEN HERE

STORIES OF ORIGIN PODCAST – new season launching in April.
Mathew Thompson interviews some of the biggest names in Origin history to relive the greatest stories and biggest rivalries.
LISTEN HERE

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

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

With the Easter break historically one of the busiest on our roads, Nine.com.au and Drive today launched a month-long campaign to raise awareness of the importance of defensive driver training courses. 

Too many young drivers are killed or injured on our roads each year. Younger drivers are the most overrepresented group in this tragic statistic with 20% of all driver fatalities in the past five years aged between 17-25 years (source Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics Jan-19 to Jan-24).

Drive and Nine.com.au believe that being a better-trained driver makes you a safer driver, and have launched ‘P-Plate Drive Safe’ with this as the end goal.

The four-week campaign is about raising awareness for further training for our young drivers, sharing stories of those who have been impacted by road tragedy, and encouraging all drivers to take action.

Nationally available Defensive Driver courses are designed to improve the driving knowledge and hands-on skills of all drivers, however awareness is low amongst the community of their presence, benefits and how easy it is to access them. ‘P-Plate Drive Safe’ aims to change that.

Kevin Flynn, Master Trainer at Driver Dynamics says: “The best way to build safer driving behaviours is to influence drivers at a young age, before bad habits set in. There are many young drivers on the roads who may have been taught by parents and adults with old or outdated driving techniques. Defensive driving courses provide the most up-to-date training to better prepare young drivers on today’s roads.”

Drive CEO, Simon Halfhide said: “Inexperienced young drivers involved in road trauma events have such a lifelong impact on too many Australian families, including my own. At Drive, we want more young drivers and their parents to have access to these potentially lifesaving resources, which we know can make a difference. Money and location should not be a barrier to saving lives on the road.”

Nine.com.au Director, Kerri Elstub said: “As the mother of two young men at the beginning of a lifetime of driving, I know first hand how valuable these courses are in setting safe driving behaviours. We want to ensure this training is available and affordable for as many families a possible.” 

Through the impact and reach of the combined assets this campaign will reach more than 10 millions Australian. (Combined deduped number of nine.com.au and Drive,10.699m.)

Source: Ipsos iris Online Audience Measurement Service January 2024, Age 14+, PC/laptop/smartphone/tablet, Text only, Media Plus Report, Audience (000s). Total Brand Group.

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

Tuesday, March 5, 2024