Rafael Nadal’s Aussie tennis summer will begin in the blockbuster Brisbane International, live and free on the 9Network from December 31 to January 7.
Nine Grand Slam champions will line up in one of the strongest fields the tournament has ever seen when Nadal features alongside Naomi Osaka, Andy Murray, Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina, Jelena Ostapenko, Victoria Azarenka, Sofia Kenin and Sloane Stephens.
Four men ranked in the top 20 will also appear, with world No.8 Holger Rune, world No.14 Grigor Dimitrov, world No.17 Ben Shelton, world No.20 Ugo Humbert, plus giant slayer Sebastian Korda.
In the women’s draw, Naomi Osaka makes her return after the birth of her daughter, with eight of the world top 20 set to compete, including former world No.1 and three-time Brisbane International champion Karolina Pliskova and world No.12 Madison Keys.
Flying the Aussie flag will be Alexei Popyrin, Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson in the men’s singles competition, along with Queensland’s Kimberly Birrell.
Nine’s Wide World of Sports tennis expert, Jelena Dokic, said: “With Rafa and Osaka both plotting their Australian Open returns, the eyes of both the sporting and tennis world will be eagerly awaiting the Brisbane International.
“After a long break it will be great to have them back on court again in Australia. They have both played the Brisbane International before and they’re former Australian Open champions, so they like our conditions.
“Expect some jaw-dropping matches and don’t be surprised to see our emerging Aussies lift on home soil for some underdog wins.”
Live and free coverage on the 9Network or to stream on 9Now will be hosted by Nick McArdle and Brett Phillips.
Featuring in tournament commentary will be Nine’s Jelena Dokic, Peter Psaltis, Tom Rehn and Wally Masur.
Broadcast Schedule
BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL LIVE AND FREE ON THE 9NETWORK STREAM EVERY MATCH FREE IN HD ON 9NOW
Wide World of Sports will open the summer of tennis with a flavour of national pride when the United Cup begins on December 29, live and free on the 9Network.
Unifying men’s and women’s play, this mixed-teams event will consist of one men’s singles match, one women’s singles match, and a mixed doubles match in each tie.
In 18 competing nations, the best players in the world will descend on Sydney and Perth for the tournament to begin their Australian Open preparation, with $10 million in prizemoney on the line.
Perth will host the men’s and women’s world No.1 players, Novak Djokovic (Serbia) and Iga Swiatek (Poland), and big-name Americans Taylor Fritz and Jess Pegula. The Aussie charge will feature Alja Tomljanovic, Storm Hunter, Alex de Minaur and John Millman.
In Sydney, Greece duo Stefanos Tsitsipas and Maria Sakkari will headline alongside France’s Caroline Garcia, Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime, plus Germany’s Alexander Zverev and Angelique Kerber. The finals for both sides of the draw will be played in the harbour city.
Nine’s Wide World of Sports tennis expert, Jelena Dokic, said: “There is no event that combines men’s and women’s tennis like the United Cup. Being the first major tournament of the summer, it’s alway exciting and the mixed format gives us lots of different scenarios that we don’t get in the season.
“The players love this format because you play for your country and your team. They sit on the side of the court with their teammates and it brings communication between them into the game.
“One other thing I like is that the top players don’t usually play doubles because of their busy schedules during tournaments, but here they have to for their nation to progress. This means we may see world number ones against each other, like Djokovic playing Świątek.
“The ties will come down to the mixed games, which will be incredible to watch. That’s what I‘m looking forward to the most and the fans and commentators will love it. You won’t see these games anywhere else in the world.”
The tournament commentary line up will feature Casey Dellacqua, Sam Smith, Mark Philippoussis and Wally Masur for Sydney, while Nine’s Jim Courier, Jelena Dokic and Todd Woodbridge will dissect the action in Perth.
The 9Network’s Live and free coverage will be hosted by James Bracey, Roz Kelly and Emma Lawrence across Channel 9HD and 9GemHD, with every match streamed on 9Now.
Broadcast Schedule
STREAM THE UNITED CUP LIVE AND FREE ON 9NOW
UNITED CUP: DECEMBER 29 TO JANUARY 7 LIVE AND FREE ON THE 9NETWORK STREAM EVERY MATCH FREE ON 9NOW
The release of GfK Survey 8 results today shows that 3AW is once again the undisputed dominant radio station in Melbourne.
With a market-leading share of 13.6, 3AW is streaks ahead of the competition and more than double the share of its nearest talk rival.
This is 3AW’s 75th consecutive survey win.
Every week, 812,000 Melburnians tune into 3AW’s award-winning mix of live and local talk radio.
3AW is also the outright No.1 in live audio streaming with a 29.2 share of the commercial streaming audience.
Ross and Russ continue their commanding lead in the Breakfast slot, posting an impressive 19.0 share. The duo also attracted a massive streaming audience with an incredible 49.0 share of the commercial streaming audience.
In his last ever survey in the Mornings slot, Neil Mitchell was well in front of all opposition, with a share of 16.0 (up 0.5 points on survey 7) and a commercial streaming share of 29.0.
Tony Moclair is the No.1 Afternoon talk program with a share of 10.3 (up 0.4 points on survey 7).
Tom Elliott remains Melbourne’s No.1 Drive talk program with a share of 11.1. Tom will move to the Mornings slot in 2024, while Jacqui Felgate will host Drive.
Denis Walter is once again Melbourne’s No. 1 Evening program with a share of 13.5.
Stephen Beers, 3AW Station Manager, said: “Survey 8 caps off another dominant year for 3AW, winning all 8 surveys in 2023. Led by Ross Stevenson and Russel Howcroft in Breakfast – almost double their nearest competitor. Neil Mitchell celebrated 34 years in Mornings, winning every survey of the year. He leaves the Mornings slot with 222 survey wins. We thank our loyal audience for again making 3AW Melbourne’s favourite radio station.”
2GB is Sydney’s definitive No.1 in total radio and streaming in 2023, posting a 12.1 radio share and 28.3 commercial streaming share, in Gfk Survey 8 released today.
Ben Fordham Live recorded 16.0 radio share in Breakfast and the show’s highest cume of the year – and highest Survey 8 cume on record – and Ray Hadley eclipsed the competition with his 154th consecutive survey win, posting a 14.1 share in Mornings.
Luke Davis, 2GB Content Manager, said: “Whether it’s the heavier news stories or the lighter moments that make us smile, talk radio remains as important as ever and right throughout 2023, Sydney has turned to 2GB in the moments that matter.
“After another big news year, with a change in NSW state government, the Voice referendum, significant international conflict and ongoing cost-of-living concerns, today’s results solidify the fact that 2GB remains an indelible part of the lives of Sydneysiders and will continue to be as we head into 2024.”
Further results from Gfk Survey 8 in Sydney:
Afternoons with Deborah Knight recorded a share of 7.2 (up 0.5) (Mon-Fri 12-3pm).
Drive with Chris O’Keefe recorded a share of 8.2 (up 0.6) (Mon-Fri 3-6pm).
Money News with Scott Haywood recorded a share of 8.3 (Mon-Thurs 7-8pm).
Nights with John Stanleyremains the clear No.1 with a share of 20.5 (Mon-Thurs 8pm-12am, Fri 7-11pm).
Overnights with Luke Grant is No.1 with 21.5 – more than 10 points ahead of nearest rival (Mon-Fri 12-5:30am).
Weekends with Michael McLaren is No.1 across both Saturday and Sunday, with an overall share of 12.3 (Sat-Sun 9am-1pm).
Nine’s talk stations 2GB and 3AW have ended the year on top as the undisputed No.1 stations in Sydney and Melbourne, with a share of 12.1 and 13.6 respectively in Gfk Survey 8.
In Sydney, Breakfast at 2GB with Ben Fordham Live recorded 16.0 and the show’s highest cume of the year – and highest Survey 8 cume on record – and Ray Hadley eclipsed the competition with his 154th consecutive survey win, posting a 14.1 share in Mornings.
3AW’s Ross and Russ once again dominated the Melbourne breakfast slot, posting 19.0, and legendary broadcaster Neil Mitchell concluded his illustrious role at 3AW Mornings as the irrefutable No.1 with 16.0.
Nine Radio’s Head of Content, Greg Byrnes, said: “Talk radio is relentless, it never stops, so to end the year with the clear number one stations in Sydney and Melbourne is well deserved recognition of our live and local content strategy.
“Our unique mix of trusted legacy hosts and fresh new voices means we continue to evolve and are in a powerful position heading into 2024. Our commitment to delivering honest news, opinion and entertainment will never waiver and we thank the two million plus listeners who join our conversations every week.”
COMMERCIAL RADIO SHARE
TOTAL RADIO CUME
15 (4 markets)
1.962 million listeners each week
STREAMING
Nine Radio is the definitive No.1 in live audio streaming and No.1 streaming in most key shifts – including Breakfast and Mornings – across the country.
3AW and 2GB are No.1 in overall commercial streaming, with a 29.2 and 28.3 commercial share respectively, as well as across all main standard sessions.
Ross and Russ recorded an astronomical 49.0 commercial streaming share in Breakfast at 3AW, and Ben Fordham was also miles ahead of the competition in Breakfast at 2GB with a commercial streaming share of 44.9.
Mornings at 3AW and 2GB also recorded a No.1 commercial streaming share with 29.0 and 33.8, respectively.
Greg Byrnes, said: “This year’s introduction of Radio360 has highlighted talk radio’s stranglehold on the streaming market. The data shows we have a huge audience in a digital environment, often with double the share of our competitors.
“Across the country our live and local talk content sets the benchmark and in 2024 there will be no better way to listen than via a connected device.”
COMMERCIAL STREAMING SHARE
STREAMING CUME
29.2
367,000
PODCASTS
The Nine Podcast Network has ended the year with 42.5 million downloads and over 14.4 million listeners tuning in to our premium, locally produced podcasts (Jan-Nov 2023) representing a 27% growth in listeners YoY.
Ben Fordham Live held the crown as the most listened to podcast in the Nine Podcast Network with over 1.64 million listeners tuning in to his podcast (+138% YoY), followed by other catch up radio podcasts including 3AW Mornings with Neil Mitchell, which reached over 870K listeners (+55% YoY), 3AW Breakfast with Ross and Russ’s 780K listeners (+77% YoY) and the Ray Hadley Morning Show reaching over 600K listeners throughout the year.
Head of 9Podcasts, Mia Stern said: “The power of podcasts is the listeners’ connection to the host, and the strength of the connection and loyalty listeners have to Nine Radio hosts is unrivalled. As podcasts continue to play a bigger role in the daily habit of Australians, our listeners are tuning in to more shows, more often, on more devices.”
This Christmas Eve Australian music icon Paul Kelly will make his debut, as well as Award-winning music phenomenon G Flip, at Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight presented by AAMI, hosted by David Campbell and Sarah Abo live from the Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Sunday, December 24, at 8.00pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.
Having won 17 ARIA Awards and been inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 1997, Kelly will light up the stage as he performs his classic Christmas track, How to Make Gravy.
LA-based music phenomenon G Flip made waves this year around the world with the release of the DRUMMER album that topped the ARIA charts and was nominated for album of the year and best rock album at the ARIA Awards. G Flip also took home awards for best live act and best video, and will electrify the audience at the Music Bowl.
And viewers can also expect spectacular performances from a show-stopper lineup featuring:
Star of the hit TV series Nashville, Clare Bowen, with her husband Brandon Robert Young, as the duo BOWEN * YOUNG with Timothy James Bowen
Modern soul artist, Wils’n
Sheridan Adams and Courtney Monsma, who play lead roles in Wicked The Musical
The talented Virginia Gay
Australian world music star Mitch Tambo
2023 ARIA Award winner Emma Memma
The cast of Grease The Musical, including the legendary Marcia Hines, Patti Newton and Jay Laga’aia
Beloved Thndo, returning with fellow cast member of RENT: The musical, Calista Nelmes
The wonderful Casey Donovan
Irish-born Australian performer Bobby Fox
Australian singer-songwriter and actress Bonnie Anderson
Indigenous singer-songwriter Jess Hitchcock
The casts of the top musical productions GroundHog Day, Miss Saigon and A Christmas Carol
AAMI ambassador and Vision Australia client Lara Nakhle
Our talented host, David Campbell
Nine’s beloved Carols family: including David Hobson, Marina Prior, Silvie Paladino and Denis Walter, as well as a special performance from Simon Gleeson and his daughter Molly.
And a special appearance from Santa Claus himself, straight from the North Pole
Musical director and maestro John Foreman OAM, assisted by Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight choirmaster Doug Heywood OAM, will once again guide our musicians.
The Australian Girls Choir, the National Boys Choir and Melbourne Gospel Choir will also return with performances.
Carols by Candlelight is Vision Australia’s biggest annual fundraiser for children’s services, with 100 per cent of profits from ticket sales going directly towards supporting close to 2000 families whose children are blind or have low vision. Tickets to the Sidney Myer Music Bowl are on sale now and can be purchased via www.carolsbycandlelight.com.au
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, LIVE AT 8.00PM ON CHANNEL 9 & 9NOW
@Channel9 @carolsbycandlelight_aus #CarolsByCandlelight To make a donation to Vision Australia visit www.givetocarols.com
For further information, please contact: Madison Long 9Network Publicity madison.long@nine.com.au
A wild ride comes to an end after seven weeks of different eras, dramas, tears, challenges and surprises with Tyra and Kale crowned the winners of Love Island Australia 2023.
It is no surprise viewers stayed loyal to Tyra and Kale. Making his return to the Villa for Tyra after being dumped, their fairytale story had the audience melting and they were voted the favourite couple of the series over the other finalists, Lucinda and Zac and Savanah and Clint.
Host Sophie Monk said: “This has been one of the best seasons of Love Island Australia yet. I’ve laughed out loud and actually cried. It’s so entertainingly beautiful, there’s heartfelt moments, and it’s so relatable. I feel like I’m learning life lessons from this season, and I’ve seen A LOT in my lifetime.”
Tyra, 23, from the Sunshine Coast, said: “Kale is everything I could ever ask for in a partner and more. The most kind and considerate man I’ve ever met. We’ve got so many plans, kicking it all off with a trip over to Perth to meet Kale’s family. I am stoked.”
Kale, 25, originally from Perth, living on the Gold Coast, said: “I couldn’t be more excited for what’s next for me and the future with Tyra. We have so many exciting things coming up already. It’s amazing how bubbly and uplifting her presence is, she can light up a room with one smile.”
In previous years the winning couple were handed an envelope each, one containing $50,000 and the other nothing, determining who was in it for love or money if they decided to split the cash with their partner or not.
This year there was a change, earlier in the season the top four couples were made a life-changing offer as individuals, testing who was in it for love or money if they took $20,000 from Sophie and left the luxury Villa in Spain immediately. They all turned down the cash and chose love, and additionally for Tyra and Kale, they are riding off into the sunset with an equal share of the winning cash prize of $50,000.
After premiering on October 30, the four night-a-week series – with exclusive access on 9Now – continues to stream as a top program on catch-up against all broadcasters. Season to date, Love Island Australia 2023 has recorded an average VOD BVOD audience of 314,000, and 518M VOD minutes.
Love Island Australia is produced by ITV Studios Australia for the 9Network.
LOVE ISLAND AUSTRALIA 2023 WINNER IMAGES HERE GRAND FINALE EPISODIC IMAGES HERE FINAL 3 COUPLES IMAGES HERE
#LoveIslandAU LIKE Love Island Australia on Facebook FOLLOW @LoveIslandAU on Instagram and Twitter
STREAM EVERY EPISODE OF LOVE ISLAND AUSTRALIA FOR FREE ON 9NOW
Source: OzTAM VOD VPM, Love Island Australia, Rolling Cume, 30/10/2023 – 17/12/2023, includes co-viewing on connected TV devices.
For further information, please contact: Madison Long 9Network Publicity madison.long@nine.com.au
2GB Sydney’s fundraising campaign, The Vinnies Christmas Radiothon, has raised over $170,000 to support local families doing it tough this Christmas.
More than 500 donors – including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman – contributed to the all-day on-air campaign on Friday, 15th December.
Individual and business donations ranged from $5 up to a $20,000 contribution.
2GB Content Manager, Luke Davis, said: “Last year’s Radiothon was such an uplifting day for our listeners and staff, so the 2GB family jumped at the chance to partner with Vinnies for our second annual Christmas Radiothon.”
“On a daily basis, our listeners remind us how tough it is for everyday Australians to make ends meet. The fact that our listeners and generous donors were able to dip into their pockets to help those less fortunate, particularly at this time of year, speaks volumes to their character. We were blown away by the generosity of so many. $170,000 will make a significant and very real difference to the lives of many this Christmas.”
CEO of the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW, Yolanda Saiz, said: “2GB has done an outstanding job helping the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW raise more than $170,000 as part of our Christmas Appeal. We’re overwhelmed by the generosity of the 2GB listeners who have come together to raise funds for families and individuals who need extra support during the festive season. The money raised will help us provide assistance to the many people experiencing disadvantage including homelessness, domestic violence and poverty throughout the state.”
“On behalf of the Society, I would like to thank 2GB for their ongoing support throughout the year and particularly with organising the radiothon. I’d also like to thank the hosts on the day who helped us achieve this fantastic result.”
If you missed any of the action, you can catch up on the best bits from the 2GB Vinnies Christmas Radiothon via the Radiothon blog, and donate to the appeal here.
For further information, please contact: Caitlin Lynch Senior Communications Manager, Nine clynch@nine.com.au
Respected broadcaster Luke Grant will step into a new role at 2GB in 2024, taking the helm of 2GB Weekend Mornings.
Grant takes over the shift from Michael McLaren, who was recently announced as the host of 2GB Afternoons from Monday 15 January 2024.
Luke Granthas built a loyal following off the back of a broadcasting career stretching more than 30 years. Most recently, he has hosted the top-rating Overnights program on 2GB and 4BC, while being the regular fill-in host on The Ray Hadley Morning Show.
Grant said: “The news cycle has no respect for weekends – there are new issues to cover and opinions to share every day of the week, so being able to do that with our 2GB listeners on Saturdays and Sundays is something I’m really looking forward to. I am going to miss my Overnights audience, but a new challenge awaits. Bring it on!”
2GB Content Manager, Luke Davis said: “For many years, Weekend Mornings on 2GB has been appointment listening. That tradition will continue into 2024 with Luke Grant, who has proven himself as one of Australia’s most popular and versatile radio broadcasters.
“Luke has an incredible ability to inform, entertain and surprise. From breaking news, to lighter entertainment and sometimes absolute irreverence, Luke is a master of his craft. He will make Saturday and Sunday mornings his own and will bring all the news, and a smile or two, to our loyal weekend listeners.”
2GB Weekend Mornings with Luke Grant will premiere on Saturday 13 January 2024 from 9.00am-1.00pm.
For further information, please contact: Caitlin Lynch Senior Communications Manager, Nine clynch@nine.com.au
Pedestrian Group and Suntory BOSS Coffee have announced the return of the iconic street press magazine, VICE Magazine Australia. VICE was first launched as a magazine in the mid-90s and has since been published, in print, around the world. A combination of journalism, photo essays, and culture – the cult magazine is the founding component of the notorious VICE media brand.
To celebrate Suntory BOSS Coffee’s 31 years of craftsmanship, the 5,000 copy, special-edition print run of the magazine explores craft forms from every corner – from breaking in ballet shoes and late night kebab artistry, to punk puppeteers and food fermentation. Dubbed “The Crafted Issue”, the print magazine offers Gen Z readers the original VICE experience, with photography from Oliver Wensing, Seiya Taguchi and Sly Morikawa, and articles written by the VICE AU/NZ editorial team. The art direction of the magazine takes inspiration from past Y2K editions, leaning heavily into street photography and photo essays to reveal raw and candid ‘behind the scenes’ moments with featured talent like fashion designer Akira Isogawa, hair stylist Yuta Hoshi and artist Jade Kenji.
Brad Esposito, VICEAU/NZ’s head of editorial, said: “It’s been an ambition of the entire VICE team to bring the magazine back since we relaunched in Australia two years ago. Print is, after all, the origin story of VICE.
Since that first magazine was published more than 20 years ago, VICE has gone on to make award-winning documentaries and write about everything with our distinct point-of-view and tone, but the magazine is what people remember from a golden age of publishing. We’re all thrilled to be re-introducing it, in a way that looks modern and fresh while also honouring the old school VICE aesthetic.”
Josh Wheeler, Head of Energy and Transformation at Frucor Suntory Oceania said: “Suntory BOSS Coffee delivers an extraordinary coffee experience in every can, blending craftsmanship and artistry. Savouring a cup of Suntory BOSS Coffee is not just a sip, but an immersion into a world where culture and craftsmanship converge.
Our partnership with VICE amplifies this commitment, by showcasing the beauty of diverse art and stories, all while honouring the creators and their visionary perspectives. Suntory Boss Coffee is more than just coffee; it’s a journey through Japanese culture and craftsmanship, which we hope to amplify through this limited-edition issue of the magazine.”
The 80-plus page publication will be available to pick-up for free from December 18 in various retail stores, bars and live music venues across Sydney and Melbourne.
About Pedestrian Group: Pedestrian Group is home to PEDESTRIAN.TV, Pedestrian Television, The Chainsaw, VICE Australia, Refinery29 Australia, Lifehacker Australia, Gizmodo Australia, and Kotaku Australia, as well as the Openair Cinemas. It is wholly owned by Nine, Australia’s largest media company.
About VICE: Launched in 1994, VICE has offices across 25 countries across the globe with a focus on five key businesses: VICE.com, an award-winning international network of digital content; VICE STUDIOS, a feature film and television production studio; VICE TV, an Emmy-winning international television network; a Peabody award-winning NEWS division with the most Emmy-awarded nightly news broadcast; and VIRTUE, a global, full-service creative agency.
