Archives: Media Releases

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

The Age’s journalism has been recognised by the Melbourne Press Club with a record 44 nominations at this year’s Quill Awards for Excellence in Victorian Journalism. 

The masthead, which celebrates its 170th anniversary later this year, dominated the shortlist, with nominations across 22 categories, alongside that of The Sydney Morning Herald and Good Weekend.  

Work by journalists, photographers, artists and designers at the mastheads have been shortlisted, including nominations for The Age’s Nick McKenzie and the Herald’s Kate McClymont in the Graham Perkin Journalist of the Year category.

The Age’s Michael Gleeson and Jake Niall are both finalists for the Harry Gordon Sports Journalist of the Year alongside the Herald’s Tom Decent.

“This list of nominations is a ringing endorsement of The Age’s relentless pursuit of public interest journalism and commitment to providing a truly Victorian perspective on news, sport and life in this state,” said The Age editor Patrick Elligett.

“I’m immensely proud to work with the accomplished nominees, and indeed all the reporters, editors, photographers and others in our newsroom who uphold these commitments every day.”  

Full list of nominations can be found HERE

The 29th Quill Awards for Excellence in Victorian Journalism will be held on Friday, March 15.

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

Monday, March 4, 2024

From the bright lights of the Las Vegas strip, get ready to hit the jackpot for Nine’s 2024 NRL season launch on Channel 9HD and 9Now this Sunday from 3.00pm AEDT.

Superstars of the NRL’s two heavyweight clubs, Reece Walsh, James Tedesco, Adam Reynolds, Joey Manu and Ezra Mam, will have plenty of aces up their sleeves when they run out onto Allegiant Stadium, just weeks after it hosted the NFL’s Superbowl LVIII.

The history-making fixture is not to be missed, and footy fans can enjoy a huge day of footy from 1.00pm, with a special behind-the-scenes look at the epic 2023 NRL Grand Final in the final episode of a special two hour screening of Undisputed, plus live crosses to Las Vegas on the Today Show and the season premiere of the rebranded Sunday sports panel show: Wide World of Sports.

On the sideline in Las Vegas for Nine’s Wide World of Sports will be Johnathan Thurston, Brad Fittler and Danika Mason. 

In commentary is rugby league Immortal Andrew Johns, Queensland Maroons coach Billy Slater and Mat Thompson, while Broncos legend Darren Lockyer joins the panel with host James Bracey.

BROADCAST SCHEDULE

Sydney/Melbourne AEDT      3.00pm LIVE on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now
Brisbane AEST                      2.00pm LIVE on Channel 9HD, stream free on 9Now

SPECIAL SCREENING – UNDISPUTED: PANTHERS 2023 FINALS DOCUMENTARY

Before 2024 season kick-off, Wide World of Sports will exclusively go behind the scenes with the defending champions in Undisputed, Penrith Panthers, reliving their incredible comeback 2023 Grand Final win from with a two hour screening covering their 2023 finals run at 1.00pm AEDT Sunday, when episode 3 of Undisputed is shown on Channel 9HD.

Fans can also stream Undisputed on 9Now. Watch here

LAS VEGAS NRL 2024 SEASON KICK-OFF
SYDNEY ROOSTERS v BRISBANE BRONCOS
SUNDAY, MARCH 3, FROM 3.00PM AEDT
LIVE AND FREE ON CHANNEL 9HD AND 9NOW

Thursday, February 29, 2024

NRL on Nine is in a league of its own. With the 2024 Telstra NRL Premiership season kicking off this weekend, brands have more league to leverage across Nine’s unrivalled Total TV, Total Audio and Total Publishing assets than ever before.

With more than 145 games free and live for all Australians on the 9Network – including the exclusive expanded Women’s State of Origin three game series as well as the blockbuster NRL Grand Final and men’s Origin series – brands partnering with Nine not only have more opportunities to connect with viewers, but will experience a marketing platform underpinned by the globally-renowned Wide World of Sports brand.     

This year will see Full Season Partners Harvey Norman, McDonald’s, Sportsbet and Telstra return, each leveraging the breadth of Nine’s content ecosystem of NRL, NRLW, the exclusive men’s and women’s State of Origin, the NRL Grand Final and every finals game. 

This coverage enables brands to connect with league fans across WWOS’s huge ecosystem of over 30 weeks of continuous content, including a reach of more than two million listeners per week across Nine’s total audio platform. 

Nine’s NRL coverage on 9Now last year saw growth of 36% year-on-year, and a Total Television audience of more than 5.5 million Australians tuned into the Grand Final.   

“Over the last three years WWOS has established an unrivalled mega marketing platform for brands,” said Matt Granger, Nine’s Director of Sales – Sport, Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

“In 2024, we have more partners leveraging Nine’s rugby league content ecosystem across Total TV, Total Audio and Total Publishing than ever before. Our returning and new partners are testimony to the power of the reach and effectiveness of Nine and WWOS to deliver for brands. Following a record season in 2023, we can’t wait for round one to start in Vegas.”

Chemist Warehouse, Isuzu UTE, Kia Australia, RAM Trucks, Tradie Beer, Youi Insurance and Westpac are also returning as sponsors, while Lion is joining as a new sponsor. 

NRL on Nine provides brands with a platform to connect with rugby league fans through a 24/7 ecosystem that includes Wide World of Sport every Sunday, SundayFooty Show, 100% Footy, NRLWrap and extra 9Now programming – such as the exclusive Panthers documentary: Undisputed, podcasts through 9Podcasts and a Total Audio proposition through WWOS Continuous Call Team, as well as powerful opportunities through Total Publishing.

Nine’s commitment to help grow the NRLW will see every game live and free on Channel 9 and 9Now, as well as the exclusive broadcast of the new extended three game NRLW State of Origin.  

The 9Network’s NRL season kicks off this Sunday, March 3. 

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

Thursday, February 29, 2024

Get ready to embark on a journey of transformation and inspiration when Renovate or Rebuild returns for its highly anticipated second season, Saturday, March 2, at 3.30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.

Renovate or Rebuild features a dynamic team of experts including interior designer James Treble, former Blockheads and fan-favourites Jimmy and Tam, and renowned Brisbane architect Paul Butterworth.  

Together, they guide homeowners through the challenging process of deciding whether to renovate their  existing homes or embark on the adventure of rebuilding from scratch. 

In the season premiere, viewers will meet Lisa and her rescue dog Nala. Lisa is the owner of a tired Queenslander in inner-city Brisbane in need of a makeover. With the help of Jimmy and Tam, she faces the  challenge of revitalising her beloved home, before deciding whether to renovate or rebuild.  

Each week viewers will watch the experts helping families from New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria  blend passion, creativity, and a touch of rivalry as they transform their homes from drab to fab.  

Renovate or Rebuild is a local series for the 9Network made by North Light Productions. 

ALL NEW: RENOVATE OR REBUILD 
RETURNS SATURDAY, MARCH 2, AT 3.30PM ON CHANNEL 9 & 9NOW
#RENOVATEORREBUILD @CHANNEL9 

For further information, please contact:
Bayley Howe
9Network Publicity  
bayleyhowe@nine.com.au

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

PEDESTRIAN TELEVISION has you covered this Mardi Gras weekend, with everything to get hyped, party on, and recover to streaming free, live and On Demand via 9Now.

All weekend long, we’ll be streaming tailored queer content including Out TV shows, first run of a new Aussie LGBTQIA+ interview series, queer music playlists and originally shot queer comedy with the clowns from the Two Queers Comedy Festival, Nina Oyama, Lou Wall, Jenna Suffern, and Brendan Hancock. 

Alex Arnott, Channel Manager for PEDESTRIAN TELEVISION said: “Pride and PEDESTRIAN TELEVISION are a match made in queer heaven. We’re stoked to be bringing a range of content from Australia and beyond to uplift LGBTQIA+ stories and add to the magic and mayhem.”

On Saturday night, it’s time to grab your dancing shoes as we bring the party to your place with back to back bangers fit for a kween. PEDESTRIAN TELEVISION’s Pride Party will feature tunes from the likes of G Flip, Dyan Tai, Jawbreakers, Touch Sensitive, PNAU, and Peking Duk. Catch it Live on PEDESTRIAN TELEVISION.

Then, when you’re in need of a hangover remedy, join us on the couch on Sunday for a drag extravaganza with Call Me Mother, the Canadian drag competition show that’s giving RuPaul a run for her money. Catch the marathon of season 2 kicking off Sunday from midday. 

Finally, to wind down the weekend we’re launching a brand new show, VA Media’s My First Time – a series showcasing remarkable queer Aussie’s, like Aurelia St Clair and Kween Kong, sharing their stories. Full of heart, and moments to make you laugh, cry and think, you can catch the first episode from 8pm live and On Demand.

PEDESTRIAN TELEVISION – streaming live and On Demand on 9Now.

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

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

It is every family’s nightmare. A mother goes out on her regular morning jog, and never returns. In a special edition of Under Investigation on Wednesday night, Liz Hayes and a team of experts travel to the Victorian regional city of Ballarat to delve into the mysterious disappearance of 51-year-old Samantha Murphy.

The team, which includes veteran missing persons specialist Valentine Smith, former Victorian detective Damian Marrett and mineshaft explorer Raymond Shaw, will examine bush trails and retrace Samantha Murphy’s steps when she set out from her home on her early morning run on February 4.

The team will also hear from Sissy Austin, who survived a brutal attack while also jogging in the bushland a year before Samantha Murphy’s disappearance. Her exclusive presence at the Under Investigation War Table offers the team invaluable insights and local knowledge.

Under Investigation will also analyse the critical evidence that may ultimately solve this mystery. Technology specialist Nigel Phair will follow Samantha’s digital footsteps and the vital data collected from the phone she was carrying and the watch she was wearing – extraordinary digital clues to her last movements.

As the pressing question lingers – Where is Samantha Murphy? – Liz Hayes and her team of experts embark on a quest to uncover the answer in this special edition of Under Investigation, Wednesday at 9.00pm on Channel 9 and 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

Tuesday, February 27, 2024