Archives: Media Releases

Yana and Kye, who were bitter exes and never thought they would end up back together, let alone united on national television, have been crowned the winners of Love Island Australia 2025.

In a tear-jerking experience for the two Islanders, they have come out the other side as an exclusive couple, thanks to Love Island Australia and the theme this season, “wicked sins”, forcing them to come face to face with their past and work through their challenges singly and as a pair.

Yana, from Sydney’s Northern Beaches, said: “Sharing my Love Island journey with Kye has been incredible. We have grown so much together throughout this experience. Kye has been my rock in the Villa, and we’ve learnt so much about ourselves, which has led us to a deeper understanding and level of respect for each other. I couldn’t be more excited for what’s to come.”

Kye, also from the Northern Beaches, said: “Walking out of the Villa with Yana and a win feels wonderful. She brought out the best in me. I’m grateful for every moment we shared, for all the life lessons and personal growth, and I can’t wait to start our life on the outside together. Stay tuned for our next chapter.”

The top five couples were tested as individuals with the question: who was in it for love, and who wanted the money? With $20,000 up for grabs from host Sophie Monk to leave the Villa immediately, in a Love Island Australia first, bombshell Dylan shocked everyone by choosing to take the money, reducing the final cash prize for Yana and Kye to $30,000.

Season seven has been the most watched Love Island Australia series and has received the highest number of finale votes. It has seen significant year-on-year growth with the launch episode recording a whopping 680,000 viewers on 9Now. Season to date, Love Island Australia 2025 has recorded an average BVOD audience of 627,000, and 959M minutes streamed.

Love Island Australia is produced by ITV Studios Australia for the 9Network.

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

Tuesday 15 December, 2025

The battle for swimming world supremacy is ready to explode when Australia vs The World is exclusive, live and free on Channel 9 and 9Now from 7.30pm tomorrow night – Friday, December 12.

Under lights at the Valley Pool in Brisbane, Team Aus will roll out the heavy artillery when Olympic champions Kaylee McKeown, Mollie O’Callaghan and Cam McEvoy lead the way for the Dolphins against Team World and their line up of champions including Thomas Ceccon (Italy), Duncan Scott (Great Britain) and Marrit Steenbergen (Netherlands). 

Poolside for Nine’s Wide World of Sports is Olympic and World champions Ariarne Titmus and Cate Campbell, with Giaan Rooney and Mat Thompson in commentary and their host Emma Lawrence.

Titmus said: “This is going to be one huge night of the world’s best coming together to try and beat us in our own backyard. Fast racing and edge of your seat energy. 

“Get ready to witness some of the best in the world race back to back, to back, events at a world class meet like nothing we’ve ever seen before.”

For further information, please contact:
Ryley McKay
Senior Publicist and Digital Manager – Sport

Thursday 11 December, 2025

Nine today announces The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age will reopen its bureau in Beijing after six years following long-running discussions with the Chinese Government and the embassy in Canberra.

Executive Editor Luke McIlveen said the presence of the Herald and The Age in China was essential to giving readers the full picture of the global superpower on our doorstep.

“China is obviously the biggest player in our region and a true global superpower – economically, militarily and technologically.

“The bureau will report without fear or favour what makes China such an extraordinary country. Our return to Beijing only strengthens our commitment to having the best foreign correspondents in key global cities.”

Lisa Visentin, currently based in Singapore, will take up her Beijing posting in February 2026, filing stories for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Brisbane Times and WAtoday.

“Having spent the past two years reporting on China from the region, Lisa already has a deep understanding of its growing influence in the Asia Pacific, its complexities and what it means for the strategic balance of power, in particular for Australia. Being on the ground in Beijing will only deepen that insight for our readers,” said McIlveen. 

The Herald and The Age have a long tradition covering China. Margaret Jones was the first Herald and Age journalist based in China since World War Two, establishing a bureau in Beijing in 1973. Gough Whitlam once said that Jones “pioneered the Fairfax office in Beijing. Readers fully understood Australian foreign policy”.

Jones was succeeded by Yvonne Preston in 1975 (who returned for a second posting in the early 1990s). Other correspondents have included such respected bylines as Philip Wen, John Garnaut, Peter Ellingsen, Mark Baker, Hamish McDonald and Stephen Hutcheon.

Kirsty Needham was the last Herald/Age journalist based full-time in China, from 2017 to January 2020. Since then, Eryk Bagshaw and Lisa Visentin have covered North Asia from bases in Singapore and elsewhere, taking as many trips into China as possible.

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

Wednesday 10 December, 2025

Australia’s queen of Christmas, Delta Goodrem, is unwrapping her biggest festive celebration yet when Christmas with Delta returns on Sunday, December 21 at 7.00 pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.

After taking viewers to Los Angeles last year, Delta is bringing the magic back to home soil – transforming Channel 9 into a stylish, sparkling North Pole Down Under, complete with dazzling performances, surprise guests and all the festive cheer of the season.

This year’s spectacular is stacked with talent, featuring appearances and performances from Cody Simpson, Jon Bon Jovi, Jordin Sparks, Tinie Tempah, Morgan Evans, Amy Shark, David Campbell, Gregory Porter, Pete Murray, Danielle Spencer and plenty more festive favourites.

In true Aussie Christmas fashion, viewers can expect surprise drop-ins throughout the night, including 5SOS. And of course – it wouldn’t be Christmas without Santa. He’s back, and he’s bringing the cheer.

There’s also a cheeky festive treat when Samantha Jade, Sophie Monk, Amy Shark and Delta team up for a Jingle Bell Rock performance with a playful nod to the iconic Mean Girls Christmas scene.

The celebration continues with a 31-member Kids Choir, high-energy Winter Wonderland dancers, elegant ballroom performers, and a show-stopping cameo from Marty and Doc from Back to the Future The Musical.

Delta said: “I’m so excited to bring our Christmas special home this year. We’ve created our own North Pole in Australia – fun, festive and full of heart. Sharing the stage with so many incredible artists and friends makes this year feel extra special. I can’t wait for everyone to see what we’ve put together.”

This year’s special also features moving musical moments supporting The Delta Goodrem Foundation through a partnership with St Vincent’s Hospital, celebrating the spirit of community, generosity and togetherness.

Delta added: “Christmas has this beautiful way of bringing people closer. It’s a moment to reflect, to lift each other up and to celebrate the joy in the everyday through singing along to your favourite Christmas song. My hope is that this show brings a little sparkle and a lot of love into homes right across the country.”

Packed with standout duets, festive favourites, big laughs and joyful surprises, Christmas with Delta promises an uplifting night of music, magic and holiday sparkle – all wrapped up in a spectacular Aussie Christmas.

For further information, please contact:
Alex Dyer
9Network Publicity
alex.dyer@nine.com.au 

Wednesday 10 December, 2025

Sydney’s top rating radio station 2GB has unveiled its summer line up, ensuring listeners stay informed and entertained over the holiday period. It comes as 2GB prepares for a special end of year celebration at the new Cabravale Club Resort at Canley Vale this Thursday.

The summer line up, taking effect from Monday December 15, 2025, will be:

• Overnights Midnight-5.30am: Phil O’Neil
• Breakfast 5:30am-9.00am: James Willis (Christmas Day – Mark Levy 6am-10am)
• Mornings 9.00am-Midday: Luke Grant
• Afternoons Midday-3pm: Luke Bona / Lucy Zelic
• Drive 3pm-6pm: Trent Nikolic
• Wide World Of Sports 6pm-7pm: Adam Hawse / Mike Pearsall
• Nights 7pm-Midnight: Bill Woods
• Weekends: The Garden Clinic, Jason Morrison and The Two Murrays.

Station Manager, Greg Byrnes, said: “2GB never switches off. We’ve assembled a summer line-up our listeners know, trust, and can rely on to keep the conversation rolling. It’s often a busy and challenging time of year, bushfires have already hit hard, but Sydney knows it can rely on 2GB for up-to-the-minute news and information, along with reassurance and companionship”

“Christmas Day is always a highlight. We’ll be broadcasting carols live on Christmas Eve, followed by Mark Levy’s special Christmas Day program from 6am. We’ll then join the inspiring tradition of Reverend Bill Crews’ Christmas Day lunch live from the Exodus Foundation”

To mark the end of another successful year, 2GB’s daytime presenting team of Ben Fordham, Mark Levy, Michael McLaren and Clinton Maynard will head to Cabravale Club Resort in Canley Vale this Thursday for a special end-of-year broadcast.

Listeners are invited to join Ben and the team at Cabravale Club Resort from 7am. The daylong celebration will conclude with Clinton Maynard’s Sydney Now program at 6pm.

Mr Byrnes says “Before all the holidays begin we want to say thank you. On Thursday, the entire 2GB team will be at the new Cabravale Club Resort for a day of live radio, special guest, and giveaways. It’s our way of thanking all our loyal listeners for making 2GB Sydney’s top-rating radio station for another year. Come and say G’day!”

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

Wednesday 10 December, 2025

The counters are polished and the stakes are high as three of Australia’s most entertaining celebrities prepare to face the machine in a special prime-time edition of Tipping Point, Sunday, December 14, at 7.00 pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.

Hosted by tennis legend Todd Woodbridge, in this charity showdown a trio of TV and radio heavyweights will battle it out for a $40,000 cash prize for their chosen causes.

Radio royalty and television presenter Kate Langbroek brings her trademark fearless humour to the game, hoping to secure a big win for My Room Children’s Charity.

Joining her is the “Crown Prince of Comedy”, Joel Creasey. The Nova Drive-time presenter is ready to unleash his quick wit on the machine in support of Breakthrough T1D.

Completing the lineup is stand-up sensation and Fox FM Breakfast host Nick Cody. Known for his no-nonsense comedy style, Nick is aiming to tip the counters over the edge in the favour of Foodbank.

Will they master the machine? Expect edge-of-your-seat drama and hilarity as these three stars take on Tipping Point’s riveting blend of chance and skill – Sunday, December 14, at 7.00pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.

For further information, please contact:
Alexandra Maiolo
9Network Publicity
alexandra.maiolo@nine.com.au 

Tuesday, 9 December, 2025

Triumphs, Tragedies and Turmoil

The 9Network presents 2025: The Year That Was, this Sunday, December 7, at 7.00pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.

Join Samantha Armytage for a look back at the moments that shook the world and shaped our nation. This 90-minute national special is a sweeping review of 12 monumental months defined by global political chaos, domestic economic upheaval, beacons of hope and heartwarming triumphs. From the corridors of power in Washington to the miraculous safe return of stranded NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, we revisit the headlines that demanded our attention.

Key Highlights Include:

The Bright Side: Amid the chaos there were moments of pure joy in 2025. We relive the spectacular ocean landing that brought stranded NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams home safely; the heartwarming return of Valerie the dachshund; and the celebrations in Brisbane for a remarkable NRL-NRLW “deadly double”.

A Political Realignment: We examine how the cost-of-living squeeze put pressure on Aussies this year, as well as the road to the federal election that resulted in a stunning win for Anthony Albanese.

The Second Coming of Trump: The return of Donald Trump to the White House and how his second term captivated the world.

Crime & Consequences: The international obsession with the Erin Patterson triple-murder trial that ended with the sentencing of the “Mushroom Murderer”. Plus, the escalating youth-violence crisis in Victoria and the ongoing manhunt for anti-government extremist Dezi Freeman.

A Royal Reckoning: Scandal continued to plague the monarchy as King Charles stripped his younger brother, Andrew, of his titles.

Global Flashpoints: From Chinese warships sailing off the Australian coast to the expulsion of Iran’s ambassador, 2025 was a year of diplomatic tension. Yet hope emerged as a long-awaited Gaza ceasefire was finally brokered.

Nature’s Fury: Following devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, Australia faced its own “biblical deluge” with record-breaking floods in North Queensland and the NSW mid North Coast.
 

From the moments that left us speechless to the events that sparked a global conversation, tune in to witness history in review when 2025: The Year That Was premieres Sunday, December 7, at 7.00pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.

Producers: Tracey Hannaford and Alex Chance 

For further information, please contact:
9Network Publicity
Alex Dyer
alex.dyer@nine.com.au

Friday, 5 December, 2025

Golfing superstar and 2025 Masters champion Rory McIlroy will step onto Royal Melbourne Golf Club for the Crown Australian Open this week, and it’s all live and free from Thursday, December 4 on the 9Network and 9Now. 

Australia’s best men’s golfers will get their shot at the current world no.2, when Cameron Smith, Min Woo Lee, Adam Scott, Marc Leishman and kiwi Ryan Fox will be hell bent on stealing the limelight to pocket the $2 million in prize money on the line. 

Viewers can stream every round anywhere, anytime for free on 9Now. McIlroy will feature in the morning group to tee off the coverage live on 9GemHD on Thursday, before switching to Channel 9HD on Friday through to Sunday afternoon.

In commentary for Nine’s Wide World of Sports is Ali Whitaker, Brenton Speed, Anthony Hudson and former pro’s Nick O’Hern, Ewan Porter and Paul Gow. 9News reporter Nat Yoannidis will join the coverage to capture all the colour of the event, with Today on course across the tournament.

For further information, please contact:
Ryley McKay
Senior Publicist and Digital Manager – Sport
ryley.mckay@nine.com.au 

Tuesday, 2 December, 2025

The 9Network has announced the first part of its star-studded lineup for the nation’s favourite Christmas Eve tradition, Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight presented by AAMI.

Broadcasting live from the home of the Carols, the Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Wednesday, December 24, at 8.00pm, hosts David Campbell and Sarah Abo will return to guide Australia through another unforgettable night of festive cheer.

This year the stage will light up with a spectacular array of talent, featuring international stars, Aussie greats, and the hottest acts in musical theatre.

America’s global country sensation, Lainey Wilson, will bring Nashville sparkle to Christmas Eve, fresh from a history-making night at the 2025 CMA Awards, where she swept the field to be crowned Entertainer of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year. Lainey also won the Album of the Year Award for her chart-topping record, Whirlwind. 

In an exclusive scoop for Australian audiences ahead of her Whirlwind World Tour Down Under next February, she will join host David Campbell for a special performance that promises to be a show-stopping highlight of the night.

In another Carols exclusive, Australian country music star Morgan Evans returns to perform his new Christmas single that honors the Paul Kelly classic.

Also making his Carols debut is award-winning Broadway and TV star Andy Karl, performing with his fiancée Elise McCann, the Australian actor and musical theatre star.

The Carols lineup also includes:

• ARIA Award-winning artist Dami Im
• The cast of the smash-hit MJ The Musical
• Powerhouse vocalist Casey Donovan 
• Critically acclaimed Australian singer-songwriter Michael Paytner 
• Children’s favourite Emma Memma

Plus, this year brings dynamic collaborations and audience favourites, including some electric pairings. In a Carols first, much-loved Tim Campbell joins forces with vocal diva Paulini, while the self-proclaimed ‘Kings of Christmas,’ Rob Mills and Bobby Fox return to the stage.

Of course it wouldn’t be Christmas Eve without the legends who have become the heart and soul of Carols by Candlelight. Viewers will welcome back our beloved Carols family; Marina Prior, Silvie Paladino, David Hobson and Denis Walter.

David Campbell said: “Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight is something very special that I look forward to every year. It’s a chance to spread the joy and make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most by raising money for Vision Australia.”

Sarah Abo added: “It’s always such a wonderful night, and I can’t wait to get back to the Sidney Myer Music Bowl to host alongside David and celebrate Christmas Eve with everyone there and our viewers all around Australia.”

Carols by Candlelight is Vision Australia’s biggest annual fundraiser for children’s services, with 100 per cent of profits from ticket sales and donations going directly towards supporting close to 2,000 families with children who 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.

VISION AUSTRALIA’S CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT:
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24, LIVE AT 8.00PM
ON CHANNEL 9 & 9NOW
@Channel9 @carolsbycandlelight_aus
#CarolsByCandlelight
To make a donation to Vision Australia visit donatetovision.com

For further information, please contact:
Alexandra Maiolo
9Network Publicity
alexandra.maiolo@nine.com.au 

Monday, 1 December, 2025