Peter Gleeson takes his seat for 4BC Drive

Broadcaster and journalist Peter Gleeson has been appointed as the permanent host for 4BC Drive, solidifying the Brisbane station’s live and local lineup.

Gleeson’s official appointment in the Drive slot comes after serving in a caretaking position since June. His connection with listeners has enabled him to hit the ground running, including broadcasting live from Brisbane’s RNA Showgrounds for The Ekka in the initial weeks.

Gleeson said: “It’s been a fantastic few months listening to and talking with the people of Brisbane and I’m thrilled that I have the opportunity to keep the momentum going.

“We are entering a big year for the city with upcoming local and state elections plus the countdown to the 2024 Olympics and I feel fortunate to be able to contribute in these conversations, but most importantly to hear from our listeners about what matters most to them.”

4BC Content Manager, Max Dudley, said: “In a short time, Gleeso has done a stellar job in Drive campaigning for the residents of East Brisbane, getting behind the St Paul’s school community, and highlighting the ongoing issues we all face with scams. He’s a natural choice to take on the role permanently.

“4BC is the only station with live and local programming from 5.30am to 7.00pm. It starts with Breakfast with Laurel, Gary and MarkMornings with Bill McDonaldAfternoons with Sofie Formica, Drive with Peter Gleeson and Wide World of Sports with Peter Psaltis.”

4BC Drive with Peter Gleeson: weekdays, 3.00pm-6.00pm.

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

Tuesday, October 24, 2023

Margaret named NSW Restaurant of the Year as The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2024 launched

The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2024, featuring the best restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs across NSW and ACT, launches tomorrow after Margaret was named Vittoria Coffee Restaurant of the Year at a chef-studded awards ceremony held in Sydney tonight. Sustainable seafood pioneer, Josh Niland, also took out the coveted Oceania Cruises Chef of the Year award. 

The annual Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide has been recognising the best chefs and restaurants since 1984, and this year’s Guide is a compilation of almost 500 independent reviews visited by our team of critics over the past six months. Good Food is considered Australia’s most respected food and beverage title, and its coveted hats – from one to the pinnacle of three hats – are recognised as the industry gold standard.

This year’s Guide includes a record 157 hats: three restaurants received three hats, 39 restaurants received two hats and 116 restaurants received one hat. The three hat winners were Oncore by Clare Smyth, Sixpenny and Quay

“Dining in NSW and the ACT has never been better, with more hats awarded than ever before in the Guide‘s history,” said Callan Boys, SMH Good Food Guide editor. 

The glamorous awards ceremony – supported by long-term co-presenting partner Vittoria Coffee and co-presenting partner Oceania Cruises – was held at the Art Gallery of NSW’s North Wing (known as Sydney Modern). Three hundred chefs, restaurateurs and industry legends from NSW and Canberra dining and drink scenes gathered as 14 awards, along with the hats, were handed out. 

“I think this year’s Guide is one of our best and most user-friendly efforts to date, with more venues catering to different budgets, and more reviews from outside the inner-city than ever before,” said Boys. “Regional dining, in particular, is booming.”

For the first time, a Canberra venue, Such and Such, took out Aurum Poultry Co. New Restaurant of the Year. Murwillumbah’s Bistro Livi, in the Northern Rivers, was named Regional Restaurant of the Year, while Byron Bay’s Bar Heather took the gong for New Regional Restaurant of the Year.

New this year is the Critics’ Pick, with Malay Chinese Noodle Bar taking out the inaugural  Critics’ Pick award. “This year we’ve introduced a Critics’ Pick tick to the Guide for places that don’t quite reach the score for a hat – perhaps it’s a counter-service pizzeria, or tiny shop with only two tables – but our revieviewers are big fans of it regardless,” said Boys.

“The Woon family behind Malay Chinese have nourished Sydneysiders since 1987 with extraordinary har mee noodle soups and laksas. It was great to have co-founder Meng Wong accept the award before heading home for a 4am rise to start preparing his daily broths.”

Kylie Kwong was named the Vittoria Coffee Legend Award for her outstanding long-term contribution to the hospitality industry. For more than three decades, Kwong has nourished Sydneysiders with her vision for what Australian-Chinese cooking could be. Kwong’s influence reaches beyond the professional kitchen to affect local and global communities at all levels. 

Shashank Achuta, who works as sous chef at Brasserie 1930, was awarded Smeg Young Chef of the Year.  

The Oceania Cruises Service Excellence Award was given to Alice Dwyer of Pipit, while Pokolbin’s Yellow Billy restaurant in the Hunter region was named Oceania Cruises Drinks List of the Year.

Cafe of the Year went to Happyfield; PS40 took out Best Bar; Sommelier of the Year was awarded to Max Gurtler from Oncore by Clare Smyth; and the Innovator of the Year winner was Plate it Forward’s Shaun Christie-David a big thinker with bright ideas that better the community. 

The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2024 includes almost 500 independently reviewed city and regional reviews, including Sydney’s top 20 cafes, pubs and bars, and top 10 lists for each Australian state and territory. The Guide features 88 new full restaurant reviews – a combination of restaurants that have opened in the past 12 months, new discoveries, or old favourites reappearing.

Edited by Callan Boys, The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2024 reviews have been undertaken by a team of esteemed critics including Boys, Terry Durack, Jill Dupleix, David Matthews and Sarah Norris, all of whom review independently and anonymously. More than 500 restaurants, bars, pubs and cafes were visited across NSW and Canberra over the course of six months, but not all venues made the cut.

“While Good Food is known as the home of the hats, the Guide is much more than high-end restaurants. This year’s edition spans everything from long-adored institutions, pub eateries, suburban gems, no-frills pizza shops, hole-in-the-wall noodle shops to CBD bistros and luxurious regional destinations. Importantly, it covers a broad range of budgets,” said Sarah Norris, Head of Food for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Brisbane Times and WAToday.

The glossy 148-page Good Food Guide 2024 NSW and ACT magazine is on sale from tomorrow (Tuesday, October 24) and is the definitive guide to the state’s restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs. 

The guests were treated to a menu by MOD Dining chef Clayton Wells, featuring supplies from Aurum Poultry Co. Drinks were supplied by Vittoria Coffee, Archie Rose and Penfolds. 

The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2024 magazine is available from newsagents, supermarkets and thestore.com.au for $14.95

The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2024 award winners: 
Vittoria Coffee Restaurant of the Year: Margaret
Oceania Cruises Chef of the Year: John Niland 
Aurum Poultry Co. New Restaurant of the Year: Such and Such
Regional Restaurant of the Year: Bistro Livi 
New Regional Restaurant of the Year: Bar Heather
Oceania Cruises Service Excellence Award: Alice Dwyer (Pipit) 
Smeg Young Chef of the Year: Shashank Achuta (Brasserie 1930)
Sommelier of the Year: Max Gurtler from Oncore by Clare Smyth
Oceania Cruises Drinks List of the Year: Yellow Billy, Pokolbin, Hunter Region
Vittoria Coffee Legend Award: Kylie Kwong
Cafe of the Year: Happyfields 
Bar of the Year: PS40
Innovator Award: Plate it Forward’s Shaun Christie-David
Critic’s Pick Award: Malay Chinese Noodle Bar

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

Tuesday, October 24, 2023

Hottest new singles take over Love Island Australia

The hottest bombshell head-turners will be joining the cast when Love Island Australia returns for a fifth season on Monday, October 30, at 6.00pm AEDT on 9Now.

The girls hold the power, however it doesn’t stop with the OGs. You may recognise Lucinda Strafford, who was a star bombshell in a UK Love Island series. She is the first UK ex-Islander to be part of an Australian series, and is about to shake up the quest for love.

Reid and Kale from the Gold Coast will enter full speed ahead. Reid has the largest social media following of all the male Islanders this season and Kale has a unique look we haven’t seen before on Love Island Australia

The Villa will be rocked to its core when Kirra realises who bombshell Abby is. She was seeing her sister’s husband on Married at First Sight, Harrison Boon, and caused drama at their wedding.

Alex Mavroidakis, Creative Director of ITV Studios Australia, said: “If you want to kick start your summer with loads of drama, loads of LOLs and more sexy bods than you can shake a bikini at, then Love Island Australia is the place for you! This season is so unexpected, so exciting, so funny and SO noisy and there is more than one world-first. It’s only fair to warn all Australians … proceed with caution … watch one episode of Love Island Australia and you WILL be hopelessly hooked!”

You won’t be able to get enough of the love, the drama or the tears in the unmissable new series of Love Island Australia.

Meet the new hot singles.

Lucinda
Brighton, UK
23
Influencer and Online Fashion Boutique Owner

“This time I want someone to be obsessed with me, and me only.”.

Reid
Gold Coast, QLD
26
Personal Trainer and Model

“I may have slept with some of my personal training clients before… maybe.”

Kale
Gold Coast, QLD
24
Sales

“I look like a bad boy, but I am actually the best boyfriend. I like taking girls out for dates and doing fun spontaneous stuff.”

Abby
Sydney, NSW
22
Makeup Artist

“My longest relationship was a year and a half. But they all cheated, so not much luck. Maybe it’s because I’ve gone for men over 30, and I need to change that.”

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

LOVE ISLAND AUSTRALIA
MONDAY, OCTOBER 30, AT 6.00PM AEDT ON 9NOW
EPISODES DROPPING MONDAY TO THURSDAY

#LoveIslandAU
LIKE Love Island Australia on Facebook
FOLLOW @LoveIslandAU on Instagram and Twitter

For further information, please contact:
Madison Long
Publicity and Talent Coordinator 
madison.long@nine.com.au 

Tuesday, October 24, 2023

John Aiken looks back at 10 seasons of MAFS in exclusive new series

Nine today announced a brand new digital-exclusive series featuring Married At First Sight expert John Aiken.

MAFS Diaries with John Aiken is a new video series published exclusively on nine.com.au’s Married At First Sight website.

MAFS expert John Aiken will share his candid memories from behind the scenes of this ground-breaking social experiment, as he reflects on a decade of the hit show. 

Starting Thursday, October 19, audiences can embark on a weekly journey through MAFS history. The series promises to bring a unique perspective, offering insights and personal reflections from the renowned relationship expert.

Each episode will delve into a different season, rekindling cherished memories and reminding viewers why they fell in love with the show in the first place.

In the premiere episode, John Aiken takes us back to the very first season of Married at First Sight and shares how he became a pivotal part of the MAFS experiment. He also deep dives into Alex and Zoe’s whirlwind relationship that captivated the country back in 2014. 

John Aiken said, “I’m delighted to be sharing my Married At First Sight memories with viewers. MAFS has had a long history with many memorable couples and I’m looking forward to taking a deep dive into each season of the show.”

Nine.com.au Director Kerri Elstub said: “Australia can’t get enough of MAFS. We know our audience loves John Aiken and his straight talking on the show. This new season will be a must-watch for anyone who has watched MAFS.”

Join us as we embark on a nostalgic journey through the past 10 years of Married at First Sight AustraliaMAFS Diaries with John Aiken promises to ignite the passion and excitement that MAFS fans have cherished for a decade.

MAFS Diaries with John Aiken joins a raft of new original short form video series on nine.com.au’s Entertainment vertical including the Catriona’s Great GetawaysThe Block’s Dan vs Dani, and Dom’s Debrief: The MAFS Catch-ups

MAFS Diaries with John Aiken launches Thursday October 17, exclusively at nine.com.au/MAFS. New episodes are published every Thursday.

Married At First Sight returns for its eleventh season on Channel 9 and 9Now in 2024. Every episode is available for streaming on 9Now. 

Watch the first episode of MAFS Diaries with John Aikenhere.

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

Thursday, October 19, 2023

The new home of sport: live streaming and podcasts

Nine’s radio stations are blitzing the competition in streaming of live sport and premium sport podcasts, according to the September figures released by Triton. 

With 3AW and 6PR, now the only place where listeners can consume the best AFL coverage, the volume of listening (TLH) has increased 39% YoY, with 3AW AFL Saturday up a staggering 64%. 

When combined with the ACRA award-winning NRL coverage by the Continuous Call Team across Sydney’s 2GB and Brisbane’s 4BC, volume of listening is up 19% YoY

9Podcasts’ premium sport content is surging ahead with fanatics listening to the expert analysis and commentary across its slate of award-winning programs, including Nothing like the 90s, and Stories of Origin

AFL podcasts across the 2023 season have amassed over 2.6 million downloads (up 53% YoY) and 1.1m listeners (up 116% YoY). Nine’s NRL suite of podcast titles attracted almost 2.2m downloads (up 34% YoY) and 1.08m listeners up 66% YoY).

Esther Carlsen, Commercial Director of Digital Audio said, “It’s wonderful to see our dominance in live streaming further extending into our digital sports content. This demonstrates that our digital audiences are engaging with us across our key pillars of news, talk and sport throughout the week, as well as at the weekend. This creates a fantastic opportunity for marketers to reach engaged sports enthusiasts across our digital sports programming and podcasting.”

Nine’s Director of Sales for Total Audio, Ash Earnshaw said, “The huge growth in sports fans accessing our content across multiple platforms and devices presents a significant opportunity for advertisers. There is no better environment than Nine audio to access engaged listeners at scale across our premium sports content – both on live stream radio and podcasts.” 

“I’m even more excited about next year as we continue to accelerate towards a digital future, where we can leverage our data, our core code partnerships with the AFL and NRL alongside the biggest sporting event in the world – the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics.”

Source: Triton Streaming Metrics, TOTAL LISTENING HOURS (TLH) Nine Radio, September 2023 vs September 2022 or August 2023. NRL 2GB or 4BC Fri 7-11pm, Sat 1-10pm, Sun 1-7pm. 3AW Fri 6-11pm, Sat 12-11pm, Sun 2-7pm. 6PR Sat 11.30am-8pm, Sun 12-6pm. 

Triton Podcast Metrics Downloads, Listeners 1 February – 30 September 2023,  AFL – 3AW is Football, Real Footy, Footy Classified, Eddie & Jimmy, Wide World of Sports 3AW and 6PR, 6PR Football, Footy Nightline, AFL Footy Show unplugged, NRL – Six Tackles with Gus, The Continuous Call Team, 100% Footy, The Billy Slater Podcast, Freddy and the Eighth, Wide World of Sport 2GB and 4BC, NRLW Weekly and Stories of Origin.

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

Thursday, October 19, 2023

My Mum, Your Dad returns for another love match

In a world wide phenomenon Kate Langbroek returns to guide a new group of single parents on a second chance journey to love when My Mum Your Dad returns on Tuesday, October 31, at 7.30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.

Prepare yourself for another unforgettable ride of romance as these single parents navigate their way to finding their forever love, however this year the parents know they have been nominated by their kids and have given their children full control over their dating life. 

As the parents take up residence in a brand-new luxury Retreat, their adult children settle into the Bunker, where they will have a unique insight and power over their parents’ dating life – and they’re not going to hold back, regardless of how excruciatingly awkward some moments are. 

The kids will have the power to influence all the dates from the comfort of the Bunker. Taking their influence to the next level, they will go undercover on dates to see firsthand who is best suited for their parents – and also have the power to send parents home. 

Kate said: “I was honoured to host this second season of My Mum Your Dad. It is compelling and uplifting. It is a testament to the power of love. I laughed and I cried. Mostly I was struck by the unselfish gift these children are giving their parents, for love is the greatest gift of all.”

There will be truth bombs, drama and romance from parents and their children on the journey to the ultimate test, the Blessing Ceremony.

For the relationships that make it there, the children’s approval or disapproval is crunch time, and all emotions and thoughts will be revealed at the Blessing Ceremony in the finale.

These brave single parents have put their hearts on the line. Will there be a love story? Will their offspring approve? Or will their second chance at love be left at the Blessing Ceremony?

MUMS

Nadia (47) and Mona (25) – QLD
Personal Trainer/Events Planner and Influencer
Nadia is a fiercely independent Muslim woman. She also struggles at times to find the balance between her upbringing and the pitfalls of modern dating. Mona is an influencer and her mum’s “right hand”. She describes Nadia as passionate, loving, hard-headed and decisive. 

Kim (57) and Chelsea (21) – WA
Airline Customer Service Agent and Real Estate Agent

Kim is a confident woman who gets a lot of male attention. She goes for good-looking guys who always have lots of women after them. Chelsea is a real estate agent who is happy to take control of mum’s dating life. She thinks her mum loves red flags and falls too easily.

Janine (53) and Tiarn (22) – NSW
Aged Care Nurse and Teaching Student

Janine doesn’t find it hard to meet a man – she’s been dating online, and up until going on the show was out on three dates a week. Tiarn is a teaching student who does everything with her mum. There’s nothing they wouldn’t do for each other, and she’s not afraid to tell her mum if someone isn’t right for her. 

Dani (51) and Brandon (28)  – VIC
Interior Decorator and Gym Manager

Dani is a strong, confident woman who has no trouble getting attention from males. She tragically lost her third husband in 2019 from cardiac arrest. He was “Mr Right”. Brandon is very protective of his mum. He wants her to be happy after seeing how hurt she was by Paul’s death, but he believes she has the tendency to mould into the person she is dating and not be her own person.

Michelle (48) and Jesse (26)  – WA 
Cafe Owner and Winery Worker

Michelle is a beautiful, loud and energetic blonde who always ends up with men that need her help. She’s very independent and finds it hard to let go of being in control. Jesse works at a winery and is a confident alpha male. He’s extremely protective and sick of seeing his mum ending up with losers. He’s happy to have control over Michelle’s dating life and wants her to find someone genuine who fits in with the family. 

Rebecca (52) and Gracie (20) – QLD 
Fashion Retail Employee and Retail Assistant Manager

Rebecca is flirty, quirky, and always makes people laugh. She was adopted and grew up as a proud First Nations woman. Gracie and her mum share a wicked sense of humour. They have a role-reversal relationship where Gracie finds herself being the mum a lot of the time.

Donna (51) and Steph (27)  – SA
Physiotherapist Receptionist and Disability Support Worker 

Donna is a bright and vivacious woman who thinks there’s a man drought in Adelaide. Steph is a disability support worker who wants her mum to finally be happy. Steph thinks Donna’s ideal man must be cashed-up, love to travel and have good manners. 

DADS

Masi (52) and Harper (18) – QLD
Landscaping Business Owner and Landscaper

Masi is a Gold Coast ladies man. He has no trouble meeting women but can’t seem to find someone on his level. Harper has a super-cool vibe. He admires his dad and wants to support him on his journey to find love, but thinks he should maybe change his dating age demographic.

Shannon (51) and Katie (19) – QLD  
Real Estate Agent and Bar Manager 

Shannon is a successful real estate agent from Noosa who is charming and warm with a fun side. He’s a father of three and it’s clear that his kids are his number one priority. Katie is highly protective of her father and believes honesty is the best policy. She is super confident and has a big presence.

Wes (49) and Jake (21) – NSW
Foreman and Plant Operator 

Wes is your typical Aussie bloke: he surfs, swims, snowboards and rides a dirt bike. He’s the type of guy who gets a lot of female attention. He’s a straight talker ready to find love. Jake is just like his dad and loves all the adrenaline-pumping activities too. His mates describe Wes as “a cool oldie”. He thinks it’s time for dad to finally meet someone.

Ben (51) and Jasmine and Jaxon (18)  – NSW 
International Pilot, Aviation Student and Chef 

Ben is an adventurous international pilot who has dreams of sailing the world, however he has found it hard to find a connection due to his job. Jasmine is an aviation student and Jaxon is a chef. Jasmine is also her dad’s personal psychologist. They’re cutthroat with their dating advice and want him to find someone who is family-orientated, smart, and loves the beach.

Simmo (54) and Sarah (“Chook) (21)  NSW 
Cafe/Wine Bar Owner and Cafe Manager

Simmo is a relaxed surfer guy and proud father. Daughter Sarah is his best friend – they live, work and go out together. He loves the beach, fine wine and good food. Chook manages her dad’s cafe/wine bar and thinks Simmo gets a lot of female attention at work, but doesn’t even notice. 

Tom (“Boss”) (51) and Chloe (21) – NSW 
Businessman and Miss Universe Contestant 

Tom owns a mortgage broking business and is hugely successful. He is looking for a partner who complements his life, not someone who wants to leech off him. Chloe was recently the Queensland representative for Miss Universe. But she’s not just a pretty face: she has attitude and intelligence and commands a room. 

My Mum Your Dad is produced by ITV Studios Australia for the 9Network. 

MY MUM YOUR DAD
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 31, AT 7.30PM ON CHANNEL 9 & 9NOW

EPISODES AND IMAGES ARE AVAILABLE ON NINE MEDIA ROOM

#MyMumYourDad
FOLLOW @MyMumYourDad on Instagram

For further information, please contact:
Alexandra Reed 
Publicist, 9Network Melbourne 
alexandra.reed@nine.com.au 

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

A new era of Love Island Australia

In a new era of love, returning to Mallorca, season five of Love Island Australia premieres on 9Now, dropping at 6.00pm AEDT every Monday to Thursday, and a premiere special on Channel 9 after The Block.

Sophie Monk will introduce a range of sexy new singles to the Villa that will shock the Islanders like never before, including Married At First Sight’s most talked about sister. The Islanders must couple up and stay together in order to secure their spot, despite the temptations when a surprising new Bomb enters, causing chaos.

Sophie Monk said: “This year be prepared to expect the unexpected – it’s not as predictable as previous years. I can usually pick who will find love and stay together, but the Islanders have surprised me every day.”

There will be a wicked new power shift where the girls will take charge, following the juicy new villain era, risky challenges, date nights, and plenty more drama and romance to keep eyes glued to the screen and hearts racing, before the winning couple of Love Island Australia 2023 is decided by the viewers.

Josh Moss and 2023 Logie Nominee Flex Mami are back with even more hot Love Island gossip and saucy interviews with season two of I’ve Got A Text With Josh and Flex, exclusive to 9Now. If you can’t get enough Love Island goodness, Josh and Flex are breaking down everything that goes on inside the Villa and getting all the juicy updates on life after Mallorca, straight from the Islanders themselves. Stay tuned, because you won’t want to miss it!

Last season Love Island Australia reached more than 4.2 million viewers, with exclusive access on 9Now.

The countdown is on. Get familiar with the hot new singles stepping foot into the the Love Island Villa for season five.

The Girls

The Boys

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

LOVE ISLAND AUSTRALIA
MONDAY, OCTOBER 30, AT 6.00PM ON 9NOW
EPISODES MONDAY – THURSDAY

DOWNLOAD MEDIA KIT HERE

#LoveIslandAU
LIKE Love Island Australia on Facebook
FOLLOW @LoveIslandAU on Instagram and Twitter

For further information, please contact:
Madison Long
Publicity and Talent Coordinator 
madison.long@nine.com.au 

Monday, October 16, 2023

Nine radio scoops eight ACRAs: Laurel Edwards into the Hall of Fame

Nine’s talk radio stations and podcasts have taken home eight awards at the 2023 Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs) held in Sydney last night, with 4BC Breakfast legend Laurel Edwards inducted into the ACRA Hall of Fame.   

As the reigning queen of the Brisbane Breakfast slot and holding the record as the longest-serving female announcer in commercial radio history for the same shift, Laurel Edwards’ induction into the ACRA Hall of Fame acknowledged her outstanding contribution to Australian radio.    

Of the honour, Edwards said, “I never imagined I’d find myself in this incredible industry, and 30 years later, to be on this dream run, especially alongside my mates Gary and Mark, is truly an honour. 

“Brisbane is where my heart beats, where the community flourishes, and where I’ve discovered immense joy in guiding and connecting with local listeners through life’s highs and lows – from the 4KQ days to our wonderful 4BC audience. Eight-year-old me, with a transistor glued to my ear, would be pretty impressed at where this journey has led. I’m immensely grateful and still a bit in shock.”

Radio titan and fellow ACRA Hall of Fame member, Neil Mitchell was one of the biggest winners of the night, awarded Best News Coverage for his reporting on the Victorian floods, and taking out the prestigious Best Talk Presenter for the eighth time – cementing his position at the top of the radio game after an incredible 34 years hosting 3AW Mornings. 

Mitchell said, “This is a tribute to a superb team and a super active and engaged audience which make the program sparkle. It’s a great honour to be stepping down from daily radio on top.” 

2GB’s Ben Fordham was named Best Current Affairs Presenter for a second time, Amie Meehan as Best News Presenter AM, and Clinton Maynard scooped the Brian White Award for Excellence in Journalism (Metro).

Nine Radio’s premium sports coverage was also recognised on the night, with the Continuous Call Team awarded Best Sports Event Coverage for the 2022 State of Origin Decider and Matt White taking out the Best Podcast Producer (Show) for 9Podcasts’ Stories of Origin, while James Willis was awarded Best Radio Show Producer (Metro). 

Managing Director of Nine Radio, Tom Malone said, “I’m incredibly proud of all our teams across 4BC, 2GB, 3AW and 6PR. They set the standard every day for live and local radio – connecting with listeners and advertisers in a very powerful way. The recent evolution of ratings under GFK 360 shows that the future of streaming is talk radio.”

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

Sunday, October 15, 2023

Laurel Edwards enters radio’s Hall of Fame

4BC’s Laurel Edwards clinched the highest honour in Australian radio at last night’s Australian Commercial Radio & Audio Awards in Sydney when she was inducted into the prestigious Hall of Fame.

As the reigning queen of the Brisbane Breakfast slot and holding the record as the longest-serving female announcer in commercial radio history for the same shift, Edwards’ induction acknowledges her outstanding success and contribution to Australian radio.

The annual gala awards ceremony honoured Edwards among a star-studded room of industry peers for her on-air charisma, passion for her city and her authenticity in broadcasting stories and moments that matter to Brisbane.

Congratulatory messages from Russell CroweDarryl Braithwaite and radio legend Jamie Dunn acknowledged Edwards’ indelible mark on radio and her role in inspiring the next generation of broadcasters.

Laurel Edwards said: “I never imagined I’d find myself in this incredible industry, and 30 years later, to be on this dream run, especially alongside my mates Gary and Mark, is truly an honour.

“My love for this city is no secret. Brisbane is where my heart beats, where the community flourishes, and where I’ve discovered immense joy in guiding and connecting with local listeners through life’s highs and lows – from the 4KQ days to our wonderful 4BC audience. Eight-year-old me, with a transistor glued to my ear, would be pretty impressed at where this journey has led. I’m immensely grateful and still a bit in shock.”

4BC Content Manager Max Dudley said: “There is no one quite like Laurel Edwards on radio today. Not only has she been a familiar voice on the air for 31 years, Laurel has been a champion for local events, music, charities, and everything great in our city.

“As well as being a terrific broadcaster, Laurel has nurtured so many emerging radio talents. She deserves this recognition with the other Australian radio greats.”

Nine Radio Managing Director Tom Malone said: “For three decades, Laurel has resonated as the pre-eminent voice on Brisbane airwaves, consistently securing the top spot with her warm and captivating style.

“In her 31st year she has achieved what very few have – indeed only other Hall of Fame inductees – by switching stations and taking her audience with her. It’s a powerful demonstration of her connection with her audience and her appeal as a broadcaster of great fun and empathy. Laurel’s induction into ACRA’ Hall of Fame is a fitting accolade for an extraordinary career.”

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

Sunday, October 15, 2023

Pedestrian and BWS reunite for a one day sober festival

Pedestrian Group, home to the strongest brands creating culture for young Aussies, and leading drinks retailer BWS are reuniting to bring Melburnians Oksoberfest. The one-day sober event removes the stigma that non-drinking is non-social, uniting the local community and homegrown beverage partners in one inclusive space. 

The free event will take place at the Brunswick Foodstore in Melbourne/Naarm, on Saturday October 28 from 11am til 5pm.

Punters are invited to get around market stalls from ten local creators and businesses including the likes of illustrators, vintage clothing resale, sustainable fashion and jewellery, live music from local DJs Crissy and DJ Kavi, workshops, street eats from Dingo Ate My Taco and Sliders On Tyres, and more low/no-alcohol drinks than you can shake as swizzle- stick at from Heaps Normal, Lyres and Nocktail.

Spyros Asteriou, Head of NSW Agency Partnerships at Pedestrian Group said, “It’s not often you see brands as fearless as BWS. In this dream partnership they’ve come to us to hit refresh on drink choices. Playing into spaces that you’d never expect a bottle shop to own – a one day sober festival – we’re making room for your drink preference, alcoholic or not.”

Josie Brown, General Manager of Marketing at BWS says, “We’re really excited to continue our partnership with Pedestrian. As the cheeky younger cousin to more serious bottle shops, Oksoberfest is a great way to bring to life the Refreshingly BWS take on the world of drinks. The low and no-alcohol category continues to gain traction with Aussie customers and we’re thrilled to showcase alternative drinks preferences and moderation options.”

Oksoberfest is the start of a summer long partnership between Pedestrian Group, BWS and agency partners Dentsu, Carat and M&C Saatchi, for the drinks giant’s Refreshingly BWS brand platform, which seeks to drive the overarching messaging that all people and tastes are welcome at BWS.

“We want to celebrate Aussies who unapologetically do drinks their way. So whether you fancy ice in your wine, enjoy seltzers at dinner parties or love a no-alc beer in your trackies on a Saturday night, BWS is absolutely here for it,”  says Josie Brown, General Manager of Marketing at BWS.

The summer partnership and Oksoberfest comes off the back of a successful and widely acclaimed Pride campaign, The BWYASSS House of Pride, which was an inclusive Pride Month event that was curated by the community for the community.

About Pedestrian Group: Pedestrian Group is home to PEDESTRIAN.TV, 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 BWS: Beer, Wine and Spirits (BWS) is an Australian retail chain of liquor stores owned by Endeavour Group. Endeavour Group Ltd (EG) is an Australian alcoholic drinks retailer, hotel operator, and poker machine operator.

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

Thursday, October 12, 2023