Archives: Media Releases

Five charming 1950s homes that have undergone major renovations will be put to the ultimate test, The Block Grand Finale Auction, this Sunday, November 5, at 7 O’block on Channel 9 and 9Now.

But first, contestants will face the daunting task of impressing the public at the first “Domain Open For Inspections” in four years, tonight at 7.30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now. 

The most controversial season of The Block ever has seen five Blockhead couples – Kyle and Leslie (WA), Leah and Ash (QLD), Kristy and Brett (SA), Steph and Gian (NSW), and Eliza and Liberty (VIC) – battling it out on and off-camera to take home the crown for their state. 

After 12 gruelling weeks of blood, sweat and tears their houses are finished, and each one comes complete with a pool and secondary accommodation. Some boast hi-tech garage turning circles, while others have size on their side. Who will be victorious? 

Ahead of the OFI’s tonight, host Scott Cam said: “I think it’s the only show in the world where fans can come and see a live TV set like at the Domain Open For Inspections, and we all loved seeing them in their thousands in Charming Street. I know it’s also great for our contestants as they get to see just how much their hard work is loved by the viewers.”

As for auction day, Scott says: “I get very nervous because as I have said since day one, I want every couple to have success after months of hard work building these homes. 

“This year I think there are five beautiful and five very different homes which will appeal to unique buyers. I hope they do well at auction time as they all absolutely deserve it.” 

Domain National Managing Editor, Alice Stolz, said after the inspections: “The Block yet again created five dream homes and there’s nothing better than seeing fans and potential buyers check them out for themselves. It really was the ultimate open for inspections time”.

As for the auctions, she says: “The property market has clawed its way back from last year’s downturn, with the national median just a whisker away from hitting a new price record. 

“Hampton East is a sleepy suburb nestled into Melbourne’s beautiful bayside and is enjoying its moment in the sun. These Charming Street houses could not look sharper nor be more perfect for an idyllic family life.

“Whatever happens come auction day, I hope these renos have inspired many Aussies to take another look at those rather plain clinker-brick houses that they once might have thought were too dull. And also to think again about the simple life of suburbia. I’m telling you, it’s great out there.”

Executive Producer of The Block, Julian Cress, agreed. He said: “There was a great atmosphere at the Domain Open For Inspections this year. After four years of not being able to do them, it was terrific to have thousands of fans turn up to see these magnificent homes.

“Most importantly for me was seeing the joy it brought to the contestants to open their homes and get such positive feedback on all their hard work.”

Looking ahead to the nailbiting auction day, Julian said: “Hotly contested is an understatement. I can’t remember a series with such competitive contestants going into auction week. I have no doubt it will deliver a finale full of drama and an auction that will have everyone, including me, on the edge of our seats.

“It’s a volatile market right now and the only guarantee is that one team will win $100,000, but as usual, we will cross our fingers on auction day and hope for the best outcome for everyone.” 

The highly anticipated auction order and reserve price reveals are set to be explosive, because the all-important order can make or break a team’s chance of taking home a $100,000 cash prize on top of their profits on auction day. 

Since premiering on Channel 9 in 2003, Australia’s richest reality program has awarded a total of $32,592,807.65 in prizemoney.

See full The Block listings here.

For further information, please contact:
Aimee Ball
9Network Publicity 
aimee.ball@nine.com.au

Monday, October 30, 2023

The wealth of the richest self-made Australians aged 40 and under has surged 25 per cent, driven higher by alternative energy, retail and the property sector, reveals the Financial Review 2023 Young Rich List released in full tomorrow.

• Canva co-founders Melanie Perkins and Cliff Obrecht are #1 and #2 on the Young Rich List worth $13 billion, down from $13.7 billion.
• 20th anniversary of the Young Rich List, the first issue of which was led by mobile phone retailer John Ilhan and was filled with sportspeople, actors and singers.
• Alternative energy, retail and property take out 26 slots of this year’s top 100, with Adrian Portelli debuting on the List at #7 worth $1 billion. He made headlines last year after buying two houses on The Block and winching his McLaren sports car 57 storeys into his $39 million Melbourne penthouse.  
• Ben Simmons is Australia’s richest sports star under 40, worth $191 million,  while Chris Hemsworth is the nation’s wealthiest young actor also worth $191 million. 
• Miranda Kerr remains the richest celebrity under 40, with a wealth pile of $256 million, up from $173 million.
• Fortunes derived from technology slump from 41 to 31.

Australia’s richest young entrepreneurs who have invested in retail and hospitality take out 26 of the 100 slots on this year’s list. Green energy has created three new Rich Listers and property has produced five. 

While these sectors are booming, the number of tech fortunes has fallen from 41 to 31. That said, wealth derived from tech still dominates the top 10 spots, with Canva co-founders Melanie Perkins, 36, and husband Cliff Obrecht, 37, continuing their run at the top of the Young Rich List with a combined wealth of $13 billion down from $13.7b last year. 

The couple have a $10 billion lead on the next Young Rich Lister, Ed Craven, the co-founder of online cryptocurrency casino site stake.com who has a wealth of $3.1 billion. 

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Young Rich List. Its first edition inside BRW Magazine in 2003 was topped by John ‘Crazy John’ Ilhan, seller of discounted Nokia phones and featured Pat Rafter, Russell Crowe and Kylie Minogue. Sportspeople, actors and singers dominated the first Young Rich Lists.

The 2023 Financial Review Young Rich List reveals the more diverse ways the next generation of entrepreneurs are building their fortunes. Sam Prince, the 39-year old founder of Mexican restaurant chain Zambrero, lifted his wealth to $1.6 billion, up from $1.2 billion last year, putting him in the #4 spot on the Young Rich List. Jack Zhang and his fellow co-founders of Airwallex, a cross border payments system now worth $8.5 billion, have seen their wealth estimates rise 50 per cent or more. Zhang is #5 on the list with an estimated fortune of $1.4 billion.

With the Young Rich List featuring 16 debutants, none is more ostentatious than Melbourne’s Adrian Portelli, who comes in at #7 worth $1 billion. The founder of rewards club company LMCT+, Portelli stayed under the radar until he bought two houses on last year’s series of The Block. He then paid $39 million for a Melbourne penthouse and had a $3 million McLaren high performance car craned 57 floors up into his loungeroom.    

“Despite the cost-of-living crisis, the Young Rich List shows it’s still possible to create new wealth,” said Rich List editor Michael Bailey. 

“Higher interest rates have brought fast-growth software businesses back to earth, and the $37.7 billion total wealth on 2023’s Young Rich List is still below 2021’s record $41.3 billion. But there are still solid profits in glamorously-marketed yet affordable fashion, and renewable energy solutions to climate change. 

“Meanwhile the five basketballers on the List – make that six next year once Sydney’s Josh Green starts fulfilling his new $64 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks – show that a good jump-shot is recession-proof too.” 

Miranda Kerr remains the richest celebrity under 40, with a wealth pile of $256 million, up from $173 million to come in at #25. Australia’s wealthiest Young Rich sport star is Brooklyn Nets basketball star Ben Simmons, worth $191 million (#38) followed by F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo worth $167 million (#45).

Meanwhile, Hollywood star Chris Hemsworth increased his wealth by $57 million to $191 million, up from $162 million (#37) while a global obsession with Barbie has resulted in Margot Robbie having a wealth of $152 million up from $102 million and coming #47 on the List. 

The Financial Review Young Rich List 2023 Highlights

TOP 10 (worth a collective $23.9 billion)
1&2 Melanie Perkins and Cliff Obrecht,36 & 37, $13 billion  – Canva
3 Ed Craven, 28, $3.1 billion – stake.com online casino
4 Sam Prince, 39, $1.6 billion – Zambrero Mexican restaurant & healthcare
5 Jack Zhang, 38, $1.4 billion – Airwallex 
6 Nicholas Molnar, 33, $1.2 billion – Afterpay
7 Adrian Portelli, 34, $1 billion – LMCT+ rewards 
8 Jacob Dai, 39, $966 million – Airwallex 
9 Robert Chamberlain, 39, $877 million – Huno Group travel
10 Max Li, 39, $771 million – Airwallex

ENTERTAINMENT/CELEBRITIES
1 Miranda Kerr, 40, $256 million – Manufacturing/Retail (#25 on the Young Rich List)
2 Chris Hemsworth, 39, $191 million – Arts (#37)
3 Margot Robbie, 33, $152 million – Arts (#47) 
4 Jennifer Hawkins, 38, $107 million – Manufacturing/Retail (59)

SPORT
1 Ben Simmons, 27, $191 million (#38) – Basketballer
2 Daniel Ricciardo, 34, $167 million (#45) – F1 driver
3 Jason Day, 35, $141 million (#49) – Golfer
4 Andrew Bogut, 38, $116 million (#56) – Retired basketballer
5 Cameron Smith, 30, $106 million (#61) – Golfer 

TOP 5 WOMEN  
1 Melanie Perkins (#1) – $13 billion (combined wealth) 
2 Jessica Sepel (#15) – $454 million (combined wealth)
3 Tah-nee Beard (#20) – $359 million (combined wealth)
4 Miranda Kerr (#25) – $256 million
5 Kayla Itsines (#42) – $171 million

The Financial Review Young Rich List is available on www.afr.com from Friday, October 27. The Young Rich List also appears in a special edition of AFR Magazine, featuring profiles and analysis of the trends that are making the Young Rich even richer, which is inside this Friday’s Financial Review newspaper.  

Image of cover of AFR Magazine Young Rich List HERE

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

Thursday, October 26, 2023

Pedestrian Group has launched PEDESTRIAN TELEVISION, Australia’s only youth-focused TV channel and video on demand (VOD) destination, streaming chaos 24/7 on 9Now.

The first of its kind in the Australian VOD market, PEDESTRIAN TELEVISION is a mix of content, both created or curated, by Pedestrian Group. Licensing deals with Sony Pictures, Australian Independent Record labels (AIR), OUTtv, Eternal Family, Robot Army and others has carefully selected an eclectic mix of comedy, reality, music, movies and weird web stuff that unearths both new and neo-nostalgic hits. 

PEDESTRIAN TELEVISION’s unique programming base will be layered original news and culture content from Pedestrian Group’s brands, particularly PEDESTRIAN.TV, VICE, Refinery29 and The Chainsaw, as well as a collaboration with The Betoota Advocate. 

CEO of Pedestrian Group, Matt Rowley said: “The obvious opportunity is that there’s no TV or streaming service out there dedicated solely to 18-35 year old Australians. What’s even more exciting is the way PEDESTRIAN TELEVISION will be rewriting the rule book to create chaotic good TV. Our unique programming will combine the pace and energy of social media, with the curated voice of a TV channel to end streaming decision paralysis for young Aussies.” 

James McManus, Executive Creative Director at Pedestrian Group said: “This channel will plug young Aussies into what’s going on like no other. We’ll be converging our trusted brand voices in one place to tell the news, give gig guides and hit the streets for opinion in untraditional, lo-fi, fast formats – meaning any viewer can keep up to speed by tuning in for just a few hours a week. Importantly we’ll also lean heavily into supporting fresh Aussie music, showcasing the diverse talent our country has to offer.” 

Streamed via 9Now on connected TV, app and web, PEDESTRIAN TELEVISION is free and ad supported. The ad load is dramatically lighter to give curated brand partners the ultimate cut through with the channel’s sought after audience.  

Pedestrian Group’s Chief Commercial Officer, Rachel Tikey said: “PEDESTRIAN TELEVISION is a game changer in the art of connecting brands with young Aussies, enabling our clients to harness Pedestrian Group’s renowned native content expertise, now in television format.”

“Married with further integrations across our famous websites, events and engaged social presences, we have a truly unique offering in market and one sold only by the Pedestrian Group partnerships team. We’re already having the time of our life creating killer market firsts with our clients including our launch partner BWS.”

Preview the chaos below and click here for hi-res images

About Pedestrian Group
Pedestrian Group is Australia’s leading youth-centered publisher and creator of TV Channel PEDESTRIAN TELEVISION, streaming chaos 24/7 on 9Now. It is home to PEDESTRIAN.TV, The Chainsaw, VICE Australia, Refinery29 Australia, Lifehacker Australia, Gizmodo Australia, and Kotaku Australia, as well as the Open Air Cinemas. It is wholly owned by Nine, Australia’s largest locally-owned media company.

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

Thursday, October 26, 2023

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 Mark, Mornings with Bill McDonald, Afternoons 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

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

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

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 Australia. MAFS 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 Getaways, The 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

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

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

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