Archives: Media Releases

The Wallabies commence their Rugby World Cup campaign in France on Sunday and all their games will be shown live and free on Channel 9HD and 9Now. 

Under coach Eddie Jones, a new-generation Wallabies side captained by Will Skelton will be out to silence the doubters in their quest to bring glory back to the green and gold on the international stage.

They face a stiff field featuring the titans of world rugby, South Africa and New Zealand, tournament favourites and hosts France, alongside fellow northern hemisphere threats Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales, plus the flamboyant style of Argentina and the unpredictable Fiji in a field of 20 countries all fighting to win the William Webb Ellis trophy.

Nine’s commentary team of rugby union stars and experts led by Michael Atkinson and Nick McArdle will include Wallabies legends Tim Horan, Mat Rogers, Justin Harrison, James Horwill,  Morgan Turinui and Stephen Hoiles. 

All Blacks legends Sonny Bill Williams and Andrew Mehrtens, female internationals Sera Naiqama and Allana Ferguson, plus caller Sean Maloney will complete Nine’s all-star commentary lineup for live game coverage on Channel 9HD, 9Now and also Stan Sport. 

On the ground in France for Wide World of Sports and 9News will be former Wallaby outside back Drew Mitchell. 

Nine Director of Sport, Brent Williams, said: “Nine and Wide World of Sports is thrilled to be the home of all Wallabies matches throughout this historic Rugby World Cup. Any event of this magnitude is “must watch” for sports fans all over the country but this one takes on even greater significance as Eddie Jones unveils his next generation of Wallaby superstars to take on the rest of the world. You can see it all live and free on Nine and 9NOW with every single match on Stan Sport.   

Stan Sport will show every game of RWC23 live, ad-break free and in 4K Ultra HD. 

EXPERT GUIDE

Wide World of Sports’ rugby expert Drew Mitchell provided the lowdown on the competing nations ahead of the beginning of the Rugby World Cup this weekend.

Wallabies: Haven’t had the preparation fans wanted to see, but in Eddie Jones we trust! He has a proven track record at RWCs and he’s sure to spring a few surprises. They’re our national team and it’s time to get behind them.

New Zealand: Weird to say about the All Blacks, but they’re somewhat going under the radar. Strong build-up to the RWC aside from their record loss against South Africa. Is that the loss they needed? Time will tell. Expect them to go deep.

South Africa: They have the squad and play the type of game that wins World Cups. Set-piece dominance, kick their goals, have X-factor out wide. Can they go back to back? I think they can. Captain Siya Kolisi’s incredible early return from injury is a huge boost.

France: The host nation with plenty of expectations to win it. Can they harness the pressure? Losing fly-half Romain Ntamack is a huge blow, but having elite scrum-half Antoine Dupont is a massive advantage.

England: It hasn’t been a great build-up for England. Captain Owen Farrell and Billy Vunipola suspended to start the tournament isn’t ideal, along with pre-tournament injuries. Will history repeat and see England face the Wallabies at Marseille in the quarter-finals?

Ireland: Arguably the form team over the past two years. Johnny Sexton returning from suspension could be the boost they need.

Argentina: Do not write the Los Pumas off. Former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has this team full of confidence and they are more than capable of going deep in the tournament.

Wales: Not much is going right for the Welsh. But they’re on the favourable side of the draw and may surprise.

Scotland: The Scots are in great form. Finn Russell is pulling the strings and has them playing a high attacking style. They’re in a tough pool but may cause an upset and progress into the knockouts.

The best of the rest: The Pacific nations are looking stronger than ever.

Fiji recently defeated England for the first time in history. X-factor across the park, and with the experience gained through the Fiji Drua in Super Rugby, mixed with their European contingent, Fiji will be a problem. Joshua Tuisova is granite, a winger who breaks tackles for fun. 

Samoa and Tonga are also bolstered with players returning to their cultural heritage. Players who have previously represented other Tier 1 nations are now suiting up for Samoa and Tonga and both squads look formidable.

Tonga’s Charles Piatau will be dangerous in the back field for the men in red, and will definitely feature in highlight reels for RWC 2023.

Samoa’s UJ Seuteni represented Australia in under 20s, has been playing in France for over five years, and has developed into a world-class centre. He recently won the European championship with La Rochelle.

RUGBY WORLD CUP 2023 BROADCAST SCHEDULE

WALLABIES RWC23 LIVE AND FREE ON CHANNEL 9HD AND 9NOW

RUGBY WORLD CUP FRANCE 2023
LIVE AND FREE ON THE 9NETWORK AND 9NOW 
FROM SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10

EVERY GAME LIVE, AD-FREE AND IN 4K ULTRA HD 
ON STAN SPORT

INTERVIEW AVAILABILITY
For interviews with Drew Mitchell on the ground from France throughout RWC23, please contact Nine Publicity below. 

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

Tuesday, September 5, 2023

Tom Elliott has been named as Neil Mitchell’s successor, with Jacqui Felgate appointed 3AW’s new Drive host, and Tony Moclair stepping into Afternoons, headlining the changes announced for 3AW’s new line-up today.

Elliott, who began his radio career on 3RR in 1993, has been a powerful force in the Drive slot over the past 10 years, building a loyal audience and dominating the ratings. 

Station Manager Stephen Beers said, “Tom is the perfect choice to receive the baton from Neil Mitchell and build on his legacy of championing our listeners, holding politicians and business to account, and celebrating our great city of Melbourne.”

Elliott said, “It’s a huge honour to succeed Neil Mitchell in hosting 3AW Mornings. Ever since I started at the station in 2002, Neil has been the gold standard for how to host this iconic talkback show. I have always looked up to Neil, and cannot wait to talk with the Mornings audience in January 2024.”

Replacing Tom in Drive will be Jacqui Felgate. Jacqui is a multi-award-winning journalist with 20 years’ experience in broadcast, radio and print, who built a huge following by guiding Melbournians through the Covid lockdowns with the latest news and information. 

Stephen Beers said, “The 3AW listeners have embraced Jacqui over the past 18 months during her stints on Breakfast, Afternoons and hosting our Friday night AFL coverage. She’s an outstanding appointment and will continue the great tradition of breaking news on 3AW Drive.”

Jacqui said, “It’s an absolute privilege to be in the 3AW Drive chair and I look forward to chatting to Melbourne every afternoon. One of the most remarkable things about 3AW is the role the station plays in the lives of our listeners and I’m so humbled to be able to hear their stories every day.”

Completing the new line up is Tony Moclair, who moves from his Australia Overnight slot to take on Afternoons. A comedy actor, writer and performer across radio and TV, Moclair has held numerous roles across multiple stations. 

“Tony epitomises what 3AW is all about – information and entertainment – great companionship. The listeners love Tony, and he loves them right back,” said Beers. 

Of his new role, Tony Moclair said, “I’m looking forward to broadcasting from midday, instead of midnight, and I’m delighted to be wedged between Tom and Jacqui on the new looking and sounding 3AW.” 

Tom, Tony and Jacqui will begin their new roles in January 2024.

TOM ELLIOTT BIO:
Tom attended Carey Grammar School before gaining degrees from Melbourne and Oxford Universities. During the 1990s and 2000s, Tom worked at both retailer Country Road and several investment firms, culminating in Choice Capital (where he now chairs the Investment Committee). He began his radio career at 3RRR in 1993, and first appeared on 3AW in 2002 as a finance reporter for Neil Mitchell. Between 2008 and 2012, Tom hosted the successful Weekend Break show before taking over in Drive from Derryn Hinch at the start of 2013.

JACQUI FELGATE BIO:
Beginning her career at The Herald Sun before moving to 9News and onto Seven News as the Afternoon News presenter, the two-time winner of the Quill Award is known for breaking stories on Instagram where she has over 253,000 followers and regularly sets the agenda for the week. An ambassador for Off The Track, helping to rehome retired racehorses, Jacqui was the first woman to host the Brownlow Medal count and has covered major sporting events including the AFL Grand Final, Wimbledon and the Beijing Olympic Games.

TONY MOCLAIR BIO:
Starting at 3RRR in 1993, he has presented on Nova Adelaide Breakfast in 2004, ABC Adelaide Breakfast, ABC Melbourne and then MMM Melbourne in 2008. In 2011 Tony became a regular contributor to Tom Elliot’s Weekend Break on 3AW and in 2016 took over the Australia Overnight program, where he has been constantly No.1 in that slot.

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

Monday, September 4, 2023

One of Australia’s most respected journalists, and Melbourne radio legend, Neil Mitchell, today announced he is stepping down from hosting his 3AW Mornings program after 34 years. He will stay on with 3AW and Nine in a new role, including hosting his successful new podcast, Neil Mitchell Asks Why. 

Mitchell has been a mainstay of 3AW for more than three decades, across a variety of time slots, and has had 219 Survey wins in his number one Morning program. 

The Walkley, Quill and ACRA award-winning broadcaster began working at 3AW in March 1987, initially part-time on weekends and as a morning fill-in host for former broadcaster Derryn Hinch. He became the host of the Drive program in October 1987, and in 1990, moved to Mornings where he has been one of the city’s most influential figures ever since.

His sharp ear for the mood of his audience has seen Mitchell champion a number of causes – raising over $10M over his on-air career – as well as campaigning to help those without a voice, and holding politicians and decision makers to account. 

Neil Mitchell said: “Apart from my family, this has been my life and it has been a huge privilege. When a radio audience allows you into their lives you can’t help but feel the responsibility and the honour. As a broadcaster you cry with them, laugh with them, get angry as they do, and always fight for their interests.

“I have been acutely conscious of that privilege of the microphone every day I have been on air for over 36 years. It is a tough decision to step away from the daily program. It is the best job I have ever had. But I promise I will continue my philosophy and attitude through this new role. It is one I have crafted carefully with the approval of 3AW and Nine management because I want to continue to have an impact and continue to work for the audience as the media landscape changes.”

3AW Station Manager, Stephen Beers, said: “Neil has been an enormous part of 3AW for decades, he reinvented talkback radio in Melbourne and the power of the audience in shaping our lives. No one story or campaign can sum him up, we can only thank Neil for his ongoing desire to deliver the best radio every day. I am excited for our next chapter with Neil across many of the Nine platforms. Neil has shaped the entire radio station, he is and always will be 3AW.”

Mitchell’s career spans radio, television and newspapers and includes some of the most respected awards in Australian journalism. He is the only person to be inducted into both the Melbourne Press Club Hall of Fame and the Australian Commercial Radio Hall of Fame.

He has won eight Melbourne Press Club Quill Awards for Best Radio Current Affairs Report and another for Best Columnist. In 2011, Mitchell won the Melbourne Press Club Graham Perkin Australian Journalist of the Year Award for excellence in radio journalism over a quarter of a century – the first radio journalist to win the coveted award. Two years later he also won a Walkley Award in the radio/audio news and current affairs category, for his report that the Ford Motor Company would stop manufacturing vehicles in Australia after 2016.

Mitchell has won multiple Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs), including seven Best Talk Presenter awards, and eleven Best Current Affairs Presenter awards – winning two of the awards just last year – and has been nominated again this year for the coveted Best Talk Presenter award. He is also a four time recipient of the Brian White Award and was inducted into the Australian Commercial Radio Hall of Fame in 2007. 

In the 2007 Queen’s Birthday Honours List, Mitchell was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for services to the print, radio and television media, and to the community through his contributions to a range of charitable institutions.

Tom Malone, Managing Director of Nine Radio, said: “Thirty four years hosting Mornings on 3AW is a record that’s likely never to be beaten. Neil has been at the top of his game and the top of ratings for nearly all of that time. It’s an incredible run. We’d have loved him to stay on, but Neil is adamant it’s time. 

“We are delighted that he will stay with 3AW, recording his weekly podcast Neil Mitchell Asks Why and appearing across our shows. Neil will also feature more widely across Nine’s other platforms, producing compelling content for our listeners, viewers and readers.”

Neil’s replacement will be announced in the coming days. 

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

Friday, September 1, 2023

Footy fans will be sent into a spellbinding state as they witness their teams’ finals fate unfold from tonight at 7.00pm, when NRL on Nine delivers the final-round drama in the closest end to a season in years, across four big games on Channel 9HD and 9Now.

BLOCKBUSTER FINAL ROUND MATCH UPS
FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTY: RABBITOHS V ROOSTERS
SUNDAY FOOTY: SHARKS V RAIDERS
FOUR NRL GAMES PLUS NRLW ROUND 7 LIVE AND FREE

First up, the Brisbane Broncos can claim their first minor premiership since 2000 on Thursday Night Footy with a win against the Melbourne Storm, who welcome Ryan Papenhuyzen back to their starting lineup for the first time in over a year. 

However, the Storm really have the wood on the Broncos, winning their last 13 games and not losing a game at their home ground, Suncorp Stadium, since 2009.

Friday Night Footy rekindles the greatest rivalry in rugby league – one that goes back more than 100 years – when the Rabbitohs meet the Roosters for the latest chapter in South Sydney owner Russell Crowe’s “Book of Feuds”.

The immeasurable disdain these two clubs have for each other is ready to boil over once again, with a place in the finals on the line for the winner. Football just doesn’t get any bigger than this clash – get ready for fireworks going off all over Accor Stadium.

On Saturday Night Footy at 7.00pm, the finals-bound Knights will be looking to put the Dragons to the sword, while the Red V are aiming for a last-round win to reward their fans after a disappointing season. 

Then the regular season reaches the crescendo when the Sharks face a win-or-bust Raiders outfit on Sunday Arvo Footy.

A home final is on the line for the winning team, but if Ricky Stuart’s Raiders lose it’s curtains for the Green Machine in 2023. 

Also this week, NRLW Round 7 features a triple-header on Saturday on Nine from 11.00am, while the Sunday Footy Show leads into a Sunday double-header before the NRL Sharks v Raiders game. 

BROADCAST SCHEDULE

Thursday, August 31

THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTY – BRONCOS v STORM
Sydney/Brisbane        7.30pm LIVE on Channel 9HD and 9Now
Melbourne                  7.30pm LIVE on Channel 9HD and 9Now
Adelaide                     7.00pm LIVE on 9GemHD and 9Now
Perth                          5.30pm LIVE on 9GemHD and 9Now

Friday, September 1

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTY – RABBITOHS v ROOSTERS 
Sydney/Brisbane       7.30pm LIVE on Channel 9HD and 9Now
Melbourne                  7.30pm LIVE on 9GemHD and 9Now
Adelaide                     7.00pm LIVE on 9GemHD and 9Now
Perth                          5.30pm LIVE on 9GemHD and 9Now

Saturday, September 2

11.00am – NRLW RAIDERS v KNIGHTS 
12.30pm – NRLW BRONCOS v SHARKS
2.30pm – NRLW WRAP
3.00pm – NRLW COWBOYS v DRAGONS

7.00pm – NRL SATURDAY NIGHT FOOTY: DRAGONS v KNIGHTS 
Watch: Channel 9HD Syd/Bris, 9GemHD Melb/Adl/Perth – Stream on 9Now

Sunday, September 3

THE SUNDAY FOOTY SHOW – from 11.00am with Billy Slater, Andrew Johns, Brad Fittler and Danika Mason.

NRLW – TITANS v TIGERS from 12.00pm 
NRLW – ROOSTERS v EELS from 1.45pm

CHEMIST WAREHOUSE SUNDAY ARVO FOOTY – SHARKS v RAIDERS from 3.30pm
Watch: Channel 9HD Syd/Bris, 9GemHD Melb/Adl/Perth – Stream on 9Now

Monday, September 4 – 100% FOOTY on Channel 9HD Syd/Bris

THIS WEEK ON 9NOW AND WWOS DIGITAL
Click on images to watch the latest episode

SIX TACKLES WITH GUS

FREDDY AND THE EIGHTH on 9NOW

THE BILLY SLATER PODCAST

NRLW WEEKLY

QLDER on 9NOW

STREAM NRL FOR FREE ON 9NOW
FROM THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 7.30PM

Thursday, August 31, 2023

Pedestrian Group and Johnnie Walker have announced season two of ‘The VICE Guide To Being Better’; a digital content series exploring a diverse range of human experiences. The momentum of season one, in partnership with agency partners Foundation and DRUM, has been rapid since its February 2023 launch.

The first iteration of ‘The VICE Guide To Being Better’ offered audiences an intimate glimpse into the lives of remarkable individuals including Caroline Cull, Red Ray, Demon Derriere, Rowi Singh, Keiynan Lonsdale, Sabrina Frederick and Brittany Long, exploring their pivotal roles in pushing society forward. Through candid conversation, these inspiring individuals shared their personal journeys, reflecting on the challenges and triumphs they’ve experienced in their pursuit for positive change.

The campaign and dedicated VICE vertical immersed audiences in a world of content, with themes including asexuality, women in sport, cultural representation, fat liberation, accessibility and more. Embracing diverse perspectives, the vertical sparked meaningful conversations and toasts to a future characterised by inclusivity and collective progress.

Spyros Asteriou, Head of NSW Agency Partnerships at Pedestrian Group said, “We raise our glasses to the Johnnie Walker team, a true partnership facilitated by Drum and Foundation, where they allowed us to push the boundaries and challenge Aussies to keep walking towards progress. The partnership uses VICE’s iconic voice to uncover stories for us all to look at things from a new POV, all whilst giving us a guide to being better. We’re excited to continue our partnership in telling humanfirst stories for a second phase.”

Jodi McLeod, Marketing Manager at Johnnie Walker said, “We’re so excited to be working with VICE, Foundation and DRUM for a second year in a row, continuing to celebrate and amplify the voices of those who are leading the charge for societal progress. Johnnie Walker has always represented a strive for progress, and with this partnership we continue the legacy of ‘Keep Walking’.  

Pedestrian Group is proud to partner with Johnnie Walker, Foundation and DRUM to bring this next instalment to life and continue to drive collective progress.”

Erin Fletcher, DRUM Director of Entertainment Partnerships said, “Foundation and DRUM are incredibly excited to Keep Walking into year two of this momentous partnership bringing Australians into the Johnnie Walker world of collective progress.”

“It’s incredible when two iconic brands come together like this, Johnnie Walker and Vice, in a shared effort to drive more progressive conversations in Australia. We’re energised to continue to push boundaries, celebrate diverse groups and drive positive conversations in culture.” Kim Dolengowski, Head of Strategy, Foundation.  

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 VICE: Launched in 1994, VICE has offices across 25 countries across the globe with a focus on five key businesses: VICE.com, an award-winning international network of digital content; VICE STUDIOS, a feature film and television production studio; VICE TV, an Emmy-winning international television network; a Peabody award-winning NEWS division with the most Emmy-awarded nightly news broadcast; and VIRTUE, a global, full-service creative agency.

VICE Media Group’s portfolio includes Refinery29, the leading global media and entertainment company focused on women; PULSE Films, a London-based next-generation production studio with outposts in Los Angeles, New York, Paris and Berlin; and i-D, a global digital and bimonthly magazine defining fashion and contemporary culture and design.

Follow VICE on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube

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

Wednesday, August 30, 2023

3AW has once again completely dominated the Melbourne radio landscape with GfK Survey 5 showing the station grew its market-leading share to 16.9 (up 1.7) and recording its highest Survey 5 cume on record. 

This marks the 72nd consecutive survey win for the station.

3AW is also the outright No.1 in live audio streaming with a 29.8 share of the commercial streaming audience – more than double the streaming share of its nearest competitor.

Breakfast duo Ross and Russ were No.1 in Breakfast, posting an impressive 23 (up 3.2). The ACRA award winning duo also attracted a staggering streaming audience, with 41.6 commercial streaming share.

Legendary Mornings broadcaster Neil Mitchell soundly trounced all opposition in the timeslot, continuing his ratings streak with 20 (up 3.0) and a streaming share of 32.7.

Tom Elliott remains Melbourne’s No.1 Drive program with a share of 12.7 (up 0.2). 

Stephen Beers, 3AW Station Manager, said: “This is a great Survey 5 result for 3AW. Again led by Ross Stevenson and Russel Howcroft in Breakfast and a dominant Neil Mitchell in Mornings, both programs double the nearest competitor.

“Tom Elliott in Drive, Denis Walter at Night, Tony Moclair Overnights and Darren James on Weekends all number one programs. A great result for 3AW Footy winning the number slot in every Football session. Thanks to our listeners who continue to make 3AW their favourite destination in Melbourne – 3AW is the clear No.1.”

Further results of Gfk Survey 5 in Melbourne:  

• Afternoons posted a share of 10.6 (Mon-Fri 12.00pm–3.00pm).  
• Denis Walter posted a share of 26.3 (up 6.0) and remains Melbourne’s No.1 Evening program (Mon- Thurs 8.00pm–12.00am).  
• 3AW Weekends is Melbourne’s No.1 with a share of 16 (up 3.3). 

Source: GfK Radio360 Ratings, Total Radio, Streaming, 3AW Melbourne Survey 5 2023, Mon-Fri 5.30am-8.30am, Mon-Fri 8.30am-12pm, Mon-Fri 12pm-3pm, Mon-Fri 3pm-6pm, Mon-Thurs 8pm-12MN, Weekends 5.30am-12MN, Market Share % Total Radio, Streaming share % AP10+  

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

Tuesday, August 29, 2023

Sydney’s 2GB has once again retained its position as the clear No.1 in total radio and streaming, posting a 11.8 radio share and 24.6 commercial streaming share, in Gfk Survey 5 released today.  

Survey 5 showed 2GB is No.1 across Breakfast, Mornings, Evenings, Weekends and No.1 in sport with the Continuous Call Team. 

Ben Fordham Live is the definitive No.1 in Breakfast, with a share of 14.6, while in streaming, Fordham has posted a market-leading 33.3, reinforcing the power of live and local content. 

Celebrating one of the longest winning streaks in history, Ray Hadley has notched up an outstanding 151 consecutive survey wins, to be No.1 in Mornings with a radio share of 12.8, and 28 in streaming.  

2GB Content Manager, Luke Davis, said: “We’re thrilled that Sydney has once again declared 2GB as their No.1 radio station and go-to destination for live and local news, sport, opinion and entertainment! The entire team works tirelessly to serve our city’s listeners, so it’s gratifying to see an increasing audience choosing to tune in and stream 2GB as part of their daily routine.”

Further results from Gfk Survey 5 in Sydney: 

• Afternoons with Deborah Knight recorded a share of 6.7 (Mon-Fri 12-3pm). 
• Drive with Chris O’Keefe recorded a share of 8.0 (Mon-Fri 3-6pm).
• Money News with Scott Haywood is No.1 with a share of 11.4 (Mon-Thurs 7-8pm).
• Nights with John Stanley remains the clear No.1 with a share of 26.6 (Mon-Thurs 8pm-12am).   
• Weekends with Michael McLaren is No.1 across both Saturday and Sunday, with an overall share of 13.0 (Sat-Sun 9am-1pm).
• The Continuous Call Team (CCT) is the clear No.1 in NRL coverage.

Source: GfK Radio360 Ratings, 2GB Sydney Survey 5 2023, Mon-Fri 5.30am-9am, Mon-Fri 9am-12pm, Mon-Fri 12pm-3pm, Mon-Fri 3pm-6pm, Mon-Thurs 8pm-12MN, Sat-Sun 5.30am-12MN, Market Share % Total Radio, Streaming share % AP10+  

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

Tuesday, August 29, 2023

• 2GB and 3AW outright No.1 stations and No.1 in Breakfast and Mornings
• Streaming growth across the network
• 9Podcasts posts highest listenership on record in July

TOTAL RADIO 

Nine Radio’s 2GB and 3AW have once again retained their positions as the outright No.1 station in Sydney and Melbourne respectively, as well as No.1 in the all important Breakfast and Morning shifts. 

Today’s Gfk Survey 5 saw Melbourne’s 3AW recorded its highest ever Survey 5 cume and grew overall share to 16.7 (up 2.1), with Breakfast duo Ross and Russ recording a stunning 23 (up 3.2), and Neil Mitchell continuing his ratings streak with 20 (up 3.0).   

Sydney’s 2GB recorded a 11.8 share, with Ben Fordham Live posting 14.6 in Breakfast, and The Ray Hadley Morning Show recording 12.8 – the 151st consecutive survey win for the legendary broadcaster. 

Overall, Nine’s talk stations recorded a 2.5% increase in cume on Survey 4, cementing its reputation as the unrivalled destination of news, sport and opinion. 

Nine Radio’s Head of Content, Greg Byrnes, said: “It’s another strong result for our live and local content with clear number one stations in Sydney and Melbourne and audience gains across the network.

“The 3AW result is extraordinary given the team has managed to create a new high in audience numbers. It’s also pleasing to see some stability returning after lineup changes in Brisbane and Perth.”

COMMERCIAL RADIO SHARE	TOTAL RADIO CUME
16.5 (4 markets)	1.98 million listeners each week

STREAMING

Nine Radio continues to prove the future of live audio streaming is talk, as the clear No.1 with cumulative audience up 2.2% across the network on Survey 4. 

Melbourne’s 3AW recorded an incredible streaming commercial share of 29.8 (up 7.1), while Ross and Russ posted a dominant 41.6 in Breakfast (up 8.2).

In Sydney, 2GB recorded a 24.6 streaming commercial share (up 4.1), with Ben Fordham posting 33.3 (up.9.2). 

“With another increase in listeners, Radio 360 has again shown the talk audience has embraced our live and local content via connected devices. We’re the clear leader in the streaming market. Digital audio sounds great, is easy to access and ensures our audience is always up to date with the latest news, sport and opinion”, said Byrnes.

COMMERCIAL STREAMING SHARE	STREAMING CUME
23.7	417,000

PODCASTS 

The Nine Podcast Network recorded a 41% YOY increase in July^ as listeners continued to discover our premium Australian podcasts. News, Sport and Opinion are underpinning the growth in listenership as Nine invests in new, original, premium content.

Last month, 9Podcasts’ Hannah’s Story, presented by Melissa Downes and produced by Jess Lodge and Adam Buncher, won the Outstanding Podcast Kennedy Award for excellence in journalism. The podcast, which has reached almost one million downloads, was recognised as a compelling account of one of the worst acts of domestic violence Australia has ever seen, shining a light in a very dark place.

Nine’s podcasts have also been recognised in the 2023 ACRA nominations, with Stories of Origin nominated for Podcast of the Year, Phil “Gus” Gould (Six Tackles with Gus) for Podcast Host of the Year, Billy Slater (The Billy Slater Podcast) for Best New Talent – Podcast, and Matt White (Stories of Origin) and Sam Stove (Anatomy of a Scam) nominated in the Best Podcast Producer categories for both Show and Audio. 

Source: GfK Radio360 Ratings, Survey 4 vs Survey 5 2023, Total Radio, Streaming, Mon-Sun 5.30am-12MN, 3AW Breakfast Mon-Fri 5.30am-8.30am, 3AW Mornings 8.30am-12pm, Nine Radio Afternoons Mon-Fri 12pm-3pm, Nine Radio Drive Mon-Fri 3pm-6pm, Cume (000s), Total Radio Commercial Share, Streaming Commercial Share, AP10+, Nine Radio – 2GB, 3AW, 4BC, 6PR. 
*On record – dating back to survey 1 2004

^Source: Triton Podcast Metrics July 2023, Downloads, listeners, Total Nine, unless otherwise specified.

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

Tuesday, August 29, 2023

Dominique Loudon is set to make a return to the 9Network, rejoining 9News Queensland as the new weekend sports presenter alongside news presenter Mia Glover.

“Dom”, as she is affectionately known, spent the majority of her 15-year media career at the 9Network, first joining 9News Gold Coast in 2011 as a news reporter. Showing her passion for sport reporting, she soon became the Gold Coast’s weekday sports presenter, becoming a leading voice in sports journalism.

Returning to 9News Queensland is a welcome home for Loudon with extra significance, having filled in on the weekend news desk as the sports presenter on many occasions.

She said: “This is a full-circle moment for me. Returning to 9News feels like a homecoming, and I’m over the moon to be returning to the newsroom where my deep-seated passion for delivering news and love of sport really flourished.

“Growing up on the Gold Coast, I share Queenslanders’ enthusiasm for the thrill of sport across all codes, so having the chance to cover the big sporting stories and moments that matter is something I will never take for granted. 

“This role has me written all over it, and I cannot wait to renew my connections and establish new ones with 9News Queensland’s loyal audience.”

Nine Queensland Director of News, Amanda Paterson, said: “We all know Queenslanders love their sport and Dom is as passionate as they come, so it’s wonderful to welcome her back to where she belongs.

“Dom’s in-depth understanding of the sports landscape will allow her to continue to deliver Queensland with top-notch sports coverage every weekend, while radiating her trademark warmth and compassion. 9News Queensland’s weekend presenting duo will be unstoppable.”

The change comes as Michael Atkinson steps away from the 9News Queensland desk to pursue a full-time presenting role for Stan Sport.

Dom Loudon will join the 9News Queensland weekend bulletin, alongside Mia Glover, at 6.00pm from this weekend.

For further information, please contact:
Lucy Charles
Publicity Assistant, Nine Queensland
lucy.charles@nine.com.au 

Tuesday, August 29, 2023

The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and Brisbane Times are proud to announce a prestigious new annual essay prize for young writers.

The essay prize, which is supported by Dymocks Books and Tutoring, is an exciting chance for budding writers to share their ideas and unique perspective with a vast audience as the winners will be published by the mastheads. 

Winners in each state will receive cash prizes totalling $12,000 courtesy of Dymocks, 12-month digital subscriptions to The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and Brisbane Times, plus an invitation to pitch up to four additional opinion pieces in the following 12 months. 

James Chessell, Nine’s Managing Director – Publishing, said: “This is a terrific opportunity for young Australians to showcase creativity and we couldn’t be prouder to launch this project with the support of Dymocks. Our mastheads are the home of Australian public interest journalism and are built on a foundation of uncompromising, high-quality writing. We hope this essay competition gives young people a platform to be thought provoking and inspiring.” 

Mark Buckland, director of Dymocks Group, said: “For almost 150 years Dymocks through Dymocks Books and Dymocks Tutoring has been committed to the written word and the impact it can have on society. We’re incredibly proud to support The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and Brisbane Times in this inaugural essay competition. We hope that the competition amplifies the voices of todays’ young writers and encourages them to share through the written word their aspirations and vision for the future.”

Entries are invited in two age categories, 14-18 and 19-24 years, on a choice of essay topics. The essays will be judged by senior editors at The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and Brisbane Times, as well as special guest judges in each state – award-winning authors Tara June Winch (NSW), Maxine Beneba Clarke (Victoria) and Ellen van Neerven (Queensland).

The judges will be looking for original, compelling content that has not been previously published (in school newspapers or other competitions); that demonstrates excellent writing skills; has an engaging voice and style; that makes a compelling argument; that is topical and thought-provoking.

Writers are able to incorporate first-person narrative in their persuasive argument; creativity and innovation will be given special consideration.

Entries are due by October 2. In mid-November each masthead will announce a shortlist of writers in each age category, then the winners and runners-up will be announced in late November.

The Essay Prize joins Nine Publishing’s other highly respected writing awards – The Sydney Morning Herald Best Young Australian Novelist Award, and The Age Book of the Year Award (fiction and non-fiction).

Entry forms for the essay prize can be found here for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and Brisbane Times.

High res pics of authors can be found HERE

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

Monday, August 28, 2023