Archives: Media Releases

AFLW Legend Meg McDonald Joins 3AW as Executive Producer of 3AW Football

3AW today announced the full-time appointment of recently-retired Geelong AFLW captain, Meg McDonald, who will join the station in 2026 as its new Executive Producer of 3AW Football.

McDonald, a decorated figure in the AFLW, officially retired from the league after 76 matches, concluding a career that saw her lead the Geelong Cats for the past six seasons. Her distinguished on-field achievements include being a two-time All-Australian, winning the Geelong Best and Fairest award in 2019, and finishing as the longest-serving skipper in the club’s AFLW history.

Away from the field, McDonald has built a strong professional portfolio, working closely with the media and the AFL as a member of Geelong’s communications team. Crucially, she has already established a strong relationship with 3AW, having worked with the station throughout the 2025 AFL and AFLW seasons, in addition to her involvement with Fox Footy for a number of years. McDonald has also been recognised for her leadership potential, having been nominated for the AFL’s prestigious leadership program.

3AW Station Manager, Stephen Beers, said of McDonald’s appointment: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Meg to 3AW as our Executive Producer of 3AW Football. She is a proven leader, an exceptional football mind, and her experience both on-field as a decorated captain and off-field in media and communications is unparalleled. As the No.1 radio station for AFL coverage, this key appointment ensures that we continue to lead the way and deliver the gold standard in football broadcasting for our listeners in 2026 and beyond. We can’t wait for her to transition into this vital role.”

McDonald said: “I am as deeply honoured as I am excited by the opportunity that this role presents. Like so many millions of Victorians, I have admired the voices of 3AW for as long as I can remember and been a listener for longer still. It’s been my great pleasure to get to know and love the 3AW Football team as it’s embraced and supported me in recent years. I look forward to contributing everything I have in this new capacity, and to helping advance the already-preeminent radio station and AFL coverage.”

Meg McDonald will commence her full-time role as Executive Producer of 3AW Football in the new year.

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

Wednesday, 26 November, 2025

3AW Continues Reign as No.1

3AW has decisively cemented its status as Melbourne’s premier radio destination, yet again proving it is the undisputed leader in the market.

The latest GfK Radio 360 Survey 7 results, released today, confirm the station’s robust appeal, underscoring its role as the city’s essential source for live, local and engaging talk content.

The station’s dominant performance is reflected across all platforms, securing a substantial overall audience share of 14.7 (up 0.1), alongside an exceptional commercial streaming share of 33.9%.

Every week, 719,000 Melburnians tune into 3AW, captivated by its unparalleled blend of up-to-the-minute news, incisive commentary, compelling sports discussion and vibrant local interaction. 

3AW‘s stronghold on the market is evident across the schedule, successfully retaining the coveted No. 1 position in breakfast, mornings, evenings and weekends. 

In the highly competitive breakfast slot, Ross and Russ once again proved unbeatable, claiming a massive 21 share. This dominance places them at more than 10 points ahead of their closest rival. Their must-listen show reaches 533,000 listeners weekly and leads the digital charge with a staggering 50.3% commercial streaming share.

Tom Elliott has maintained his success in mornings, delivering a winning share of 16.9 and connecting with a weekly audience of 450,000 listeners. His lead is equally strong in the digital space, maintaining an impressive 36% share of commercial streaming.

Afternoons saw Tony Moclair achieve a solid 10.8 share in the afternoon slot – up by 1.3 points on the same survey last year and placing him second in the slot.

Jacqui Felgate recorded an 11.9 share in the drive slot – up a full 3 share points on the same survey last year and also landing her second in the slot.

In evenings, Denis Walter reaffirmed his market-leading status, securing a substantial share of 19 – up 2.9 share points on the previous survey.

On the weekends, Darren James‘ Weekend Breakfast remains Melbourne’s undisputed preferred choice for starting the weekend, proving its consistent appeal.

3AW Station Manager Stephen Beers said: “To finish the year with such a powerful result is a testament to the hard work and passion demonstrated by everyone on the 3AW team, from our talent to our producers and news team. We are deeply thankful to our Melbourne audience for their commitment, which is the driving force behind this success. This result solidifies our unique connection with the city, proving that when Melbourne wants live, local, and credible talk, they turn to 3AW.”

Source: GfK Radio360 Ratings, 3AW Melbourne Survey 7 2025, Mon-Sun 5.30am-12MN, Mon-Fri 5.30am-8.30am, Mon-Fri 8.30am-12pm, Mon-Fri 12pm-3pm, Mon-Fri 3pm-6pm, Mon-Wed 8pm-12MN, AFL Thur-Fri 7pm-12MN, Sat 12-8PM, Sun 12-7PM, Weekends 5.30am-12MN, Cume (000s), Market Share % Total Radio, Commercial Streaming share %, AP10+ , unless otherwise specified. 

For further information, please contact:
Terry Stuart
Senior Communications Manager
tstuart@nine.com.au 

Tuesday, 25 November, 2025

2GB Finishes 2025 on Top as Sydney’s Undisputed No.1 Station

Sydney’s 2GB has capped off 2025 with a clear victory in the final radio survey of the year, securing its position as the undisputed No.1 radio station in the city. The station delivered a dominant performance with a 13.8 share – claiming the top spot across Breakfast, Mornings, Evenings, and Weekends.

The commanding performance was led by Ben Fordham Live, which posted a decisive victory, reaching a 16.8 share to claim its place as Sydney’s most listened-to Breakfast program for the year. The winning momentum carried through most dayparts, which was evidenced by Mornings with Mark Levy, which maintained the No.1 spot with a 15.8 share (up 0.9) – Levy’s best result of the year!

2GB has also cemented its status as the outright No.1 in live audio streaming, with its unmatched ability to connect with audiences across all platforms. The station recorded a 27.4 commercial streaming share – a dominance that spanned all dayparts, including the competitive Breakfast and Mornings slots, which recorded massive shares of 42.1 and 28.9 respectively.

2GB Station Manager, Greg Byrnes said: “It’s been a tough year in a challenging market, but Sydney has delivered 2GB an early Christmas present! We end the year dominating all key time slots, thanks to the hundreds of thousands of listeners who join our real conversations daily. A 50% jump in listener engagement since last year shows Sydney is tuning in longer — wonderful recognition for the hard work of our content teams.”

Highlights from GfK Survey 7 include: 

  • Afternoons with Michael McLaren posted a 10.6 share
  • Sydney Now with Clinton Maynard recorded a 7.9 share
  • Wide World of Sports with Adam Hawse recorded a 8.0 share 
  • Money News with Evan Lucas posted a 10.8 share
  • Nights with John Stanley remains the clear No.1 with a 26.3 share
  • Weekends with Luke Grant is No.1 posting a 14.6 share (up 0.8)
  • Overnights with Phil O’Neil is also No.1 recording 17.7 share

Source: GfK Radio360 Ratings, 2GB Sydney Survey 7 2025, Mon-Fri 5.30am-9am, Mon-Fri 9am-12pm, Mon-Fri 12pm-3pm, Mon-Fri 3pm-6pm, Mon-Fri 6pm-7pm, Mon-Thur 7pm-8pm, Mon-Thur 8pm-12am, Sat-Sun 9am-1pm, Mon-Fri 12am-5.30am, Market Share % Total Radio, Streaming share % AP10+ .

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

Tuesday, 25 November, 2025

No.1 Station Sydney & Melbourne; No.1 Breakfast 2GB & 3AW; No.1 Streaming Nationally

TOTAL RADIO 

Nine Radio has cemented its position as the undisputed leader in Australian radio, sweeping the final GfK Survey 7 ratings for 2025. Both Sydney’s 2GB and Melbourne’s 3AW finished the year as the outright No.1 radio stations in their respective markets. This dominance was felt across the schedule, with both stations claiming the No.1 spot in Breakfast and Mornings, and with Ben Fordham Live (2GB) and Breakfast with Ross and Russ (3AW) crucially winning the coveted Breakfast battle.

2GB Highlights

  • 2GB delivered the No.1 share overall across Sydney’s airwaves with 13.8
  • Ben Fordham Live is No.1 in Breakfast with a 16.8 share
  • Mornings with Mark Levy had its best result of the year, claiming the No.1 title with a 15.8 share (up 0.9)

3AW Highlights

  • 3AW is the clear No.1 station for Melburnians, delivering a 14.7 share (up 0.1)
  • Ross and Russ claimed the No.1 Breakfast position with a 21.0 share 
  • Mornings with Tom Elliott was No.1 with a 16.9 share (up 1.4) 

Greg Byrnes, Nine Radio’s National Content Manager, said: “To finish the year with such a powerful overall performance truly reinforces Nine Radio’s strength in the metro markets. 2GB in Sydney and 3AW in Melbourne remain the clear number one choice, driven by our deeply engaging Breakfast and Morning programs.” 

“Beyond that, we’ve seen a solid uplift in Brisbane and Perth, which positions us well for an exciting slate of lineup changes coming in 2026. This success reflects the hard work of our dedicated content teams. It’s their commitment – and the trust of our listeners who turn to us daily for trusted news, opinion, and entertainment – that makes these results possible.

COMMERCIAL RADIO SHARETOTAL RADIO CUME
15.9
(4 markets)		1.7 million
listeners each week

STREAMING

Nine Radio continues to cement its absolute dominance in digital streaming, reflecting its accessibility to listeners on the go, around the house, in the car, or anywhere they choose to tune in. The network has once again claimed the No.1 national share, as well as leading across key dayparts in Sydney and Melbourne.

  • 2GB No.1 overall: 27.4 share
  • 3AW No.1 overall: 33.9 share
  • Breakfast with Ross and Russ No.1: 50.3 share
  • Ben Fordham Live No.1: 42.1 share
  • Mornings with Tom Elliott No.1: 36 share
  • Mornings with Mark Levy No.1: 28.9 share

Greg Byrnes said: “This is more than growth – it’s market acceleration. Our talk content streaming on connected devices has delivered 10% year-on-year growth – recognition of the product innovation we drove throughout 2025. With Radio360, we established undisputed market dominance and continue to hold that position as the platform that is defining the connected experience for modern listeners.”

COMMERCIAL STREAMING SHARESTREAMING CUME
28.7447,000
(up 4% on Survey 6)

Source: GfK Radio360 Ratings, Survey 7 2025, Mon-Sun 5.30am-12MN, Market Share % Total, Market Share Streaming %, Commercial Streaming Share %, Cume (000s) Total and Streaming, 3AW Breakfast Mon-Fri 5.30am-8.30am, 3AW Mornings 8.30am-12pm, AP10+, Nine Radio – 2GB, 3AW, 4BC, 6PR, unless otherwise specified.

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

Tuesday, 25 November, 2025

2GB Starlight Radiothon Smashes Target – Donors Raise More Than $435,000

Radio 2GB and the Starlight Children’s Foundation are thrilled to announce that their annual joint fundraising spectacular, The 2GB Starlight Radiothon, has raised more than $435,000! This outpouring of generosity will deliver the gifts of joy, happiness, and much-needed laughter to seriously ill children and their families this festive season.

The all-day Radiothon held last Friday, November 21, was an electrifying event, spearheaded by beloved broadcasters Ben Fordham, Mark Levy, Michael McLaren, and Clinton Maynard. Over 1200 individuals and businesses contributed to the cause, with donations flying in from a few dollars to a massive $20,000. 

Starlight Children’s Foundation CEO, Louise Baxter, said: “We are simply  overwhelmed by the incredible generosity we have all experienced and we cannot thank the team at 2GB and all their listeners enough for such a remarkable result.”  

“These children are facing unimaginable challenges and this is amplified at Christmas time. This extraordinary result will enable us to brighten the lives of these children and provide the joy that has been missing from their lives. Hats off to all those who volunteered to man the phones from Starlight and 2GB. This is an example of a wonderful partnership and of the community really pulling together.”

Nine Radio Managing Director, and Starlight NSW State Advisory Board Member, Tom Malone, said: “It has been incredibly moving to hear the “Starlight stories” of our listeners and witness their great generosity. Our corporate partners and clients have been magnificent too. A huge thank you to the 2GB team and Starlight team for a wonderful day.”  

Donations to The 2GB Starlight Radiothon are still open via the donation website. 

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

Deborah Ivison
PR and Communications Lead, Startlight
deborah.ivison@starlight.org.au

Monday, 24 November, 2025

Nine Reveals Partners and Sponsors of Its Broadcast of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026

With just 10 weeks until the Opening Ceremony of Milano Cortina 2026 on February 6, Nine today announces the headline brands that will support Nine’s broadcast of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. 

Some of the most recognised brands in the country have joined Nine’s broadcast of the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games as Partners and Sponsors, with NRMA Insurance, Harvey Norman, Chemist Warehouse, Bupa and GWM playing a role in what will be the most thorough coverage of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games ever seen in Australia.

As the Winter Olympics edge closer, Nine is delivering fully integrated brand opportunities across a united media content ecosystem that covers the 9Network, 9Now and Stan Sport, and across Nine’s Total Publishing and Total Audio assets. 

Brands will support Nine to unite Australians, leveraging Nine’s renowned storytelling of athletes’ achievements, promoting unity, and creating moments that will be etched in the memories of millions of viewers, listeners and readers.

The signing of partners and sponsors opens up the path for packages of all sizes, with Nine providing a winter wonderland of opportunities for brands to ensure they capitalise on the crucial new year to launch their campaigns.  

Leveraging the power of Nine’s unrivalled scale and ability to engage Australians with our data-driven knowledge of fans, Nine’s coverage of Milano Cortina 2026 will offer advertisers a deeper, more meaningful connection with audiences.  

The 16 day event will feature more than 50 Australian athletes – including freestyle skier Jakara Anthony, snowboard halfpipe Scotty James and women’s aerials Laura Peel and Danielle Scott – with what is expected to be Australia’s best ever Winter Olympics medal prospects. 

For advertisers, supporting the broadcast of the Winter Olympics represent a powerful moment with proven ROI. 

The white knuckle thrills and spills of the Winter Olympics provides adrenaline fueled action that attracts a young, engaged audience. Nine’s integrated content ecosystem is designed to reach emotionally primed, hard-to-reach audiences, with 83% of 18–39-year-olds expected to tune in*. 

Commercial packages span cross-platform opportunities, from sponsorships of daily segments and medal tallies. Data-driven insights and custom campaigns via Powered allow brands to cut through with maximum resonance and precision. Past broadcast partners of Nine’s Olympic coverage saw significant gains after Paris 2024 – up to +70% uplift in brand quality perception and +47% increase in enquiries.* 

Andrew Cann, Nine’s Director of Sales Olympic and Paralympic Games, said: “We are thrilled to welcome our headline brands, who recognise the immense value of connecting with Australians during this powerful national moment. The broadcast of Milano Cortina 2026 presents a huge opportunity for brands to seize this unmissable chance to connect with millions of emotionally engaged Australians across Nine’s unrivalled Olympics integrated ecosystem.”

Nine’s coverage of the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 will begin on Wednesday, February 4 with Let The Games Begin, with the Opening Ceremony on February 7 (February 6 in Italy) and screen across the 9Network, 9Now and Stan Sport. 

Source: Consumer pulse Feb 2025, PMAX fandom survey Nov 2024
Source: Gemba Paris Olympics Brand Uplift 2025

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

Monday, 24 November, 2025

Jamie Durie Returns to Nine to Build His Future House

Jamie Durie is back on Nine for his biggest and most important project yet: tackling Australia’s housing crisis head on in the groundbreaking new series, Jamie Durie’s Future House, premiering Tuesday, November 25, at 8.30pm on Nine and 9Now.

In this bold new series, Jamie brings together three brave families with the nation’s most daring builders, designers and innovators to showcase cutting edge and future proof building methods. The mission is to create homes that cut through red tape conventions, are sustainable, cost-effective, stylish and crucially, fast to build.

This is no experiment. The series follows the real builds of three homes in just three months. Each build showcases three different modern methods of construction, providing tangible solutions for Australians.

Jamie is not just talking about change, he’s living it. Viewers will be welcomed onto his idyllic country property as Jamie, his partner Ameka, and their two young children, Beau and Nash, open their lives to the cameras. Together they will attempt to build a world-first design: a 3D-printed concrete home that is set to redefine modern housing.

Audiences will get a glimpse of “farm life Durie style”, complete with chickens, sheep and rolling hills, set against the chaotic backdrop of building a revolutionary home from scratch.

“This is more than just a TV show, it’s a mission,” Durie said. “We are in the middle of a housing crisis and Australians are desperate for solutions. We need to find ways to build smarter, faster and more sustainably. InFuture House we’re rolling up our sleeves to show it can be done. My own family is on this journey, and we’re building a home using technology that has never been seen before in this country. It’s a huge risk, but it’s the most important project I’ve ever undertaken.”

The pressure is on as all teams face the real-world challenges of construction: wild weather, red tape, tight deadlines, DA hold-ups and budget blowouts, all while trying to revolutionise the way Aussies build and live.

At the conclusion, the homes will be evaluated by the Green Building Council of Australia alongside the Federal Minister for Housing, Homelessness and Cities, Ms Clare O’Neil, to see which property will earn the title of Australia’s Future House.

It’s big. It’s bold. It’s building the future.

Jamie Durie’s Future House premieres Tuesday, November 25, at 8.30pm on Nine and 9Now.

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

Friday, 21 November, 2025

4BC Afternoons with Carla Bignasca in 2026

Brisbane’s 4BC has today announced Carla Bignasca as the host of 4BC Afternoons in 2026.

A familiar voice to the 4BC audience, Bignasca will officially take the 4BC Afternoons chair from January 19, 2026, completing 4BC’s new live and local lineup.

Bignasca first joined 4BC as an Executive Producer in 2024 and has been a regular and trusted fill-in on 4BC Afternoons. She is a highly respected industry all-rounder, bringing a wealth of knowledge and decades of experience across all areas of broadcasting.

With her warmth, energy and insight, Bignasca will continue with the in-depth, community driven conversation that matters to Brisbane.

“It’s an honour to be stepping into Afternoons on 4BC, and I don’t take it lightly for a second”, said Bignasca.

“This show will embrace what matters to the people of Brisbane and South East Queensland community and the real experiences that shape our everyday lives. I’ve devoted my entire life to working in radio. I love the craft of authentic storytelling, and I enjoy nothing more than listening to people and giving them space to be heard.

“Whether it’s shining a light on local issues and honest chats about the pressures we’re all facing, celebrating small businesses or my other great loves of food and culture – I can’t wait to roll up my sleeves and get connected.

“Our city is full of heart and promise, unlike any other capital in Australia, and it’s a privilege to play a part in reflecting that back to our community.

“I can’t wait to have some fun with our listeners and bring some joy to their afternoons.”

4BC Station Manager Siobhain McDonnell said: “From breakfast radio to national radio shows and TV, Carla has done it all. I am thrilled to be introducing her to our audience and to the Brisbane airwaves full time. Carla has already connected with the 4BC Afternoons audience this year both on and off air, and I am delighted that she will now be bringing her warmth, sense of humour and zest for life to our station daily. Carla calls them like she sees them, isn’t one to shy away from the big issues and is guaranteed to bring some joy to Brisbane’s day.

“With Carla’s appointment our 4BC 2026 lineup is complete. Dean Miller and Sofie Formica on Breakfast, Jason Matthews on Mornings, Carla Bignasca on Afternoons and Gary Hardgrave remaining as our Drive announcer – all fiercely passionate about celebrating Brisbane.

“4BC is dedicated to celebrating our wonderful city, whilst campaigning to make it even better every day. We want our listeners and the wider Brisbane audience to be informed, entertained and feeling good about the city we live in and the communities we are a part of.”

Tune in to 4BC Afternoons with Carla Bignasca from 12pm-3pm, weekdays from January 19, 2026.

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

Wednesday, 19 November, 2025

Adventure, Chaos and Camaraderie Unleashed in a Wild New Ride

Buckle up for a rip-roaring new adventure ride when TopKnotz premieres on Thursday, November 27, at 8.30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.

TopKnotz is an adrenaline-fuelled power trip across the waters of the South Pacific hosted by an all-star lineup including: Gold Logie winner Grant Denyer, culinary expert Miguel Maestre, professional surfer Felicity Palmateer, veteran stuntman Rob Palmer, and seasoned presenter Tom Williams.

This new series follows the five fearless hosts as they dive headfirst into the world of marine leisure, tackle extreme challenges and wild stunts, and encounter hilarious mishaps along the way.

Expect uncontrolled chaos and genuine, laugh-out-loud comedy in seven countries as the team face raging rapids in New Zealand, compete in oceangoing Formula One – a Sailing GP race – and attempt record-breaking feats that push both skill and sanity to the limit.

In between the madness and mayhem, the guys also explore the world’s most luxurious waterscapes, and experience everything from the wonder of superyachts to five-star feasts in amazing locations, courtesy of superchef Miguel Maestre.

Much more than a waterborne adventure series, TopKnotz is a unique test of courage, friendship, and humour under pressure. Viewers will see genuine moments of vulnerability as the hosts confront their darkest fears, endure embarrassing and sometimes painful failures, and produce loads of laughs along the way.

With a winning mix of heart, humour and havoc, TopKnotz is an intrepid new take on adventure television, reinforced by breathtaking locations, extreme activities, and chemistry worth bottling between the ever-engaging hosts.

Take a front-row seat to thrills and spills, jaw-dropping locations of natural beauty, and outbreaks of camaraderie that cause inspired lunacy when TopKnotz hits your screen.

TopKnotz is produced by RJ Media for the 9Network.

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

Tuesday, 18 November, 2025

2GB to Air Special Coverage of State Funeral for Radio Icon John Laws

Sydney’s 2GB will present live, comprehensive coverage of the State Funeral for legendary Australian broadcaster John Laws this Wednesday, November 19, ensuring listeners across the country can pay their respects and reflect on his extraordinary career.

The special broadcast coverage will be hosted by 2GB presenters Michael McLaren and John Stanley, commencing at 1:00pm AEDT. The special broadcast has been offered to the same network stations that syndicated The John Laws Morning Show for decades. 

The coverage will take the official audio of the full State Funeral service live from St Andrew’s Cathedral in Sydney, beginning at 1:30pm AEDT. The station will also have a team of reporters on the ground, covering the service and providing commentary on this important national event.

Beyond the service, the coverage will feature highlights of John Laws’ seven decades in radio, celebrating his unique style, cultural impact, and the defining moments of his career. 

Nine Radio Managing Director, Tom Malone, said: “John Laws was a giant of Australian radio and we’re proud to be honouring John, and providing his millions of listeners right across the country with the opportunity to be part of the farewell.”

So far 25 stations across Australia have booked the program for their listeners.

Listeners can tune in to 2GB from 1:00pm AEDT this Wednesday, November 19, for the special coverage.

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

Monday, 17 November, 2025