Archives: Media Releases

Here we go again! It’s Manly and Parra, a bitter club rivalry on Friday night and the Bulldogs back home at Belmore – making for a magnificent NRL Multicultural Round on Channel 9 and 9Now from Thursday at 7.30pm.

PLUS MANLY SEA EAGLES V PARRAMATTA EELS TONIGHT
OVER 140 GAMES AVAILABLE FOR FREE IN 2023
THE BEST COMMENTARY AND THE BIGGEST GAMES ARE ON CHANNEL 9HD AND 9NOW

The biggest rivalry in the game fires up Friday Night Footy when the Roosters and Rabbitohs write another chapter in their never-ending book of feuds. 

If their last outing is anything to go by, seven sin bins in a brutal and spiteful 2022 finals encounter, the fireworks will light up Allianz Stadium when these two teams collide. 

Latrell Mitchell and his Rabbitohs will be wary of a Roosters bounce-back led by James Tedesco and returning firebrands Victor Radley and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, after winning only one of their past six games against their most hated crosstown rivals.

Thursday Night Footy begins NRL Round 3 with a rivalry born out of the 1970s, when the winless Eels travel to 4 Pines Park to take on the Sea Eagles. 

Coming off a bye, the Sea Eagles will be turbocharged by Tom Trbojevic and Daly Cherry-Evans after a dominant win at home in Round 1. But they have to contend with an Eels side under heavy pressure to get two competition points. 

Eels Origin forward Junior Paulo will be taking no prisoners up front, while halfback Mitchell Moses, who has never tasted victory at 4 Pines Park, needs a star performance to ignite Parramatta’s season.

Multicultural Round continues on Sunday Arvo Footy when the  Bulldogs face the Tigers at Belmore Sports Ground in the heart of Sydney’s west. 

Big-name Bulldogs signings Viliame Kikau and Reed Mahoney, plus the biggest boot in the game, Matt Burton, and the fast feet of the fox, Josh Addo-Carr, have put the bark back in the Dogs who will be out to please their loyal fans at their old home ground.

The disappointing Tigers have lacked cohesion and need playmakers Adam Douehi and Api Koroisau to bring their new style of attack to life. Interestingly, the Wests Tigers will be playing at Belmore for the first time, while the Bulldogs have only won one of their past nine games there.

Nine’s unrivalled NRL commentary team features rugby league Immortal Andrew Johns, premiership-winning captains Cameron Smith, Johnathan Thurston, Brad Fittler, Paul Gallen, Darren Lockyer, and multiple premiership winners Billy Slater, Sonny Bill Williams and Phil Gould AM, providing the best insight and analysis in the game.

Host James Bracey will have all the angles covered this week with Danika Mason and Emma Lawrence, while Mat Thompson and Peter Psaltis will call the action. 

NRL TELSTRA PREMIERSHIP 2023 ROUND3
LIVE AND FREE ON CHANNEL 9HD OR TO STREAM ON 9NOW

Thursday, March 16

KIA THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTY – SEA EAGLES V EELS, LIVE from 4 Pines Park Stadium.
Host and commentators: Host James Bracey. Commentators: Andrew Johns, Phil Gould, Cameron Smith, Paul Gallen and Mat Thompson.
Sideline: Brad Fittler and Danika Mason.

Sydney                       7.30pm LIVE on Channel 9HD and 9Now
Brisbane                     6.30pm LIVE on 9GemHD, 7.00pm on Channel 9HD and 9Now
Melbourne                  7.30pm LIVE on 9GemHD and 9Now
Adelaide                     7.00pm LIVE on 9GemHD and 9Now
Perth                           4.30pm LIVE on 9GemHD and 9Now

Friday, March 17

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTY – ROOSTERS v RABBITOHS, LIVE from Allianz Stadium.
Host and commentators: Host James Bracey. Commentators: Andrew Johns, Billy Slater, Cameron Smith, Johnathan Thuston and Mat Thompson. 
Sideline: Brad Fittler and Danika Mason. 

Sydney                       7.30pm LIVE on Channel 9HD and 9Now
Brisbane                     6.30pm LIVE on 9GemHD, 7.00pm on Channel 9HD and 9Now
Melbourne                  7.30pm LIVE on 9GemHD and 9Now
Adelaide                     7.00pm LIVE on 9GemHD and 9Now
Perth                          4.30pm LIVE on 9GemHD and 9Now

Sunday, March 19

CHEMIST WAREHOUSE SUNDAY ARVO FOOTY – BULLDOGS v TIGERS, 
LIVE from Belmore Sports Ground.  
Host and commentators: Host Danika Mason. Commentators: Andrew Johns, Sonny Bill Williams, Billy Slater, Brad Fittler and Peter Psaltis. 
Sideline: Emma Lawrence. 

Sydney                        3.00pm LIVE on Channel 9HD and 9Now
Brisbane                      2.00pm LIVE on Channel 9HD and 9Now
Melbourne                   3.00pm LIVE on 9GemHD and 9Now
Adelaide                      2.30pm LIVE on 9GemHD and 9Now
Perth                           12.30pm LIVE on 9GemHD and 9Now

THIS WEEK: NRL ON NINE
THE BILLY SLATER PODCAST
Get the hot take on the latest round from the greatest fullback ever to play the game: current Queensland Origin coach Billy Slater, with host Mark Levy. Listen here.

SIX TACKLES WITH GUS
Phil “Gus” Gould sits down with Mat Thompson every week to give a sermon like no other on the greatest game of all. Available on all podcast platforms or to watch online. 

FREDDY AND THE EIGHTH on 9NOW
Prepare for a wild dive into the weird and wonderful world of rugby league with the eighth Immortal Andrew Johns and NRL legend Brad Fittler. Available on 9Now, to watch online or as a podcast.

IMMORTAL BEHAVIOR on 9NOW
Andrew Johns is joined weekly by Danika Mason to look at what’s shaping the NRL landscape through his unique lens. Now available as a podcast.

THE SUNDAY FOOTY SHOW – Sunday, March 19, from 11.00am AEDT
Host Danika Mason has Andrew Johns, Billy Slater and Brad Fittler in tow to dissect all the news and big issues of the round so far. Feature story and news updates from Ruan Sims and Emma Lawrence. 

100% FOOTY – Monday, March 20, from 10.30pm AEDT
The strongest opinions from the people who count. Phil Gould and Paul Gallen will square off on the hot topics while Danny Weidler delivers breaking news and host James Bracey keeps it all under control. 

NRL ON NINE: MULTICULTURAL ROUND
LIVE AND FREE ON CHANNEL 9HD AND 9NOW
FROM THURSDAY, MARCH 16, at 7.30PM AEDT

Thursday, March 16, 2023

9NEWS SYDNEY’S COMPREHENSIVE LINEUP INCLUDES THE GREAT DEBATE AND ROLLING ELECTION NIGHT COVERAGE

As New South Wales prepares to head to the polls on Saturday, March 25, 9News Sydney will offer viewers unrivalled coverage of the state election. 

With the campaign in full swing, each night at 6.00pm 9News journalists are keeping the people of Sydney informed about the issues that matter, cutting through the spin and helping voters understand what the parties are promising. 

In what is expected to be a tight race between the Coalition and Labor, on Wednesday, March 15, at 12.00pm AEDT, Premier Dominic Perrottet and Opposition Leader Chris Minns will go head-to-head live in The Great Debate on Channel 9 and 9Now. 

9News Sydney’s Peter Overton will moderate the one-hour debate as the two men fighting to lead the state for the next four years try to convince our viewers why they should vote for them. Overton will be joined by Liz Daniels (9News State Political Reporter), Chris O’Keefe (2GB Drive Host) and Alexandra Smith (Sydney Morning Herald State Political Editor) as they break down the debate and unpack the key takeaway points for voters. 

On Saturday, March 25, the 9News rolling election night coverage starts at 5.00pm AEDT on Channel 9 and 9Now with breaking news and interviews from the polling booths. 

Nine’s Election 2023 panel, hosted by Peter Overton, will feature the unparalleled expertise of key names from state politics past and present – the Decision Desk, including:

• Mike Baird AO (LIB) – former Premier of NSW
• Carmel Tebbutt (LAB) – former Deputy Premier of NSW
• Morris Iemma (LAB) – former Premier of NSW
• Sarah Mitchell (NAT) – NSW Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning
• Andrew Constance (LIB) – former NSW Minister for Transport and Roads

Also joining the panel, Charles Croucher (Chief Political Editor for 9News), Liz Daniels and Chris O’Keefe will deliver expert analysis and break the latest news as Nine calls the results.

At 6.00pm AEDT, 9News Sydney will reveal early results and the latest news updates from reporters stationed in key electorates across the state. 

And as the race to take the reins of Macquarie Street develops, the five analysts on the Decision Desk will dive into the voting trends to dissect the data live, project the winners and keep our viewers right on top of the crucial seat count.

Viewers outside NSW can watch Nine’s dedicated NSW Election Channel live and free on 9Now from 2.00pm AWST in Western Australia, 3.30pm ACST in the Northern Territory, 4.00pm AEST in Queensland, 4.30pm ACDT in South Australia, and 5.00pm in Victoria.

THE GREAT DEBATE
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, AT 12.00PM AEDT ON CHANNEL 9 & 9NOW

ELECTION 2023: NSW DECIDES
SATURDAY, MARCH 25, FROM 5.00PM AEDT ON CHANNEL 9 & 9NOW

For further information, please contact :
Chris Urankar
9Network Publicity
chris.urankar@nine.com.au

Monday, March 13, 2023

This week The Hundred with Andy Lee returns with Australia’s top comedians joining 100 viewers Zooming in from all over the country to tell us what makes Aussies tick, at 9.00pm Tuesday, March 14,  on Channel 9 and 9Now after Married at First Sight. 

As 100 Australians from all walks of life stand by to face the nation’s biggest and smallest questions, host Andy Lee is joined by regular panellist Sophie Monk, along with comedy legend Tony Martin and LEGO® ringmaster Hamish Blake. 

Handpicked to represent the makeup of Australia, “The Hundred” will be polled live, providing the stories behind the stats as our three comedy panellists compete to see who knows Aussies best.

In celebration of the AFL season return, we will ask what percentage of sports fans think it is OK to switch your support to another team, and how many think it is OK to leave the ground before the end of game. We will find out how many of The Hundred have had weight loss surgery, and what percentage have dated someone with a 20-year age gap.

This week we also welcome Andy’s better half, Rebecca Harding, for a special round of Couples Court. Who will our panellists and players at home side with? Find out this week on The Hundred with Andy Lee.

The Hundred with Andy Lee is an original concept by Screentime Australia and Andy Lee, produced by Endemol Shine Australia in association with Channel 9.  

For further information, please contact :
Alexandra Reed 
Channel 9 Publicity 
alexandra.reed@nine.com.au

Monday, March 13, 2023

The leading and captivating real-life series that ignited Australia’s love of observational documentaries makes its long-awaited return when the new season of RPA premieres on Monday, March 27 at 9.00pm AEDT on Channel 9 and 9Now.

Debuting on Channel 9 from 1995 to 2012, RPA gave viewers around the country unique and exclusive access into one of Australia’s leading public hospitals, Royal Prince Alfred in Sydney. 

Now more than ten years on, the compelling series returns to take viewers into a new era of medicine inside Australia’s number one hospital. From the Emergency Department to the wards and operating theatres, RPA will showcase the amazing dedication of the doctors, nurses and specialists, as well as spotlighting the patients’ inspirational stories of courage and determination. 

One of Australia’s favourite actors, Rodger Corser, narrates this gripping new season of the inner workings and behind-the-scenes drama of RPA hospital.

Capturing the raw, unfiltered and touching moments of human drama, the new series will bring more emotionally powerful stories of courage, heartache, joy and struggle as patients endure brave journeys in treatment and undergo life-changing experiences. 

In this season, RPA will add another layer of storytelling depth, digging deeper into the medical teams and patients than ever before. We learn about the hero doctors on the frontline saving lives, understanding why they do what they do and how it affects them. We also get to know the patients’ back stories in their home environment, seeing their lives outside the consulting rooms and hospital wards. 

Plus, RPA will embrace the vast revolutionary changes medicine has made in the last decade with advancements in technologies and treatments such as minimally invasive brain, heart and robotic surgery, 24/7 clot retrieval procedures for stroke sufferers, and many more. 

RPA is a 9Network series, produced by McAvoy Media with the cooperation of patients and staff at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. 

RPA 
MONDAY MARCH 27 AT 9.00PM ON CHANNEL 9 & 9NOW
DOWNLOAD MEDIA KIT HERE

For further information, please contact :
Alessandra Muratore
9Network Publicity
alessandra.muratore@nine.com.au

Monday, March 13, 2023

In a sign of changing new car buyer preferences, and for the first time in its history, the 2023 Drive Car of the Year overall award has been won by a commercial vehicle. This year marks the 17th annual Drive Car of the Year awards, one of the longest-running, most expansive, and authoritative consumer automotive awards in Australia. 

“This year we’ve seen a dual-cab ute, the Ford Ranger, take out the 2023 overall Drive Car of the Year award for the first time”, said James Ward, Director of Content at Drive.com.au. 

“This is also reflective of the current Australian sales mix. The Ford Ranger has redefined the 4×4 ute market by evolving into a cohesive lifestyle machine it’s – the SUV of utes.”

The result is also a great success story for the local automotive industry, as Ford Australia took the global lead on the new Ranger’s engineering and development. The Ford Ranger is offered in more than 180 markets around the world, serving as testament to the world class automotive expertise available on our doorstep.

Featuring new brands, new cars, new judges, and a new testing facility, Drive’s annual Car of the Year awards has never been bigger, better, or more comprehensive in its search for Australia’s best new cars. 

“We’re ever adapting to suit the changing Australian automotive landscape,” said Ward.  

“Our 2023 awards programme also incorporated four electric and hybrid vehicle categories and I think we’ll continue to see this segment of our testing continue to evolve.

“Hybridisation is the recurring theme we’re hearing from manufacturers as many of the models consumers already know and trust will soon be offered in a hybrid or electric option.” 

“We are so proud that the Ranger has been named the 2023 Drive Car of the Year. To Ranger owners – whether you’re new to Ford or have been with us on the journey before – and to our passionate team at Ford Australia: this one’s for you” said Andrew Birkic, President and CEO, Ford Australia and New Zealand.

A team of more than 20 road testers and editors put more than 60 of the best and newest vehicles on the market through their paces on road, race track, and 4×4 off-road. Drive’s vision continues to offer the deepest and most relevant awards programme for Australia’s new car buyer.

Drive.com.au CEO, Simon Halfhide said, “I am so proud of the team here at Drive. Every year Drive Car of the Year continues to push the envelope setting the benchmark for Australian automotive awards testing.”

“These awards are not only trusted by the Australian buyer, they’re also highly valued by the automotive brands we work closely with. We consistently hear from brands how much a win such as this means to the team locally but also globally, be it engineering, design or marketing.  This recognition also translates to sales. 

Previous winners such as the Kia Sportage, reported a 22.8 per cent rise in Sportage total sales (source: Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI)) over the three months following their  Drive Car of the Year win compared to the three months prior. 

“Every year, more than 500 new models enter the Australian car market. We are seeing many consumers overwhelmed by the research and comparison process. Drive Car of the Year does the hard work for them. Being an independent endorser and authoritative third party differentiates these awards as the most relevant in the market and makes us a trusted voice for the Australian new car buyer,” said Halfhide. 

Whether it’s practical cars, go-anywhere SUVs, sexy sports cars, or electrifying EVs, the Drive Car of the Year Awards highlights the best new cars that represent the biggest step forward for the Australian buyer. 

2023 Drive Car of the Year – Category Winners

Category Name	Make	Model
Best Medium to Large Car	Skoda	Octavia
Best Small Car	Volkswagen	Golf
Best Medium Luxury Car	Mercedes-Benz	C-Class
Best Large Car for Families	Kia	Carnival
Best Sports Coupe	Nissan	Z
Best Hot Hatch	Volkswagen	Gold R
Best Small SUV	Nissan	Qashqai
Best Light SUV	Ford	Puma
Best Medium Hybrid SUV	Mitsubishi	Outlander
Best Large SUV	Toyota	Kluger
Best Small Luxury SUV	Volvo	XC40
Best Medium Luxury SUV	Jaguar	F-Pace
Best Dual-Cab Ute	Ford	Ranger
Best Medium SUV	Nissan	X-Trail
Best EV Under $70K	BYD	Atto 3
Best EV $70K-$120K	Kia	EV6
Best EV Over $120K	BMW	i7
Best Off-Road SUV	Land Rover	Defender
Best Off-Road Duel-Cab Ute	Ford	Ranger
2023 DRIVE Car of the Year	Ford	Ranger

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

Hayley O’Grady
PR & Trade Communications Manager, Drive
hayley.ogrady@drive.com.au

Friday, March 10, 2023

Nine’s talk radio stations have launched their highly successful internship program for 2023, focusing on Content Producers, Social Media and Podcasting.

This will be the fourth round of the internship program since its launch in 2022. It’s designed to discover the next generation of radio professionals, provide them with invaluable hands-on experience and a comprehensive understanding of  what it’s like to work within a leading radio and audio business, with support from some of the best talent in the industry.

Importantly, the six-week internships are paid, and will be offered at each station: Sydney’s 2GB, Melbourne’s 3AW, Brisbane’s 4BC and 6PR in Perth.

During the program, interns are provided with hands-on training in radio production, broadcasting, journalism and social media. Successful applicants will work alongside the Digital Audio teams, learning how to drive audiences through engaging social media content and even get exposure to the 9Podcasts team, creating entertaining content for listeners. 

Tom Malone, Managing Director of Nine Radio, said: “We’ve seen applications increase by more than 50 percent since the first round in 2022 and the quality keeps getting better.”

“To date, 82 percent of our interns have gained employment with our stations after completing the course, in roles such as producer, journalist or panel operator, and I’m so excited to see a new generation of talent continue to come up through the ranks, from a range of different backgrounds.”

This is the first of three internship rounds that will run in 2023. Applications close on 28 March, with successful applicants commencing in mid-April. 

To apply in your city, click on the link below:

Sydney – 2GB
Melbourne – 3AW
Brisbane – 4BC
Perth – 6PR

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

Thursday, March 9, 2023

The Bunnies hop out west to put the premiers to the test, Queensland stages a derby delight and the Tigers return to their spiritual home for a tasty Round 2 in NRL on Nine, starting Thursday night at 7.30pm AEDT on Channel 9 and 9Now.

PANTHERS V RABBITOHS ON THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
QLD DERBY: BRONCOS V COWBOYS AT SUNCORP ON FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTY
TIGERS AT LEICHHARDT OVAL ON SUNDAY AFTERNOON
THE BEST COMMENTARY AND THE BEST GAMES ARE LIVE AND FREE ON CHANNEL 9HD AND 9NOW

After falling agonisingly short of premiership glory for five seasons, Latrell Mitchell’s Rabbitohs are out to get one back on the premiership-winning Panthers when they roll into Penrith for Thursday Night Footy.

The Panthers stumbled to a one-point defeat in Round 1 and face a South Sydney Rabbitohs side growing in confidence that their last two heartbreaking defeats in finals at the hands of the reigning premiers will not be “three-peated” in 2023. 

Can Panthers superstar halfback Nathan Cleary guide them home or will Glory Glory to South Sydney be the tune booming out at full-time?

On Friday Night Footy we’ll see who rides highest in the Sunshine State saddle when the Queensland Derby pits the Brisbane Broncos against the North Queensland Cowboys. After developing into the most closely fought club rivalry of the past decade, this fixture always delivers a finals-type intensity.  

The Broncos bring good vibes to the clash after upsetting the Panthers and welcome young gun fullback Reece Walsh into their lineup – his first appearance for the club.  

The Cowboys, prizing their status as Queensland’s top NRL club, bring key internationals Valentine Holmes, Jason Taumalolo and Reuben Cotter to this buster of a muster in Brisbane. 

Sunday Arvo Footy takes us into the heart of tiger town, Leichhardt Oval, for the Wests Tigers v Newcastle Knights clash.

A packed out Leichhardt Oval hill on a Sunday afternoon sets a fitting scene for the new Tim Sheens-Benji Marshall era of coaching to record its first win. 

However, Knights recruit Jackson Hastings, the former Tiger, has other plans, hatched with his new halves partner Kalyn Ponga, to spoil the party for the Balmain faithful.

Nine’s unrivalled NRL commentary team features rugby league Immortal Andrew Johns, premiership-winning captains Cameron Smith, Johnathan Thurston, Brad Fittler, Paul Vautin, Paul Gallen, Darren Lockyer, and multiple premiership winners Billy Slater, Sonny Bill Williams and Phil Gould AM, providing the best insight and analysis in the game.Host James Bracey will have all the angles covered with Danika Mason, Emma Lawrence, Ruan Sims, Millie Boyle and Allana Ferguson while Mat Thompson and Peter Psaltis will call the action.

NRL TELSTRA PREMIERSHIP 2023 ROUND 2
LIVE AND FREE ON CHANNEL 9HD OR TO STREAM ON 9NOW

Thursday, March 9

KIA THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTY – PANTHERS v RABBITOHS, LIVE from BlueBet Stadium.  
Host and commentators: Host James Bracey. Commentators: Andrew Johns, Billy Slater, Paul Gallen, Mat Thompson and Allana Ferguson. Sideline: Brad Fittler and Danika Mason.

Sydney                       7.30pm LIVE on Channel 9HD and 9Now
Brisbane                     6.30pm LIVE on 9GemHD, 7.00pm on Channel 9HD and 9Now
Melbourne                  7.30pm LIVE on 9GemHD and 9Now
Adelaide                     7.00pm LIVE on 9GemHD and 9Now
Perth                           4.30pm LIVE on 9GemHD and 9Now

Friday, March 10

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTY – BRONCOS v COWBOYS, LIVE from Suncorp Stadium.
Host and commentators: Host James Bracey. Sideline: Cameron Smith, Paul Vautin, Darren Lockyer, Brad Fittler and Peter Psaltis. Sideline: Johnathan Thurston and Danika Mason.
Sydney                       7.30pm LIVE on Channel 9HD and 9Now
Brisbane                     6.30pm LIVE on 9GemHD, 7.00pm on Channel 9HD and 9Now
Melbourne                  7.30pm LIVE on 9GemHD and 9Now
Adelaide                     7.00pm LIVE on 9GemHD and 9Now
Perth                          4.30pm LIVE on 9GemHD and 9Now

Sunday, March 12

CHEMIST WAREHOUSE SUNDAY ARVO FOOTY – TIGERS v KNIGHTS, LIVE from Leichhardt Oval. 
Host and commentators: Host Danika Mason. Commentators: Andrew Johns, Phil Gould, Billy Slater, Ruan Sims and Mat Thompson. Sideline: Brad Fittler and Emma Lawrence. 

Sydney                        3.00pm LIVE on Channel 9HD and 9Now
Brisbane                      2.00pm LIVE on Channel 9HD and 9Now
Melbourne                   3.00pm LIVE on 9GemHD and 9Now
Adelaide                      2.30pm LIVE on 9GemHD and 9Now
Perth                           12.30pm LIVE on 9GemHD and 9Now

THIS WEEK: NRL ON NINE

THE BILLY SLATER PODCAST
Watch the latest episode here on 9Now
New for 2023, get the hot take on the latest round from the greatest fullback ever to play the game: current Queensland Origin coach Billy Slater, with host Mark Levy. Listen here.

SIX TACKLES WITH GUS
Watch the latest episode here on 9Now
Phil “Gus” Gould sits down with Mat Thompson every week to give a sermon like no other on the greatest game of all. Available on all podcast platforms or to watch online. 

FREDDY AND THE EIGHTH on 9NOW
Watch the latest episode here on 9Now
Prepare for a wild dive into the weird and wonderful world of rugby league with the eighth Immortal Andrew Johns and NRL legend Brad Fittler every week of the NRL season on 9Now, to watch online or as a podcast (New for 2023).

IMMORTAL BEHAVIOR 
Andrew Johns is joined weekly by Danika Mason to look at what’s shaping the NRL landscape through the unique lens of the eighth Immortal. Now available as a podcast or watch on YouTube.

THE SUNDAY FOOTY SHOW – Sunday, March 12, from 11.00am AEDT
Host Danika Mason has Andrew Johns, Billy Slater and Brad Fittler in tow to dissect all the news and big issues of the round so far. Feature story and news updates from Ruan Sims and Emma Lawrence. 

100% FOOTY – Monday, March 13, from 10.30pm AEDT
The strongest opinions from the people who count. Phil Gould and Paul Gallen will square off on the hot topics while Michael Chammas delivers breaking news and host James Bracey keeps it all under control.

NRL ON NINE ROUND 2
LIVE AND FREE ON CHANNEL 9HD AND 9NOW
FROM THURSDAY, MARCH 9, at 7.30PM AEDT

Thursday, March 9, 2023

Australians are continuing to feel the squeeze of the cost-of-living crisis, with a tenth-straight rate rise and sting of inflation making life harder than ever for millions around the country.

With months of pain still ahead, nine.com.au and the Today show have teamed up for a special series aimed at making every dollar stretch further.

Money-saving expert Joel Gibson’s 12-Week Bill Busters Boot Camp will bring Aussies hundreds of money-saving tricks, tips, hacks and loopholes to help you save cash on everything from groceries to gardening, childcare, the car and everything in between.

“Most Australian households have never seen the cost of living as high as it will be in 2023,” said Gibson.

“We need to do whatever we can to help households find the easiest savings in their budget this year so we’ve created this series to do just that. Fortunately, there are hundreds or even thousands of dollars that most households can claw back from businesses, governments and other sources if they just know the best tools, shortcuts and strategies available.

“So I encourage Aussies to join our boot camp and we’ll make you a lean, mean, money-saving machine.”

Nine’s Director of Morning Television, Steven Burling said, “With the cost crunch being felt Australia-wide, our audience is desperate for practical advice that will help take the pressure off their weekly spend. These tips and hacks don’t require an economics degree to understand, they’re straightforward and simple. Watch, and save!”

Director of nine.com.au, Kerri Elstub said, “Joel literally wrote the books on simple ways to save money. Combining his knowledge with the power of television and digital will allow us to make a real difference to people’s hip pockets.”

You can watch Joel Gibson on the Today show every Wednesday, and follow all his tips and tricks at nine.com.au/billbusters.

Bio
Joel Gibson is Australia’s #1 bill-buster and the author of KILL BILLS and EASY MONEY. He’s spent the last two decades hunting down money-saving tricks, hacks and loopholes and sharing them with households via his books, regular media appearances & on TikTok, Instagram and Twitter.

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

Thursday, March 9, 2023

Future Women’s highly successful Jobs Academy would play a critical role in bridging a jobs and skills gap and securing women’s economic futures, under a plan announced by NSW Labor on International Women’s Day. 

If elected later this month, a Minns Labor government will expand Future Women’s Jobs Academy to support up to 1,000 more women in NSW. 

“Future Women are delighted by the prospect of expanding the Jobs Academy to more women in NSW. Our national program is already hugely oversubscribed. The demand is there, and women’s desire to work is strong,” said Helen McCabe, Founder and Managing Director of Future Women. 

Ms McCabe said the expansion would allow the Jobs Academy to meet current demand, and boost workforce participation for women in NSW. 

At 3.1 percent, NSW boasts the lowest unemployment rate among the states, but the NSW Treasury has estimated that by 2025-26, an additional 300,000 workers will be needed to fill critical jobs and skills gaps in this state. 

Future Women Deputy Managing Director Jamila Rizvi said the innovative program offers the missing link for women seeking the skills and connections to return to work in the state. 

“Jobs Academy was designed by women, for women. Jobs Academy works because it meets women where they’re at, supporting them with everything from skills identification to resume writing, interview preparation and mentoring.” 

Future Women’s Jobs Academy received $8.7 million in the October federal budget to support 2,000 Australian women over three years. This comes after a strong result in its initial pilot program with 72 percent of participants commencing work or study. 

Future Women has forged partnerships with more than 70 employers committed to hiring from the Jobs Academy including HESTA, CyberCX, Salesforce, Nine and Microsoft, with a focus on flexible and rewarding work. 

About Future Women’s Jobs Academy

If elected, NSW Labor will support 1,000 women over two years to become job-ready, boosting women’s workforce participation and economic security while addressing chronic labour and skills shortages in New South Wales. 

The $5.8 million investment will give women the confidence and capabilities they need through all stages of their return-to-work journey, from initial exploration to ongoing support once they find a new job. 

The program will give women access to: 

• Online resources hub 
• Professional development and skills training 
• Coaching and mentoring 
• Community, content and events 
• Employer connections 
• A lifetime of support – ongoing Future Women membership 

Future Women’s Jobs Academy program has been designed by women, to work alongside women and has been successfully piloted with the Commonwealth Office for Women. 

Read more about Future Women’s Jobs Academy at jobsacademy.futurewomen.com/

Media opportunities 

• Helen McCabe – Future Women Founder and Managing Director 
• Jamila Rizvi – Future Women Deputy Managing Director 
• Belinda Casselden – Successful 2022 Jobs Academy participant based in Sydney
• Zareena Banu – 2023 Jobs Academy participant based in North Sydney
• Tammy Neal – 2023 Jobs Academy participant based in Regional NSW

For interviews please contact :
Sally Spicer – Future Women, Senior Content Producer 
E: sally@futurewomen.com 

Wednesday, March 8, 2023

Red Alert series examines the potential of military action involving Australia by 2026 

A complacent Australian population and unprepared defence force could have catastrophic results if fears of a war with China within three years are realised, reveals a landmark new investigation by The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.

The three-part subscriber series Red Alert – led by political and international editor Peter Hartcher and foreign affairs and national security correspondent Matthew Knott – draws on the views of five respected panellists whose expertise spans military strategy, defence policy, cyber, geopolitics and technology.

They examine the most pressing national security challenges facing Australia, including the consequences of our nation’s political leaders refusing to be frank with the public about the dire threats the nation faces. All agree that a Chinese invasion of Taiwan would result in war, potentially as early as 2026. 

The series comes at arguably the most significant moment in Australian defence policy since World War II, with the federal government set to release its response to the defence strategic review as well as reveal the type of submarine technology it will acquire under the AUKUS pact. 

Using innovative graphics and interactive storytelling, the Red Alert series will run across Nine’s mastheads The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Brisbane Times and WAToday from Tuesday, March 7, culminating in a joint written communique including recommendations for action. While all panellists want peace, they said we need to prepare for the possibility of imminent war.

The five respected experts – former senior Defence Department official Peter Jennings, Macquarie University senior lecturer in strategic studies and criminology Lavina Lee, former chief scientist of Australia Alan Finkel, National Institute of Strategic Resilience chair Lesley Seebeck and retired Army major general Mick Ryan – all met in person over nearly two days to examine a range of scenarios and to determine whether Australia is ready for war.  

“War and peace are the biggest decisions a country can make,” said Peter Hartcher. “We all live here and pay taxes here – we all have a lot at stake.

“The government will soon announce its big defence strategic review. But their review is not independent and most of its real thinking will be kept secret.

“We’ve brought together five eminent experts. They’ve given us an independent insight into our future, problems and solutions. It’s sometimes fascinating, disturbing, and motivating. It’s honest and it’s fearless.”

With the world’s ammunition stocks and military hardware fast being consumed by war in Ukraine, the panel reveals that an opportunistic grab for Taiwan could result in 200,000 US troops pouring into Australia as Chinese missiles attack our military facilities and cyber attacks on critical infrastructure become the new battlefield. 

“Neither the Australian military nor the public are presently truly prepared for the outbreak of war and Australia’s inevitable participation,” said panellist Lavina Lee, adding the biggest danger the nation faces is complacency rather than alarmism. “This means there is an absence of urgency about what needs to be done now.”

The executive editor of the Herald, The Age, Brisbane Times and WAToday, Tory Maguire, said few journalists could pull together such a high calibre panel of experts in the way Peter Hartcher and Matthew Knott have. 

“The findings and recommendations will resonate right through Australia’s highest levels of decision making, inside and outside the ADF,” Maguire said.

“It’s not an easy conversation to have, but it’s crucial we have it now and not leave it until after it’s too late. Properly funding Australia’s defences will come at a cost, and only a grown up analysis and debate will get us to where we need to be to ensure our future as a prosperous, lucky country.”

Three-part series Red Alert will begin Tuesday, March 7 in The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Brisbane Times and WAToday.

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

Tuesday, March 7, 2023