Archives: Media Releases

Experienced media executive Lisa Muxworthy has been appointed to the newly created role of Head of Growth Content at Nine’s metro mastheads.

Muxworthy, who drove record numbers at news.com.au during her four years as editor-in-chief, brings her expertise and leadership to The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Brisbane Times and WAtoday. 

As Head of Growth Content, Muxworthy will drive a growth content strategy to attract new audiences across Nine’s market-leading mastheads. 

Muxworthy will take responsibility for a new Growth Content reporting team and editor, social media teams, as well as search, audio and video content. 

“I am thrilled to join the talented team of editors and journalists at The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age and have the opportunity to execute strategies for growing audiences and push the boundaries of content discovery and distribution,” Muxworthy said.

The Sydney Morning Herald is the nation’s most-read masthead, while The Age is the second most read title in the country. 

“Lisa is the complete package when it comes to digital publishing,” Executive Editor Luke McIlveen said. 

“Under her editorship, News.com.au won the Gold Walkey in 2022 for the Britanny Higgins story and Lisa was part of the team that drove important editorial campaigns including Let Her Speak, which led to the abolition of sexual assault victim gag laws in Victoria, Tasmania and the Northern Territory.

“Lisa is respected across the industry as an exceptional leader who builds high-performing teams with incredible culture and has a proven track record of growing audiences and engagement. 

“She’s a passionate editor who puts the audience first and I’m delighted to have Lisa on my leadership team.”

Muxworthy will commence her new role on February 3, 2025.

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

Friday, December 20, 2024

Nine’s Wide World of Sports is the new home for the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, as Australia’s toughest and most prestigious ocean race is live and free on Channel 9 and 9Now, from 12.30pm AEDT on December 26.

The spectacle of the 79th edition of the race will be covered with a pre-show build up at North Head, before the starting cannon fires at 1.00pm for the gruelling 600 nautical mile journey south to Hobart.

Today Show will kickstart Boxing Day live from Rushcutters Bay to capture the build up as thousands of people line Sydney Harbour, with regular crosses throughout the morning during sport, weather and entertainment segments. Then, as the winning boat arrives, Today will be live from Hobart to kickstart the celebrations.

A fleet of 108 yachts will take to the water as defending champion Law Connect faces stiff opposition for victory from Master Lock Comanche, who was pipped at the post in 2023, and Wild Thing 100.

The talented team bringing the race action to screens includes host Gordon Bray, who is joined for expert comments by ex-Olympian and seasoned sailor Lisa Darmanin, and 31-race Sydney Hobart veteran Peter Shipway.

ROLEX SYDNEY HOBART YACHT RACE 2024
LIVE AND FREE ON CHANNEL 9 AND 9NOW
DECEMBER 26, 12.30PM AEDT

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

Friday, December 20, 2024

Nine has today announced the appointments of Brendan Hockings and Michael Genovese as TV News Directors in Queensland and Western Australia, respectively. 

Mr Hockings, who has been acting in the role since November, will oversee 9News operations for Brisbane, Gold Coast and Darwin. Beginning his career at Nine 20 years ago, Mr Hockings is a highly respected journalist and leader, having covered some of the biggest stories in Queensland and around the world. 

Mr Genovese will oversee the TV Newsroom in Perth after acting in the role for the past three months. He is a seasoned senior reporter and presenter, having held a number of positions within Nine including WAtoday, 6PR, Today Show and 9News where he was based in LA as Nine’s US Correspondent. Mr Genovese has seamlessly transitioned into a leadership role over the past few months following the recent appointment of Gareth Parker to the Network News Content Director role.

Director of TV News & Current Affairs Fiona Dear said: “We were overwhelmed with applications from highly talented journalists and leaders during this process and these internal appointments showcase the depth we have within 9News. 

“Both Brendan and Michael are exceptional journalists, leaders, and people, and we are extremely fortunate to have individuals of their calibre to appoint into these key leadership positions to drive our transformation and continue to uplift Nine’s culture.

“Over the past few months they have provided leadership stability and strong editorial guidance to their respective newsrooms, and I am proud to formally announce them in these roles today.”

Mr Hockings said: “I marvel constantly at the creativity, passion and dedication of our 9News Queensland team. I’m honoured to take up this role and look forward to leading this extraordinary team of people as we tell Queensland and the Northern Territory’s greatest stories.” 

Mr Genovese said: “Nine Perth has been my home for over a decade and it’s a privilege to take on the role of News Director and lead the hard-working team here. As West Australians turn to 9News as their trusted source of information, we remain committed to delivering the stories that matter to Perth, every single day.”

The recruitment for the Sydney TV News Director role remains underway. 

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

Bayley Howe
Marketing & Publicity Executive – Perth
bayleyhowe@nine.com.au

Thursday, December 19, 2024

Wide World of Sports is set and ready to serve up the summer of tennis when national pride goes on the line in the United Cup, from December 27 on the 9Network and to stream on 9Now.

With every game available live and free, Australia will take on the world in Sydney and Perth for the annual mixed-teams event.

The best men’s and women’s players from 18 nations will compete for US$10 million prize-money in the special United Cup format where each tie includes one men’s singles, one women’s singles, and a mixed doubles match.

The United Cup will feature seven of the world’s top 10 women and six of the world’s top 12 men, including superstars Alex de Minaur, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz and Greek duo Stefanos Tsitsipas and Maria Sakkari.

Joining De Minaur on team Australia in Sydney will be Paris 2024 gold medallist Matt Ebden and top 100 women’s singles player Olivia Gadecki. 

The tournament commentary line up will include Nine’s Jelena Dokic, Jim Courier, Todd Woodbridge, Sam Smith and Casey Dellacqua in Sydney, while Mark Philippoussis and David Culbert will commentate on coverage for the hotly contested group stages in Perth.

Wide World of Sports tennis expert, Jelena Dokic, said: “The United Cup format is unique and so great because it brings men’s and women’s tennis together creating a team environment that players love and tight contests.

“The United States go in as favourites this year with Coco and Fritz, but Australia can do really well with Olivia Gadecki on the rise and De Minaur being injury free. He thrives playing at his favourite court in the world, Ken Rosewall Arena, where he beat Novak Djokovic last year. 

“De Minaur could be playing against his girlfriend Katie Boulter with Australia meeting Great Britain in the group stages for the mixed doubles tie. I’m expecting the mixed ties will produce many close match ups and decide which nation will progress.

“Getting plenty of matches under your belt coupled with being in a team environment, is a great way to start the tennis year and build momentum going into the Australian Open.”

The 9Network’s coverage will be hosted by Roz Kelly, Nick McArdle and Zac Bailey on Channel 9HD and 9GemHD, with every match streamed on 9Now. 

Broadcast Schedule

UNITED CUP: DECEMBER 27 TO JANUARY 5
LIVE AND FREE ON THE 9NETWORK 
STREAM EVERY MATCH ON 9NOW

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

Thursday, December 19, 2024

The 9Network are excited to announce a partnership with A+E Media Group, bringing another two dedicated FAST channels to Australian audiences on 9Now. 

The LMN: Lifetime Movie Network FAST channel is currently streaming on 9Now, showcasing a festive collection this holiday season with the best Christmas movies, mistletoe moments and heartwarming tales to fill your days with holiday spirit. 

Following the festive season, from January 1, 2025, the channel will deliver Lifetime® Original Movies including thrillers, steamy romance and biopics from Lifetime’s catalogue.  

Also coming in 2025 to 9Now, the HISTORY2 (H2®) FAST Channel, delivering a free destination for the very best of The HISTORY®Channel. From best-in-class documentary events, to its signature slate of industry-leading nonfiction series and premium fact-based scripted programming. The channel will feature a line-up of series and specials including Alcatraz Escape: The Lost Evidence, Hiroshima: 75 Years Later, Hitler’s Secret Tunnels, Road to 9/11, and many more. 

The launch expands 9Now’s streaming and FAST channel lineup, reinforcing and strengthening our commitment to bringing premium content to Australian audiences as a leading destination to deliver quality, on-demand entertainment. 

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

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Nine today announced the resignation of Chief Sales Officer Michael Stephenson, with experienced Nine executive Matt James appointed to the role on an interim basis.

As Chief Sales Officer for almost a decade, Mr Stephenson was a member of Nine’s Group Leadership Team, with accountability for the company’s advertising revenue across its Total Television, Total Publishing and Total Audio assets. Nine has a strong position in the national advertising market and our commercial partners and clients recognise Nine’s deep understanding of industry trends.

Nine Acting Chief Executive Officer, Matthew Stanton said “Since Michael joined as Director of Sales for ninemsn almost two decades ago, Nine has successfully responded to the changing industry dynamics and consistently performed strongly in the advertising market. During his tenure, Nine has developed the television trading platform 9Galaxy, launched self-serve advertising platform 9AdManager and rapidly grown our BVOD revenue share to 47 per cent in FY24.

“We are fortunate that high-calibre media executive Matt James is stepping in to lead the Sales team to ensure continuity for Nine’s key partners and sales team. With experience on both the media and agency sides, a strong background in digital, and extensive knowledge of Nine, Matt is well placed to ensure he hits the ground running with the Sales team during 2025.”

For the past four years Mr James has been Managing Director of Nine Melbourne and more recently has worked closely in a senior strategy role across the wider Nine Group, as part of the Nine2028 transformation team. Prior to taking up the Melbourne role in 2020, he was CEO of global media agency Zenith based in London after previously holding the roles of inaugural Group CEO of Publicis Media and CEO of Zenith Australia and New Zealand. Mr James held senior roles with Nine earlier in his career, including Group Director of the client solutions division, Powered, and Managing Director of Nine’s Digital Media division.

A recruitment process to confirm the appointment of a Chief Sales Officer on a permanent basis is expected to be finalised in the New Year.

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

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

The biggest names in the business – Nick Kyrgios, Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka – will begin their 2025 Australian Open run in a red-hot field at the Brisbane International from December 29 live and free on the 9Go! and 9Now.

Making his keenly anticipated return to top-flight competition Kyrgios lines up against Djokovic, who is on the hunt for his 100th title, in a field that includes defending champion Grigor Dimitrov (world No.10), Holger Rune (No.13), Frances Tiafoe (No.18) and Matteo Berrettini (No.34).

World No.1 and defending Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka heads up a women’s draw featuring four top-10 players including Jess Pegula (No.7), Emma Navarro (No.8) and Daria Kasatkina (No.9) plus former world no.1 Victoria Azarenka.

Flying the Aussie flag will be Alexei Popyrin (No. 24) and Jordan Thompson (No.26) and wildcard Alja Tomljanovic. While Kyrgios and Djokovic will make for a mouth watering duo when they team up for a shot at the men’s doubles title.

Featuring in tournament commentary will be Nine’s Jelena Dokic, John Millman, Tom Rehn and Peter Psaltis, hosted by Georgie Parker and Brett Phillips.

Nine Wide World of Sports tennis expert, John Millman, said: “For Kyrgios I think his main focus will be to get through the tournament injury free. Really it is a litmus test to see how the knee and wrist holds up after the limited tournament schedule the past two years. 

“But it seems during he has still been hitting quite regularly and he still possesses one of the biggest weapons in tennis, his serve. So I feel like he will be very competitive. 

“The star power on show is indicative of how players see the Brisbane International as perfect preparation heading into the Australian Open. The women’s draw headlined by world number one Sabalenka holds the tantalising thought of a US Open rematch with Jessica Pegula. 

“In the men’s draw it’s the first time Novak has played in this tournament since 2009. Bringing Andy Murray into his coaching team looks to be an inspired choice as he looks to return to grand slam glory in 2025. Outside of Djokovic we should be keeping an eye on defending champion Dimitrov.”

Broadcast Schedule

BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL FROM DECEMBER 29
LIVE AND FREE ON THE 9NETWORK 
STREAM EVERY MATCH FREE ON 9NOW

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

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

2GB is excited to welcome Adam Hawse as the new host of Wide World of Sports, starting Monday, 16 December 2024. 

Adam is already a familiar voice to 2GB listeners, having delivered the afternoon sports news in the newsroom and regularly stepping in as fill-in host for Wide World of Sports. With over 25 years of experience in the media, Adam’s passion for sport has taken him to some of the industry’s biggest stages, including NRL Grand Finals, State of Origin games, and Kangaroos overseas tours.

Over his career he has built a reputation as one of Australia’s most trusted and versatile voices in sports, who can deliver everything from breaking news and live reporting, to hosting programs, podcasts and producing documentaries.

Adam’s previous roles include Senior Rugby League Reporter at The Sunday Telegraph, Host of Sports Tonight on Network Ten, and Presenter on Fox Sports News. He is also a published author, having written Spudd: The Mark Carroll Story, and co-produced the celebrated Eels86 documentary about Parramatta’s last premiership. 

2GB Content Manager, Luke Davis said: “Adam is a popular member of our Wide World of Sports team as a regular fill-in host and the trusted voice of our afternoon sports news on 2GB. He boasts an impressive media career spanning more than two decades across Radio, Podcasting, TV and Publishing and will bring all that experience to this new hosting role. ‘Hawsey’ is well-respected and well-connected,  and I know our 2GB listeners will love getting their sports fix with him each night!”

Adam Hawes said: “In footy-speak I can’t wait to tackle this new challenge and continue the outstanding work of Mark Levy as host.

“For a guy who’s spent his life either in the grandstand as a fan or holding a microphone at a press conference, I consider it a privilege to be able to share the very latest sports news and opinions with our loyal listeners on this incredible program.

“We won’t be side-stepping any issues and we’ll have plenty of laughs along the way too.“

Adam takes over from Mark Levy, who’s moving into the hosting chair of 2GB Mornings while staying on with The Continuous Call Team on Fridays and Saturdays during the NRL season.

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

Friday, December 13, 2024

This Christmas Eve, join some of Australia’s biggest musical stars as they light up the stage for Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight presented by AAMI, hosted by David Campbell and Sarah Abo live from the Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Tuesday, December 24, at 8.00pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.

This year’s spectacular lineup includes performances from:

• Stars of the hit stage musical Jesus Christ Superstar, Mahalia Barnes, Michael Paynter and Javon King
• Multi-ARIA Award winner and producer of the hit new film How to Make Gravy, Meg Washington
• Award winning artist Anthony Callea and much-loved entertainer Tim Campbell
• Singer-songwriter and author Dami Im
• 2023 ARIA Award winner Emma Memma and Elvin Melvin
• The cast of Sister Act The Musical, featuring Casey Donovan 
• The Kings of Christmas, Rob Mills and Bobby Fox
• Multi-platinum and ARIA-nominated artist, DJ and Producer Lenny Pearce
• Singer-songwriter and Carols favourite Bonnie Anderson
• Australian world music star Mitch Tambo, teaming up with his wife Lele
• Rising star Beau Woodbridge and the cast of Dear Evan Hansen
• 2024 Australian Idol winner Dylan Wright
• Tarryn Stokes, winner of The Voice 2023
• Direct from his sold-out New York Christmas Show, international singer-songwriter Ben Abraham performing with his talented musical family
• Star of the hit production Tina – The Tina Turner Musical, Ruva Ngwenya
• Vision Australia’s Michael Vaiasinni and his partner Violeta
• Jess Hitchcock with a special performance with Carols host David Campbell 
• Nine’s Carols family, including David Hobson, Marina Prior, Silvie Paladino and Denis Walter
• Performances from the Australian Girls Choir and the National Boys Choir 
• Plus Sammy J, Colin Lane and a special appearance from the big man in red, Santa Claus himself

All performing under the baton of musical director John Foreman OAM, assisted by Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight choirmaster, Doug Heywood OAM. 

Carols by Candlelight is Vision Australia’s biggest annual fundraiser for children’s services, with 100 per cent of profits from ticket sales going directly towards supporting close to 2,000 families whose children are blind or have low vision. Tickets to the Sidney Myer Music Bowl are on sale now and can be purchased via www.carolsbycandlelight.com.au.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24, LIVE AT 8.00PM 
ON CHANNEL 9 & 9NOW
@Channel9 @carolsbycandlelight_aus 
#CarolsByCandlelight 
To make a donation to Vision Australia visit www.givetocarols.com

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

Monday, December 16, 2024

For the first time ever, Delta Goodrem’s beloved annual Christmas with Delta spectacular is coming straight from Hollywood, showcasing thrilling new star performances alongside treasured highlights from past years. 

Don’t miss this festive celebration on Sunday, December 22, at 7.00 pm AEDT on Channel 9 and 9Now.

Join Delta as she follows the stars to find the perfect home in the Hollywood Hills to bring her annual Christmas show to life with friends old and new. The special will feature unforgettable performances from Pat Monahan, Calum Scott, Christina Perri, Lukas Nelson, Josh Groban, Howie Dorough, Colin Hay, and a special appearance by Santa himself.

Delta said: “This year we’re bringing Christmas with Delta to new heights, filming from Hollywood. With heartfelt new performances, surprise guests who bring a sense of home and cherished moments from past years, it’s a privilege to share the love and magic of the season with everyone once again.”

In true Aussie Christmas fashion, viewers will meet special guests dropping in, including globally renowned DJ and music producer Fisher (Paul), his wife Chloe, and their daughter Bobbi, celebrating their first family Christmas. Famous fashion designer Camilla Franks will also join the festivities, adding her signature flair and a touch of magic.

To top it off, celebrity chef Curtis Stone brings a feast to the table, whipping up a quintessential Christmas dinner. His wife Lindsay and their son Hudson join in the festivities, making it a true family affair.

Delta added: “I’m so grateful to the incredible artists and dear friends from around the world who have joined me this year to bring our fifth Christmas special to life. It’s a truly magical celebration filled with festive cheer and holiday spirit, celebrating Christmas the Australian way.

“I love the special feeling in the air at Christmas. It’s a time to reflect on the year and truly celebrate being with family and friends.

”This year Christmas with Delta also takes a nostalgic journey down memory lane, revisiting unforgettable performances from previous specials, including moments with Olivia Newton-John, Robbie Williams and Kylie Minogue.

Through an intimate and heartwarming performance, Delta and The Delta Goodrem Foundation will spread joy to those facing challenges, while honoring the angelic hero nurses who care for communities all year round.

With heartfelt duets, festive classics and surprise appearances, this year’s special promises a joyful celebration of music, love and Christmas spirit, wrapped up in a show-stopping showcase.

CHRISTMAS WITH DELTA IN HOLLYWOOD
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22, AT 7.00PM AEDT ON CHANNEL 9 & 9NOW

DOWNLOAD IMAGES HERE
 
LIKE Channel 9 on Facebook
FOLLOW @Channel9 on Instagram and Twitter
Catch up on 9Now

For further information, please contact:
Alex Dyer
9Network Publicity
alex.dyer@nine.com.au

Friday, December 13, 2024