Archives: Media Releases

6PR has announced Simon Beaumont will return to the station to host a brand-new program in 2025.

Perth Today with Simon Beaumont will air weekdays 9am to 1pm, following on from 6PR Breakfast with Millsy and Karl (5am to 9am) from January next year.

Beaumont, a seasoned broadcaster, commentator and producer, has worked in Perth media for over 30 years. His career has seen him make and break the news during his time at the ABC, as well as previously producing and hosting 6PR’s flagship programs including Breakfast,
Mornings and Afternoons.

With a degree in Sport and Recreation, he has worked extensively as a triathlon coach, sports journalist and commentator, and has experience in Federal and State Government agencies, most recently at the WA Local Government Association.
He also holds the accolade for the WA Media Awards’ Consumer Affairs Prize, recognising his outstanding work in consumer affairs reporting across any medium.

Beaumont is excited to return to 6PR, saying: “Having been around the station on and off for nearly 20 years, I can’t wait to get stuck into the new program and reconnect with the listeners right across our wonderful city.”

Greg Byrnes, Head of Content, Nine Radio is looking forward to welcoming him back. “Simon is well loved and respected in Perth so to have him rejoin 6PR with a brand new, live and local show will be wonderful news for our listeners.

“In 2025, Perth Today with Simon Beaumont will build on the success achieved by Millsy and Karl in breakfast, focusing on local stories and issues and giving Perth a voice as voters head to the polls for a state and federal election. And with Beauy at the helm there’s also sure to be
plenty of laughs!

“The new 9 to 1 weekday shift is part of a reinvigorated lineup for 6PR in 2025. We’ll have more to say about that in the coming days.”

Perth Today with Simon Beaumont will launch on Monday, January 13, 2025.

For further information, please contact:
Peter Brennan
Head of Marketing & Communications – Perth
pebrennan@nine.com.au

Caitlin Lynch
Senior Communications Manager
clynch@nine.com.au

Thursday, December 5, 2024

The 9Network’s coverage of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 has been named as the best in the world at the prestigious International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Golden Rings Awards, held at Olympic House in Lausanne, Switzerland, this morning. 

The Golden Rings are the most coveted awards in Olympic broadcasting and the 9Network was recognised with three medals for its record ratings coverage of Paris 2024, which reached nearly 20 million Australians across the two week event. 

With more than 100 submissions from around the globe across 12 Golden Rings categories, the 9Network won Gold for Best Olympic Programme. The award recognised the 9Network’s entire 24/7 coverage.  

The 9Network was also awarded Bronze in the Best On-Air Promotion category, with the stirring Tones & I version of Land Down Under winning praise. The patriotic promo was used in the lead up to the Games and utilised the Australian landscape as a background for the athletes training for their shot at Olympic glory. 

A Bronze medal was also awarded to the 9Network in the Best Athlete Profile category for its feature on gold medallist BMX rider Saya Sakakibara. The inspiring segment captured Saya’s bond with her brother Kai, her determination and resilience in the face of adversity to live out her dream of chasing Olympic gold in the BMX event.  

Nine’s Acting CEO, Matt Stanton, said: “We are honoured to receive this recognition from the IOC. Broadcasting the Olympic Games was an enormous undertaking by Nine and these awards are validation that we delivered to audiences what we promised – world class coverage that reflected the Olympic Spirit. I want to express my thanks and congratulations to everyone at Nine who brought the passion, the excitement, the athletic determination and the beauty of Paris into Australian households and helped inspire a future generation of Olympians.” 

Australian Olympic Committee CEO, Matt Carroll, said: “Congratulations to Acting CEO, Matt Stanton and all the team at Channel 9 on their well-deserved recognition at the Golden Rings Awards. Their world-class coverage of Paris 2024 connected Australians with the remarkable stories of our athletes, capturing the spirit of the Games and uniting us all through the power of sport.”

Nine’s Director of Television, Michael Healy, said: “I am immensely proud at what our television teams have achieved this year. Being the Olympic Rights holder in Australia is a privilege and seeing our broadcast recognised on the international stage further highlights the incredible dedication, professionalism and passion of our people that brought the Games to viewers. Congratulations and well done to everyone involved.”      

Nine’s Director of Sport, Brent Williams, said: “At Wide World of Sports we are honoured by this recognition from the IOC and our fellow Olympic broadcasters from around the world. It is a great acknowledgment of the dedication and passion of hundreds of people involved in Nine’s coverage of Paris 2024. A special thank you to the record breaking Australian athletes who not only delivered so many unforgettable moments in their chosen sports but granted us incredible access to help tell their inspiring stories to the whole of the country through our broadcast.” 

Best Olympic Programme – 9Network coverage 

Best Athlete Profile – Saya Sakakibara (BMX Racing)

Best On-Air Promo – Land Down Under

For further information, please contact:
Adrian Motte 
Senior Communications Manager – Trade & Publishing 
amotte@nine.com.au
Ryley McKay
Senior Sports Publicist & Digital Manager
ryley.mckay@nine.com.au

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

As summer holidays approach, new research conducted by Nine shows Australian couples are willing to spend up to $20,000 for an international cruise.

Despite interest rates staying stubbornly high and a sticky cost of living crisis, one in four Australians are willing to spend $10,000 each on an international cruising holiday, according to the Aussie Cruising Trends Index – a comprehensive survey commissioned by Nine into the travel habits of Australians.

With wave season well underway 9Travel and Today have joined forces to launch the Aussie Cruising Trends Index, research conducted through the Nine Audience Insights team, which looked at where, when and how Australians are cruising.

More than two in five Nine readers and viewers have been on a cruise, with one in five having cruised more than once. The index found that where they travelled to was more important than the cost when deciding on a cruise holiday. Seventy-eight per cent of respondents said destination was the key factor for them, over duration of the cruise (61%) and price point (54%).

There is a high interest in river cruising and luxury cruises with 41% of readers and viewers respectively looking at those types of cruises for their future booking. 

The Aussie Cruising Trends Index also looked where they wanted to go, with international destinations the top pick – 58% of readers and viewers were keen on an international cruise, with 56% looking at Europe, 43% were interested specifically in Mediterranean cruises, followed by 35% keen on New Zealand, 25% are interested in booking a cruise to Antarctica.

For parents the key factor in deciding to go cruising was having good quality entertainment onboard (65%), while parents wanted to stick closer to home with 59% of respondents picking Australia as their top destination, over the South Pacific (50%) and New Zealand (46%).

Kerri Elstub, Director of nine.com.au said: “The Aussie Cruising Trends Index shows our audience are saving for their bucket list holidays, with one in four willing to spend more than $10,000 each on international cruises. Whether their dream holiday is an Antarctic expedition, a European river cruise or a Disney voyage with the family, the interest in the cruising experience knows no bounds.” 

The research will be rolled out across 9Travel over the next ten weeks – and will be presented on Today in a series of appearances by keen traveller and presenter Sami Lukis. 

Steven Burling, Director of Morning Television, said: “This Cruising Trends Index reveals the experiences that are of interest to Today’s viewers. We know from audience feedback there is a positive sentiment towards cruising, and this research shows Australians are willing to dig deep to find their international cruise dream holiday.” 

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

Tuesday, December 3, 2024

Dan Nolan and Ben Stivala from A Current Affair were named joint Journalists of the Year at last night’s 2024 Queensland Clarion Awards, in recognition of their courageous and in-depth reporting on child care whistleblower Yolanda Borucki and the failures in the investigation into one of the country’s worst ever child abusers Ashley Griffith.

Their reporting uncovered systemic issues in handling this horrific case, sparking a national conversation and driving urgent calls for reform in the child care sector.

Alongside the prestigious joint Journalist of the Year title, Nolan and Stivala’s exceptional work garnered multiple awards, including the highly coveted all media award for Investigative Journalism and the Television Award for Current Affairs, Feature, Documentary, or Special Broadcast.

Nolan also received the Broadcast Interview Award, recognising his exceptional interviewing skills, sensitivity with interview subjects, and sharp news sense during a high-stakes interview that revealed shocking truths about the crisis.

In a joint statement, Nolan and Stivala said: “This was one of the hardest investigations we’ve ever undertaken. The trauma experienced by these families is beyond comprehension, but sharing the failures in the handling of this case is vital to drive change.

“While these awards are a tremendous honour, the real reward is knowing our work has sparked a national dialogue on the system’s failures and the urgent need for reform. The fight for justice and accountability must continue.”

Queensland Bureau Chief of A Current Affair, Kate Donnison, said: “Reporting on this story was incredibly difficult. The pain of these families has been gut-wrenching, and telling these stories has been one of our toughest challenges. But exceptional journalism deserves recognition, and this award reflects Dan and Ben and the team’s tireless commitment to driving important conversations on accountability and reform.”

The evening also saw 9News Queensland take home the prestigious TV News Report Award for its coverage of the Tara bushfires. The state’s leading and longest serving co-presenters Melissa Downes and Andrew Lofthouse, alongside the 9News Queensland team, delivered urgent, powerful storytelling that brought viewers into the heart of the disaster. With its sense of immediacy and compelling on-the-ground reporting, a piece-to-camera of burnt clothes on the line stood out as a striking symbol of how small details can tell a much bigger story.

Additionally, 9News Queensland cameraman Matt Billett was awarded the John Bean Memorial Award for Television Camerawork, for his raw and impactful footage that vividly conveyed the devastating scale of the bushfires.

These awards, coupled with A Current Affair and 9News Queensland winning their respective timeslots in the 2024 local ratings, firmly cement Nine Queensland’s dominance in the industry. The recognition underscores the network’s leadership and unwavering commitment to exceptional journalism, with A Current Affair and 9News Queensland continuing to set the standard for integrity, impact, and public service.

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

Sunday, December 1, 2024

Paul “Fatty” Vautin, one of Australian television’s most beloved personalities, has announced his retirement from Channel 9, marking the end of a remarkable 33-year career at the network.  

A permanent fixture of Australian television, known for his wit, warmth, and passion for rugby league. Vautin leaves a legacy of countless live sports commentary and entertainment hostings that created unforgettable television moments.

Following his glittering playing career where he represented Australia and captained his beloved Queensland Maroons and Manly Sea Eagles, including a premiership in 1987, Vautin began his broadcasting career at Channel 9 in 1991 on the Midday show alongside Ray Martin, Derryn Hinch and Kerri-Anne Kennerley, where he co-hosted a weekly sports segment with former cricketer Simon O’Donnell.

His infectious personality, combined with his deep personal experiences in the game, saw him rise within the network to join the highly renowned Wide World of Sports team, alongside the voice of rugby league Ray “Rabs” Warren and Peter Sterling, including the debut of The Sunday Footy Show in 1993.

However, it was his long-running role on Thursday nights as the host of The Footy Show, which began in September 1994, that cemented his status as an Australian television legend. 

The Footy Show became a cultural phenomenon, blending sport, entertainment, and comedy, and offering an irreverent, behind-the-scenes look at the world of rugby league. As the charismatic and cheeky host, alongside Sterling, Fatty’s unique ability to balance humour with genuine passion for the game made him a standout figure as his larger-than-life personality, quick wit, and easy rapport with guests and colleagues shone through. 

His decades-long partnership with fellow commentators and sports figures, including Peter Sterling, Paul “The Chief” Harragon, Mario Fenech, Matty Johns, Darryl “Big Marn” Brohman and Beau Ryan was a defining aspect of his time on The Footy Show, where the interactions with players, coaches, and fans were often as entertaining as the games themselves.

The show’s success was recognised with 11 TV Week Logies Awards for best sports entertainment program, and in 2003, Vautin was awarded the prestigious Logie Award for Most Popular Sports Presenter. 

Always maintaining his role as a regular fixture in the Wide World of Sports commentary box, he developed the ability to simplify the game to entertain and inform some of the highest rating television programs in Australian history, spanning State of Origin, NRL Grand Finals and International fixtures.

Speaking on his retirement, Vautin said: “I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work with so many talented people over the years, and I’ve had the pleasure of connecting with some of the most passionate sports fans in the country.

“It’s been an absolute privilege to be part of and I’m grateful for every moment. I’ll miss the laughs, the banter, and of course, the incredible athletes, commentators and the Channel 9 family that I’ve been lucky enough to work with for over three decades.”

Nine Acting CEO, Matt Stanton, said: “Paul Vautin is a true icon of Australian television and a much loved member of the Nine family. After an outstanding playing career he forged a stellar path here at Nine, and we’re truly proud and thankful for what he has achieved. 

“He has been a major part in forging our successful and long standing partnership with the NRL and the passionate fans of the game with his cheeky, yet passionate takes that have  resonated so broadly. We wish him all the best in retirement and will continue to celebrate what he has accomplished for business.”

Nine Director of Sport, Brent Williams, said: “Fatty’s contribution to Nine and Wide World of Sports over 30 years comfortably puts him in the upper echelon of contributors to the Australian television landscape. His infectious energy and warmth, plus a wicked sense of humour made his style unmissable for generations of NRL and sporting fans. 

“Throughout his remarkable television journey, his greatest strength was that he never tried to be anything but himself, which was more than enough for audiences to love him. We thank him for the countless laughs, unforgettable moments, unique insights and friendship. He will always be an integral part of the Wide World of Sports family.”

Ryley McKay
9Network Publicity
ryley.mckay@nine.com.au 

Sunday, December 1, 2024

Friday 29 November 2024: Nine Entertainment (Nine) has today shared an Action Plan to accelerate, address and measure its cultural transformation, following a review into its culture by independent workplace firm, Intersection. 

The Action Plan, which has been endorsed by Nine’s Board, is designed to deliver lasting change and outlines how the 22 recommendations will be sequenced, measured, and embedded across the organisation. It focuses Nine’s efforts into four priority areas: People and Culture; Leadership; Policy, Procedures and Governance; and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. 

Since releasing the Intersection Report in full in October, more than 60 per cent of the recommendations are complete or underway. Two additional commitments have also been identified and invested in to address and uplift Nine’s culture. This includes transitioning to a new, holistic Employee Wellbeing Provider and delivering a new leadership development program including 1:1 coaching to 200 of Nine’s leaders. 

Today, Nine has announced it will conduct a cultural pulse check in two years, a year ahead of the recommended time frame. This will allow Nine to gain an understanding of its impact and progress, and refine the Action Plan if required. A more indepth review will be conducted in three years, in line with the recommendations.  

To ensure Nine’s cultural transformation is led from the top, its senior leaders will have their remuneration and incentives connected to cultural-specific measurements and outcomes.  

Nine Entertainment Acting CEO Matt Stanton said: “Nine’s Action Plan forms an important part of Nine2028, which is the acceleration of our strategy and encompasses our business and culture transformation. Spearheaded by the Board and management team, everyone at Nine is united by the need for change. The progress made over the past six weeks is reflective of our collective desire to move quickly and build a Nine we can all be proud of. 

“Since the release of the Intersection Report, Nine has taken decisive action which will positively contribute to our cultural uplift. We’ve also spent a lot of time connecting and communicating with our people, reflecting on how we can learn from this difficult yet necessary process and make lasting change. 

“While our commitments to embedding our Action Plan remain unwavering, our cultural transformation ambitions are broader than the 22 recommendations alone, and indeed broader than Nine itself. Of course, our unrelenting focus remains on addressing Nine’s cultural issues, however there is no denying the prevalence of poor behaviour in the media industry is unacceptable and change is required. 

“As the largest employer in the industry we believe we can play an active role in shaping the cultural change required to create a safe, respectful and thriving industry. At the appropriate time, we look forward to engaging with our industry peers to address these issues,” Mr Stanton said. 

Nine management will regularly report to the Board on the progress and outcomes of its Action Plan. The Action Plan can be viewed here.

Caitlin Lynch
Senior Communications Manager – Corporate
clynch@nine.com.au 

Football legend and radio rising star, Jimmy Bartel will host Wide World of Sports, Thursday Night Footy and Friday Night Footy on Melbourne’s Number 1 Station – 3AW – in 2025.

The triple premiership player, Brownlow Medallist, Norm Smith Medallist and AFL Hall of Famer will headline the go to destination for the best footy insights and analysis, together with talkback debate and discussion in this new era of AFL.

Jimmy is already well loved by the 3AW audience, hosting Sunday AFL last year, filling in on breakfast with Mark Allen and raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for Very Special Kids. 

Jimmy Bartel said: “I’m thrilled to take on this new role. Being part of the 3AW family has been incredibly rewarding. I can’t wait to engage with listeners, bring them the big stories, and celebrate everything that makes sport so special.”

Stephen Beers, 3AW Station Manager, said: “Jimmy Bartel has long been part of the 3AW family, and we’re thrilled to see him step into the hosting role for Wide World of Sport, along with Thursday Night Footy and Friday Night Footy. Jimmy’s deep understanding of sport, combined with his media savvy and natural connection with audiences, makes him the ideal choice. He’s also got a massive heart – and our listeners love him. We thank Sam McClure for his fantastic contributions and wish him all the best as he focuses on his role at The Age.”

Ash Earnshaw, Nine’s Director of Sales, Total Audio, said: “3AW now has the biggest and best platform for sports lovers and sports advertisers. Jimmy Bartel’s appointment strengthens an already iconic program and reinforces our position as the leading destination for AFL and Sport. Jimmy’s presence across both 3AW and Nine enhances the synergy of the Wide World of Sports brand, delivering exceptional opportunities for advertisers to connect with passionate and engaged audiences.”

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

Friday, November 29, 2024

4BC will be the only radio station in Brisbane delivering live and local content in 2025, bringing together a powerhouse of expert broadcasters, dedicated to delivering the best locally-driven news, information and entertainment.

Peter Fegan will take the helm of 4BC Breakfast, providing a sharp focus on the issues that matter most to Brisbane. From 9.00am, Bill McDonald will lead 4BC Mornings, engaging with listeners across Brisbane and holding Queensland policy makers to account.

At midday, Sofie Formica brings her signature style to 4BC Afternoons, seamlessly blending local culture and human-interest stories with sharp insights into current affairs. While Gary Hardgrave takes over 4BC Drive, guiding listeners through their evening commute with commentary and analysis.

Rounding out the evening, Peter Psaltis anchors Wide World of Sports, offering in-depth coverage of the best in sport, expert analysis, and exclusive interviews with the biggest names in the industry.

4BC Content Manager, Siobhain McDonnell, said: “This lineup reflects 4BC’s unwavering commitment to delivering live and local content. Each host brings a deep-rooted understanding of Brisbane’s needs, and together, they will forge meaningful connections with our audience.

“Brisbane is experiencing unprecedented growth, and this team is ready to lead the conversations that matter most to our vibrant, evolving community. With our state-of-the-art studios set for 2025, 4BC is poised to deliver a gold-standard audio experience, ensuring the very best content no matter where our listeners are tuning in.”

4BC’s live and local Monday – Friday lineup features:

• 4BC Breakfast with Peter Fegan 5.30am – 9.00am
• 4BC Mornings with Bill McDonald 9.00am – 12.00pm
• 4BC Afternoons with Sofie Formica 12.00pm – 3.00pm
• 4BC Drive with Gary Hardgrave 3.00pm – 6.00pm
• 4BC WWOS with Peter Psaltis 6.00pm – 7.00pm

LISTEN TO 4BC HERE
LIKE 4BC on FACEBOOK
FOLLOW 4BC on X (TWITTER) and INSTAGRAM  

For further information, please contact:
Madison Long
9 Publicity
madison.long@nine.com.au

Friday, November 29, 2024

This Christmas Eve David Campbell and Sarah Abo return to present Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight presented by AAMI, live from the Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Tuesday, December 24, at 8.00pm on Channel 9 and 9Now. 

Each year, Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight brings families together as a cherished Australian tradition, featuring some of the biggest stars in music and musical theatre, all generously donating their time to support Vision Australia.

This year’s stellar lineup includes the dynamic and award-winning vocals of Anthony Callea, the cast of Sister Act starring Casey Donovan, World music star Dami Im, star of TINA – The Tina Turner Musical, Ruva Ngwenya, ARIA Award winner Emma Memma, 2024 Golden Guitar nominee and Australian Idol winner Dylan Wright, plus music sensation Bonnie Anderson, much loved entertainer Tim Campbell and many more.

And our brilliant Carols family return, including Marina Prior, Silvie Paladino, David Hobson and Denis Walter.

David Campbell said: “Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight is something I look forward to every year. It’s truly one of the highlights of the festive season. I’m thrilled to be a part of this incredible event once again, especially knowing that it supports such an important cause. 

“Raising funds for people who are blind or have low vision through Vision Australia makes this night even more meaningful. It’s a chance to spread joy and make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most.”

Sarah Abo said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be hosting Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight again alongside David in my home town of Melbourne. It’s such a wonderful night and I can’t wait to celebrate Christmas Eve with everyone.”

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 with children who 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.

VISION AUSTRALIA’S CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT:
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:
Alexandra Reed 
alexandra.reed@nine.com.au

Alexandra Maiolo
alexandra.maiolo@nine.com.au

Thursday, November 28, 2024

It started as a beautiful summer morning, warm and sunny, but ended as one of the darkest days in Australia’s history. December 15, 2014, is indelibly seared into the nation’s psyche as the moment when terrorism came to the heart of Sydney.

Ten years on, this Sunday, Peter Overton presents a powerful special edition of 60 MINUTES, remembering the 17 hours of terror at the Lindt Café siege.

At 8.33am on that horrific day, lone-wolf gunman Man Haron Monis, claiming allegiance to Islamic State, walked into the popular café and shortly thereafter took 18 innocent people hostage. Threatening not only to shoot his captives, but also to detonate bombs he’d planted around the city, Monis wreaked havoc until 2.13am the following morning.

When the ordeal was over, not only was the terrorist dead – tragically, so were two hostages, Tori Johnson and Katrina Dawson.

Through the recollections of survivors inside the café, as well as the perspectives of police and political leaders charged with ending the siege, this program is a showcase of the bravery of the men and women whose lives continue to be affected by that awful day.

It is also a tribute to the memories of the victims and a timely reminder to heed the painful lessons learnt from the tragedy to ensure such a crime never happens again in Australia.

Reporter: Peter Overton
Producers: Laura Sparkes, Alex Chance
SNEAK PEEK

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60 MINUTES
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1, AT 7.00PM ON CHANNEL 9 & 9NOW

For further information, please contact:
Madison Long
9 Publicity
madison.long@nine.com.au

Thursday, November 28, 2024