Staging the Nine Upfront was going to be a challenge this year. The promotion of how the television, audio and publishing business would better service advertisers and viewers has to be held toward the end of the year.
In previous years, Nine was often the first broadcaster out of the blocks in September. This year, there were reasons that couldn’t happen. Some out of its control, some self-inflicted.
September wasn’t ideal this year because of the Paris Olympics and Paralympics. The latter didn’t wrap until September 8. The self-inflicted dramas were the departure of chief executive Mike Sneesby at the end of September. Then there was the culture review that Sneesby and the board ordered which was released just days before the Upfront event.
It wasn’t just the date that was very different about the Nine event this year. The Upfront was a sit-down lunch for 1200. There was no talent onstage, although many were scattered amongst the audience. The stars of the show were the commercial heads…and the acting chief executive.
The content – well it was mentioned here and there. But it was chiefly highlighted in a 10-minute reel at the end of the two-and-a-half-hour presentation. A timespan that included lengthy breaks to eat and network.
The interim CEO was never going to please everybody with his opening four-minute introduction. There was much conjecture about how he might address the culture review and its aftermath. He kept it brief and mixed it between messages about “maximising the value of our unique suite media assets”. Then later a request to “reflect on how you plan to invest with us for your brands and your clients”.
Stanton’s comments surrounding the turmoil at Nine were brief:
“It’s also been a significant year of change and disruption for Nine. As an organisation, we’ve had to face hard truths and confront systemic cultural issues, which has been incredibly challenging for our people. At all levels of the business, we are deeply committed to embedding meaningful and lasting change at Nine and believe that this difficult yet necessary process will allow more of our people to perform at their best and pave the way for positive industry-leading change. As our trusted partners, I’d like to really thank you all for your ongoing support, which there has been a lot, which I know our people really, really appreciate.”
As broadcast business models change, it’s no surprise perhaps that the revenue generators have become the most important, and in this case, the only stars on the Upfront show.
Taking the stage first after Stanton, and a break, was Nine chief marketing officer, Liana Dubois. She spoke to “better business results”. She also reminded advertisers and agencies that the company now had 22m registered 9Now viewers and its combined assets reached 95% of the population.
In a 15-minute slot, Dubois also shared the stage with Nine chief data officer, Suzie Cardwell.
Their messages included audience updates for growth across the publishing portfolio, radio and video consumption.
Dubois also wanted to correct what she called a misconception about TV audiences. “Nine’s TV audiences are not in decline. They are resilient and they are growing. Nine’s Total TV audience is up 9% year-on-year. Broadcast viewing is up 6%.
“9Now viewing is driving growth a whopping 40%.”
As to the reasons for the growth – Dubois had a number of answers. The content. The house of brands. And the consumer experience.
When Cardwell arrived she spoke to the scale and impact Nine’s first-party data can have. She spoke about rebuilding Nine’s data platform and choosing Adobe as its customer data platform partner.
“The customer data platform is a game-changer. It brings together more than 40 data sources from across Nine.”
She revealed a new partnership with Dataco, providing category-spend data from ANZ Bank.
Cardwell was a mythbuster too. “We are busting the myth that our audiences are older. They’re not. Millennials aged 25 to 39 are our largest registered audience at 34% of the total, followed closely by Gen X at 22%.”
She finished with: “No matter your brand or category, we have the data, the insights, and the targeted capabilities to deliver you better business results.”
After close to an hour break for the lunch service, the Nine Upfront main course was delivered by commercial director for digital Nick Young, and chief sales officer Michael Stephenson.
There was a lot to digest. Young revealed Nine had produced a digital newspaper edition with eight pages of Upfront highlights and insights.
Young also noted: “Over the next few months, we’ll be launching automated campaign reports to complete the self-serve dashboards for every single Nine App campaign. These reports include the target delivery and reach, drive analytics, as well as footfall traffic reports. We’ve also partnered with DataCurve, allowing Nine to leverage A-Z credit card and debit card transaction data.
“We’ve signed a multi-year deal with Agile to incorporate web traffic, app downloads, and search data insights in every report, giving you the multiple data points and granular insights you need to understand the effectiveness of your CDP platform. Whether your budget is $20 grand or a sponsorship of $20 million, you know exactly how well your campaign is performing.”
Stepho was in full evangelist mode against a dramatic backdrop emblazoned with “The Challenge”, telling guests Nine today was going to change the game. He also promised he would guarantee “better business results”.
Those results were linked to investing more with Nine of course. He again reinforced that “Total TV has never been stronger” with an explanation that as the economy improves there will be winners and losers. The winners will be people who have invested in marketing their brand.
Stepho repeated the TV audience growth stats and added: “850,000 people visit 9NOW every single day. We build reach six times quicker than YouTube, and we’ve reached 20 times more people than Netflix. At 9Now, our streaming and on-demand platform is a world-class experience. It’s a world-class experience for consumers, and it’s a world-class experience for advertisers.
“But irrespective of the facts, in the last two years, over $600 million of advertising has been moved from total television to the most powerful advertising platform there is, bottom-of-the-funnel, performance-based channels. And I appreciate how difficult it is for our partners that are in the room right now, because CEOs are asking for short-term results. They’re asking for short-term performance. You need to improve your ROI. We need to reduce costs. And most importantly, I think, increasingly, we need to prove a direct line between the advertising investment that you make and the sales that it generates.”
He then claimed that platforms that promote their own measurement have been given a disproportionate credit for their contribution in the marketing ecosystem.
“Today we’re going to announce relationships with the leaders in market mix modelling in Australia [as we] prove that investing into total television will deliver better business results. Fourteen brands have already signed up to be a part of this program to prove the efficacy of television.”
A slide on the screen indicated those brands include NRMA, KIA, McDonald’s, Telstra, Westpac, Trip-a-Deal, Lion, Hungry Jacks, Fiji Airways, Colgate, Koala, Qantas, Aussie Home Loans and Optus.
The Upfront wrapped just over two hours after it started with a reel highlighting the content. Just four new programs and returning favourites.
Two dramas – both from New Zealand. One of them screening before the end of this year.
See also:
Nine Upfront 2025: New series for Sam Armytage, Rodger Corser and Rachel Griffiths
Nine has announced the launch of Nine Audio: Finance, a new short-form advertising solution adjacent to the network’s finance reports that will enhance its offering and allow for brands to connect with audiences during crucial “lean-in” moments.
Nine Audio: Finance is designed to meet growing demand in the finance category and will provide an additional 10-second high-frequency, standalone audio advertising solutions and prominently feature across Nine’s audio assets.
This new initiative will debut alongside existing premium finance content, with reports airing hourly. Brands will be able to leverage the Nine Audio: Finance reports, which include:
• Finance updates airing hourly from 6 am to 7 pm, and from 5:30 am to 8:30 am during Breakfast.
• Adjacent 10-second short-form ad spots, complementing 30-second ads and other finance assets such as Money News.
Additionally, Nine Audio: Finance will offer a range of content under its umbrella, including:
• Sponsorship and integration opportunities with the Money News Show.
• Money News Catch Up and Market Wrap podcasts.
• Finance updates in key programs across the day, including “UNPACKED,” a segment focused on finance topics such as investing.
• Digital audio coverage across news, business, and finance categories, targeting relevant audience data segments.
• Further premium ad products in finance, with upcoming extensions into sport and weather.
“Nine Audio: Finance is a game-changer for advertisers in the finance sector,” said Nine’s director of sales – Total Audio, Ashley Earnshaw. “It’s a premium, brand-safe environment that allows brands to leverage the higher trust and credibility associated with finance content while connecting with audiences during moments of high engagement.”
Nine Audio: Finance will launch on October 28, with additional audio verticals planned to follow in the new year.
The Nine Upfront 2025 had good news for good food lovers and subscribers to its Sydney and Melbourne metro news brands.
November will see the release of a Good Food app, a premium subscription-based digital offering that is promising to enhance the dining experiences for food lovers.
The app will be available as a standalone subscription and as part of Nine’s premium digital packages for subscribers to The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.
For the first time, the Good Food Guide will be available in interactive digital form housed on the app.
Also available on the app will be 10,000 recipes by Australia’s best and most trusted chefs.
There will also be a Masterclass series with Adam Liaw, plus cooking tips and tricks from big-name chefs and recipe creators including Recipe TinEats, Rick Stein, Karen Martini, Neil Perry and Julia Busuttil Nishimura.
The Good Food app is edited by Erina Starkey, a former digital editor at delicious.com.au who recently made the switch to Nine.
The app will include regular weekly reviews and with a daily feed of Good Food stories, there’s also a constant update of restaurant news, including what’s just opened and columns such as Eat streets and Sandwich watch.
“It takes a village to build an experience like this and over the past year, our product, design, UX, technology, editorial, audience, commercial, brand and marketing teams have worked together to build an experience deserving of Australia’s authority on food,” said Stu Fagg, director of product, Nine Publishing.
“We have a long-term strategy for this product – the launch in November will be just the start. The Good Food app will be continuously improved with regular updates and new features that will bring delight and utility to our customers and leverage emerging technologies.”
Nine’s head of Good Food, Sarah Norris, said the Good Food app is a gamechanger for accessing Australia’s most premium food content.
“If you’ve ever thought it would be handy to have a Good Food Guide reviewer on speed dial, this app is for you,” said Norris. “The Guide has been Australia’s most respected restaurant bible for more than 40 years, and now, for the first time – and in an exciting evolution for the Good Food brand – its 900 plus reviews are available in interactive digital form in the app.
“The app’s functionality, including dynamic map and a location-based “nearby” function, means there’s always trusted advice on hand (and in your hand). With money tighter than ever, having guidance on what’s worth your dollars in a sea of options, and be able to trust those recommendations, makes the Good Food app essential.”
“Nine aims to continually evolve the app, adding new features and deeper integration with commercial partners,” said Jo Clasby, Nine’s director of sales – total publishing. “These include exclusive sponsorship opportunities, giving brands the chance to connect with users in meaningful ways while being associated with the most premium food brand in the country.”
See also: SMH Good Food Guide 2024 launches, awards Margaret NSW Restaurant of the Year
This is the long list of Nine programming that was released to coincide with its 2025 Upfront event in Sydney. The event was also streamed live for people unable to attend.
The 9Network is the No. 1 metro network in 2024 year-to-date, across all key demographics and Total People, while 9Now is the No. 1 CFTA BVOD platform across Australia with all key demographics and Total People.
At the forefront of our success were the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, which captivated viewers across the country with a National Total TV Reach of 20.168 million people. These monumental events showcased the 9Network’s ability to bring Australians together for unforgettable moments, with our comprehensive multi-platform coverage setting a new standard in broadcasting.
Our success has also been driven by a slate of blockbuster programs that have resonated with audiences week after week. Married at First Sight continued its reign as a cultural phenomenon, along with Travel Guides, Lego Masters, The Hundred with Andy Lee and Big Miracles each cementing their place as fan favourites.
2024 also saw incredible success in sports coverage with the State of Origin Series, the NRL Grand Final and the Australian Open. These events attracted massive national audiences and reaffirmed 9Network as the home of Australia’s most-watched live sport, delivering thrilling moments that captured the hearts of sports fans everywhere.
2024 also saw the launch of our exciting new game show, Tipping Point, which quickly became a hit, dominating its time slot all year. Its engaging gameplay made it an instant audience favourite.
Currently on air in its 20th season, The Block is once again proving its dominance, winning its timeslot night after night. The enduring popularity of this series continues to captivate audiences with the highly anticipated auction next month.
9Network’s commitment to delivering trusted news and current affairs remains a cornerstone of our success. 9News, A Current Affair, 60 Minutes and Today have been instrumental in driving engagement and trust, offering Australians the in-depth reporting, exclusive interviews, and breaking news they rely on daily. These flagship programs continue to inform all Australians and lead the debate on important issues confronting our communities with a trusted independent news source.
THE BLOCK AUCTION
The Block’s highly anticipated 20th season auction is just around the corner, with the five luxury holiday homes waiting to go under the hammer on Phillip Island. After two seasons of record-breaking winnings, will this be the third in a row?
2024 MELBOURNE CUP CARNIVAL
9Network is the official broadcaster of the iconic Melbourne Cup Carnival, delivering four thrilling days of world-class racing action, fashion, and entertainment. With an all-star hosting line-up, Eddie McGuire will lead the coverage from the on-course studio, joined by James Bracey reporting from the Mounting Yard and Francesca Cumani offering expert racing analysis. Form analysts Grace Ramage and David Gately will provide key insights, while Billy Slater, on horseback, will interview winning jockeys after each race, and Tony Jones will conduct exclusive interviews with prominent racing identities.
Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Michelle Payne OAM will bring her expert analysis to the coverage, while Clint Stanaway, Sylvia Jeffreys, Jelena Dokic, and Jessica Fox will capture the excitement from the Birdcage, including the glamour of Fashions on the Field.
Viewers can enjoy enhanced content on 9Now, including race replays and fashion live streams, ensuring they don’t miss a moment. Coverage kicks off with Penfolds Victoria Derby Day on November 2 and concludes with TAB Champions Stakes Day on November 9, marking the first year of Nine’s multi-year partnership with the Victoria Racing Club and Tabcorp.
US ELECTION COVERAGE
On Wednesday, November 6, Channel 9 will broadcast the US Presidential Election with the powerhouse hosting team of Karl Stefanovic and Liz Hayes. Political Editor Charles Croucher will join them, crunching the numbers as they come in, along with US political analysts providing up-to-the-minute results.
Our experienced US correspondents, Jonathan Kearsley, Alison Piotrowski, and Lauren Tomasi, together with 60 Minutes’ Amelia Adams, will report live from key battleground states, while our partnership with CNN ensures we have unmatched access to the most critical developments, with reporters stationed at both Democrat and Republican headquarters.
NEW DRAMA: A REMARKABLE PLACE TO DIE
Multi TV Week Logie award winner Rebecca Gibney (Halifax: Retribution, Packed to the Rafters) and Chelsie Preston Crayford (Underbelly: Razor, M3GAN) star in the new crime drama series, A Remarkable Place To Die.
Gibney plays the mother of Anaís Mallory (Preston Crayford), alongside a top-drawer cast including Michala Banas (McLeod’s Daughters, Winners & Losers), Roy Billing (Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities, Jack Irish), Indiana Evans (Home and Away, H2O: Just Add Water), Alex Tarrant (NCIS: Hawaii, 800 Words), Charles Jazz Terrier (Wentworth, Neighbours) and Nathalie Boltt (Riverdale, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina).
A Remarkable Place To Die follows smart and savvy homicide detective Anaís Mallory as she returns to her hometown of Queenstown and is forced to confront her strained relationship with her mother and the ghosts of her past, including her ex-fiancé Luke who is now married to her ex-best friend Maja.
With a stellar policing career under her belt after a secondment to Sydney, Mallory is hoping to exorcise her demons and unravel the secrets surrounding the deaths of her father and sister.
As bodies start turning up around the tourist town, Mallory and her team solve a series of intriguing cases, and the suspicions about the tragedies that have beset her family come into focus. She is convinced that her ex-fiancé is somehow involved in their deaths – and that her mother knows more than she is letting on.
A Remarkable Place To Die is an original drama production for the 9Network, along with ZDF, Acorn and TVNZ. The series was created by Screentime New Zealand and co-produced with Real Film Berlin in association with Banijay Rights.
THE HUNDRED WITH ANY LEE – CHRISTMAS
The Hundred with Andy Lee will return in December to find out what Australians really think about the jolliest time of the year – Christmas.
Andy will be joined again by 100 everyday Aussies who Zoom into the studio from across the country to tell us what the nation is really thinking about the festive season.
Joining Andy will be panellists Sophie Monk, Mike Goldstein, Lloyd Langford and a special seasonal guest – Dave Hughes.
The Hundred with Andy Lee is an original concept by Screentime Australia and Andy Lee, produced by Endemol Shine Australia (a Banijay Entertainment company) in association with Channel 9.
SYDNEY HOBART YACHT RACE
For the first time in 2024, and in a multi-year deal, the 9Network will be the exclusive home of the annual Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. For the last 78 years, the iconic and thrilling race has set sail from Sydney Harbour.
Renowned for its fierce competition and breathtaking scenes of Australia’s coastline, the Sydney Hobart is a staple of the Australian summer and a Boxing Day tradition.
Viewers around the country will be able to enjoy live coverage, capturing the excitement, triumphs and challenges of this legendary race.
LOVE ISLAND AUSTRALIA
When season six of Love Island Australia returns, host Sophie Monk welcomes the hottest new Islanders to the Villa on the stunning Spanish island of Mallorca.
Relationships will be tested to boiling point, with tough love and temptation determining how many couples survive as they are pushed to break-up or makeup.
There will be an introduction to the Love Island Gods, two international Islanders from previous series who are match fit and ready for love. There will also be a Love Island first,
“Hotel Amor”, rocking the Villa and sending the Islanders into a spiral. You don’t want to miss it!
Expect some beautiful love stories, epic betrayals, and lots of laughs that will keep the audience glued to their screens.
Last season Love Island Australia reached more than 4.4 million viewers, with exclusive access on 9Now.
Love Island Australia 2024, again narrated by Eoghan McDermott, is produced by ITV Studios Australia for the 9Network.
PACIFIC CHAMPIONSHIP RUGBY LEAGUE
As the 2024 NRL season concludes, the great game of Rugby League goes international as Wide World of Sports adds a cherry on top when the Pacific Championship pits the Kangaroos & Jillaroos against the best rugby league nations in the southern hemisphere across four big weeks of action.
Men’s and women’s teams from Australia, New Zealand, Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Tonga and Cook Islands will line up each weekend from October 18 through to November
10 in a series of hard-hitting fixtures.
Every game is available live and free on the 9Network and 9Now.
TSUNAMI: 20 YEARS ON
The 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami was one of the deadliest natural disasters in history, claiming over 230,000 lives across five countries in our region.
Australia’s response was its largest ever peacetime operation, with Australians donating more than $120 million.
It was the worst of mother nature bringing out the best in human nature.
Twenty years later, we take some extraordinary Australians on a life changing journey back to a place when time stood still and the world looked on in horror. We revisit the people and communities hit hardest by the tsunami and uncover their remarkable stories of resilience and determination, as well as incredible acts of charity and kindness that showcased the power of the human spirit.
The Tsunami galvanised Australians like never before, showcasing the power of unity through song, sport, and community spirit. This documentary tells the unbelievable and awe-inspiring stories of survival and solidarity and examines how that moment has shaped our lives 20 years on.
LISTING MELBOURNE
The new reality series Listing Melbourne, which premiered last night, promises to become a drama-filled obsession over the next few weeks.
Six top-tier real estate agents take on Melbourne’s luxury property market in a program that offers a fascinating look into the world of extravagant homes and the personal challenges these agents face while balancing their glamorous yet complex lives. It’s a riveting study of high-pressure negotiations, demanding clients, and unshakeable relationships.
Listing Melbourne is produced by Abode Entertainment for the 9Network.
CHRISTMAS WITH DELTA
Get ready for a spectacular evening as Christmas With Delta returns this year with a magical blend of cherished moments and exciting new performances featuring both Australian and international entertainment stars! Join Delta Goodrem as she revisits unforgettable highlights from past Christmas specials while introducing a lineup of talented friends and surprise guests in a delightful showcase.
Tune in this December on Channel 9 and 9Now for a festive experience that promises to sleigh your holiday spirit and fill your heart with cheer!
BUDGET BATTLERS
As inflation, soaring costs of living and interest rate increases keep the idea of home renovation out of reach for many, Budget Battlers arrives to prove that dreams can still come true – on a budget.
Hosted by The Block favourites, Jess Eva and Norm Hogan, this groundbreaking new series tackles full-blown makeovers with an unprecedented challenge: transforming homes on the tightest budget ever seen on Australian television.
It’s not just about bills and builds. Budget Battlers highlights the heart and determination of struggling Aussies who deserve a helping hand. At its core is the unshakeable belief that, with tenacious spirit, the most ambitious renovation dreams can be achieved if you have a fair-dinkum crack.
Budget Battlers will not only inspire viewers with jaw-dropping transformations, it will empower them to see that a beautiful, functional home really is within reach, no matter their budget.
Budget Battlers is produced by Northlight Productions and the 9Network.
GOLF ON WWOS
Wide World of Sports is the only place to be for the Australian summer of golf in two big weeks of live and free action featuring Cameron Smith, Jason Day, Adam Scott, Min Woo Lee and Hannah Green back on home soil.
First up from November 21 is the BMW Australian PGA Championship at Royal Queensland where proud Queenslander Smith is back in his home state alongside the defending champion, fellow Aussie Min Woo Lee.
Then it’s on to the national championship, the ISPS HANDA Australian Open in Melbourne from November 28 on the famous Melbourne Sandbelt at Kingston Heath and Victoria Golf Club, with players competing for a $3.4 million prize purse.
Australia’s best men’s, women’s and all abilities golfers will be on display and the 9Network and 9Now will showcase it all.
SWIMMING – WORLD AQUATICS CHAMPIONSHIPS (25M) BUDAPEST
After a sensational showing at Paris 2024, Australia’s world-beating swimming team is back in the pool for the World Aquatics Championships where they take on the shortcourse format from December 10-15.
The Dolphins will feature superstars of the Paris 2024 Olympics; Meg Harris, Elijah Winnington, Lani Pallister, Matthew Temple, Moesha Johnson, Alexandria Perkins and Joshua Young.
WNBL ON 9NOW
9Network jumps onto the court for women’s basketball this year when the WNBL 2024-25 season tips off on 9GO! & 9Now in November. 9GO! will air a weekly game each Sunday afternoon across the home & away season with 9Now streaming every match live & free.
Fresh off Bronze in Paris the best of the Aussie Opals will be on display with WNBL to engage with the sport they love, at any time and on any device they choose.
THE FLOOR
Step onto The Floor, the biggest, most exciting new format in the world right now. It’s the ultimate trivia showdown, hosted by Rodger Corser (Doctor Doctor, Underbelly). In this spectacular battle of brains, 81 Aussies will face off on a colossal, futuristic floor, all competing for a life-changing grand prize of $200,000. Combining intense strategy, high-stakes trivia, and edge-of-your-seat suspense, The Floor promises a gripping game of wits and endurance that every member of the family can play along with at home!
The game is simple: each player begins with one tile on the floor, representing their subject of expertise. Their aim is to challenge and win their neighbours’ tiles and steal their area of The Floor. Whoever wins the entire floor will rule all and claim the grand prize. The Floor is like no other show you’ve seen before.
Already a smash hit in multiple countries, The Floor is now ready to light up Australia. Who will rise above the rest and claim victory? Find out when The Floor debuts in 2025 on the 9Network!
The Floor is produced by Eureka Productions and Talpa Studios for the 9Network.
THE GOLDEN BACHELOR
Love knows no age, and The Golden Bachelor is here to prove that the best love stories often unfold later in life. After its massive success in the United States, this beloved series is now set to make hearts flutter across Australia, inviting viewers to witness a modern twist on romance for the golden years. Television powerhouse Samantha Armytage joins Channel 9, bringing her golden touch as host in the search for ‘Golden Love’. This journey is one you won’t want to miss!
In this heartwarming series, one charming Golden Bachelor embarks on a heartfelt journey to find a soulmate, with Sam guiding him every step of the way as he seeks a partner who can share the joys and adventures of life’s later chapters.
The women looking for love bring a wealth of life experience, having navigated relationships, loss, and laughter. Each of them is ready to embrace new possibilities and ignite a lasting connection.
Get ready for laughter, tears, and unforgettable moments when our Golden Bachelor starts handing out roses. Don’t miss the show that’s winning the hearts of audiences worldwide when The Golden Bachelor premieres in 2025 on the 9Network.
The Golden Bachelor is produced by Warner Bros. International Television Production Australia for the 9Network.
NEW DRAMA: MADAM
The acclaimed and award winning New Zealand drama MADAM, starring Rachel Griffiths and Danielle Cormack is set to premiere on the 9Network in 2025.
American Mackenzie (Mack) Leigh (Griffiths) lives in small-town New Zealand with her husband, Rob (Martin Henderson), and their two sons. However, when Mack discovers Rob has been seeing a sex worker, she’s not angry but surprisingly inspired.
With no money and no experience, Mack forges Rob’s signature on a home loan, leases a motel, and recruits an eclectic mix of mostly rookie sex workers for her own “feminist, ethical brothel.”
MADAM follows Mack’s journey as she juggles motherhood, running a brothel, and her own ideals through a lens of authenticity and humour. The series ultimately explores intimacy and our collective need for human connection.
CHATEAU DIY AUSTRALIA
From the creators of Escape to the Château, Château DIY Australia follows intrepid Australians, who are looking for a new life in France, as they renovate abandoned châteaux, restoring them to their former magnificence.
The five-part series features a selection of Aussie château shoppers and owners as they uncover secrets, pick up bargains and discover unpolished gems. With plenty of trials and tribulations along the way – from crumbling ceilings to time-worn turrets and dreaded termites – viewers will watch these adventurous Aussies bringing their château fairytales to life in the hope of leaving a legacy in the breathtaking French countryside.
Château DIY Australia is produced by Spark Media Partners for the 9Network in association with Cineflix Rights.
MARRIED AT FIRST SIGHT
Australia’s most talked about social experiment, Married at First Sight, returns for its blockbuster 12th season, with 2025 marking a decade since the undisputed reality juggernaut began.
Season 12 will showcase moments never seen before in the history of the show, while bringing more spellbinding and powerful outpourings of love, romance, passion and drama when a new set of participants take the huge leap of faith and embark on their marital journey in this high-octane experiment.
Viewers will be captivated once again by the breathtaking weddings and honeymoons, the confronting commitment ceremonies, and the dramatic dinner parties.
In 2025, our trio of experts will return, certified clinical sexologist Alessandra Rampolla, and relationship experts John Aiken and Mel Schilling matching our singles before guiding the couples throughout their journey and putting them to the ultimate test of building genuine, long-lasting relationships.
Take your front row seat as Married at First Sight continues to captivate the nation and spark conversations across Australia.
Married at First Sight is produced by Endemol Shine Australia (a Banijay Entertainment company) for the 9Network.
THE BLOCK
For the first time, Australia’s longest-running renovation show, The Block, is heading to a country town for its landmark 21st season.
Just 90 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD, picturesque Daylesford is the perfect weekend getaway, with a rich history reflected in its beautifully preserved heritage buildings.
Co-hosts Scott Cam and Shelley Craft, along with five eager new teams, will relocate to Daylesford and be challenged to add country charm to five luxury, family-sized homes in a prime greenfield setting.
Daylesford is Victoria’s premier wellness destination, offering a range of rejuvenating experiences, and boasting a vibrant arts community, gourmet restaurants, and boutique wineries and distilleries. Plus, just a stroll from town is the stunning Lake Daylesford, which was man-made in 1972, where scenic sights and nature’s sounds abound.
Since premiering on Channel 9 in 2003, Australia’s toughest building challenge has awarded a total of $35,587,807.60 in prizemoney.
The Block is a Nine production in conjunction with Cavalier Television.
TRAVEL GUIDES
Travel Guides – the travel series that follows ordinary Aussies on extraordinary adventures around the world – returns for an eighth season in 2025.
Hot on the heels of winning a third consecutive TV Week Logie Award for Best Lifestyle Program, the new series of Travel Guides promises more laughs, shocks and surprises than ever before.
From exploring the urban jungle of New York City to the vast expanse of Kakadu in the Northern Territory, touring Thailand on a budget, and breathing the crisp mountain air of the Swiss Alps, this new series promises entertainment and inspiration in equal measure as our Guides wander the world ticking these holiday bucket lists and many more.
In 2024, the show came to prime time, with a seven o’clock Sunday night timeslot seeing it draw record numbers of viewers to watch our opinionated Guides in action. Each episode they check out the local customs and cuisines, check into world-class accommodation, and enjoy a range of adrenaline-filled activities, all the while sharing their unfiltered reviews of the world’s most epic holidays, proving that one person’s idea of a dream escape can be another’s version of hell.
And while they’ve already enjoyed 65 fun-filled holidays across more than 40 countries, there’s plenty more of the planet to explore when Kevin and Janetta, the Fren family, Matt and Brett, Kev, Dorian and Teng, and Karly and Bri return in 2025 to share their uniquely Aussie perspectives as they embark on more exciting adventures.
Last year saw our first ever perfect holiday – with all Guides scoring the Cook Islands a five out of five stars. Will one of our ten trips in 2025 hit the same rare heights?
Travel Guides is produced by Nine and narrated by beloved Aussie comedian Denise Scott.
LEGO MASTERS AUSTRALIA
This is it. The best of the best. In the strongest competition of all, this season of LEGO® Masters Australia assembles a collection of the greatest builders ever from across the galaxy to vie for the ultimate title of Grandmasters, in an unsurpassed world series battle. Contestants from six different countries – Canada, China, Finland, Sweden, the USA, and NZ will take on Australia’s own homegrown past winners and finalists in a building journey of epic proportions.
Host Hamish Blake and esteemed judge Ryan “Brickman” McNaught are returning, alongside fan favourite Sophie Monk, who joins our dynamic duo again as a special guest for the most inspiring season of LEGO® Masters Australia yet.
In 2025, the feelgood, family-friendly sensation promises more than ever. Prepare to be dazzled by world class builds as the contestants are served up the toughest and most dynamic challenges we can throw at them. Creativity will abound in this duel, where only one team can be crowned the winners of LEGO® Masters Australia, taking home $100,000 and the title of the best LEGO® team worldwide.
LEGO® Masters Australia is produced by Endemol Shine Australia (a Banijay Entertainment company) for the 9Network.
TIPPING POINT AUSTRALIA
In 2024, Tipping Point Australia launched on the 9Network and captured audiences nationwide, becoming must watch viewing for Australian families, keeping them on the edge of their seats from start to finish. And this worldwide TV phenomenon is back in 2025.
Tennis legend and 9Network presenter Todd Woodbridge embarked on a new challenge, taking on the role as host of a game show. Not only has he fallen in love with the exhilaration of Tipping Point as he guides the contestants through the game of strategy and luck, Todd has also captured the attention of audiences nationwide.
In each episode three players answer general knowledge questions, trying to win counters which they can play to beat the machine, in order to win mystery prizes and life-changing wads of cash.
Tipping Point Australia is produced by Endemol Shine Australia (a Banijay Entertainment company) for the 9Network.
THE HUNDRED WITH ANDY LEE
The Hundred with Andy Lee is back in 2025, with 100 everyday Aussies and our best and brightest comedians coming together to find out what the country is really thinking.
Season eight of The Hundred will tackle more of society’s biggest (and smallest) questions, such as whether we prefer a chunky chip or a shoestring fry, and who will own up to copping a visit from HR? What percentage of Aussies always sit on the same spot on the couch? And is it OK to date a friend’s ex?
Handpicked to represent the demographic makeup of Australia, The Hundred will once again be polled live via Zoom to give us the stories behind the stats, while three comedy panellists battle it out in each episode to see who knows Australia best.
Favourite segments This Or That, Is That Rude?, Match Em and Face The Hundred will return, along with a raft of new games. Themed episodes around School and Transport will also hit the screen.
The Hundred with Andy Lee is an original concept by Screentime Australia and Andy Lee, produced by Endemol Shine Australia (a Banijay Entertainment company) in association with Channel 9.
PARENTAL GUIDANCE
Are you ready to engage in the critical conversations shaping parenting in Australia? Parental Guidance is back with a special event series that promises to be both enlightening and transformative.
Following the success of its first two series, which explored the best parenting styles, this new series will dig into the biggest challenges facing families today. Over four episodes, prepare for revealing family interactions and tough discussions that will resonate with everyone, parents or not.
Join the power pair of Ally Langdon and Dr Justin Coulson as they guide eight diverse sets of parents through eye-opening challenges centred on screen time, mental health, body image, and social pressures. Plus, viewers will have a front-row seat in the Parent Lounge, where Ally, Dr Coulson and the parents come together to explore various parenting approaches and share their perspectives.
Each episode is packed with emotional stories and innovative strategies that extend beyond parenting, offering valuable insights into human connection, personal growth, and the fundamentals of living in the modern age.
This is your opportunity to be part of the conversations Australia desperately needs to have about raising children. Discover the innovative approaches that our mums and dads are embracing during these complex times with this compelling event series of Parental Guidance.
BIG MIRACLES
Returning to once again capture the hearts of Australians in 2025 is the remarkable and emotional series, Big Miracles.
Narrated by actress Lisa McCune, the third season will include the ultimate finale for Sheila and Tyson, who will finally have their baby after three years of struggle, and feature new stories like singles preserving their future fertility.
With one in six Australians facing difficulties with fertility, we follow courageous and determined couples and individuals on their extraordinary road to parenthood.
We will also continue to observe the incredible work done by the teams of devoted doctors, scientists and nurses dedicated to creating new life, through unprecedented access to fertility clinics across Australia.
Big Miracles is produced by Ronde Media for the 9Network.
TARONGA: WHO’S WHO IN THE ZOO
The award-winning observational documentary series Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo is back to take viewers on another all-access journey through the fascinating world of one of Australia’s most renowned zoos.
Australian actress and writer Virginia Gay continues to lend her voice to the series, as audiences discover the furry, feathered and scaly residents and the team of keepers, vets and support staff that have led the zoo to be admired and beloved across the globe.
In the program’s fifth season, the commitment of the zoo to animal welfare will again shine through in its special conservation projects. For instance, follow along as a groundbreaking platypus-rescue facility is opened at the Taronga Western Plains Zoo, and watch as the team monitor essential koala populations in the New South Wales bushland.
Throughout the new season the core message of Taronga remains steadfast: ensuring a shared future for both wildlife and people.
Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo is produced by McAvoy Media for the 9Network.
EMERGENCY
Emergency returns in 2025, giving viewers an inside look at one of Australia’s busiest trauma hospitals.
With new faces and returning favourites, Emergency provides a rare window into the high-stakes, fast-paced world of trauma care, shining a light on the compassion, teamwork and medical expertise that patients rely on during their darkest hours.
Witness first-hand the mix of challenges and rewards that come with a career in trauma medicine, as we follow patients’ journeys through the eyes of the hospital heroes, revealing the realities of working in a hectic hospital emergency department.
The new series skillfully blends drama with glimpses of humour, hope and humanity as it showcases the dedicated medical professionals who work tirelessly to care for people during the most vulnerable time of their lives.
Emergency is produced by WTFN for the 9Network.
PARAMEDICS
Returning in 2025, Paramedics once again pulls back the curtain on the extraordinary world of emergency response, offering unrivalled access to the brave individuals on the frontlines of critical care. With every siren’s wail, audiences are thrust into the heart of life-or-death situations, where quick thinking and unwavering compassion are not just important — they’re lifesaving.
This season promises even more edge-of-your-seat drama and moments of sheer humanity, as new paramedic teams tackle unpredictable challenges that test their skills and resilience. But there will also be plenty of laughs and love as our dedicated lifesavers provide patients with their much-loved mix of care, humour and compassion.
Paramedics is a WTFN production for the 9Network.
SPACE INVADERS
Our compassionate team of Space Invaders is back to support families on their journey to manage clutter in their hearts and their homes with the fifth season of this heartfelt program.
Join decluttering expert Peter Walsh, renovation specialist Cherie Barber and collector Angie Kent as they come together to guide families through a whole mess of challenges with their homes.
Understanding that navigating renovations and transformations can be overwhelming, the Space Invaders offer practical decluttering strategies and emotional support. Peter thoughtfully addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of clutter, recognising the impact it can have on homes and relationships, as he encourages families to cultivate a more organised and peaceful environment. Cherie undertakes meaningful renovations to elevate living spaces that create a sense of calm within, while Angie uncovers hidden treasures and shares their remarkable history.
The new season again aims to provide families with valuable insights and the encouragement they need as they work towards creating more organised and harmonious lives.
Space Invaders is produced by WTFN for the 9Network.
TODAY
Today is the breakfast show that kick-starts Australia’s daily conversation, hosted by Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo. Joining them are Jayne Azzopardi with the news, Renee Bargh and Richard ‘Dickie’ Wilkins on entertainment, Alex Cullen covering sport, and Tim Davies with the weather, all connecting with viewers from coast to coast.
In 2025, Today will continue to be a morning ritual, delivering the latest in news, current affairs, sport, politics, showbiz, lifestyle, and more.
Offering a fresh and light-hearted take on news, entertainment, and celebrity gossip, Today Extra returns each weekday from 9.00am, hosted by Sylvia Jeffreys and David Campbell.
And ease into your weekend with hosts Clint Stanaway and Sophie Walsh along with news presenter Lizzie Pearl and weather presenter Dan Anstey for everything you need to know from Australia and around the world with the Weekend Today family.
9NEWS
When Australians want reliable news coverage, they turn to 9News as their trusted source.
In 2025, 9News is taking a bold step forward, providing audiences with more access to its content than ever before.
With a true cross-platform, omnichannel approach, 9News is expanding its premium video content for broadcast, 9Now, nine.com.au, mobile, and social media, with a single team working across 9News, TODAY, A Current Affair and 60 Minutes.
From politics and finance to health and tech, Australia’s most trusted voices, including Effie Zahos, Chris Kohler, and Dr Nick Coatsworth, will be joined by a new team of multimedia journalists and producers, ensuring the most comprehensive news coverage.
In a 9Now first, The Brief will take a deep dive into the biggest stories from across Australia and around the world. Tailored to a digital-first audience, The Brief creates more opportunities for Australians to engage with our world-class journalism on Nine’s owned and operated platforms.
For advertisers, new partnership opportunities offer greater integration with Nine’s premium content, ensuring brand safety, effectiveness, and real results.
For the news that matters, turn to 9News in 2025.
60 MINUTES
60 Minutes is the 9Network’s flagship weekly current affairs program and a Sunday night tradition that epitomises the relentless power of investigative journalism.
This year 60 Minutes has produced several agenda-setting investigations, including an explosive exposé on corruption within the CFMEU, a global investigation into international scam factories, and exclusive revelations regarding the cause of the deadly 2023 Taipan helicopter crash.
60 Minutes’ investigative strength and commitment to public interest journalism has consistently driven change, exposed wrongdoing and held institutions accountable.
With over four decades of excellence, 60 Minutes has garnered numerous accolades, including multiple Logies and Walkley Awards, solidifying its reputation as a leader in its field. The program is anchored by some of Australia’s most distinguished journalists: Tara Brown, Liz Hayes, Nick McKenzie, Amelia Adams, Dimity Clancey and Adam Hegarty – each bringing a sharp, forensic edge and an unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth.
60 Minutes is a multi-platform program with an extensive digital reach. This year it launched its 24/7 channel on 9Now and the Extra Minutes podcast, which have proven enormously successful.
As the media landscape evolves, 60 Minutes remains committed to its founding principles: rigorous investigation, journalistic integrity and a dedication to truth. The program continues to adapt, embracing new technologies and storytelling methods to engage a diverse audience and expand its reach.
A CURRENT AFFAIR
A Current Affair, hosted by Ally Langdon from Monday to Friday and Deb Knight on Saturdays, is Australia’s top-rated daily current affairs show.
Known for championing the underdog, A Current Affair consistently breaks major stories, delivers agenda-setting interviews, and conducts in-depth investigations. It also explores the quirky and unusual, all while offering viewers real solutions when they need help most. The program provides essential information that has a meaningful impact on everyday lives.
AUSTRALIAN OPEN, GRAND SLAM TENNIS
The Home of Grand Slam tennis is back with another ace, beginning with the Australian Open followed by Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open available exclusively across the 9Network, 9Now and Stan Sport.
Kicking off in January with lead-up tournaments that include the star studded United Cup, before viewers receive wall-to-wall coverage of the 2025 Australian Open.
A stellar commentary lineup featuring John McEnroe, Jim Courier, Jelena Dokic, Lleyton Hewitt, Dylan Alcott, Todd Woodbridge, John Millman, Casey Dellacqua, Sam Stosur, Alicia Molik and Sam Smith, will put you on centre court for all the action from Melbourne Park.
Throughout the year tennis fans can keep their eye on the ball with every match from all four Grand Slams, the Laver Cup streaming live and on demand on Stan Sport. The only place to catch the summer of tennis is here on Nine.
RUGBY LEAGUE
The greatest game of all is set and ready to deliver unscripted drama like no other in 2025, and it’s available live and free on Channel 9, or to stream on 9Now
Home of the biggest games and the biggest names, NRL on Nine will bring the season to life in the first week of March from Las Vegas for opening weekend.
Each week viewers will get Thursday Night, Friday Night and Sunday Arvo NRL, mixed with the best magazine shows on offer both on the 9Network and 9Now.
The NRLW returns bigger and better when the Bulldogs and Warriors join the competition, alongside the record breaking Women’s State of Origin series, Indigenous and Maori All Stars and Pacific Championships in 2025
Hosted by James Bracey and Danika Mason, the best lineup of rugby league commentators in the game will assemble on Nine’s Wide World of Sports for the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership.
Rugby league Immortal Andrew Johns, premiership-winning captains Cameron Smith, Johnathan Thurston, Brad Fittler, Paul Vautin, Paul Gallen, Darren Lockyer, multiple premiership winners Phil Gould AM and Billy Slater and dual internationals Ruan Sims and Allana Ferguson will provide the best insight and analysis there is.
Mat Thompson, Brenton Speed and Peter Psaltis will call the action for the NRL & NRLW, in combination with hosts and sideline reporters Emma Lawrence and Marlee Silva.
Straight off the field and onto NRL on Nine throughout the season will be the playing ambassadors Nathan Cleary and Millie Boyle.
STATE OF ORIGIN 2025
The biggest rivalry in Australian sport is exclusive to Nine, when the Men’s and Women’s 2025 Ampol State of Origin is exclusive, live and free on Channel 9HD and 9Now.
Origin offers unmatched drama and passion that captivates record-breaking audiences every year, and fans can watch all six games.
In the Men’s series, after a euphoric series deciding Game 3 victory at Suncorp Stadium, the NSW Blues will need to fend off a fierce Queensland Maroons resurgence under Billy Slater, who will be eager to restore state pride. The three game series begins in Brisbane, before venturing to Perth and finishing in Sydney.
With a lineup of the greatest players in Origin history to call the action, and unprecedented access to the players, coaches, team buses, sheds and team camps, there’s simply no place like Nine’s Wide World of Sports come Origin time.
RUGBY UNION
In 2025 the best players in world rugby will descend on Australia in a huge season of Super Rugby Pacific and Test Matches on Stan Sport and the 9Network.
The Wide World of Sports will broadcast a weekly game of Super Rugby for free across the 9Network when the Brumbies, Waratahs, Reds and Force take on the best teams from New Zealand, Fiji and the greater Pacific. Stan Sport will be the only place to watch every match live and on demand.
Then it’s the new-look Wallabies turn to show what they’ve got in the epic British & Irish Lions Tour and Bledisloe Cup from June.
Only happening once every 12 years, the British & Irish Lions tour of Australia will begin with games against our provincial Super Rugby teams before the Wallabies aim to win the three-Test series for only the second time in over 150 years.
A commentary team of rugby union superstars and experts led by Michael Atkinson and Nick McArdle will include Sonny Bill Williams, Michael Hooper, Tim Horan, Justin Harrison, Allana Ferguson and Morgan Turinui, plus caller Sean Maloney.
Stan Sport and the 9Network will be the only place to watch the game they play in heaven once again in 2025.
WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS
Wide World of Sports is your hour of power every Sunday to catch up on everything going on in the sporting world through an easily digestible lens.
Available nationally on Channel 9, Host Roz Kelly is joined by former Australian cricket captain Mark Taylor, Gus Worland, Chloe Dalton and a star-studded rotating door of the biggest names in sport.
100% FOOTY
Home of the biggest opinions from those who count, footy fans are the winners in 2025 as 100% Footy goes live every week on 9Now as the panel dissects the never-ending news cycle of the National Rugby League.
Hosted by James Bracey NRL on Nine’s flagship program going toe to toe on all the biggest issues, with plenty of news from the mailbag.
SUNDAY FOOTY SHOW NRL
Hosted by Danika Mason with rugby league legends Andrew Johns, Billy Slater and Brad Fittler, the NRL Sunday Footy Show in 2025 will cover all the action throughout the competition rounds and the finals.
Special guests will dissect and discuss all the news and the big issues from the week, plus award winning segment “Turn It Up” returns with the characters of rugby league sharing their journeys every week on Channel 9HD and 9Now.
THE AFL SUNDAY FOOTY SHOW AND FOOTY CLASSIFIED
Australia’s longest-running AFL program, The Sunday Footy Show, will return for its 33rd season in 2025. The panel will talk all things footy, meet high-profile guests and feature up-and-coming stars of the game.
Plus, the hard-hitting Footy Classified returns in a fresh new guise for the 2025 season. Tune in to AFL football’s best breaking news and analysis program every Monday and midweek.
FOOTY FURNACE
Jimmy Bartel and Tom Morris give a complete wrap of the previous round’s highlights, delving into how each game was won or lost, every Sunday night at 8.00pm, streamed on 9Now.
UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL
The best club football team in Europe will be crowned when the UEFA Champions League Final is available live and free on the 9Network.
With the giants of world football Real Madrid, Manchester City, Liverpool, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Juventus, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain all in the mix, you won’t want to miss seeing who comes out on top in 2025.
Stan Sport is the only place to watch every match of the UEFA Champions League, Europa League and Conference League live and on demand.
Every other game of the UEFA Champions League, Europa League and Conference League will also stream exclusively, live and on demand on Stan Sport.
AUSTRALIAN WPGA CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF
Women’s golf takes centre stage when the Australian WPGA Championship welcomes the best local talent and those from the Ladies European Tour to Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club on the Gold Coast and the chance to lift the Karrie Webb Cup. Watch it live and free on 9Go! or to stream on 9Now from March 6, 2025.
In a deal with BBC Studios, the 9Network will bring Australian viewers a new line-up of some of the UK’s most loved entertainment shows with the launch of six exclusive and dedicated FAST channels.
9Now will house more than 300 titles across six on-demand dedicated channels available for free, showcasing BBC’s breadth of factual, lifestyle, comedy shows and more.
BBC Comedy
From talk shows, to uproarious sketch shows and timeless sitcoms, serving laughter from every era of British comedy including Bottom, Famalam, Uncle, Moone Boy, Are You Being Served, Allo Allo, plus many more.
BBC Food
Step into the kitchen with some of the finest chefs in the British Isles, including Jamie Oliver, Nigel Slater, Rachel Allen, Hairy Bikers, Rachel Khoo, and more. Where culinary creativity meets tradition, something wonderful is always cooking.
BBC Home & Garden
Bringing you the very best in British home remodelling and garden renovation, all day, every day, inspiring you to transform your living space into a dream haven.
BBC Earth
This pop-up natural history channel brings you heart-pounding action, mind-blowing sights and the wonder of this amazing planet we call home. Journey from the ocean’s depths to the world’s tallest peaks and explore the incredible creatures that shape our world. Some of the titles featured include Natural World, The Life of Mammals, Wild Africa, Wildlife on One, and more.
Top Gear
Fuel your passion with Top Gear UK and other motoring-related shows. From sliding around racetracks in shiny supercars, diving into epic challenges, to buying an old banger for an ill-fated road trip with your mates, experience and celebrate everything that’s brilliant about cars.
Antiques Roadshow UK
Discover hidden treasures and priceless stories, visiting Britain’s most sumptuous and unusual locations and discovering riches and remarkable stories in back-to-back episodes of Antiques Roadshow, as experts unveil the rich history behind cherished items.
Hamish Turner, director of 9Now and Programming, said: “We’re excited to announce the arrival of six new channels on 9Now, showcasing iconic titles like Top Gear and Antiques Roadshow alongside four genre-themed channels including BBC comedies. This marks another great step in our partnership with BBC Studios, as we work together to expand our live channel offering. By combining Nine’s market leading platform with BBC Studios world-class content, we’re delivering even more of what our audiences love, whenever they want it.”
Deborah Tod, director of content partnerships and sales, BBC Studios Australia and New Zealand, said: We have a longstanding relationship with the 9Network and I’m delighted that we can build on that relationship to create a new partnership, giving us new ways to bring so much fantastic British content across multiple genres to Australian audiences through these FAST channels.”
As part of its presence at SXSW Sydney in 2024, The Growth Distillery hosted a series of 10 vodcasts (a podcast with video) hosted by Dan Krigstein and branded Rules Don’t Apply.
First guest on the series was Layne Beachley and Krigstein, Director of News Corp’s The Growth Distillery & The Growth Intelligence Centre, just might have launched the series with the best of an impressive selection of guests.
Here is his introduction to Episode 1 of Rules Don’t Apply:
“This series seeks to redefine the art of the possible because for those looking to navigate what’s next, the rules of today may just no longer apply,” said Krigstein.
“Welcome to what is going to be an exceptional week here at The Growth Distillery where we are throwing the baby out with the bath water.
“I am joined by Layne Beachley AO. Layne, if you have been living under a rock for the last 30 years, she is a surfing legend not just here in Australia but across the globe. She is a seven-time world champion, the only person ever to win that many consecutively.
“Technically eight if we were to count the ones that they’ve given you and pulled back. She’s not only a champion of surfing, what I love about what Lane does is she’s a fierce advocate for equality in sport. She has seen the sporting world change over her time.
“She’s a passionate environmentalist. She’s chair of Surfing Australia as well as a champion for mental well-being. Layne is looking to empower one million people to become more centred, connected and confident through her incredible work at the Awake Academy.
“Her work was recognized in 2015 when she was made an Officer of the Order of Australia and let me tell you that is an achievement, to say the least. She still surfs every day, loves Rosé and she is human, I tell you, because her biggest weakness is hot chips. But of course, she doesn’t mind breaking a rule or two.”
There are many highlights in the 25-minute Rules Don’t Apply interview. Here are just a few.
What did you do differently?
As a competitor, it was very easy to conform and do what everyone else was doing. My objective and the way I feel that one of my competitive advantages was I didn’t do what everyone else was doing. I saw what everyone was doing and found a way to do it differently.
That enabled me to stay true to who I wanted to be and create a pathway for others to follow as opposed to just following the same old pathway. Simple things, for example, showing up to a contest site, watching where the surfers before me were surfing and always looking for somewhere else to go. Having discussions with the judges, asking them what, what are the conditions that they’re seeing?
What are they looking for today that may be a little bit outside of the box? What do they want to see? And surfing according to how I wanted to surf versus what the judging criteria expected of me.
Bringing in aspects of mindfulness and meditation, slowing everything down mentally so I could speed everything up physically.
Dropping her sponsor
One of the biggest things that I did, and that was in accordance of my values system, was I dropped my sponsor. I’m one of the only athletes to have done that. I know Barton Lynch did the same thing to his sponsor in maybe the 80s or 90s, but in 2004, I dropped my sponsor because of a values misalignment.
A lot of people saw it as stupid because I walked away from hundreds of thousands of dollars in sponsorship and I’ve never been sponsored since.
The motivation to do that came from asking them to meet me where I was, as opposed to pushing me to somewhere where I’m not really willing to go. That came down to the fact that I was a six-time consecutive world champion. I had won more world titles than their whole men’s team put together.
They were questioning my motivation and they were questioning my value to their company. I proposed doing a clothing brand with them.
They listened to my proposal and then stood up in front of the board of directors and said, “I’d rather practice my golf game than help you build a clothing brand.”
I really had a choice to make in that moment. Do I just stay there, suck it up and take the money? Or do I stay true to who I am, be authentic in this moment and be real and go, you know what?
Michael Usher will be joined by Angie Asimus as she takes up a seat on the 7NEWS Sydney desk on weekends.
From tonight, the duo will co-anchor weekend editions of Sydney’s 7NEWS on Friday and Saturday evenings, live from 6.00 pm on Channel 7 and 7plus.
Asimus will also continue her role as 7NEWS Sydney weather presenter alongside co-anchors Mark Ferguson and Angela Cox, appearing each week on Sundays to Tuesdays.
Asimus said: “I’ve worked on every news bulletin at the network in some capacity, at every hour of the day, from reading Sunrise news to reporting live on The Latest.
“This next chapter is a dream come true. To be appointed weekend co-anchor of our flagship 6.00pm news bulletin alongside Michael Usher is an enormous privilege and I plan to continue working hard to deliver the news to our loyal Sydney and NSW viewers.
“Journalism has given me a front row seat to so many memorable moments in history, and now I’m taking up a different seat next to someone whom I respect immensely,” she said.
“Michael and I have worked together in the newsroom for many years, and I think we’ll make a great team on the news desk. I’m thrilled and can’t wait to get started.”
Usher said: “What a great appointment and promotion for Angie! It’s a great move for her and for 7NEWS.
“I’m excited about co-anchoring the Friday and Saturday 6.00pm bulletins with Angie. I know our viewers are very fond of her because she’s a terrific news presenter and reporter, and I think we make a good team.
“I’ve always admired Angie’s class in handling live news from stressful events like floods, bushfires and cyclones. She now brings all that experience from wild outdoor reporting to the studio news desk,” he said.
Seven Network director of news and current affairs and Seven West Media editor-in chief, Anthony De Ceglie, said: “Angie is one of the most respected news people in the country, and I’m confident that together with Michael, they will bring a fresh new energy to Sydney’s weekend bulletins.
“Their partnership further strengthens our already outstanding presenting team, keeping viewers informed and delivering trusted coverage across all seven days.”
New Netflix release Territory faces some big expectations. The global streaming platform revealed this week how 15+ Australian Netflix titles have appeared in the Global Top 10 since the list launched in July 2021.
With the six episodes of Territory available globally from today, viewers will be voting with their remote controls.
The new series comes with a good pedigree. The series was co-created by Ronde’s Ben Davies and writer Timothy Lee.
Davies has teamed with Australia’s hottest production house Easy Tiger to make the series, filmed in the Northern Territory and South Australia.
Taking control of directing duties across all episodes is Greg McLean. When it comes to portraying outback Australia there is no one better than the busy filmmaker.
McLean pitched to work on the project after he overheard Easy Tiger producer Ian Collie talking about the forthcoming project.
“I heard them discussing something about a show in the Northern Territory,” McLean told Mediaweek. “I’d made a movie in the Territory in 2007 called Rogue, and I have a fascination with the Northern Territory and the landscape and the wildlife.
“I just pestered them until they told me what it was. They told me they had an idea for this huge, sprawling drama series set in a cattle station.
“I don’t think I was originally who they were thinking of, but I eventually convinced them that I was the right person for it.”
McLean has depicted outback landscapes across his career. Apart from the movie Rogue, he’s made films and TV series for his Wolf Creek franchise.
“I grew up in Bendigo on a farm, so I’ve always been drawn to landscape and nature and always just loved being outdoors in the Australian landscape.”
Helping McLean develop his eye for the outdoors was five years of studying landscape painting at art school.
“That’s translated into a lot of my storytelling where I tend to tell stories about characters surviving nature or being in nature and also finding ways to tell stories where the environment is a huge part of the drama.
“My film Jungle is about a character who’s trying to survive the Amazon jungle. I like stories that use the environment as a key part of the storytelling.”
McLean has worked internationally, but he likes working near home.
“I love being in Australia. We are a very lucky country just because where we are geographically, we’re shielded from so much.
“I’m very patriotic. I love Australia. I love showing Australia to the world. I know it’s not that cool, but I’m just very patriotically Australian. I love showing the landscape and people.
“We used to have, and probably still have, a bit of cultural cringe in Australia, and it used to be prevalent enormously in the arts. I’m very proud, anti-cringe.”
From the opening shots of the landscape in Territory, it is clear McLean has delivered parts of Australia in a way not seen on TV before. What helped him achieve that look?
“We had the resources to be able to get the teams together to capture the landscape in that way. We had the best drone pilots in Australia, probably the world. We also had cinematographer Simon Duggan. He’s one of the best cinematographers in the world. He’d never done TV before.
“We had an A-list crew from Australia and put them onto the show and said, ‘We want to do create a blockbuster feeling for the story. We want it to sit competitively with anything else in the world in terms of production value.’
“We wanted to capture how epic this landscape is, how intense the drama is, take the audience right into the action of the cattle musters. We wanted to do it in a cinematic way – like we were making a big movie as opposed to doing a TV series.”
Helping the consistency was the fact McLean was engaged to direct all episodes of Territory.
“When you do the whole thing, you can choose the crew, and you take it all the way through.”
Having worked on movies and TV, and lots of them, McLean is well versed in working quickly and having to do more with less.
“One of the things we do well in Australia is working on smaller budgets. We have to learn how to be resourceful here.
“Famously many Australian cinematographers have gone to Hollywood and said, ‘Oh my God, you gave me two lights. I’m used to working with one.’
“We’ve had a series of Academy Award-winning cinematographers who come from Australia because they can’t believe when they get the resources, what they can do with it.”
When it comes to streaming platforms, McLean has worked a lot with Stan – from the Wolf Creek TV series to Easy Tiger’s Scrublands. This is his first time with Netflix.
“It was an interesting experience,” he said. “It’s been fantastic working with them because we couldn’t have made this show with anyone else because of the size of the show. It’s huge, it’s expansive. They said, ‘Don’t pull back. In fact, go further.’ It was exciting as a filmmaker to have that kind of backing and support.
McLean also enjoyed the experience of working with Ronde’s Ben Davies and Easy Tiger’s Ian Collie and Rob Gibson. “They are the best around. I love those guys. They’re super smart. They’ve just got great taste and they’re just really good people.”
McLean wasn’t able to direct season two of Scrublands as it clashed with Territory.
“I couldn’t do it because I was already committed to this show, but they got Ben Young to direct it – a fantastic WA director.”
McLean hinted that he could be working more with Easy Tiger again soon. “There are a couple of things in the pipeline.”
While McLean was impressed with the cast, he hadn’t worked with them all.
“I’d worked with Rob Taylor, Jay Ryan and Kylah Day on Scrublands. Rob was also in my film Rogue. I’m a huge fan of Jay’s and he was amazing as the priest in Scrublands.
“Michael Dorman was someone I wanted to work with forever. I’m also a huge fan of Sara Wiseman and Jake Ryan. Jake was in season one of the Wolf Creek series. There is also a bunch of incredible new talent too.
“I was just reminded again of how incredible these actors are. I can’t wait for people to see them because they just do such an incredible job of bringing these characters to life. The acting is some of the best I’ve seen.”
The discussion ended with McLean explaining what keeps him motivated to stay so busy. His IMDB entry lists no less than seven projects in development. Sounds like there might be even more than that.
“I’m always looking for great stories. I’m fascinated by stories and how stories work. Every time I do something, I feel like I’m practising to get better. I’m constantly learning from working with actors and learning about acting from watching great actors.
“I love working with writers ’cause I’m a writer myself. Seeing how they create the magic that they do. I consider myself a student of filmmaking and I always will be.”
See also: Territory preview screening for cast and crew of next big Netflix Australian original
This week’s Meeting of the Minds sees Serena Vanstone and Danny Molyneux from independent agency Claxon reveal their leadership heroes, current streaming binge, and career goals.
The Mediaweek series showcases diverse perspectives, thoughts and opinions by bringing together two different points of view from an industry rookie and an experienced expert.
Favourite podcast/read – I’m not much of a podcast person, but I love to read – my current obsession is ‘Boy Swallows Universe’ by Trent Dalton.
Current streaming binge – I’m watching Parks and Recreation at the moment – an old favourite.
Guilty pleasure content – I’m a secret Love Island UK fan!
What do you have on repeat – Any Indie Mix on Spotify.
Best career advice – Just start! If you fail, you learn, and if you don’t, you’re exactly where you want to be. Don’t let the anxiety or fear of failing hold you back from your goals.
Leadership hero – My dad is definitely my leadership hero! He’s the Dean of the Bangor University Business School in Wales, he’s also a Professor of Actuarial Science, and is by far the smartest and nicest person I know. Even though he’s so busy, he always has time for everyone and has always believed in me.
Best training course/session – I’ve found the 42 courses platform to be particularly engaging. I really appreciate the practical examples and videos – it makes training much more fun.
I wish someone had told me – Stressing about things doesn’t impact the outcome, but taking action does!
Favourite place to network – Unfortunately there aren’t many media events here on the Gold Coast, but I am looking forward to the next IMAA event, I always enjoy those!
Something that’s surprised you about the industry – There’s so much change and innovation happening all the time. New platforms, technologies and optimisations are constantly evolving to help us achieve the best results.
What is your hot take on the industry – After working with Claxon and seeing all of their amazing uses of AI this year – I firmly believe agencies that refuse to adopt AI will get left behind!
Career goal for 2024 – Being new to digital media, my career goal for the year was to learn as many digital platforms as possible – I’m up to 4 so far!
Favourite podcast/read – I rotate between a few podcasts Diary of a CEO, modern wisdom and huberman lab
Current streaming binge – Monsters – Netflix. Just finished the Menendez brothers
Guilty pleasure content – Youtube – specifically fitness related content. I spent 2 hours last week watching reviews of running shoes before I decided on a pair. Spoiler alert if you’re interested they didn’t make me run faster
What do you have on repeat – Spotify with a complete mix of genres house, hip hop, rock, trance… I love all music, you name it, I will listen to it.
Best career advice –The best career advice I’ve received didn’t come from any one person, but from multiple leaders along my journey. Each mentor, boss, and colleague has contributed valuable lessons, shaping my growth. Combined wisdom has been instrumental in helping me navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and continuously develop both professionally and personally. I’ve relied on experienced individuals who have walked the path and gained the knowledge. The best advice I got early on was find yourself a mentor and seek out people who are willing to share their knowledge. Chances are they’ve made the mistakes and finding the right mentor means you don’t have too.
Leadership hero – I don’t really have a leadership hero. However, I do resonate and agree with a lot of Simon Sinek’s principles and thinking.
Best training course/session – A recent RMIT digital leadership course I completed was fantastic. Great cohort and awesome content.
I wish someone had told me – To invest in bitcoin years ago!!!
Favourite place to network – Weirdly the gym. I have met lots of interesting people there, friends for life and people I have gone on to work with.
Something that surprised you about the industry – Everybody knows everybody and at times it has a very high school clique feel to it. Don’t get me wrong I have made some fantastic friends and great colleagues over the years but there’s still an element of segregation (who you know). Also, for an innovative tech first industry things tend to move slowly which really surprised me (let’s not talk cookies again).
What is your hot take on the industry – In an era where consumers are bombarded with messages, the advertising industry faces a crucial dilemma: to choose authenticity or automation. As technology advances, many brands are leaning heavily on data-driven strategies and AI to optimize campaigns, resulting in generic content that often lacks a human touch.
While automation can enhance efficiency and targeting, I believe it risks alienating consumers who crave genuine connections and relatable storytelling. Brands that prioritise authenticity, embracing transparency and human-centric narratives, will stand out in an increasingly crowded marketplace in my opinion. In a world yearning for realness, the future of advertising lies not just in algorithms, but in understanding and engaging with the human experience.
Career goal for 2024 – Continue on the growth trajectory and agency success we had in H1. Expanding the team further with more A players and dominating more international markets.
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To take part in future editions of Meeting of the Minds, please email: [email protected]
Past editions of Meeting of the Minds.
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Top image: Serena Vanstone and Danny Molyneux
DuluxGroup has appointed Mediabrands as its strategic media partner and Australian media agency of record.
To service the account, Mediabrands has built a bespoke agency offering, “TeamInspire”, utilising expertise and proprietary tools from across Mediabrands’ brand portfolio. TeamInspire will be led by group director, Felix Mason, with the team split between Melbourne and Sydney.
TeamInspire’s remit encompasses full funnel media strategy, planning and activation across all channels, for DuluxGroup’s brand portfolio.
Mediabrands COO Geoff Clarke said the appointment further reinforced the strength of the company’s offering and its ability to strategically partner with iconic brands by employing the talent and resources from across its entire agency portfolio.
Clarke said: “We are thrilled to be working with DuluxGroup to build its roster of premium brands; support its ambitious growth plans; and engage new audiences.
“DuluxGroup chose to work with us based on our broad expertise; a clear strategy that delivered its vision; and our clear understanding of the brand’s ambitions, as well as our appreciation for the nuances of the retail sector.
“TeamInspire brings together some of the very best media experts from across the group and we have built a highly proficient team of craft leading specialist that will deliver an outstanding and strategic media function for DuluxGroup,” Clarke concluded.
Antoinette Tyrrell, group capability director – brands and digital, DuluxGroup said: “We are delighted to partner with Mediabrands at a critical time in our company’s growth evolution.
“Mediabrands ability to provide a custom-built service proposition for the DuluxGroup is a key factor in our decision. Not only will this allow each of our many brands to receive a custom-built service proposition, it also enables Mediabrands to apply learnings across each brand while delivering bespoke business outcomes. Ultimately this will lead to best-in-class solutions that drive real growth.”
TeamInspire will work with many brands within the DuluxGroup portfolio including Dulux, Cabot’s, Porters Paints, Selleys and Yates.
Work has already commenced with campaigns including the launch of the new Dulux Wash and Wear, which has already hit the market.
Social Soup has unveiled new research that reveals more than half of Australian creators are using AI in their content creation, with one in five using it on a weekly basis.
The research, which was released this week at Social Soup’s “AI in Action” webinar, found that AI has significantly changed the approach to content creation for 79% of social media users and that confidence in AI tools is continuing to build, with 41% of creators “somewhat confident” and 13% “very confident”.
ChatGPT is the most used AI program, used by 72% of creators, followed by Canva AI, which is used by 24% of creators.
Social Soup founder and chief executive officer, Sharyn Smith, said: “AI is rapidly becoming a vital resource for creators, empowering them to streamline their processes and engage more effectively with their audiences. What we’re seeing – and what’s most encouraging – is that creators are using AI responsibly, not to produce fake content but to improve their workflow through research, brainstorming and editing tools.
“At our webinar we spoke about how we’re embracing this evolution, integrating AI into our own tech stack through our ContentIQ platform to provide more effective solutions for creators and brands alike. AI allows us to deliver scalable, smarter campaigns that drive better results and, ultimately, strengthen the relationship between creators and brands.
“We look forward to releasing more stats and data as we delve further into the opportunities that AI presents,” she said.
Social Soup’s research also found that despite the growing involvement of AI, retaining authenticity is of the utmost importance to creators, as they are conscious of their followers’ ability to spot AI-created content. Only 1% of creators are using AI to “create an avatar of themselves” and 30% of creators will not follow an AI- generated account.
Thirty per cent of creators say they are not using AI due to a lack of understanding of and knowledge about the evolving technology.
Social Soup general manager, Jo Dear Bowie-Johnson, said: “We understand that many creators are wary of AI-generated content feeling inauthentic. That’s why we emphasise using AI as a tool to enhance creativity, not replace it. It’s about empowering creators to stay authentic while working smarter. Now is the time for
brands to make a decision how and why they are integrating AI into their marketing strategies.”
By Shelley Friesen, founder and director – Melbourne Social Co.
Always taking flatlays of my food? Tick.
Can quote almost every line of Gilmore Girls? Tick.
Chunky necklaces and a French tuck? Tick.
About a month late to TikTok trends? Well, here’s where I deviate from the stereotype, thanks to the team of Gen Z employees that I work with.
I head up Melbourne Social Co, a social media agency that has been in business for 13 years. And while I identify as an elder Millennial, around 80% of our staff today fall into the Gen Z age bracket.
I’m sure you’ve heard the horror stories about Gen Z. They’re lazy, unmotivated, don’t want to work in an office and don’t like to be told what to do. So how on earth am I managing to run a successful agency?
Yes, despite only being separated by a decade, there’s certainly a lot of differences between our generations. When I started my career around 20 years ago, hustle culture was at its peak. Working 60 hour weeks, constantly striving for a promotion, a long daily commute, pencil skirts and heels in the office (with a pair of flats in your bag to change into), and working through your lunch break (what lunch break?) was the norm.
Gen Z are the course correction for all of the above. They strive for work life balance and prioritise their wellbeing, they’re rarely motivated by money or fancy titles, they want to work flexibly and find passion and fulfilment in what they do. Actually, that sounds pretty great right?
Yes – however, the flip side to hustle culture does have its challenges when you’re running a busy business. If your staff are not motivated by money or titles, how do you get great results from this generation?
When it comes to social media, the pros to having a predominantly Gen Z team are clear. They get content, trends, the platform and the audience. They love authenticity and don’t crave perfection (unlike our Millennial generation who would take 200 selfies, then edit them until almost unrecognisable before even thinking about posting, more often than not just overthinking it and leaving the post in drafts).
To get the best results out of this generation, we need to tick the boxes that are meaningful to them.
At Melbourne Social Co, we prioritise work life balance and wellness, by ensuring staff are not working after hours, and by offering wellness incentives, such as an allowance to spend monthly on these activities, as well as yoga and meditation in the office.
We focus on understanding and acknowledging the diversity in the working styles of our team. Each staff member puts together a ‘How To Work With Me’ guide, which outlines how they like to work and be managed. We all study each other’s guides and have a compassionate, empathetic approach to communicating and working alongside each other.
We work flexibly and don’t force staff to work in the office five days a week. I’m a firm believer that if the work is being done to a high standard and on time, I don’t really care when and how it happens. That being said, we also prioritise working together at least two days a week in the office, because culture and collaboration is so important to us.
We don’t have a dress code or any strict corporate protocols. We encourage our team to express themselves creatively, through both the way they physically present and their working style. We encourage team members to build personal brands and to work on projects that inspire them.
We overcommunicate and provide context for everything. When it comes to working with Gen Z, there’s no room for grey area, and context is everything, so we make sure everything is clear and we do what we say we’re going to do.
We leave corporate hierarchy at the door, and all contribute meaningfully to projects and the business as a whole.
That’s not to say it’s a perfect formula, and just like I used to struggle to identify with my Gen X managers, I’m sure our Gen Z staff feel the same about me at times.
Generally speaking however, my experience in managing a Gen Z team has been incredibly positive, and I’m impressed everyday by their creativity and knowledge – particularly of the social media space and trends. I really do learn something new every day (you’ll even catch me saying ‘slay’ on the regular now – although I was about 12 months late to the trend).
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Top image: Melbourne Social Co.’s Shelley Friesen
Chello has partnered with Klaviyo to launch its first major offline campaign since the marketing platform launched its Australian office in 2022.
The campaign spotlights three Aussie businesses – Budgy Smuggler, HiSmile, and July – each brought to life with a creative approach tailored to their unique personalities. Building on Klaviyo’s global campaign, Chello injected local tones to connect with Australian audiences capturing Budgy Smuggler’s cheeky humour, July’s sleek, refined style and HiSmile’s playful vibrancy, ensuring each brand resonates locally.
Launched in October, the national campaign spans digital out-of-home (DOOH), digital and social channels, strategically targeting high-traffic areas like railway stations and airports. It is designed to engage both local and interstate audiences.
Chello’s Creative strategy lead, Tom Dabner, explains: “When localising global creative, nuance is critical. It requires more than simply changing the customers we feature, it’s in the little details. In the case of Budgy Smuggler we dialled up the cheeky Aussie humour, with July the lines are sleeker to reflect the brand’s premium tone and for HiSmile playful charm captures their character.”
Robin Marchant, Klaviyo’s senior director of marketing for APAC, emphasised the importance of celebrating local success stories: “Our success at Klaviyo is defined by the growth of our customers, so it was only natural to launch our first local campaign to hero three amazing Aussie brands in a simple but light-hearted way.
“July, HiSmile and Budgy Smuggler have all seen incredible results with Klaviyo; they’re now each taking on the world, have ever-growing loyal customer bases and are disrupting traditional categories and legacy brands with smart, personalised marketing.”
This campaign is the first in a series of collaborations between Chello and Klaviyo, with more creative work planned for the coming months.
Credits:
Chello
Tom Dabner – Creative Strategy Lead
Tristan Velasco – Co-Founder & Creative Director
Drou Angelides – Senior Account Director
Ellie Walton – Senior Account Manager
Ceri Jones – Senior Producer
Chesca Ruta – Design Lead
Joel Stylis – Senior Motion Designer
Nicola MacAlister – Copywriter
Klaviyo
Robin Marchant – Senior Director of Marketing
Jasmine Workman – Head of Brand and Content
beIN SPORTS has extended its partnership with M&C Saatchi Performance to lead its growth efforts in Australia and New Zealand.
Building on their collaboration in Southeast Asia (SEA), beIN SPORTS aims to increase its reach in the ANZ market by leveraging M&C Saatchi Performance’s data-driven, localised approach to expand beIN SPORTS Connect subscribers.
The extension of this partnership to Australia and New Zealand marks a new phase in their collaboration, as beIN SPORTS seeks to bring its premium sports content—such as Serie A, La Liga, Bundesliga, and the Carabao Cup to even more fans in the region.
“We are thrilled to extend our relationship with beIN SPORTS to Australia and New Zealand and support them on their subscriber growth journey. It’s exciting to help connect passionate audiences to such a top-tier broadcast experience,” said Bobbie Gersbach, ANZ director at M&C Saatchi Performance.
As beIN SPORTS expands its presence in Australia and New Zealand, M&C Saatchi Performance will apply a targeted marketing model, adapting data insights from their SEA experience to fit the local nuances of the ANZ sports landscape. The agency will focus on engaging niche sports fan bases through targeted digital strategies.
“With M&C Saatchi Performance’s growth marketing expertise and understanding of regional dynamics, we are confident this partnership will help us effectively connect with sports fans across Australia and New Zealand, increasing subscriptions to beIN SPORTS CONNECT and our channel on Amazon Prime Video,” said John Armitage, director of beIN SPORTS Australia and New Zealand.
Data from independent firm Guideline (formerly Standard Media Index), which tracks how much Australia’s advertising agencies spend in different areas, shows the gambling category has plunged from $300 million in 2022, to $251 million in 2023, and to $150 million in the past 12 months. This fall was particularly pronounced in the television sector, JPMorgan analyst Don Carducci said.
Sportsbet says it spent 21 per cent less on the NRL and AFL finals and spring racing this year. A spokesman said it had “reduced its advertising over the past two years, which we are evolving in line with community expectations”. A spokesman for Tabcorp reiterated the firm no longer advertised on free-to-air television between 6am and 8.30pm.
On Wednesday, Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas appeared at a News Corp. conference, where he sought to address “the elephant in the room” right at the top of his conversation.
Srinivas was interviewed at the WSJ Tech conference, which is hosted by News Corp.’s flagship publication The Wall Street Journal. “They’re not the only publishers like that are worried about the AI products that are surfacing their content on their answers,” Srinivas said of the Journal.
“I would say that they reached out around June to talk to us, and we responded to them and said we are also open to talking to them, and are interested in a proper commercial discussion on how to use the content in The Wall Street Journal and other similar outlets owned by them. So we certainly were very surprised about the lawsuit, because we actually wanted a conversation,” he added.
And in this case, theatres won out.
The project is an adaptation of Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights, seen through the warped mind of Emerald Fennell, the writer and director whose previous projects, Promising Young Woman and last year’s Saltburn, were viral, transgressive hits. The film will star Margot Robbie as Catherine Earnshaw and Jacob Elordi from Saltburn as the rageful Heathcliff. Based on Fennell’s past work, the R-rated film promises to be sexy, gothic and excessively modern.
Netflix was willing to pay $150 million to have it.
But Robbie, who is producing the film with her husband, Tom Ackerley, and their business partner Josey McNamara, wanted to maintain her track record of making movies for traditional studios that put them into theaters. Think Barbie 2.0 with less pink and much more sex.
Robbie’s company and its partner, independent studio MRC, have instead been won over by Warner Bros., the studio said on Thursday. The company offered them around $80 million plus a significant marketing commitment, according to a person with knowledge of the decision. (It helps that her company, LuckyChap, also has a multiyear first-look deal with the studio.)
The Norwegian prime minister, Jonas Gahr Støre, conceded it would be “an uphill battle” but said politicians must intervene to protect children from the “power of the algorithms”.
Social media platforms, the Labour leader said, were being misused by the industry and could make users “single-minded and pacified”.
The Scandinavian country already has a minimum age limit of 13 in place. Despite this, more than half of nine-year-olds, 58% of 10-year-olds and 72% of 11-year-olds are on social media, according to research by the Norwegian media authority.
The third division will be led by ABC’s current head of audio, Ben Latimer, the broadcaster’s outgoing managing director David Anderson told staff on Thursday in an email seen by this masthead. The division will consolidate the current Audio and ABC Listen teams, which currently sit in the Content division.
Anderson said the decision to carve out the audio content put the medium at the forefront of the ABC’s future.
“This new team reasserts Audio as a vital part of the ABC’s future and a key tenet of our connection with all Australians,” he said.
The new division will include the capital city network and sport, music stations, podcasting, Radio National, ABC Classic, Jazz, Triple J, Double J and the ABC Country teams. The ABC’s audio app, ABC Listen, will also move from the Content to Audio division.
While the dust continues to settle on Nine’s independent review of its workplace practices and culture, following the release of the Intersection report, Nine has revealed the new shows it has planned for 2025.
The original Golden Bachelor premiered in the United States, where it proved to be a ratings success. The show reimagined the popular Bachelor format by featuring a 72-year-old widower, Gerry Turner, as its lead.
Nine’s decision to reboot the Bachelor franchise comes after Channel Ten walked away from its output deal with Warner Bros Studios, which included all iterations of the franchise.
Landing Armytage could yet prove a coup for Nine. The Sunrise host was with Seven for more than two decades before her contract expired last October.
Top End Bub sees Miranda Tapsell (Love Child, The Sapphires, The Artful Dodger) and Gwilym Lee (Bohemian Rhapsody, The Great) return to reprise their roles as Lauren and Ned from the 2019 box office hit film. Also returning is Ursula Yovich and Huw Higginson as Daffy and Trevor, Lauren’s parents; Shari Sebbens as Ronelle; Elaine Crombie as Dana; and Tracy Mann as Annie, Ned’s mum. Joining the cast is Rob Collins, Brooke Satchwell, Guy Simon, Clarence Ryan, and making her acting debut as Taya aka ‘Bub’, is Gladys-May Kelly.
The new series is created, written and executive produced by Top End Wedding writers Joshua Tyler and Miranda Tapsell, and produced by Goalpost Pictures. Goalpost Pictures’ Rosemary Blight is Executive Producer, and the series is directed by Christian Van Vuuren and Shari Sebbens. Top End Bub is supported by Screen Australia, Screen Territory, and South Australian Film Corporation. The series was filmed in the Northern Territory and Adelaide, and will launch on Prime Video in Australia and New Zealand. Top End Bub will be distributed internationally by ZDF Studios.
ahead of its epic return to screens on November 11, same day as the US.
Yellowstone chronicles the Dutton family who controls the largest contiguous cattle ranch in the United States. Amid shifting alliances, unsolved murders, open wounds, and hard-earned respect – the ranch is in constant conflict with those it borders – an expanding town, an Indian reservation, and America’s first national park.
Yellowstone is co-created by Oscar-nominated screenwriter Taylor Sheridan (Wind River, Hell or High Water, Sicario) and John Linson. Executive producers include John Linson, Art Linson, Taylor Sheridan, Kevin Costner, David C. Glasser, Bob Yari, Stephen Kay, Michael Friedman, Christina Voros and Keith Cox. The series is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.
[Watch the trailer]
The NRL has been locked in talks for more than a year with the clubs over extending their existing licensing agreements, which are due to expire in just over a week.
It is understood they have now brokered an agreement which will guarantee them a place in the premiership for a further 10 years and give them increased sway when it comes to expansion and broadcast negotiations.
While the clubs won’t have veto rights over adding new teams or locking in fresh broadcast agreements, they will form part of an advisory group that will be kept abreast of talks with the television networks.
The existing broadcast deals are due to expire at the end of 2027 but it is understood if the NRL hasn’t already reached out to broadcasters, the day is fast approaching.
The clubs previously had no influence on broadcast negotiations but it is understood a hand-picked group of club chairs will be kept up to date on the talks by head office.