The Nine Network has announced its programming lineup for 2016, with its biggest ever commitment to local production.
In a boon for the Australian television industry, Nine is spending more on homegrown content than at any time in the network’s history. Michael Healy, director of television for the Nine Network, said: “Our 2016 slate is brimming with a raft of new Australian productions and a swag of returning homegrown favourites. Never before has local content been as important as it is right now.
“We have diverted funds normally spent on international programming to investing in stories shot right here in our own backyard. Our viewers tell us that local production is what they want to see and next year they will see that in spades on Nine.”
Nine’s 2016 schedule includes new Australian drama Hide & Seek, new comedy Here Come the Habibis and Telemovie House of Bond about the rags-to-riches-to-rags tale of controversial business tycoon Alan Bond from the 1960s-90s. Returning shows include Love Child, House Husbands, The Voice, The Verdict and Australia’s Got Talent.
Australia’s first free-to-air lifestyle channel, 9Life will launch on Thursday, November 26. It will broadcast the very best in lifestyle and reality television content, featuring some of the most popular franchises in the world, including The Bachelor, Million Dollar Listing and The Real Housewives.
Nine’s new streaming and video on demand product, 9Now, will launch in early 2016. 9Now will be a premium destination for live streaming, catch up and on demand content for all of the Nine Network’s linear channels.
Alex Parsons, chief digital and marketing officer for Nine Entertainment Co., said: “Nine is committed to a world-class experience for our audiences. We have worked with global networks and suppliers to create 9Now and ensure our amazing content is at the fingertips of all Australian consumers. Our significant investment program behind 9Now is testimony to our commitment to making it the best service of its kind in market.
“As we continue to transform our company and operate as a single content-led business, the ability for our consumers to access our content anywhere, anytime and on any device is paramount to our continued success. Now that we wholly own our digital future, it is one which the entire company is pivoting around.”
9Now will launch on desktop and mobile, with apps for both android and Apple, with a Windows app to follow. 9Now will also be available on leading connected devices such as HBBTV, Telstra TV, Apple TV, Sony, Samsung, LG, Playstation, and after launch on xbox and fetch tv.
