NINE NETWORK PARTNERS WITH AUSTRALIA DAY

The Nine Network Australia is pleased to announce a new partnership as the official television network for Australia Day and the Australian of the Year Awards for the next three years.

The agreement will see the Nine Network partnering with the National Australia Day Council and the National Capital Authority to broadcast the Australian of the Year Awards announcement and the Australia Day Live Concert each year on 25 January in front of Parliament House, Canberra.

Andrew Backwell, Director of Production & Development, Nine Network Australia said: “Given our proud heritage as the first ever Australian television network, we are delighted to be involved with the National Australia Day Council.

“We look forward to broadcasting programmes that engender thoughtfulness in our national pride. The awards – Young Australian of the Year, Australia’s Local Hero, Senior Australian of the Year and Australian of the Year – significantly inspire the Australian public and demonstrate just what makes our nation so great.

The National Australia Day Council welcomed the Nine Network as its new television partner ahead of the call for nominations for the Australian of the Year Awards 2008, which open on Monday 9 July.

“The Nine Network’s commitment to Australian content sits well with the values and vision of the National Australia Day Council and its programs,” said Warren Pearson, National Director of the National Australia Day Council.

“Nine’s audience reach for the Australia Day Live Concert on January 25 will help us share the spirit of Australia Day with audiences across the country.”

National Capital Authority acting Chief Executive Lindsay Evans said the new partnership would take the awards and live concert to a higher level of excitement.

“Our goal at the NCA is to build awareness of the national capital’s unique qualities and vitality among all Australians.

“This event and the Nine Network’s partnership is an excellent way of achieving this,” Mr Evans said.