In a bold move demonstrating its ongoing commitment to news and current affairs, the Nine Network today announced the addition of THIS afternoon to its line-up, a one-hour live news program to be broadcast nationally at 4.30pm weekdays from Monday, June 29.
 
THIS afternoon will bring viewers across Australia the top stories of the day and the best in current affairs. When the big stories break, viewers will find them first on THIS afternoon.
 
But it won’t all be about the news. THIS afternoon will also have the latest entertainment stories, topical talking points and live interviews.
 
THIS afternoon will feature three outstanding news presenters: Katrina Blowers, Andrew Daddo and Mark Ferguson. Katrina Blowers is a radio presenter, author of Tuning Out and Sunday Telegraph columnist who came to prominence working on the Merrick & Rosso breakfast radio show for five years. Andrew Daddo is a television presenter, children’s book author and radio host. Mark Ferguson is Nine’s weekend news presenter. They will be joined by a team of reporters who will file stories from around the nation.
 
Nine’s Director of Network News, Mark Calvert said: “If you want to be informed as well as entertained, THIS afternoon will be the program to watch.
 
“We’ll bring viewers right up to date with the day’s top news stories as they’re unfolding, debate the big issues facing Australia, and help families deal with what life can throw at them. We will also be having a bit of fun with the stranger stuff that happens in the world.
 
“Our hosts are great company and keen to try something different. They’ll be bold, and at least one of them is beautiful.”
 
Daddo said: “It’s not often you get the opportunity to start something from scratch, and it was this, coupled with the chance to have dinner with my kids, that enticed me away from my job at ABC radio.”
 
Blowers said: “Having recently been a stay-at-home mother, I know first-hand that afternoons have been crying out for a program like this – one that’s a little out-of-the-box. I am thrilled that not only is this sort of show now going to exist, but I’m going to be part of it.”
 
Ferguson said: “I’m looking forward to working with Katrina and Andrew. We will have a lot of fun and a lot of flexibility on THIS afternoon, so if there’s a big story breaking we can provide extensive coverage.”
 
THIS afternoon: weekdays at 4.30pm, premiering Monday, June 29 on Nine