What makes 9Now a standout streaming service in Australia? Launched on January 27, 2016, 9Now has quickly become a favorite for Australian TV viewers. Offering live streaming, video on demand, and catch-up TV, it covers popular channels like Channel 9, 9Gem, 9Go!, 9Life, and 9Rush. Unlike some competitors, 9Now requires users to create an account, enhancing personalized experiences. With over 7 million signups by 2019, its user base continues to grow. The platform has also faced legal challenges, updated its logo, and introduced new features like Full HD channels and a start-over option. These innovations make 9Now a key player in the Australian digital TV landscape.
Key Takeaways:
- 9Now, a popular streaming service in Australia, offers live TV, video on demand, and catch-up TV. It has over 7 million signups and continues to evolve with new features and content options.
- The history of 9Now's parent network, Nine Network, dates back to 1956. 9Now's impact on Australian television is significant, with millions of users tuning in monthly and the platform continuously evolving to enhance user experience.
What is 9Now?
9Now is a popular streaming service in Australia, offering live TV, video on demand, and catch-up TV. It's a go-to platform for many Australians who want to watch their favorite shows anytime, anywhere.
- Launch Date: 9Now was launched on January 27, 2016, replacing the previous service 9Jumpin.
- Service Type: It offers live streaming, video on demand, and catch-up TV services for various channels including Channel 9, 9Gem, 9Go!, 9Life, and 9Rush.
- User Signups: As of January 2019, Nine claims to have more than 7 million signups to its platform.
Evolution and Legal Challenges
Since its inception, 9Now has undergone several changes and faced legal challenges that shaped its current form.
- Logo Update: On August 4, 2017, 9Now received a new logo, further confirming its relationship with the Nine Network. The platform received 4 million signups around this time.
- Legal Challenges: Following its launch, 9Now was at the center of a legal challenge by then Nine regional television partner WIN Television. This challenge contributed to an affiliation swap between Nine and competitor Network 10.
- Live Streaming: Live streaming for Nine was launched on the same day as 9Now, with streaming for 9Gem, 9Go!, and 9Life launched on May 19, 2016.
- Regional Affiliation: The WIN Corporation, owner of Nine affiliate WIN Television, filed a lawsuit against Nine Entertainment Co., claiming that live streaming into regional areas breached their affiliation agreement. The case was later dismissed on April 28, 2016, with Justice Hammerschlag ruling that live streaming is not broadcasting within the meaning of the PSA (program supply agreement).
User Experience and Platform Features
9Now offers a range of features that enhance user experience, making it a preferred choice for many.
- Platform Requirements: Unlike competitors like 7plus, ABC iview, SBS on Demand, and 10Play, 9Now requires users to create an account before allowing access to catch-up content and live streaming.
- Channel Availability: The service offers online live streaming of Channel 9, 9Gem, 9Go!, 9Life, and 9Rush, as well as live news via nine.com.au.
- User Engagement: By 2019, Nine had more than 7 million signups to its platform, indicating significant user engagement.
- Platform Discontinuation: On June 30, 2022, 9Now was discontinued for the PlayStation 4.
- Platform Updates: On September 14, 2022, at Nine Entertainment's 2022 upfront, Nine announced several changes to the platform, including Full HD channels, FAST channels, and an innovative new homepage that allows users to dive straight into the live content stream.
- Start Over Feature: On December 6, 2022, 9Now added a start over feature that allows users to go back to the very beginning of a show. This feature was initially meant to be launched in October 2022 but was delayed.
- Homepage Update: The new homepage of the platform was launched in August 2023, providing a more streamlined user experience.
- Pedestrian TV Launch: On October 25, 2023, Pedestrian TV, a dedicated FAST channel, launched on 9Now.
Historical Context and Network Expansion
Understanding the history of the Nine Network helps to appreciate the evolution of 9Now.
- Historical Context: The Nine Network's first broadcasting station, TCN-9, was launched in Sydney on September 16, 1956, by The Daily Telegraph owner Frank Packer. This marked the beginning of the Nine Network's journey in Australian television.
- Network Expansion: By 1959, the Nine Network had expanded to include GTV-9 in Melbourne, QTQ-9 in Brisbane, and NWS-9 in Adelaide, forming the basis of the current Nine Network.
- Slogan Changes: Over the years, the Nine Network has used various slogans. In 1977, it adopted "Let Us Be The One," based on The Carpenters' song "Let Me Be the One." This was later changed to "Still the One" in 1978, modeled after the ABC campaign in the United States.
- Ratings Success: During the 1980s, Nine's ratings peaked, and by 1991, the network was re-branded to its current branding. However, it faced a decline in ratings in January 2006, leading to a change in its news service and other programming.
- Digital Terrestrial Television: Digital terrestrial television was introduced in Australia on January 1, 2001, which significantly impacted the television landscape and influenced the development of digital services like 9Now.
Content and Programming
9Now offers a diverse range of content, making it a versatile platform for viewers.
- Relaunch and Rebranding: In 2008, the Nine Network relaunched its news service as Nine News, which managed to win more weeks over Seven News in the first half of 2008. The network also launched a high-definition channel called Nine HD on channel 90 until 2010.
- Multi-Channel Expansion: In September 2009, Nine launched its own digital multi-channel called GO on Channel 99, primarily aimed at a younger demographic. This channel contributed to Nine's weekly shares and allowed it to enjoy several weeks of weekly ratings wins.
- Content Line-Up: By 2010, Nine had obtained the rights to exclusive coverage of the Sydney New Year's Eve fireworks. The network also launched its third digital channel GEM (General Entertainment and Movies) on Channel 90 in September 2010.
- Comedy Line-Up: In 2011, the Nine Network announced a new "Home of Comedy" line-up with comedy shows such as The Block and The Footy Show. This move aimed to attract a younger demographic and enhance the network's entertainment offerings.
Impact and Future Prospects
9Now continues to grow, impacting how Australians consume television content.
- 9Now’s Impact: The launch of 9Now significantly impacted the way Australians consume television content. It provided a platform for live streaming and catch-up services, making it easier for viewers to access their favorite shows at any time.
- User Statistics 2024: In 2024, 9Now reached more Australians than any other commercial free-to-air BVOD platform. Each month, an average of 5.4 million Australians tuned into 9Now, marking a 34.9% increase compared to 2023. Additionally, 28.4 billion minutes of content were streamed on 9Now in 2024, representing a 36.7% year-on-year growth.
- Ratings Dominance: The 9Network can also lay claim to being No. 1 with Total People across the 5 City Metro for calendar year 2024. This exceptional performance highlights the network's dedication to providing unparalleled entertainment, news, and sports content that resonates with audiences across Australia.
- Director’s Statement: Michael Healy, Nine’s Director of Television, stated that Nine is incredibly proud to have once again delivered Australia’s most engaging content in 2024. The network's dedication to delivering the best News, Sport, and Entertainment is unmatched, with the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics being a key highlight in showcasing the network’s ability to bring Australians together for some of the most culturally significant moments of the year.
- News and Current Affairs: The 9Network’s news and current affairs remain a foundation of its success. The network's news service, Nine News, is one of Australia's longest-running television news services, founded in 1958, alongside Seven News on the rival Seven Network.
- Platform Evolution: Since its launch, 9Now has continuously evolved with updates to its platform, including the addition of Full HD channels, FAST channels, and innovative features like the start over feature. These updates aim to enhance user experience and provide more engaging content options for viewers.
The Impact of 9Now on Australian TV
9Now has changed how Australians watch TV. Since its launch in 2016, it’s offered live streaming, video on demand, and catch-up services for popular channels like Channel 9, 9Gem, 9Go!, 9Life, and 9Rush. With over 7 million signups by 2019, it’s clear that viewers love the convenience and variety. Legal challenges didn’t slow it down; instead, 9Now kept growing and improving. Features like the start over option and a revamped homepage make it even more user-friendly. By 2024, 9Now reached more Australians than any other free-to-air BVOD platform, with millions tuning in monthly. The platform’s success highlights its role in modernizing TV viewing in Australia. From live news to exclusive shows, 9Now has become a go-to for entertainment, proving its lasting impact on the television landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was this page helpful?
Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.