NBN Television

For over 60 years, Nine NBN has been more than a broadcaster in regional New South Wales, it has been a steadfast partner of the University of Newcastle. From its first broadcast from Mosbri Crescent in 1962, NBN has supported the University’s growth, celebrated its milestones, and amplified the voices of students, alumni, and the wider community.

“It’s a rare privilege for two regional institutions to evolve side by side, shaping lives, strengthening the community and really lifting each up.” - Jane Goldsmith, Journalist & Presenter NBN News and proud University of Newcastle alumna

The relationship between NBN and the University is built on shared values: a commitment to community, education, research and regional growth. Over the decades, NBN has showcased every step of the University’s evolution, from new campuses to student achievements in campaigns such as ‘We Love It’. Their storytelling has brought graduation ceremonies, student pride, and academic excellence into homes across the region, highlighting the transformative power of education.

NBN’s dedication to regional storytelling is exemplified through the NBN Television Archive. In collaboration with the University’s Special Collections, more than 3,600 hours of content, preserving approximately 112,000 stories from 1982 to 1995, have been digitised, safeguarding a priceless record of regional history for generations to come.

NBN has long nurtured emerging talent through internships, placements, and hands-on opportunities. Over the past four years alone, nine students have joined NBN as archivists, camera operators, journalists, and media exchange technicians. Many University alumni now hold senior roles at NBN, demonstrating the enduring impact of this partnership on regional media careers. Programs such as the Local Lens podcast, co-produced with Media and Communication students, further illustrate NBN’s commitment to mentoring the next generation of storytellers.

As early as 1970, NBN has supported University research, from pollution monitoring to cancer research. NBN provided equipment for a mobile pollution monitoring station to measure carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, and haze, while the University supplied staff and expertise to analyse the data. NBN then shared the results with the community through regular weather broadcasts, connecting research to everyday life. This spirit of partnership continued into the 1980s, when the NBN Telethon Trust endowed a chair in cancer research. Funds raised through the 1983 and 1985 telethons, totalling $1.7 million from the regional community, were formally handed to the University in 1987, highlighting the transformative outcomes made possible through genuine partnership between two regional leaders.

From co-producing documentaries such as the 50 Years of Open Foundation to celebrating student milestones, preserving history, launching media careers, and supporting research, Nine NBN’s contributions have been wide-ranging and profound. Their advocacy and dedication have strengthened the University and the wider region for more than six decades.

“As a news organisation, we shine a light on the best and brightest in our community. For 60 years, the University of Newcastle has been at the heart of that spotlight, and we look forward to continuing this partnership for generations to come.” - Jane Goldsmith, Journalist & Presenter NBN News and proud University of Newcastle alumna

The University of Newcastle proudly awards Nine NBN the Convocation Medal for Exceptional Contribution, recognising their legacy of advocacy, powerful storytelling, and community engagement, which have left a lasting impact on the University and its community.