The Nine Network is an Australian broadcast network that is one of the five main free-to-air networks in Australia. This means that Australian TV owners do not have to pay for the channel, and which makes it one of the most watched television networks in Australia. In fact, is one of the two highest rated networks in Australia. The network was first launched in 1956. It is broadcast in both standard definition and high definition and is available through satellite and cable networks as well as a standard over the air broadcast.
The network airs a variety of programs, which is typical of other free to air networks. This includes nightly news, original comedy and drama programs. They also air both TV movies and movies that were released in movie theaters. Nine also airs talk shows, reality programming, game shows, and soap operas.
The network airs a wide variety of original, first run Australian programming. The majority of the network's Australian programing is Australian news, variety, sports and reality programming. This includes the Australian version of the popular singing contest The Voice, and an Australian version of a popular dating reality series that was first created in the United Kingdom, which is called The Farmer Wants a Wife.
In addition to original programing the network also has exclusive broadcast rights to programming produced and aired on other countries, such as American sitcoms The Big Bang Theory, Two and Half Men, and Anger Management, the American soap opera Dallas, and the American CSI franchise.
