Docklands is the media hub

Docklands is the media hub

The first Channel 9 staff started moving into their new Docklands headquarters at 717 Bourke St on January 28.

The media giant’s move to Docklands cements the precinct’s status as Victoria’s media hub – joining pioneer Channel 7 and, more recently, The Age and 3AW.

Channel 9’s parent organisation Nine Entertainment Co has been moving associated businesses, ACP Magazines, NineMSN and Ticketek, into Docklands since late last year.  But the TV station staff have only started making the move from their original home in Richmond.

Station manager Brian Pedler said Docklands was a natural choice for Nine.

The company has 8000 sqm over four floors, including the double-storey level four which was originally designed to accommodate a lecture theatre for a design school.

Mr Pedler said the extra ceiling height meant Channel 9 could operate a fully-functioning production studio from the office block.

He said news and current affairs would start broadcasting from the location by the end of this month. 

Another advantage that Docklands offered was its proximity to public transport as well as the facilities available at Docklands Studios, where Channel 9 will broadcast its audience participation shows such as the popular Footy Show, Hot Seat and a new show to be called Million Dollar Drop.

Mr Pedler said these live shows would hopefully contribute patronage to other Docklands businesses.

He said while some staff were naturally reluctant to leave Richmond where the station had begun, others were excited and looking forward to embracing the new opportunities that Docklands has to offer.

He said it was obvious that activity was gravitating towards the Docklands side of the city. 

Nine Entertainment Co will have between 450-500 employees in Docklands when the last workers leave Richmond on March 31.

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