Optus and Channel Nine have announced a multi platform sponsorship that aligns the Optus brand with the fastest growing morning television program, TODAY.

As part of this sponsorship, Optus customers will have access to a range of free TODAY show content exclusive to their compatible 3G mobiles including live streaming of the show from 5.30am on weekdays and 7am on Saturdays and Sundays, plus access to catch up TV.

Austin R. Bryan, Marketing Director, Optus Consumer, said, "This partnership with TODAY is another example of Optus seeking out partnerships that will reward our customers by giving them access to richer mobile content.

"Providing live streaming of TODAY and access to catch up TV is a simple and convenient way for our 3G mobile customers to continue to watch their favourite breakfast program after they've left the house.

"Whether you're on your way to work, school or an early appointment, sometimes you can miss out on the TODAY show segment you were waiting to see. To be able to continue to watch the program on your mobile while on the bus or train or accessing catch up TV later in the day can make life much more entertaining."

Michael Stephenson, Sydney Sales Director, Nine Network, said "Channel Nine and ninemsn are delighted to be working with Optus to deliver Australia's favourite breakfast show, TODAY, live on three screens each day - on air, online and on mobile. This initiative is yet another example of PBL Media Integration delivering new and exciting innovations to Australian viewers, and we look forward to continuing to do so in the future."

Aimee Buchanan, MPG Client Services Director, said, "MPG saw the TODAY show as a great strategic media partnership for Optus, in that it enabled us to showcase Optus' content capabilities by taking a known property and deliver this content to customers through a new platform. TODAY is a proven and successful brand and we are excited that we are able to align Optus with it across multiple platforms."

Optus Pre Paid and Post Paid mobile customers with compatible* 3G handsets can watch TODAY their way with free live streaming on weekday and weekend mornings and access Nine's Catch up TV by SMSing the word "TODAY" to 966.

For more information on TODAY please visit www.today.ninemsn.com.au

*Important Information: Requires a compatible Optus 3G mobile. Coverage area is handset dependant, see optus.com.au/coverage for details.

Media contacts:

Note to Editor:

• TVC available on request.
• This all encompassing deal, was driven by the Nine Network, ninemsn and MPG, Optus' Media Buying and strategic planning partner.

About Optus
Optus is an Australian leader in integrated communications. The company specialises in a broad range of communications services including mobile, local, national and long distance telephony, business network services, internet and satellite services and subscription television. For more information please visit www.optus.com.au.

About ninemsn
ninemsn is a 50:50 joint venture between PBL Media and Microsoft and Australia's #1 online publisher. As at March 2010, 10.3 million people visit ninemsn each month, reaching 69% of Australia's online population.
Source: Nielsen NetView Home/Work Panel March'10.

About Channel Nine
Nine is one of Australia’s top-rating commercial television networks, reaching over 11.4 million Australians every week and 82% of the total viewing audience. When it comes to news, sport, entertainment and major events, viewers tune in to the Nine Network. In 2010, Nine is the number one network for key buying demographics, People 16-39, People 25-54 and People 18-49.
Source: OzTAM Overnight data, weeks 7-18, 2010, 5 City Metro, 6pm to Midnight

About TODAY
TODAY is Australia's landmark breakfast program. The three-and-a-half hour show utilises the Nine Network's extensive satellite facilities to present daily news as it breaks around the world.

Co-hosted by Karl Stefanovic and Lisa Wilkinson, the TODAY team includes Sport Presenter Cameron Williams, Network Entertainment Editor Richard Wilkins, News Presenter Georgie Gardner and Weather Reporter Steve Jacobs.