94/07
Friday July 13 2007

An important moment in the history of Indigenous broadcasting

The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan, helped launch the National Indigenous Television (NITV) service in Sydney today.

“Today is a very important moment in the history of Indigenous broadcasting. Never before has Australia seen a National Indigenous Television service - this is a very proud first.

“NITV builds on the pioneering work of Indigenous Community Television and I pay tribute to their trailblazing efforts.”

Senator Coonan said the national service would target both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and was a wonderful opportunity for all Australians to see and hear Indigenous stories.

“The service will provide Indigenous news, children’s television, drama and other entertainment reflecting the breadth of our Indigenous communities.

“It will initially be broadcast on Imparja's Channel 31 on the Aurora satellite and is expected to lead to ventures and programming with community television, pay television, SBS and the ABC.

“Indigenous broadcasting plays an important role in the promotion and maintenance of Indigenous languages and culture,” Senator Coonan said.

The Australian Government is providing $50 million over four years from 2006-07 as part of the Backing Indigenous Ability suite of measures, to develop NITV.

This significant investment represents the Government’s commitment to Indigenous media. It also builds on the annual $14 million commitment to the Indigenous broadcasting sector. $3.3 million has also been provided to upgrade remote Indigenous radio broadcasting facilities.

NITV will support the development of Australia’s Indigenous television and production sector and will facilitate the development of creative skills within Indigenous media organisations.

“Australia’s first national Indigenous television service is an enormous opportunity for Indigenous people to tell their story. I encourage both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians to tune in to NITV,” Senator Coonan said.

For more information about NITV visit www.dcita.gov.au/bia

Media Contact: Katherine Meier 02 9223 4388