Renewing a Vital Indigenous Voice and Community Asset – The Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector

The Indigenous broadcasting and media sector delivers culturally appropriate news, information and entertainment, and provides a voice for Indigenous Australians, keeping people connected and engaged, particularly in remote areas.

Broadcasting remains an important communication mechanism in achieving Closing the Gap priorities, and plays a key role in delivering culturally appropriate and accessible information, including Government messaging.

Sector difficulties in coping with significant disruption and cost pressures due to new technologies, media platforms and audience preferences, static funding, aging infrastructure and out-of-date policy and program expectations required addressing.

To develop reform options a roundtable process comprising sector and stakeholder consultation, consideration of past research, interviews and a survey were undertaken. 

The final report identifies four key reform areas.

• Recognising the contemporary nature of the Indigenous broadcasting and media sector through policy and legislative reform will enable diversity of delivery platforms and recognise the sector’s unique status.
• Maintaining and modernising its physical infrastructure will improve efficiencies and reduce costs.
• Building and maintaining skills and capabilities within the sector will strengthen capacity and enable planning for a sustainable future.
• Broadening and strengthening the sector’s funding base will reduce financial stress on broadcasting organisations and enable development of alternative income streams and business opportunities.

The report provides the opportunity to inform government policy and program decisions and encourages collaboration with the sector and other agencies to progress change.