Today, 13 July, National Indigenous Television (NITV) celebrates 10 years of on-air excellence since switching the broadcast on Blak Thursday 13-13-07. From that day, NITV has brought Australia thought-provoking Indigenous content - a first in national media.
NITV was originally formed after more than 25 years of campaigning by Indigenous Australians for their right to have their unique stories, languages, culture and aspirations accurately reflected within the media landscape.
"What we have achieved in the last decade is monumental for Indigenous Australians and we are continually entering ground breaking territory as we step into the next decade.
Prior to the formation of NITV, there were barely two hours a week dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander content on national television. For 10 Years, NITV has strived to improve the lives of the Indigenous peoples of Australia people by giving them back control of their image, stories and history, as well as preserving and celebrating Aboriginal languages and cultures.
The channel from the bush has gone where others could not, broadcasting from the most remote locations from around the country and covering the stories that matter to Indigenous people. Initially only carried by cable and satellite providers, along with some limited over-the-air transmissions in certain remote areas, NITV became free to air on 12 December 2012 when it joined the SBS Network. Through this journey with SBS, NITV has been able to reach 2 million Australian's monthly.
Where it all began. The first official launch to air in 2007. With NITV's first CEO, Pat Turner. Source: NITV
NITV Channel Manager, Tanya Orman says she is extremely proud that NITV is celebrating its milestone tenth anniversary.
"What we have achieved in the last decade is monumental for Indigenous Australians and we are continually entering ground breaking territory as we step into the next decade.
NITV Channel Manager, Tanya Orman-Denning launches NITV as a free-to-air channel at the Uluru Culture Center at 12 noon on the 12/12/12. Source: NITV
“The channel’s staff and content have received many accolades over the years including Logie nominees, Walkley nominees, a UNAA Peace Award and MIMA Awards. Most recently we opened the Sydney Film Festival with a documentary from our You Are Here series. We Don’t Need a Map was the opening night film, and Connection to Country and In My Own Wordsalso featured in the festival. Our audience’s favourite program, Marngrook Footy Show and our beloved annual broadcast of The Koori Knockout also turn 10 this year, and a decade on we are employing more Indigenous staff than ever before, currently sitting at 74 per cent”
Following this week’s milestone, NITV will kick off its 10 year celebrations by showcasing four landmark documentary films as a part of the 'You Are Here' series starting 23 July. Directed by four celebrated Indigenous filmmakers, the films will showcase Indigenous storytelling and signal the first of a number of NITV commissions that will feature over its tenth year, spanning documentary, entertainment and drama.
NITV has not only filled a gap in the market, but some enormous shoes in the media industry. Starting from humble beginnings with a handful of content at a small station in the bush, to now commissioning our own groundbreaking entertainment and working with production companies across Australia, NITV has successfully become a key player in the national media landscape.
This is not done without those eager for our content. Our milestone and successes could not have been achieved without our community of dedicated viewers and supporters, which we will continue to service. Here's to the next decade.
You can help us in celebrating our 10 Year Anniversary by tuning in to watch our 4 landmark documentaries in the 'You Are Here' series starting July 23.
