A 1.1 million dollar federal government strategy launched in August seeks to develop and enhance career opportunities for Indigenous people within the media industry.
The strategy came about following the Review of Australian Government Investment in the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector released in 2011.
The review noted that: “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander presenters, producers and journalists will give communities a voice and role models, as well as give non-Indigenous Australians an alternative perspective on issues that will support reconciliation by providing a cultural bridge between communities.”
In her speech delivered at the strategy’s launch, Minister for Community Services, Indigenous Employment and Economic Development, Julie Collins, said, “The overriding conclusion of the review was that Indigenous broadcasting and media is a powerful tool that needs to be more effectively harnessed to assist the Australian Government realise its broad Indigenous affairs policy such as closing the gap.”
Arts Minister, Simon Crean said, “The new employment program will help train and guide a new generation of Indigenous media professionals, whether they are on screen or in the media.”
“Australia is home to the oldest living culture on earth, but it is producing some of the most exciting new art forms on the planet.”
The Government has worked with Media RING (Media Reconciliation Industry Network Group)
– a collective which is in partnership with Screen Australia – to implement this strategy.
Media RING aims to, “drive practical measures to support and promote reconciliation in the media sector.” Its key focus areas are: Industry Leadership; Employment and Sharing Resources.
The Media RING website contains relevant job listings, industry opportunities and a wide range of resources and news updates.Minister Collins said, “The sector needs to be resourced and empowered to take full advantage of future developments such as the National Broadband Network and the converging multi-media world, including the development of an Indigenous free to air digital TV channel in partnership with SBS. That channel has now been established between SBS and National Indigenous Television and will be on air in January 2013.”
View Channel 10 coverage of the strategy launch here.