Continuation of Funding for National Indigenous Television - Budget 2010-11

Key Elements

• This measure provides $15.2 million for National Indigenous Television (NITV) to continue operation in 2010-11.
• The funding will support continuation of NITV’s programming commitments and operating arrangements while the Australian Government assesses its investment in the Indigenous broadcasting and media sector more widely.

Background

• The Indigenous television content provided by NITV is available around Australia to viewers of Foxtel, Austar, Optus, TransTV and audiences in Geelong, Ballarat, and Mildura. NITV is available free to air through Imparja Television in 147 remote Indigenous communities as well as to Mt Isa, Bourke and Alice Springs.  It is also available on the Parliamentary Channel.
• NITV showcases and develops the talents and skills of Indigenous actors and broadcast media professionals. NITV has acquired and commissioned over 1,730 hours of Indigenous first run content over two years of content production.
• The Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts will coordinate the review of Australian Government investment in the Indigenous broadcasting and media sector in 2010.

Implementation

• This funding will support the continued operation of NITV in 2010-11.

Total Government Funding

• The Australian Government is committing $15.2 million to this initiative.