A new partnership between the ABC and First Nations Media Australia (FNMA) will see both organisations share knowledge and staff to increase the number of Indigenous voices and stories seen and heard in Australian media.
Across the next 12 months, the ABC and FNMA will each bring their skills and perspectives to three media collaborations around news gathering; festivals and events; and content co-production to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people working in media and to increase the number and diversity of Indigenous stories.
The ABC’s managing director, David Anderson, said both organisations had much to learn from each other. “The sharing of skills around broadcast production, communications and Indigenous storytelling will mean Australian audiences will have a much richer experience with access to a much broader range of Indigenous content in coming years.”
“We have already started working on projects that include the mentoring of emerging Indigenous sports broadcasters and making available our emergency broadcast feeds to FNMA members.”
Other projects include a focus on Indigenous sport on ABC Digital Radio, and the provision of legal advice by ABC Legal through an arrangement with the Australian Pro Bono Centre, Anderson said.
FNMA chair, Naomi Moran said, “FNMA is pleased to see the ABC acting on its Elevate RAP through supporting the community-controlled and independent First Nations media sector to share stories from grassroots community. The First Nations media sector represents the voices of black Australia. We are responsible for truth telling through our news and current affairs, and the authentic story telling of our people and communities. Partnering with the ABC will further amplify and celebrate the work being undertaken by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander reporters and broadcasters across areas often overlooked by mainstream media.”
The partnership with FNMA is part of the ABC’s commitment to its Elevate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) which aims to create strategic partnerships and projects with Indigenous communities and peak bodies.
First Nations Media Australia is the national peak body for the First Nations media and communications industry. It coordinates and leads activities that support a dynamic and sustainable First Nations media industry, empowering Australia’s First Nations people through a culturally connected media industry.