In this time the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people participating in the industry has steadily increased. This increased production and talent combined with the hard work of Indigenous media organisations around the country like Indigenous Community Television, Walpiri Media, Ernabella Video and Television, CAAMA have all helped to pave the way for the development of our own national television service.

After an initial summit in Redfern in 2004 and with the concerted efforts of Indigenous media professionals around the country, in 2005 the Federal Government supported the development of NITV with funding of $48.5 million until 30 June 2010.

In 2007 NITV established its head office in Alice Springs and its production office in Sydney, with a total staff of 20 people and commenced broadcasting on Black Friday the 13th of July 2007 during NAIDOC week.

The estimated audience of NITV will be approximately 220,000 people in remote Australia and further negotiations are underway for the service to be available on Foxtel and Austar later in the year.

NITV will acquire and commission a range of programming which reflects the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and communities. It will support locally produced content, and help to further open up career paths for Indigenous people in the industry.

Over the next 4 years NITV aims to build its audience share by informing, educating and entertaining all Australians and in this way fulfil its aspiration to reach the widest possible audience in both Australia and overseas.

For detailed information about NITV download our Fact Sheets.