Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander communities
SBS is committed to engaging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities with the aim of being the premier broadcaster of Indigenous content in Australia, championing diverse voices on issues affecting First Nations people, and contributing to the growth of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led content and industry pathways.
As the proud home of National Indigenous Television (NITV), SBS provides a platform for First Nations content to flourish, with trusted programs produced by, for and with First Nations Australians.
The deep relationships held with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities enable us to access and share important stories, otherwise untold, including through Australia’s only national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander television news service.
A platform for voices and celebrating culture
As a network, we maintain a calendar of key events, including NAIDOC Week, January 26 and National Reconciliation Week, guided and implemented by a specialist team, to bring a unique First Nations perspective to our content and coverage, for all Australians.
SBS’s Indigenous Engagement and Partnerships team provides best practice guidance, empowering teams across the organisation to think and do differently, when it comes to Indigenous affairs. This includes through The Greater Perspective, a set of protocols and guidelines to assist program-makers, journalists and other media practitioners, in the production of content relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
SBS’s Elevate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) guides the work we do, formalising our commitment to leadership in reconciliation by increasing the prominence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories and perspectives to promote greater understanding amongst all Australians.
Internally, work with Aboriginal organisation BlackCard has assisted in the development of a cultural capability training offering for SBS employees.
Contributing to a more inclusive future
Our Indigenous Employment Strategy is focused on developing First Nations talent, and we have partnered with Career Trackers to offer intern placements to Indigenous university students.
Inspiring long-term shifts in the sector, SBS and NITV’s Beyond 3% initiative launched in 2021 aims to raise awareness of the benefits of greater advertising investment by media agencies and brands in Australia’s Indigenous media platforms.
SBS, NITV and Reconciliation Australia also proudly partner together for the Reconciliation Film Club. This online platform supports organisations to host screenings of a curated selection of documentaries from Australia's leading Indigenous film makers to help ignite conversations and spark change. Learn more.
With programs that inspire, instil pride and lead to a greater understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and cultures, NITV helps all Australians to connect with our rich Indigenous history.