Living Black

[TV.Cynic]

Monday 12 April at 08:30 PM on NITV

Living Black returns with its 29th season in 2021. Australia’s longest running Indigenous current affairs program continues to provide the best with a series of investigations and celebrity conversations. From children living in out of home care, to the return of cultural artefacts, journalist Karla Grant explores important and often unknown issues affecting Indigenous Australians. Karla also speaks with well-known personalities to talk about their lives, careers, and what inspires them to achieve greatness for their people and for themselves.

Executive Producer and Host of Living Black Karla Grant will return to the helm in her 18th year producing the program and 26th anniversary at SBS - a career that has seen her interview iconic figures such as the Dalai Lama, Kevin Rudd, Malcom Turnbull, Adam Goodes , Cathy Freeman, Uncle Jack Charles, Samantha Harris and Archie Roach .

Episode 1

The episode sees Karla travel to the town of Meningie, South Australia to the set of Ernie’s successful program Going Places with Ernie Dingo. Karla chats to the renowned traveller about his life, career, the importance of language and culture, and what the future holds for the legendary personality.

[JohnsonTV]

Returning: Living Black | TV Tonight

[TV.Cynic]

Living Black returns in 2022

Australia’s longest-running Indigenous current affairs program returns Monday 18 April for its 29th season.

National Indigenous Television ( NITV )’s Walkley Award winning current affairs program Living Black returns in 2022 on Monday 18 April at 8.30pm.

Hosted by presenter, producer, journalist and proud Western Arrernte woman Karla Grant , this year Living Black will continue to unearth the most important issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

Living Black ’s 29th season will begin with four episodes devoted to First Nations politicians, ahead of the 2022 federal election.

Independent Tasmanian Senator Jacqui Lambie will share her life story and delve into what inspires her politically on Monday 18 April. Victorian Greens Senator Lidia Thorpe describes her journey from a childhood in public housing to walking the halls of Parliament House, on Monday 25 April.

On Monday 2 May, Labor Senator for the Northern Territory Malarndirri McCarthy opens up about the fight for the rights of her people and the reasons behind why she crossed the floor in parliament against her own government. The Honourable Ken Wyatt AM MP will share his journey to becoming Australia’s first Indigenous frontbencher, and the first Indigenous politician to hold the portfolio for Indigenous Australians in the Federal Government on Monday 9 May.

The 29th season includes conversational episodes devoted to Narelda Jacobs , Brooke Blurton , Mitch Tambo and Sonny Bill Williams , as well as more of Living Black ’s award-winning investigations, following on from a year that saw the program report on the COVID-19 crisis in Wilcannia and the forced removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children – the latter winning Living Black an Amnesty International Australia Media Award in 2021 and a Walkley Award in 2022.

Host Karla Grant said, “I am so looking forward to another year full of important conversations and investigations as part of Living Black . My team and I are committed to telling the stories of our people. As we head into our 20th anniversary in 2023, we’re reminded of how significant a program like Living Black is. Living Black provides Indigenous peoples with a voice that reaches right across the country, and we are committed to this platform where we’re able to draw attention to the lived experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”

Director of Indigenous Content at SBS, Tanya Denning-Orman , said: “Fresh from their Walkey’s win, I’m so looking forward to what 2022 has in store for Living Black. Living Black is synonymous with NITV for a reason. Karla and her team are devoted to bringing Indigenous voices to wider Australia, whilst representing Community with passion and empathy. We can’t wait to celebrate the program’s 30th season next year.”

Watch Living Black weekly from Monday 18 April at 8:30pm on NITV and SBS On Demand.

[TV.Cynic]

National Reconciliation Week

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Living Black

On Monday 30 May at 8:30pm , Living Black airs a special conversation with Mitch Tambo . Language, culture and tradition isn’t just a source of pride for singer songwriter Mitch Tambo - it’s a way of life. Since bursting onto the scene singing his song Walanbaa in language on ‘Australia’s Got Talent’, Mitch has been taking the music world by storm. Join host Karla Grant as she travels to Torquay in regional Victoria to talk to Mitch about his life, his love of language and to hear about the birth of his baby girl Phoenix.

[TV.Cynic]

These familiar faces will be sitting down with Karla Grant in June

Some of the biggest names in sport, media and entertainment will appear on NITV’s Living Black this month.

Brooke Blurton, Narelda Jacobs and Sonny Bill Williams will all join host Karla Grant for revealing conversations this month on Living Black, the country’s longest-running Indigenous current affairs program.

As ever, the program will delve into the lives behind the bright lights of fame, such as that of Brooke Blurton, who broke barriers by becoming the first-ever Indigenous lead on The Bachelorette Australia.

But life was not always glitz and glamour for the reality star.

Brooke Blurton on life and loss

Monday 13 June 8:30pm.

“I had to grow up quite quickly," Blurton told the program.

"When I was 11 years old, I lost two of the most influential women in my life within a month of each other… my Mum and my Nan, we were so close.

"I was in utter shock and my reaction to that was to shut down… I didn’t feel like I was really understood in that time and that’s all I wanted, to feel understood and valued and validated.”

As the public well knows, Blurton overcame this early trauma to become a celebrated figure in modelling and as the star of The Bachelorette.

She and Karla also discuss Blurton’s work with Indigenous youth, perhaps no surprise given her own troubled childhood.

Narelda Jacobs on being her ‘authentic self’

Monday 20 June 8:30pm

Another familiar face to many viewers will be the beloved Narelda Jacobs, the trusted face of the nightly news for Network 10 for two decades.

But as she told Living Black, the search for her own truth has been a lifelong battle.

Jacobs opened up about her life, why she wanted to become a journalist, and how she battled a strong Christian upbringing to finally find her own queer identity.

“I didn’t want to live a lie. I wanted to live my authentic self and I couldn’t be in the closet anymore with my family,” she told Living Black.

"So I sat my Mum down… the next thing she said was ‘I will never be able to accept your sexuality, but I will always love you.’

"She’s come a long way now, but I knew that there would never be that acceptance, so to have that love… was something that’s not afforded to a lot of queer people when they come out.

“It probably makes me stronger.”

Jacobs said she still has “fierce respect” for her mother, who defied the racist norms of the day to be with her husband.

"I respect her as that woman who married a Black man when it was shunned and frowned upon.”

Sonny Bill Williams on finding purpose again

Monday 27 June 8:30pm

He may be one of the best-known faces in sport, but Sonny Bill Williams also had to fight for his identity, in more ways than one.

Having played NRL, Rugby Union, and represented the All Blacks, Williams says he is now facing his biggest challenge: taking his talents to the boxing ring.

He told Living Black of the many pitfalls of his journey so far.

“They say only from the depths of the darkness can you reach the highest of heights."

“I was living a life that was boundary-less… I was young, some would say good-looking and I had wealth. It was hard to say no to those things. The way I lived my life on the field, I took that into my life off the field as well, where it was: train hard, play hard.”

Overcoming low self-confidence off the field was a major challenge for Williams, who struggled after his retirement from the field.

“I had confidence once I had a few drinks in me or I had drugs in me… but once that had gone, the next day… knowing that I wasn’t a good person, it takes away at your soul.”

“It’s not empowerment that you feel.”

Getting into the ring gave Williams a purpose again, as he told Karla.

To hear all these stories and more, tune into Living Black, Mondays 8:30pm on NITV. Join the conversation #LivingBlack

[JohnsonTV]

Airdates of the three interviews
Brooke Blurton - June 13
Narelda Jacobs - June 20
Sonny Bill Williams - June 27

[TV.Cynic]

NAIDOC Week

• July 4: Erica Glynn - Woman of Many Talents at 9:30pm on NITV
• July 6: Art, Greed and Betrayal at 9:30pm on NITV
• July 7: True Colours – Behind The Scenes at 9:30pm on NITV

The NAIDOC line-up includes True Colours specials of Living Black, firstly with Erica Glynn – Woman of Many Talents where host Karla Grant speaks with the award-winning writer, producer, and director about her life and career, and her role as co-creator of True Colours. In Art, Greed and Betrayal, Karla investigates how one man betrayed his art community. Then, in True Colours – Behind the Scenes , Karla is joined by creators Erica Glynn and Warren H. Williams, Rarriwuy Hick and translator Marie Ellis to explore how Arrernte language, culture, and community helped to shape this unique series.

[TV.Cynic]

Living Black - Western Australia’s “Cultural Genocide”

Monday 15 August 8:30 PM

After the destruction of Juukan Gorge by iron ore miner Rio Tinto, the West Australian government introduced new Aboriginal heritage protection laws, to stop another Juukan happening again. Aboriginal leaders say the new laws could lead to the destruction of more sacred places, a process they call “cultural genocide”. We hear from Traditional Custodians Raelene Cooper and Slim Parker, Senator for Western Australia Pat Dodson and former WA Indigenous Affairs Minister Ben Wyatt as custodians for the unique rock art in the Burrup Peninsula call for urgent Federal Government help to save 60,000 years of First Nations history.

[TV.Cynic]

Living Black Ngumpin Kartiya

Monday 22 August 8:30 PM

Newly released Indigenous short film tells untold stories of the Wave Hill Walk-off and the Gurindji people while also revealing the true significance of the iconic song From Little Things Big Things Grow.

NGUMPIN KARTIYA - Untold Stories of the Gurindji and the Wave Hill Walk-off is a film produced by the Gurindji Aboriginal Corporation, Freedom Day Festival and These Wild Eyes. Released on August 23, this 17-minute documentary film looks at a proud and sometimes difficult past, and also celebrates a bright and better future.

The Gurindji story, immortalised in the Paul Kelly and Kev Carmody classic From Little Things Big Things Grow, is known by many Australians – but often only vaguely. This film sheds light on the pivotal historical events that led to Aboriginal Land Rights and forever changed our nation and the plight of Indigenous people to reclaim their land.

And it does so by revisiting the Gurindji community all these years later to hear from the descendants of Vincent Lingiari and those who took a brave stand against power and privilege some 54 years ago.

[TV.Cynic]

Season 20

From Monday 17 April 8:30 PM NITV

Living Black, Australia’s longest-running Indigenous current affairs program, returns in 2023 to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

National Indigenous Television (NITV)’s Walkley Award-winning current affairs program Living Black returns in 2023 on Monday 17 April at 8.30pm.

Hosted by presenter, producer, journalist and proud Western Arrernte woman Karla Grant, Living Black continues to unearth the most important issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.

Living Black’s 30th season begins with a special episode featuring interviews with high-profile guests. Karla explores the changing face of Indigenous affairs over the last two decades and discusses the impact the program has made on the lives of First Nations peoples. Karla is joined by Federal Politicians, former sport stars and creatives, including a performance by The Stiff Gins.

Media Release

A brand new, 13-episode season of the ground-breaking current affairs program Living Black premieres on National Indigenous Television (NITV) on Monday 17 April at 8.30pm and will be encored on SBS on Tuesday 18 April at 10.30pm. Now in its 30th season, Living Black is Australia’s longest-running Indigenous current affairs television program.

Join Walkley award-winning presenter, producer and journalist Karla Grant as she interviews some of Australia’s most prominent First Nations peoples in the program’s 20th year. Living Black continues to investigate critical national and international issues through a unique First Nations lens, through compelling stories told predominantly by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Living Black begins its new season with a special one-hour episode featuring a panel discussion with high-profile guests. This includes Independent Senators Lidia Thorpe and Jacqui Lambie, former Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt, Reconciliation Australia CEO Karen Mundine, NRL great Dean Widders, actor and producer Aaron Fa’Aoso and lawyer, academic and land rights activist Noel Pearson. All feature in an in-depth discussion about the upcoming Voice to Parliament Referendum and celebrate the historic Living Black series milestone.

The remaining episodes of Living Black air weekly on Mondays with the iconic sit-down format that audiences know and love.

Season 30 guests include the Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney, soprano, composer and educator Professor Deborah Cheetham AO, human rights and health advocate Pat Anderson AO, Play School presenter and stage and screen actor Luke Carroll, American patriarch Michael Brown Sr alongside filmmaker Mobolaji Olambiwonnu, singer, songwriter and actor Christine Anu, Bangarra Dance Theatre Artistic Director Frances Rings and more.

This 30th season also includes a powerful investigation, uncovering serious cases of abuse of Indigenous families and their fight for justice, with more details to be announced in the coming weeks.

Presenter, producer, journalist and Western Arrernte woman, Karla Grant, said: “I am incredibly proud of our talented team who have broken so many stories over the years – from regional communities requiring support during the COVID-19 pandemic, to revelations about Indigenous art theft, Living Black continues to be a platform for telling important stories from our First Nations peoples, highlighting voices that need to be heard.

“I’m looking forward to many more years of Living Black, and this new season will be incredibly memorable.”

SBS Director of Indigenous Content and Birri and Guugu Yimidhirr woman, Tanya Denning-Orman, said: “We are so proud of the work that Karla has done with the network over the past two decades. From ICAM to Living Black, Karla and her colleagues have won multiple awards for their incredible efforts. Through the program, Karla and the team continue to tell stories that would otherwise remain untold – giving voice to the otherwise voiceless.

“Karla is an incomparable and formidable force; Living Black is a pillar of the NITV channel and it’s also a continued service to all Australians as part of SBS. Stories that shine a light on disadvantage and injustice are at the core of Living Black, as are celebrations of Black excellence. Thank you, Karla and team, for your tireless effort, your relentless approach and your never-ending commitment.”

Episode 1
In a special one-hour panel discussion with high-profile guests, Karla covers a pressing issue currently facing all Australians, with a focus on First Nations people – the Referendum on a Voice to Parliament. Karla is joined by Noel Pearson, Senators Lidia Thorpe and Jacqui Lambie, Ken Wyatt, Karen Mundine, Dean Widders and Aaron Fa’Aoso. The episode also features a special performance by The Stiff Gins.

Episode 2
Karla Grant sits down with the Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney for an in-depth interview about the upcoming Voice to Parliament Referendum. Minister Burney will unpack the Referendum question, how the Voice will work, who will advise on the Voice and more.

Episode 3
He’s played a doctor on Home and Away and starred in numerous plays including At What Cost and Black Cockatoo, but Luke Carroll’s greatest role has been educating our children as the first Indigenous recurring male host on Play School. How did the established actor with no formal training go on to represent mob as one of our most recognisable actors? Karla Grant speaks with Luke about being a child actor, why onscreen representation matters, and how he hopes he made his late mother proud.

Watch Living Black weekly from Monday 17 April at 8.30pm on NITV and on SBS from Tuesday 18 April at 10.30pm. Living Black will also be available to stream on SBS On Demand.

[JohnsonTV]

"We’re covering stories not many other outlets are covering ...giving a voice...

[TV.Cynic]

Living Black

Thomas Mayor: Statement From the Heart

Monday 4 September 8:35 PM

Thomas Mayor discusses his part at the historic Uluru Convention and unpacks the recommendations of the Uluru Statement From The Heart and why Indigenous Australians need a voice enshrined in the Parliament.

[TV.Cynic]

Living Black Conversations: Jacinta Price

Monday 18 September 8:30 PM

Jacinta Price is quickly making a name for herself in Australian politics.

From working as the Deputy Mayor in Alice Springs in 2020, to her election as an NT Senator 3 years later, the rise of Price is rapid. Now the polarising senator and newly appointed Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians is leading the campaign to reject the proposed Voice to Parliament and tells Karla Grant that this referendum should never have been brought about thanks to its divisive nature.

[TV.Cynic]

Living Black, the longest-running Indigenous current affairs television program in Australia, returns for its 21st year with new guests

Watch Living Black weekly from Monday 22 April at 8.30pm on NITV and on SBS from Tuesday 23 April at 10.30pm.

A new, 14-episode season of the ground-breaking current affairs program Living Black premieres on National Indigenous Television (NITV) on Monday 22 April at 8.30pm and will be encored on SBS on Tuesday 23 April at 10.30pm. Now in its 31st season, Living Black is Australia’s longest-running Indigenous current affairs television program.

Join Western Arrernte woman, Walkley Award-winning presenter, Executive Producer and journalist Karla Grant as she interviews some of Australia’s most prominent First Nations peoples in the program’s 21st year. Living Black continues to investigate critical national and international issues through a unique First Nations lens, through compelling stories told predominantly by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This season, guests include musician Emily Wurramara, comedian Andy Saunders, former entertainer and radio broadcaster Candy Devine, photographer Barbara McGrady, artist Blak Douglas, Cherokee chef, caterer and student of traditional Indigenous cuisines Nico Albert Williams (ᏣᎳᎩᎯ ᎠᏰᎵ Cherokee Nation) and more.

The season also includes powerful investigations, uncovering black cladding of businesses across the country, and the impact of the Aboriginal Housing Company’s redevelopment of The Block in Redfern, with more details to be announced in the coming weeks.

Living Black host, Karla Grant, said: “At Living Black, we remain committed to sharing the stories of our people. We continue to give Indigenous peoples a voice across the country, and this year we’re also going global – interviewing international talent about issues that affect all First Nations peoples.

“I’m looking forward to a new season which features timely investigations and inspiring interviews.”

SBS Director of Indigenous Content and Birri and Guugu Yimidhirr woman, Tanya Denning-Orman, said: “2023 was a massive year for NITV. It is more important now than ever before to highlight Indigenous peoples’ stories and engage in truth-telling. Living Black continues to do this through important investigations and by shining a light on our peoples’ lived experiences. It’s no wonder that Karla Grant and Living Black are synonymous with NITV and SBS.”

Living Black will also be available to stream for free on SBS On Demand and will be subtitled in Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese.

[TV.Cynic]

Episode 1

Monday 22 April 8:30pm NITV
Tuesday 23 April 10:30 pm SBS

Lydia Williams is our longest serving Matilda, and now she’s going for gold at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Karla Grant sits down with Lydia to talk about her life, career, and love of the world game.