CBC teenage drama Trickster is coming to NITV on October 27, three weeks after its premiere in Canada.
Trickster
From Tuesday 27 October at 08:30 PM
âStranger Things in Kitamaatâ Canadian supernatural series âTricksterâ will premiere on NITV and SBS On Demand Tuesday 27 October at 8:30pm
National Indigenous Television (NITV) is proud to announce that the channel will be the Australian home of the CBC Original Series Trickster.
Based on the best-selling novel Son of a Trickster by Eden Robinson, newcomer Joel Oulette plays Jared - an Indigenous teen struggling to keep his dysfunctional family above water.
Jared juggles high school, his job at the local drive-thru and his side hustle selling ecstasy, all while supporting his Mum, Maggie (Crystle Lightning), who self-medicates an undiagnosed mental illness and his unemployable Dad, Phil (Craig Lauzon) while also trying to attract the interest of intriguing new neighbour Sarah (Anna Lambe).
But when Jared starts seeing strange things â talking ravens, doppelgĂ€ngers and skin monstersâ his already chaotic life is turned upside down.
Screen Australia:
The third series of popular NITV animated kids series Little J & Big Cuz is currently in production in Melbourne.
(Ryan) Liddle says even within NITV some are surprised there has not been an Indigenous breakfast show until now.
âHow has it taken this long to get it done? But I think itâs probably come at the right time.â
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NITV 2021
Going Places with Ernie Dingo S4
TX: January 2021 on NITV
Number of Episodes: 12 x 1hr / 12 x 30 mins
Australian television legend Ernie Dingo is back for another season of Going Places with Ernie Dingo in 2021. The new season follows Ernie as he explores the most beautifuldestinations that Australia has to offer, one place at a time.
Homeland Story
TX: January 2021 on NITV
An intimate portrait of Donydi, a remote, traditional Indigenous Homeland in North-East Arnhem Land in the far North of Australia. This 90-minute film charts the communityâs transition from nomadic life to the digital age, from the 1960âs to the present day. Homeland Story documents their struggle to overcome corrosive government policy andmining interests and the fight to remain on their ancestral land.
Hawaiian: The Legend of Eddie Aikau
TX: March 2021 on NITV
From Director Sam George, Hawaiian: The Legend of Eddie Aikau is a 90-minute documentary that chronicles the remarkable life and times of the late Eddie Aikau â the legendary Hawaiian big wave surfer, pioneering lifeguard and ultimately doomed crew member of the Polynesian voyaging canoe, Hokulea.
Vai
TX: March 2021 on NITV
A portmanteau feature film brought together by nine female Pacific filmmakers and filmed on seven different Pacific islands. Vai is a 90-minute film that explores the journey of empowerment through culture, from the perspective of one womanâs lifetime.
Strait to the Plate
TX: April 2021 on NITV
Number of Episodes: 5 x 30min
Strait to the Plate unearths a feast of signature Torres Strait Islander culinary delights.The series sets its course, navigating throughout six Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, providing a contemporary snapshot of the people, food and life in the Torres Strait Islands. Set against the turquoise blue sea, host Aaron Faâaoso explores the tropical region with its white sandy beaches. Strung together with the sounds of island-fused reggae music, the series sets a tranquil tone, easing audiences into a more relaxed pace to transcend them all the way to the beautiful Torres Strait Islands. A Lone Star Company production for SBS. Produced with investment from Screen Queensland.
National Indigenous Music Awards
TX: August 2021 on NITV
The National Indigenous Music Awards (the NIMAs) will return to NITV in 2021, bringing Indigenous music and stories to audiences around Australia.
National Indigenous Fashion Awards
TX: August 2021 on NITV
In its second year, the National Indigenous Fashion Awards (the NIFAs) will return to NITV, providing a platform to celebrate the innovation, diversity and ethical practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and fashion designers.
The Fight Together
TX: Late 2021 on NITV
Number of Episodes: 1 x 75min
In 2012, a group of Indigenous NRL players including Dean Widders, Preston Campbell, Timana Tahu and George Rose came together to develop a pre-game ceremony torespond to New Zealandâs much-loved haka. Led by Dean, the team collaborated to build support for their vision. They set out to persuade the Australian Kangaroos team to perform the dance at the New Zealand and Australian Test in October 2020. The Fight Together explores Deanâs remarkable journey and looks at how it wasnât football thatgave him his strength; it was his culture. An EQ Media production for SBS. Principal production investment from Screen Australia in association with SBS. Financed with support from Screen NSW.
Incarceration Nation
TX: 2021 on NITV
Number of Episodes: 1 x 90min
Australia was so-called settled by the English with one clear purpose â to create a prison island. Over 200 years later, not much has changed. Incarceration Nation is the tragic story of the continued systemic injustice and oppression of Aboriginal people in the justice system on their own land. The 90 -minute documentary takes audiences across the country to gain insight into systemic racism and the people affected by this national catastrophe. It shows the first-hand devastation, introduces the people trying to make a difference, and interviews some of the nationâs brightest minds. We listen to academics, lawyers and people at the coalface to get this issue to the top of the national agenda. A Bacon Factory Films production for NITV. Principal production investment from Screen Australia in association with NITV. Financed with support from Documentary Australia Foundation with Screen Queensland.
The First Inventors
TX: 2021 on NITV
Number of Episodes: 4 x 60min
The First Inventors, a co-commission currently in development with Network 10, will take you on a journey back through time to a community in the midst of developing sophisticated stone tools, art, agriculture, irrigation and much more. In this incredible story of knowledge, resilience and invention, presenter Rob Collins will meet and collaborate with First Nations authorities whose frontline fieldwork is giving us an exciting new insight into ancient Indigenous innovations and discoveries. Developed with the assistance of Screen Territory.
Little J and Big Cuz S3
TX: 2021 on NITV
Number of Episodes: 13 x 12 minutes
NITVâs Logie award-winning childrenâs animation Little J and Big Cuz is back for a third season in 2021. Miranda Tapsell returns as Little J, alongside Deborah Mailman as Big Cuz and Aaron Faâaso as Old Dog, as they get caught up in surprising adventures, and find out all about culture, community and country. Little J & Big Cuz Season 3 is a Ned Lander Media production for NITV and ABC Childrenâs. Major production investment from Screen Australia, in association with NITV. Financed with support from the ABC, with Film Victoria, Screen Tasmania and the Australian Council for Educational Research. International sales by the Australian Childrenâs Television Foundation.
RETURNING NITV NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS IN 2021
In 2021, our dedicated team of NITV journalists across the country will continue to deliver breaking news, cover big stories and explore the issues that matter most to communities across Australia. NITVâs flagship program The Point is back with hosts Rachael Hocking and John Paul Janke joined by key commentators and high-profile personalities each week to discuss all the stories you need to know through a unique Indigenous perspective. Karla Grant returns for another season of Living Black, where she sits down with inspiring and influential people to delve into issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, bringing personal insight to extraordinary stories. Veteran journalist Natalie Ahmat and our team of Indigenous journalists are also back on your screens seven days a week in 2021 with daily editions of NITV News and Friday national wrap program Nula.
RETURNING NITV SPORT IN 2021
Championing young, diverse players and perspectives, Yokayi Footy returns. to NITV in March. Viewers will get their footy fix, be treated to player interviews, and enjoy moving community stories as football and Indigenous culture intersect. Over the Black Dot also returns in March, with an all-Indigenous panel covering NRL highlights alongside special guests, championing Indigenous achievements and having some laughs along the way. After the 50th anniversary of the Koori Knockout was postponed to 2021, the tournament will return to its home on NITV, live in October.
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NITV announces updates to senior leadership
National Indigenous Television (NITV) has announced updates to its senior content editorial leadership team to support the continued growth and evolution of the channel, as it marked its eight-year anniversary of becoming available to all Australians free-to-air as part of the SBS network in December 2012.
Tanya Denning-Orman, a Birri and Guugu Yimidhirr woman who has led NITV since it joined SBS, was appointed SBSâs first Director of Indigenous Content earlier this year. She continues to oversee management of NITV as a channel dedicated to Indigenous voices and perspectives, in addition to playing a key role in the development and delivery of First Nations storytelling across the SBS network.
NITVâs senior leadership team includes Kyas Hepworth (nee Sherriff) who has been appointed Head of Commissioning and Programming for NITV. Since joining the channel as Senior Commissioning Editor last year, Hepworth has led NITVâs commissioning, and in her new role, will lead the creative direction and delivery of NITVâs distinctive offering across commissioned and acquired content, as well as its programming and scheduling to bring it to audiences. She will be responsible for NITVâs biggest commissioned content offering in 2021, which includes the return of award-winning childrenâs animation series, Little J and Big Cuz, and the premiere of drama series, Copping it Black.
Rhanna Collins, a proud palawa woman who has been with NITV since 2014, has also been promoted to Head of Indigenous News and Current Affairs, from her position as Executive Editor. Collins leads the commissioning and output for the channelâs news and current affairs offering which includes NITV News, Nula and The Point, and provides a vital platform for Indigenous perspectives. It comes after a year that saw NITV significantly increase its output, providing essential news and information keeping communities informed and safe, and The Point attracted its highest audiences as it provided an authentic voice and perspective during the Black Lives Matter movement, exploring its resonance in Australia. Following the announcement, Lindy Kerin (Arrernte) has been appointed Acting Executive Editor, and Jodan Perry (Worimi & Wiradjuri) has also been promoted to Executive Producer of NITVâs news and current affairs programs.
In recognition of the range of projects delivered across sport, lifestyle and entertainment programming on NITV, Latj Latji and Gurang Gurang man, Adam Manovic, has been announced as the Head of Indigenous Events, Entertainment & Creative for NITV. Adam has been Managing Producer at NITV since 2018, and has been working at the channel since 2008. He will continue to lead NITVâs internal productions including Going Places with Ernie Dingo, events like NAIDOC, its sport offering including live events and football shows Yokayi Footy (AFL) and Over the Black Dot (rugby league), as well as oversee a growing number of activations covered and supported by NITV, while also managing marketing and creative for the channel.
Award-winning journalist and Western Arrernte woman, Karla Grant, will see her role shift in the new year to have a broader content focus as the Executive Producer, Living Black & Special Projects for NITV. She will remain the host of Living Black and Karla Grant Presents programs, while also expanding across other projects including working with the Indigenous production sector leading NITVâs Our Stories content initiative, which provides opportunities for regional and remote factual stories across the channel.
Acclaimed Birpai-Dunghutti writer and journalist, Jack Latimore, is also stepping into the new interim role of Acting Managing Editor, from his current role of Digital Editor, to oversee news content across NITVâs digital platforms as the channelâs plans are further developed in the new year. Latimore also continues to co-host and produce NITVâs weekly podcast, Take it Blak.
Announcing the updates this week, Denning-Orman said: âNITV has had an incredible year, reaching more Australians than ever with powerful storytelling, entertainment connecting with audiences of all ages, and trusted news ensuring Indigenous voices are at the forefront of the issues impacting our communities.
âIâm proud to have such a strong and experienced all-Indigenous content editorial leadership team steering NITV into its next phase of growth. Over the last eight years available free-to-air, weâve firmly positioned the channel as the home of First Nations storytelling, and we want to continue to inspire more Australians with more world-class content in the years ahead, championing the voices and experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in front of the camera and behind the scenes.
âItâs an exciting time for NITV, and for First Nations media in Australia, as we continue to grow and deliver more stories celebrating our culture and achievements, by and for our mob, and inspiring all Australians.â
OK, at what point does the movie version of The Flintstones have any relevance to indigenous Australia? Because that is whatâs on NITV at the moment.
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I was just going to post the same 
Yabba dabba didgeri-doo?
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The Jetsons Movie is on NITV this Friday at 7.30pm. Nothing to do with indigenous culture either.
Theyâre just trying to get more eyeballs to the station, with these sorts of movies. They aired The Blues Brothers film recently too.
Theyâve had several Australian films on NITV in the past that dealt with the indigenous culture. Sadly, didnt promote it hard enough, thus not doimg well in the ratings which sucks.
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Really? Seriously, someone alert News Ltd to this crap and let them go to town on it.
Iâd be ashamed if I were indigenous (my family is distantly related to the Ridgeways up on the North Coast, who include the first indigenous senator, Aden Ridgeway, but I am not indigenous, if you follow my drift) if thatâs the way a broadcaster being setup to convey indigenous voices. SBS is using NITV as a dumping ground.
NITV needs to be made independent of SBS, made the third public broadcaster, run by an indigenous board with indigenous people running the joint. Heck, merge Imparja into it, base it in Alice Springs and sell the IMP terrestrial channels to Nine or SCA for a handsome fee to invest into an independent NITV.
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I agree. It shouldnât be a dumping ground for SBS at all. Dump these movies onto Viceland and / or to their own Movies Channel. If NITV dont have enough content, then make some more relevant content available. Heck, even extend shows like Volumz and Bamay if they have too.
I wish some journos were more unterested in this channel, rather than dishing out their usual garbage on âreality starsâ.
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Doesnât this sound like the change in direction at SBS about 20 odd years ago? Used to be multicultural and then became all about âSouth Parkâ.
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The 30-minute episodes will premiere on SBS on Saturday, January 30 at 7.30pm, with extended one hour episodes on NITV from January 31 at 8.30pm.
Brought in a lot of new viewers, who would had otherwise never watch SBS
Ratings would suggest NITV needs a lot of help.
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Could it be possible that NITV would keep their indigenous content to daytime hours and act as a SBS/SBS Viceland/SBS Food catch up service at night?
So Great British Rail Journeys and 8 Out Of Ten Cats Does Countdown on NITV? 
I always presumed NITV rated higher in regional Australia (especially in remote Indigenous communities) than the major state capitals.
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Over on the popular tvtonight website, David Knox made a comment in the âTV Lounge sectionâ today regarding the odd choice of movies on NITV re The Flintstones and The Jetsons. Rightly so.
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If theyâre looking for content, there are thousands of Australian movies and short films that donât get a run on television. Surely they could get those cheaply and would be closer to the SBS/NITV charter.
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