Looks like a brand refresh is in the works. The current logo has only been in use since February 2016.
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It’s good that it is closer to the SBS logo.
Regarding the SBS logo. I realise it’s based on the curved splices world maps. The logo introduced in 1993 featured five equal curved splices. This was modified in 2008 to four splices, each increasing in size. No real explanation about it was changed from 5 to 4.
Since SBS appeared in the 3 suite of channel numbers (3,30,31,32,33,34), I have had the thought that their logo should have also had three splices rather than four. What do others think?
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NITV announces appointment of Jodan Perry as Head of Digital
National Indigenous Television (NITV) has announced that producer and journalist Jodan Perry has been appointed as Head of Digital, to support the growth of the channel’s digital offering.
A proud Worimi and Wiradjuri man, Perry moves into this role from his current position as Executive Producer, in NITV’s Indigenous News and Current Affairs team. In his new role as Head of Digital, he will be responsible for managing all of NITV’s digital delivery including the NITV website, social media, and video output on SBS On Demand.
Perry will play a key role in driving the future direction of NITV’s strategy across digital platforms, leading the planning and execution of its content strategy, and supporting the ongoing growth and engagement of audiences across digital. He will also be responsible for commissioning exclusively for online channels, delivering highly engaging content that reflects Australia’s Indigenous society while also reaching and resonating with a broader audience.
Tanya Denning-Orman, a Birri and Guugu Yimidhirr woman and Director of Indigenous Content, SBS, said: “NITV’s digital offering continues to be a focus for the channel, as a way to deepen engagement with the First Nations stories and perspectives. The experience Jodan brings to the role, coupled with a deep understanding and passion for the work we do at NITV, ensures our digital team will continue to grow and innovate the way we deliver content that goes to the heart of our remit in keeping communities informed, and amplifying Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices.”
On his appointment, Perry said: “I’m excited to be taking on this role, working with the digital team and colleagues across NITV, to continue the evolution of our digital content and strategy for the channel. We have a really engaged and responsive digital audience at NITV, and it’s an exciting time for the channel, and for coverage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues, to be leading the team and exploring new ways to deliver distinctive content and increase engagement with stories that matter.”
In the role, Perry will work closely with NITV General Manager, Peter Noble, who joined NITV earlier this month, and added: “Digital is crucial for the ongoing success of NITV’s growth. I’m very excited to work closely with Jodan and Tanya on setting a path towards digital excellence for our business.”
Perry previously worked at NITV as its Queensland Correspondent and has also held roles in sports reporting for the ABC, Nine and Sky News.
Perry will commence in the role from Tuesday, 23 November.
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Sing About This Country
Saturday 18 December at 7:30 pm
Join Troy Cassar-Daley and his friends as they hit the road in Sing About This Country. Follow the country music star as he and The Black Image Band bring their music to Queensland’s Cape York Peninsula
National Indigenous Television (NITV) are proud to give Australian audiences exclusive access to a unique tour from Troy Cassar-Daley in Sing About This Country .
Premiering on Saturday 18 December at 7:30pm, the feature documentary follows country music star Troy Cassar-Daley and his friends from The Black Image Band, brothers Cliff Harrigan , Pando Harrigan , Dylan Harrigan and Porky Harrigan , as they tour and perform in Indigenous communities throughout Queensland’s Cape York Peninsula.
Sing About This Country is a story of friendship, family and brotherhood, set amidst the backdrop of stunning remote landscapes and showcasing musical performances like no other.
Follow the group as they bring their music to isolated communities, culminating in a hometown performance in Cooktown in front of their family and friends, as well as a lively audience enjoying some good old-fashioned country music.
Little J and Big Cuz Season 3
From Friday 17 December at 07:30 PM
The third season of the Logie award-winning children’s series Little J and Big Cuz will premiere on National Indigenous Television ( NITV ) at 7:30pm AEDT on Friday 17 December.
Little J & Big Cuz draws on stories from First Nations writers all over Australia, brought to life by Ned Lander Media , Media World and Blue Rocket . The voices of Deborah Mailman , Miranda Tapsell , Aaron Fa’Aoso , Renee Lim and Shari Sebbens are back to create another ground-breaking season of children’s television. Multi award winning actor, Ursula Yovich steps into the role of Nanna following the untimely passing of the much-loved Ningali Lawford Wolf .
The season commemorates Ningali Lawford-Wolf’s significant contribution to Little J and Big Cuz and the wonderfully generous life she lived. Her family has stated, “Her career was a big part of who she was, and she would have wanted to continue to share her work.”
In season three, Big Cuz ( Deborah Mailman ) starts to navigate some tricky adult responsibilities like captaining the rugby team, getting her ‘pen licence’ and proving she can take on the challenge of looking after her own dog. Little J ( Miranda Tapsell ) and best friend Levi (also played by Ursula Yovich ) get up to more adventures on Country together, gaining invaluable knowledge about their culture and learning about the importance of having each other’s backs in tricky situations. Friendly faces Nanna, Old Dog ( Aaron Fa’Aoso ) Uncle Mick ( Mark Coles Smith ) and Ms Chen ( Renee Lim ) also help guide Little J and Big Cuz along the way, as they find out more about their world and themselves, whether it’s in the backyard, on Country or in the classroom.
The new season will premiere on NITV , with catch up available on SBS On Demand. The show will air on ABC Kids in 2022 and be available on the ABC Kids app as well as iview . The ground-breaking show was financed with the support of the ABC , Screen Australia , Film Victoria, the Tasmanian Government through Screen Tasmania , the Australian Council for Educational Research and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation .
NITV ’s Head of Commissioning and Programming , Kyas Hepworth , said: “ NITV is incredibly pleased to unveil the third season of Little J and Big Cuz . The positive impact that this show has on First Nation’s children and the wider Australian community continues to grow with every season. It highlights the importance of providing a show in which all kids not only see themselves represented on TV but also relate and connect these stories to understanding our incredible culture. We hope that the third season of Little J and Big Cuz continues to entertain and inspire young audiences .”
The first series of Little J and Big Cuz was supported through development by Screen Australia’s Indigenous Department and the Australian Council for Educational Research , and was based on an Indigenous perspective on the Early Years Learning Framework, to build engaging resources to help Indigenous kids transition into school, all while demystifying Indigenous culture for non-Indigenous children.
The third season of Little J and Big Cuz will also be translated into several Indigenous languages including Ngukurr Kriol, Kunwinjku and palawa kani, reaching ever wider audiences, deepening connections and galvanising communities around great stories in their own languages.
The season three premiere of Little J and Big Cuz will lead NITV’s refreshed family night slot, which airs every Friday at 7.30pm.
Little J and Big Cuz will air on NITV Friday’s from 17 December at 7:30pm and will be available on NITV ’s interactive Little J and Big Cuz webpage as well as SBS on Demand following broadcast.
Strait to Plate - Season 2
Strait to The Plate Back for a Second Helping
Following a highly successful first season, the Queensland-made SBS Food and NITV cuisine and culture show Strait to the Plate, set in the beautiful Torres Strait Islands, is currently in production on season two.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Strait to the Plate , produced by Aaron Fa’aoso’s Cairns-based Lonestar Productions is proudly supported by the Queensland Government via Screen Queensland’s Screen Finance Program.
“ Strait to the Plate takes audiences on a journey through the Torres Strait Islands, serving up six episodes full of stories, laughter and, of course, fantastic food,” the Premier said.
“This is a great local production created by First Nations-led, Cairns-based company Lonestar Productions with post-production by Brisbane’s The Post Lounge, creating local jobs which is an important part of our economic recovery.
“ Strait to the Plate season 2 will inject over $1 million into the state economy, providing another example of the strength and skill of our local screen industry.”
The Queensland Government through Screen Queensland is committed to building the local screen industry with the successful delivery of the Far North Queensland Screen Production Strategy, and continues this commitment with the new North Queensland Regional Program starting in 2022.
Screen Queensland CEO Kylie Munnich, who described the season one premiere as a “television highlight of 2021”, said the series delivers so much more than culinary inspiration.
“ Strait to the Plate is a show full of heart and authenticity, showcasing the First Nations’ culture, language and traditions of this unique and unspoiled paradise, filmed in all its tropical splendour.
“Season one tours the spectacular Islands of Badu, Poruma, Moa, Seisia, Injinoo and New Mapoon, and we look forward to seeing even more picturesque destinations and food traditions explored in season two, for Australian and international viewers to enjoy,” said Ms Munnich.
NITV Head of Commissioning and Programming, Kyas Hepworth said the network is delighted to commission another season, following last year’s highly rated debut.
“ Strait to the Plate is a series which we’re so passionate about at NITV.
“It is so much more than a travel and food show; it’s a platform to showcase the vibrant and living connections that exist to the sea, earth and seasons, as well as family and traditions. We can’t wait to take audiences on more Torres Strait Island culinary adventures in 2022.”
Strait to the Plate is hosted and produced by Aaron Fa’aoso, who is also highly acclaimed for his performances in RAN, Black Comedy and East West 101.
“The positive response we received from the community from season one was absolutely unprecedented,” said Mr Fa’aoso.
“The fantastic part about filming a second season is that the communities here have the first season as a reference point, so they are enthusiastic to showcase what makes their community special, and provide us with fantastic moments, and of course food, to film.
“The Torres Strait Islands are incredibly diverse from one community to another and we want to elevate things in season two and celebrate the beauty and uniqueness of each language, culture and way of life.”
Speaker of the Queensland Parliament, Member for Mulgrave and Far North Queensland Screen Champion, Curtis Pitt congratulated Cairns local Mr Fa’aoso on the forthcoming second season.
“Aaron and Lonestar Productions is one of the state’s greatest screen production success stories, and Strait to the Plate is nothing short of a triumph for our local sector and for the increased representation of Torres Strait Islander peoples and their rich cultural traditions,” said Mr Pitt.
“For several months, I have had the great pleasure of working alongside Aaron as part of the Far North Queensland Studio Implementation Committee, and his deep insights and experience have been instrumental in planning the brand new Screen Queensland Studios: Cairns, which is set to open its doors for business in mid-2022.”
Other productions that have filmed recently in Far North Queensland include: Universal Studios Group series Irreverent at Mission Beach; Dive Club and This Little Love of Mine by Brisbane’s The Steve Jaggi Company; and upcoming Netflix documentary Puff: Wonders of the Reef which is co-produced by Port Douglas-based company BioQuest Studios and narrated by Rose Byrne.
Strait to the Plate season 2 is set to screen on SBS Food, NITV and SBS on Demand in 2022.
Colonial Combat
From Sunday 12 December at 06:00 PM, 10 episodes.
Colonial Combat is a hilarious, action-packed comedy that takes a satirical smackdown at the ‘unofficial’ side of colonial history in the South Pacific. Set at the end of the 19th century in the dog-eat-dog world of Kauri Bay, New Zealand, a cast of colourful characters compete inside and outside of the wrestling ring for victory in Aotearoa.
The brand refresh took place at 5am AEDT today, nine years to the day since NITV was relaunched as a FTA channel under the management of SBS.
NITV also launched a new schedule today.
The revised schedule features themed programming slots, including a drama night, a movie night, a six-day a week natural history documentary slot and a regular weeknight slot entitled Bamay (an NITV production that showcases the country’s most diverse and stunning landscapes from a bird’s eye view).
The schedule for tonight is
07:30 pm NITV - Looking Forward, Looking Back
Indigenous television veteran Karla Grant and The Point’s JP Janke looks at some of the highlights over the years on NITV - and looks at new content coming to NITV screens in 2022.
08:00 pm Gurrumul Rpt
09:45 pm Movie: Samson and Delilah Rpt
11:30 pm From the Heart of Our Nation (NITV launch event in 2012) Rpt
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Nice looking new logo.
As for Bamay, its a great little gem of a show. Its in the style of the “slow tv”. Not sure when it will air in the new schedule, but it would usually air later in the night before Volumz starts.
Glad that there is some feature themed programming slots for NITV. like drama night, movie night, weeknight doco slots etc.
However… as for the family movie night on Friday nights, its not necessary indigenous type movies. Unaccompanied Minors airs this Friday and is an American Christmas comedy.
Also, The X Files has aired on NITV last night and tonight as double episodes from 9.30pm
Karla Grant Presents Struggling Song Lines
From Monday 17 January at 08:30 PM
Karla Grant Presents is a selection of half-hour documentaries hosted by prolific journalist and TV personality Karla Grant. Karla introduces the films, delving into each, offering her personal insights and contextualising each story for the audience.
Approached by an Elder following a concert, the Riches brothers are charged with the task of recreating their great grandfather’s dreaming songs. The Bardi youth of One Arm Point are in a crisis, and this sparks a journey back home for the Struggling Kings who seek out understanding and wisdom from their Elders. Music has a power to transcend time, codes, and the limited understanding
With the aim of shining a new light forward, the brothers sit with their Elders, attentively seeking wisdom and guidance through the song-writing process. As music has always been a tool that transcends generations, they seek to powerfully motivate and stamp a message of purpose and resilience amongst the next generation of Bardi people. Through this journey we see a spiritual awakening unfold as the brothers explore their own identity, being the sons of a Bardi woman and a white church pastor.
Arctic Secrets
From Tuesday 04 January at 06:30 PM
Arctic Secrets takes audiences on a unique journey of discovery within the most remote and isolated Arctic landscapes. Working with a small, mobile, and experienced team of Arctic filmmakers, the series documents the stories of these little-known islands, the flora and fauna, and the secrets that make life possible - or impossible in these places.
The Darkside
From Saturday 08 January 09:35 PM
Director Warwick Thornton assembles a collection of poignant, sad, funny and absurd true ghost tales from across Australia and brings them to life with some of Australia’s most iconic actors as the storytellers. Honest, matter of fact, firsthand accounts illuminate a Black perspective on the other side.
The Moogai
Saturday 08 January at 09:20 PM
An Aboriginal psychological horror, The Moogai is the story of a family terrorised by a child-stealing spirit. A young Aboriginal couple have just had their first child, but what should be one of the happiest times in their lives turns to terror when Sarah (Shari Sebbens) starts seeing a malevolent spirit, she believes is trying to take her baby. Her husband Fergus (Meyne Wyatt) desperately wants to believe her, but as she becomes more unstable, he is increasingly concerned for the safety of their child. Is Sarah really being visited by a child-stealing spirit or is she the biggest threat to their family’s safety? The Moogai explores post-natal depression, transgenerational trauma, and Australia’s Stolen Generation, and also tells a story of the value of children and the power of family.
Bitchin: The Sound and Fury of Rick James
Saturday 15 January 07:30 PM
Bitchin: The Sound And Fury Of Rick James is a raw and intimate documentary look at the wildly colourful life of legendary funk artist Rick James from acclaimed director Sacha Jenkins, featuring rare footage of James’ incredible live shows and never-before-seen home video. Original interviews with artists, collaborators and friends focus on the ‘punk-funk’ music James left behind while illuminating his fearless attitude, social justice advocacy and bold musical aspirations.
The Sit In
Sunday 16 January 08:30 PM
While the United States was embroiled in a divisive election with racial tensions flaring, Civil Rights activist and trailblazing performer Harry Belafonte guest hosted The Tonight Show for one week in 1968.
Award-winning director Yoruba Richen examines the importance of this lost broadcast history through vibrant interviews with Belafonte, Whoopi Goldberg, Questlove, and guests who appeared that week including Petula Clark, Dionne Warwick, and Freda Payne. This documentary features rare archival footage, including interviews with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy, which are among the last television appearances before both were assassinated.
Araatika! Rise Up
Wednesday 26 January 09:30 PM
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 that would be a response to New Zealand’s much loved, universally recognised and hugely respected haka. Rather than simply taking an existing dance, the players came up with a series of movements that reflected cultural symbols - the clan, the warrior, the boomerang, the spear. They concluded their new dance with a moment of reflection - to them, this emphasised that the silences are just as important, or even more important, than the spoken words.
Through this process the players also recognised that there was no equivalent to a war dance in the Aboriginal cultures. Instead, in these millenniums’ old cultures, we hunt quietly. Since then, the original cohort, led by Dean, has collaborated to build support for their vision - including the mighty Indigenous All-Stars teams – to engage with the pre-game cultural performance. For the players, it is a way of highlighting the contribution that Indigenous players have made to the game of rugby league - heroes like Arthur Beetson , Laurie Daley , Preston Campbell , Larry Corowa , Anthony Mundine - and the role the game has had in empowering many Aboriginal sports people.
Dean seeks advice from Bangarra Theatre Company’s Stephen Page (a co-creator of the dance) and Wesley Enoch , artistic director of the Sydney Festival, about the best ways to take stories of culture to the world. Wesley sets Dean a challenge. If Dean can persuade a high-profile group of people to participate, Wesley will include the dance at the The Vigil, the Survival Day ceremony that will be held at the Barangaroo headland and televised nationally in January 2021.
The Land We’re On With Penelope Towney
Wednesday 26 January 05:30 AM (Sunrise Ceremony)
In this short film, Penelope Towney performs an Acknowledgement of Country for the Dharawal and Yuin Nations. Penelope then speaks about performing Welcomes to Country and Acknowledgements of Country.
Screen Australia, SBS and National Indigenous Television (NITV) are excited to announce that applications are now open for the third Digital Originals initiative.
Screen Australia, SBS and National Indigenous Television (NITV) are excited to announce that applications are now open for the third Digital Originals initiative.
The Digital Originals initiative aims to develop exciting and innovative short-form drama projects to premiere as a single episode program on SBS On Demand and NITV, from screen creatives who are currently under-represented in the sector. This includes people who identify as culturally and linguistically diverse, First Nations Australians, people with disability, female and gender diverse, LGBTIQ+ and those who are located in regional and remote areas.
Past recipients include AACTA Award-winning Tasmanian mystery The Tailings , Western Australian comedy Iggy & Ace , and the upcoming South Australian drama A Beginner’s Guide to Grief , with three more projects from the 2021 cohort heading into production to be announced soon.
Screen Australia’s Head of Online Lee Naimo said, “We are thrilled to partner with SBS and NITV on the third instalment of Digital Originals, to continue to build this pathway for premium online Australian drama. I can’t wait to take the new batch of talent creators through the workshop, and work with them on developing their projects for the SBS OnDemand audience.”
SBS Head of Scripted, Julie Eckersley said, “Digital Originals continues to be a great success and an important initiative SBS is incredibly proud to be a part of. Over three years, we’ve seen unique and award-winning stories from across the country resonate with audiences, while supporting and showcasing incredible emerging talent in our sector. It continues to be a key element of our drama offering, and I’m looking forward to seeing what fresh voices and amazing talent this next round uncovers.”
NITV’s Head of Commissioning and Programming, Kyas Hepworth , added, “Digital Originals provides a brilliant opportunity to support more First Nations narrative writers and practitioners to hone their skills and have their voices heard. NITV, as part of the SBS network, is committed to bringing stories from underrepresented communities to a national audience, I encourage our next wave of creatives to get involved.”
Up to 10 teams will be selected to attend an exclusive workshop from 17–19 May 2022, run by Screen Australia, SBS and NITV. The workshop will focus on narrative writing skills, as well as developing the projects to align with the SBS Charter and SBS On Demand platform, culminating in a pitch to Screen Australia, SBS and NITV. Teams of either two or three members are eligible to apply and must include one writer. Teams outside of Sydney will receive flights and accommodation for up to three team members to attend the workshop. The workshop may be held virtually pending travel restrictions in place at the time.
From these 10 teams, up to four will be chosen to take their projects into further development, and from these up to three will be chosen for production funding and commissioning with SBS, NITV and Screen Australia.
Submissions should include an up to three page pitch document outlining the details of the series and more information on the creative team; an up to three minute pitch video outlining the creators’ personal connection to and reason for wanting to develop the project; and an up to 10 page script sample of previous work. For more information on eligibility and application guidelines click here.
APPLY
Submissions are open now and will close at 5pm AEDT Thursday 24 February 2022. Please ensure you read the guidelines here before contacting the Program Operations team here with any remaining enquiries.
Poly Styrene: I Am A Cliche
Saturday 05 March 07:30 PM
Poly Styrene was the first woman of colour in the UK to front a successful rock band, and a key influence on the Riot Grrrl and Afropunk movements. But Poly didn’t just leave behind a cultural footprint. She was survived by a daughter, Celeste, who became the steward of her mother’s legacy and demons, which plagued Poly’s life and scarred the pair’s relationship.
Ice Cowboys
From Sunday 06 March 07:40 PM
Veteran sports journalist Greg Heister introduces us to the world of dog mushing in Alaska and the mushers who sacrifice everything for their love of their dogs and racing. Mushers are a breed of their own - extremely tough, resilient, and determined. They are not in it for the money but for the love of the sport.
Subjects Of Desire
Tuesday 08 March 09:30 PM
Subjects Of Desire is a culturally significant, provocative film that deconstructs what we understand about race and the power behind beauty.
Subjects Of Desire explores the cultural shift in North American beauty standards towards embracing Black female aesthetics and features while exposing the deliberate and often dangerous portrayals of Black women in the media.
NITV will air interview special Isaiah Firebrace - More to Give at 8pm this Saturday, February 26.
By 17, Isaiah Firebrace represented Australia at Eurovision and won The X Factor Australia. Karla Grant speaks to Isaiah about his life, career, and why he’s competing in Eurovision Australia Decides.
It will be followed by Eurovision: Australia Decides 2022 at 8.30pm. It will be live in NSW, ACT, VIC and TAS, and delayed in other regions (live telecast on SBS).
Upcoming NITV programming from Upfronts
Proud Anaiwan and NRL player Dean Widders takes the reins on a new look Over the Black Dot, taking over from Jodan Perry, Timana Tahu, Bo de la Cruz and George Rose.
Richmond and Collingwood player and proud Mineng and Yinggarda man Andrew Krakouer joins Megan Waters on Yokayi Footy, following Tony Armstrong’s two years as co-host.
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SPECIAL: Yokayi Footy returns at the special one-off time of 9pm tonight Tuesday 15 March.
National Indigenous Television (NITV) have footy fans covered with the return of their ground-breaking sports programs Yokayi Footy and Over the Black Dot.
2022 will bring new faces to both shows, with iconic Richmond and Collingwood player and proud Mineng and Yinggarda man Andrew Krakouer joining existing co-host Megan Waters on Yokayi Footy , and proud Anaiwan and legendary NRL player Dean Widders taking the reins on a new look Over the Black Dot .
Andrewjoins the Yokayi Footy team following Tony Armstrong ’s two years as co-host, whilst Deanwill be taking over from Jodan Perry , Timana Tahu , Bo de la Cruz and George Rose on Over the Black Dot.
Over the Black Dot returns Tuesday 15 March at 8.30pm.
Following a mammoth 2021 for the Dot, which even saw Russell Crowe pop in to chat with the panel, Over the Black Dot are back to tackle a huge season for the NRL, in a year that will see the 50th Koori Knockout and another epic Indigenous round. Each week every play, from every round, will be broken down alongside special guests.
Andrew joins the Yokayi Footy team following Tony Armstrong ’s two years as co-host, whilst Dean will be taking over from Jodan Perry , Timana Tahu , Bo de la Cruz and George Rose on Over the Black Dot.
In partnership with the AFL, Yokayi Footy returns at the special one-off time of 9pm on Tuesday 15 March.
With its new co-host duo in action, Yokayi Footy will continue to cover everything Australian’s love about AFL through bold yarns, powerful monologues, compelling community stories and exclusive interviews with Indigenous AFL players.
Yokayi Footy then moves to an ongoing time slot on Wednesdays at 8.30pm for the remainder of the season.
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