Joining the dots: Dreaming a digital future for ... - Office for the Arts

Joining the Dots:
Dreaming a Digital Future
for Remote Indigenous Media
Indigenous Broadcasting and
Media Sector Review
Response to the Call for Submissions
Prepared by D. Featherstone
Authorised by the IRCA Board of Management
Submission Date: 31st August 2010
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1

“The media has changed…it’s growing like fire, it’s gone big and we want to see it that way.
And we’re all working together to keep this media going so our next generation will take it on
when we disappear from the Lands, we want to see media grow and go forward on and on.”
(Winnie Woods, Chairperson, Ngaanyatjarra Media)
“Indigenous media is about empowerment of Indigenous people, and through that
empowerment we’re looking at better lifestyle for our people, improved health, just having
that empowerment at grass root level. Indigenous media is a tool to be used to get to that.”
(Jenni Enosa, Chairperson, Torres Strait Islander Media Association)
“We need to look at utilising satellite delivery, it’s important for communities as it allows
access to have our voices heard. We need the specialised equipment and the specialised
skills and knowledge to be able to work and put to good use this new environment that’s
been created. We also need to look at giving access to the people who are in most need, in
the remote areas.”
(Nelson Conboy, Chairperson, IRCA)
“Law and culture is very strong, that’s the reason why we have BRACS to have a strong
voice for our people in the remote communities. Also telling stories, telling histories,
documentaries on our old people about their stories, being put down for the next generation
and so on. It’s very important that our stories be told and also put it in the archives so that
they can be told for the next generations to come.”
(Annette Victor, Chairperson, Indigenous Community Television)
“ I worked around the Ngaanyatjarra area, organising culture and corroboree and story, put
on our TV and ICTV. And now Ng Media is going good, and we still running to get media to
go every way, showing the way for people who want to watch it on TV, and putting all the
pictures on ICTV, everything. Recording, telling stories, all the country, everything in the
bush on the Ng Lands. And keeping it going all the way from generation to generation. And
we want the new generation to go up, for the media to keep going all the way.”
(Noeli Roberts, Senior Cultural Officer, Ngaanyatjarra Media)
“Employment opportunities is the important thing, to give empowerment to young people so
they take ownership of things they’re doing through local media. Through that ownership
they feel empowered so they’re not turning towards all that negative stuff, all this
Americanism, the way young people act, think, speak and all that, and they can take a
different approach towards cultural maintenance, so they can work towards the future of
keeping the indigenous culture alive in this country. In terms of the challenges, I think
language is going to be very important. We’re talking about preserving our culture and
identity, like women’s business and men’s business, the focus for our people is not taken
away from where they are and where they belong.”
(Jenni Enosa, IRCA Board Member, Torres Strait Islander Media Association)
“Remote media does not only cover radio. We’re tired of being restricted. This is 2010 now
and with digital switchover, we want to be part of the mainstream broadband service. We’re
not just competent with radio, we do multi-media, IT, book publishing, music recording,
technical services and training, we are actors, sound recordists, camera operator, editors,
liaison officers, the whole works, managers, directors, we’re multi-skilled. I think it’s time we
are taken seriously and be recognised as part of the mainstream media service.”
(Henry Augustine, Pilbara and Kimberley Aboriginal Media)
“Just like the old people, we are dreaming. We have a new dream with technology. When
you dream a song, you wake up the next day and sing it.”
(Curtis Taylor, Martu Media, IT and Indigenous Communities symposium July 2010).
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 20/8/10 2

Section
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction 5
2. Executive Summary 5
3. Key Recommendations 8
4. Consultation Process For This Submission 16
5. IRCA Background 17
6. The Context For Remote Indigenous Media 18
Page
KEY ISSUES FOR CONSIDERATION 21
Q1 Policy And Cultural Outcomes 21
Q2 Australian Government’s Investment 36
Q3 Media Convergence And Digital Platforms 50
Q4 Contribution To Closing The Gap 60
Q5 Future Options- Challenges And Opportunities 63
Q6 Robust Performance Framework 66
Q7 Administration Of Indigenous Broadcasting And Media 68
Other Notes 69
Appendix 1- Recommendations To Government from the Remote Digital
Technical Forum
Appendix 2- Strategic Planning meetings & forums- photos 75
Appendix 3- History Of Remote Media Sector 76
Appendix 4- IRCA Strategic Business Plan 2009-11 79
Appendix 5- Example of Indigenous Community-based ICT Model 111
Appendix 6- Model for RIMO Hub Facilities and RIBS Facilities 114
References 116
Acronyms 117
71
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 4

1. INTRODUCTION
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (adopted 13/9/2007)
sets out the individual and collective rights of the world’s native peoples, calls for the
maintenance and strengthening of their cultural identities, and emphasizes their right to
pursue development in keeping with their own needs and aspirations. Article 16 specifically
states:
1. Indigenous peoples have the right to establish their own media in their own languages
and to have access to all forms of non-indigenous media without discrimination.
2. States shall take effective measures to ensure that State-owned media duly reflect
Indigenous cultural diversity. States, without prejudice to ensuring full freedom of
expression, should encourage privately owned media to adequately reflect indigenous
cultural diversity.
On 8 th July 2010, a media release, announcing a review of the Indigenous Broadcasting and
Media sector, was jointly issued by three Ministers: Peter Garrett MP, Minister for
Environment, Heritage and The Arts; Jenny Macklin MP, Minister For Families, Housing,
Community Services and Indigenous Affairs; and Senator Stephen Conroy, Minister For
Broadband, Communications and The Digital Economy.
On 19 th July 2010, the Review team, headed by Mr Neville Stevens AO, distributed an
issues paper to provide the finalised Terms of Reference and outline the stakeholders and a
list of Government agencies and funding programs currently providing support to the sector.
Submissions were requested by Friday 20 th August 2010, with public consultations to follow
before the Final report is to be delivered to Government on 31 st December 2010.
2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Indigenous Remote Communications Association (IRCA) welcomes this independent
Review, with its cross-departmental approach and broad terms of reference.
IRCA acknowledges and celebrates the diversity across the Indigenous broadcasting and
media sector but cautions that there are no ‘one-size-fits-all’ answers to the Review
questions. For this reason, the Recommendations within this submission will focus on the
needs and concerns of the remote Indigenous media and communications sector.
IRCA sees this Review as an exciting opportunity for re-visioning the Sector for a digital
future. The BRACS program, which began in 1987 in response to concerns about the impact
of satellite TV and radio beaming into remote communities, has paved the way for a unique,
culturally rich remote media sector. As Marcia Langton exclaimed at the conclusion of the
recent AIATSIS ITIC Symposium 'media has become a new modality of culture' for
Aboriginal people. Yet a lack of adequate resourcing and recognition of the value and role
of the sector has hindered its development. Further, the 2006 Review into the Indigenous
Broadcasting Program and the introduction of the National Indigenous Television Service,
have had detrimental effects on the remote sector by removing video production funding and
the much loved ICTV service. IRCA urges that this Review address these losses as a key
priority.
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 5

This submission proposes changes in the policy, funding and structural frameworks for the
remote Indigenous media sector to promote and enable uptake of new technologies and
multi-platform delivery and establishment of the sector as an integral part of the
broadcasting sphere within Australia. At a community level, the submission provides a
vision for the Media Centre to be a vibrant hub offering a range of digital media activities and
services for the community (as shown in the diagram on page 3).
With the convergence of media with Information and Communications Technologies, the
coming Digital TV Switchover, and the rollout of the National Broadband Network, this
paradigm of opportunity also represents a 'crisis of change'! While IRCA, welcomes the
Review, and provides herewith its Recommendations in line with the Terms of Reference - it
would also urge Government to resource and implement a longer change management
process to enable the re-visioning, re-structuring and integration of appropriate technologies
into remote service delivery across remote Australia. IRCA believes that this is an
opportunity for Government to address Closing the Gap issues with positive not punitive
measures. It believes that this paradigm of change holds great hope for Indigenous people
who come 'content rich' to the Internet, who are grabbing hold of tools and technologies with
confidence and skill; and that this could well be the beginnings of a new age of Indigenous
Advantage (unlike in the former age dominated by English printed text)!
A successful Change Management Process would embody principles of community
development and include: time for a coordinated communications campaign informing and
raising the awareness of people living on remote Indigenous communities about the coming
of digital; resourcing of Indigenous media sector and remote sector forums and
consultations, ensuring key elders and community leaders are engaged and involved in the
development of local strategies and choice of technologies to be adopted; facilitation of a
process of exploration of linkages, and consultation between organizations to identify
operational efficiencies and future partnerships; funding for research and development of
appropriate technologies for remote regions and applications that serve the interests and
values of remote people; and the enabling of an Indigenous representative group to explore
and report back on international best practice (eg- India, First Nations people of BC in
Canada).
This submission outlines the significant contribution of remote media and communications to
the wellbeing and sustainability of remote Indigenous communities. Like all people, remote
Indigenous people want to be engaged in meaningful activities and be empowered to
determine their own futures. As Richard Trudgen outlines in ‘Why Warriors Lie Down and
Die’, “The cardinal principle is to motivate and equip the people to take control of their own
lives and their contemporary living environment.” (p225). Alexander Chalmers (1759-1834)
defined the grand essentials of happiness as: “Something to do, something to love, and
something to hope for.”
A high proportion of remote Indigenous people have little or nothing to do, and feel limited
hope for the future. Well resourced remote media services have the potential to provide
empowerment, hope and opportunity and be the 'tipping point' for reducing health, welfare
and justice system drawdown on the public purse. Remote media and communications
address attitude, motivation, and aspirations across a wide range of economic, social and
cultural areas and has been overlooked by Government as a key tool for achieving its
priorities. With adequate resourcing and support, remote media is ideally placed to play a
key role in closing the gap on Indigenous disadvantage in remote Australia.
Due to the low socio-economic nature of remote Indigenous communities, government
funding remains crucial for ongoing viability of remote media and communications programs.
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 6

IRCA is convinced that the positive outcomes from a well resourced Media sector promise to
outweigh the cost of Government investment. Cultural and language maintenance, broad
community engagement in the leadership development, training, employment and
empowerment enabled through media programs will provide this much needed ‘tipping
point’ for many living in remote communities.
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 7

3. KEY RECOMMENDATIONS:
There are 54 key recommendations that IRCA has outlined within the responses to the Review questions. These are outlined below, with
a priority coding to indicate the level of priority- URGENT for critical issues for the sector requiring immediate implementation, HIGH for the
first 3-year cycle to set up the infrastructure for ongoing sector development, and MEDIUM for the next stage (3-6 years) to build on and
promote usage and community benefit.
QUESTION/
TOPIC
No RECOMMENDATION PRIORITY PAGE
No.
Q1A‐ Most
important
policy and
cultural
outcomes
1. AN ESSENTIAL SERVICE
That communications and media be considered an essential service for remote
Indigenous communities and that it be resourced accordingly.
2. PRIMARY SERVICE PROVIDER
That the Remote Indigenous Media Sector be recognised as having special needs
as the primary service provider of media and communications services in remote
communities.
3. NATIONAL MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS POLICY
That a new national policy for Indigenous Media and Communications be
developed.
4. INCREASE IN FUNDING FOR SECTOR
That funding for the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media sector be increased.
5. A REMOTE SECTOR FUNDING PROGRAM
That a remote sector-specific funding program be established.
6. A DISCRETE SECTOR
That Indigenous Media be recognised as a discrete Industry sector, rather than a
sub-section of the community broadcasting sector.
7. A KEY ROLE IN INDIGENOUS LANGUAGES POLICY
That the Indigenous Broadcasting & Media sector be included as a key stakeholder
in the planning and implementation of the new National Indigenous Languages
Policy
HIGH 22
HIGH 23
URGENT 23
URGENT 24
URGENT 25
HIGH 26
HIGH 27
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10
8

QUESTION/
TOPIC
No RECOMMENDATION PRIORITY PAGE
No.
Q1b‐ Current
practices that
promote
Indigenous
content and
proposed
improvements
8. RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF FULL-TIME ICTV SERVICE
That Indigenous Community Television be re-established as a full-time Indigenous
TV service in remote Indigenous communities from 1 st July 2011 via the VAST
digital platform.
9. VIDEO & MULTI-MEDIA AS CORE ACTIVITIES
That video and multi-media production be re-introduced as part of the core activity
funding for remote Indigenous media.
10. REMOTE AUDIO-VISUAL PRODUCTION FUND
That a Remote Audio-Visual Production Support Fund be established.
11. LANGUAGE AND CULTURAL RECORDINGS
That an Indigenous Languages and Cultural Recordings Fund be established
12. AUDIO-VISUAL ARCHIVING
That an Audio-visual Archive program be established to support and resource the
preservation and archiving of Indigenous community-owned audio-visual
collections. Also to develop delivery platform/s to enable community access to
archived audio-visual materials in their respective communities/ regions.
13. ARCHIVING STRATEGY
IRCA to develop an Archiving Strategy and pilot project for the sector, with policy
and procedures for archive management.
14. INDIGENOUS CULTURAL INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Recognition of Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property (ICIP) Rights in all funding/
commissioning agreements.
15. MUSIC DEVELOPMENT
Music Development be recognised as a relevant role of Indigenous media
organisations.
URGENT 30
URGENT 30
URGENT 31
HIGH 32
URGENT 33
URGENT 33
HIGH 34
MEDIUM 34
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 9

QUESTION/
TOPIC
No RECOMMENDATION PRIORITY PAGE
No.
2b‐ How could
government
investment be
more efficient
and effective
16. PROGRAM RELOCATION TO DBCDE
That primary funding for the Indigenous broadcasting and media sector be
relocated from DEWHA to DBCDE.
17. PRODUCTION AND CULTURAL PROGRAMS UNDER DEWHA
That funding for media production and language and cultural program continue to
be administered by the Indigenous Culture and Content Section of DEWHA.
18. NO NATIONAL INDIGENOUS BROADCASTING AUTHORITY
IRCA does not support the creation of a centralised National Indigenous
Broadcasting Authority to manage funding and decision-making on behalf of the
remote Indigenous media sector.
19. RESOURCING OF REMOTE MEDIA ORGANISATIONS
That RIMOs be provided adequate resourcing, staffing and infrastructure to
effectively deliver media and broadcasting services to the RIBS communities in
their regions.
20. RESOURCING OF IRCA
IRCA requires adequate funding to effectively support the development of the
remote media sector with additional staff positions as outlined in the IRCA
Strategic Business Plan 2008-2011. Also recurrent funding is needed to facilitate
forums and consultation with the sector and coordinate the annual Remote Media
Festival.
21. CHANGE MANAGEMENT PROCESS
IRCA proposes the establishment of a coordinated Change Management Process to
facilitate transition planning for the sector for the next 3-5 years.
HIGH 36
HIGH 36
HIGH 37
URGENT 37
URGENT 38
URGENT 39
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 10

QUESTION/
TOPIC
No RECOMMENDATION PRIORITY PAGE
No.
2b‐ How could
government
investment be
more efficient
and effective
(cont’d)
2d‐ How can
employment
opportunities
be increased in
the media
professions
22. UPDATED REPORT ON REMOTE SECTOR NEEDS
That an update of the 1998 Turner report into the remote sector be undertaken to
inform planning and change management for the sector.
23. RIBS FACILITIES INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM
A Facilities Infrastructure Program be implemented to upgrade RIBS buildings and
RIMO hub facilities.
24. REMOTE SECTOR AS PREFERRED SUPPLIERS
A preferred supplier arrangement should be implemented to ensure Government
media campaigns use Indigenous media organisations for campaign intended for
Indigenous audiences. Also as Regional Agents and for delivering media and
communications services in the regions.
25. TRIENNIAL FUNDING
Funding should be at least triennial to provide surety and continuity of
organisations.
26. A REMOTE MEDIA TRAINING STRATEGY
That a Remote Media Training Strategy be developed for appropriate training
delivery to the remote Indigenous media and communications sector.
27. AWARD WAGES FOR MEDIA WORKERS
Future funding programs to recognise award wages under new Awards scheme for
media workers/broadcasters within funding budgets.
28. REVIEW OF NATIONAL JOBS PACKAGE
The National Jobs Package needs to be reviewed, with consultation from IRCA and
the RIMOs delivering the package.
29. BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Support the development of media based micro-economies.
URGENT 39
URGENT 40
HIGH 41
HIGH 41
URGENT 43
HIGH 44
HIGH 45
MEDIUM 46
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10
11

QUESTION/
TOPIC
No RECOMMENDATION PRIORITY PAGE
No.
2e‐ A single
peak body
3a‐ Likely
impacts of
media
convergence on
the media
sector
3b‐
Opportunities
and risks with
new digital
platforms
30. IRCA AND AICA
IRCA supports the continuation of both AICA and IRCA as separate peak bodies.
IRCA supports the notion of developing MOU's between AICA and IRCA to facilitate
clarity and coordination of roles and to provide mutual support.
31. TELECOMMUNICATIONS & A NATIONAL BROADBAND NETWORK
That IRCA play a consultative role in considering the implications and potential
outcomes of the NBN (and/or other telecommunications programs) for remote
communities.
32. BROADBAND FOR THE BUSH
That sufficient broadband capacity be provided to remote areas to enable highbandwidth
applications.
33. BROADBAND UNDER USO
That broadband access be included under the USO to ensure similar speeds and
costs for remote areas as in urban and regional areas.
34. IRCA AND RIMOS AS REGIONAL AGENTS
IRCA and the remote media sector play an up-front role in community consultation
and raising awareness about the opportunities and risks of new digital platforms.
35. MOBILE TELEPHONY AS PRIMARY SERVICE UNDER USO
Mobile telephony should be seen as a primary telephony service for remote
Australia with a USO arrangement to ensure affordable access/ capped calls.
36. WiFi FOR SHARED BROADBAND ACCESS
Wireless internet connectivity be made available to remote communities, enabling
on-line access and communications and Voice-over IP telephony. Connectivity
needs to be rolled out in conjunction with training, on-line content development,
technical support as part of a broader recurrent program.
37. INDIGENOUS ISP
An Indigenous ISP be established as a not-for-profit service for indigenous
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 12
HIGH 47
URGENT 51
HIGH 51
HIGH 51
HIGH 52
HIGH 53
HIGH 54
MEDIUM 54

QUESTION/
TOPIC
organisations and people.
No RECOMMENDATION PRIORITY PAGE
No.
3c‐ Should a
NITV be
delivered in
digital
environment
38. ICTV AND NITV
IRCA strongly believes that there is a need for two primary Indigenous TV services
- NITV and ICTV.
39. COMMUNITY UPGRADE TO RECEIVE ICTV & DIGITAL SERVICES
That a capital fund be provided for all self-help retransmission sites to replace
existing decoders for digital set-top boxes (at $269 per service) to receive the
services from the VAST satellite platform rather than current Aurora platform.
Immediate Request -That funding be provided for an automated switcher and
decoder to enable communities to receive current weekend ICTV service.
40. THREE NEW RADIO NETWORKS
That the additional 3 radio services on VAST platform be made available for
aspirant radio networks, including Ngaanyatjarra Radio network, CAAMA, NIRS,
TSIMA and QRAM/TAIMA network. A review of the other 12 services also be
undertaken to identify whether they are being effectively utilised.
41. ICTV FUNDING
That ICTV staffing levels be increased to employ a full-time Manager, programming
coordinator, editor, trainee editor and technical support.
That ICTV receive additional funding for capital equipment to upgrade its play-out
system and relocate to Alice Springs, as well as increased operational funding to
become a full-time aggregation and delivery service.
That ICTV receive funding to pay for licensing of content for broadcast on the
service.
42. EXPAND ICTV COVERAGE That there be a promotion and expansion of the ICTV
service to other remote Indigenous communities across Australia, with provisions
made for interested communities to be able to switch to receive the ICTV service.
URGENT 55
URGENT 56
HIGH 56
URGENT 57
HIGH 57
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 13

QUESTION/
TOPIC
No RECOMMENDATION PRIORITY PAGE
No.
3c‐ Should a
NITV be
delivered in
digital
environment
43. DTH VS DIGITAL TERRESTRIAL BROADCAST
With Digital TV Switchover, that remote self help retransmission sites be given the
option between Direct-to-home (DTH) or upgrading local TV broadcast facility to
digital, with local content insertion capability.
44. DIGITAL BROADCASTING OF LOCAL CONTENT
If DTH model is mandatory, that local broadcasting of at least two digital TV
services be maintained by all RIBS communities for local content insertion
capability and redundancy.
45. REMOVE REQUIREMENT FOR EPG
The requirement for Electronic Program Guides (EPG) should be waived for remote
communities to enable affordable transfer to local retransmission.
46. FULL SUBSIDY FOR DIGITAL SWITCHOVER
Costs of installation of Digital TV services for remote communities, DTH or digital
re-transmission, be fully subsidized by the Government.
47. DIGITAL TV REPAIR & MAINTENANCE PROGRAM
An ongoing Repair & Maintenance allocation be provided for maintenance of Digital
TV facilities, whether DTH or Digital transmission. Training be provided for
community-based workers to undertake first level maintenance of DTH satellite
dishes.
48. RIMOS AS PREFERRED PROVIDERS FOR DTH TECHNICAL SERVICES
RIMO Technical Services Units or contractors to be given preferred supplier status
for DTH satellite equipment rollout in region, or RIMO asked to nominate preferred
alternate supplier/installer
URGENT 57
URGENT 57
HIGH 57
HIGH 58
MEDIUM 58
HIGH 59
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 14

QUESTION/
TOPIC
No RECOMMENDATION PRIORITY PAGE
No.
5a‐ Main future
challenges
facing the
sector
5c‐ Are there
licencing issues
to be
addressed
6a‐ What does
good
performance
for the sector
look like
Other Notes
49. STAFF HOUSING
Staff Housing be funded for RIMOs based in remote communities.
50. RIMO TECHNICAL SERVICES PROGRAM
Each RIMO-supported region needs to be funded for a Technical Services program
to provide Repair & Maintenance to community broadcast facilities.
51. LICENCING
That a special class of Indigenous community broadcast licence for remote
Indigenous communities be created.
52. That continuation of both community broadcasting and narrowcasting licences
after digital switchover unless a new class of licence (ie- Indigenous broadcasting
license) replaces existing licence categories.
53. PERFORMANCE BASED ON STRATEGIC PLANNING
That performance outcomes for the Indigenous broadcasting and media sector be
linked to locally determined Strategic Planning and priorities.
54. INDIGENOUS DIGITAL SERVICES AND CREATIVE INDUSTRIES COUNCIL
That an Indigenous Digital Services and Creative Industries Council be established
(recommended at AIATSIS ITIC symposium)
URGENT 63
URGENT 64
HIGH 64
MEDIUM 64
HIGH 65
HIGH 68
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 15

4. CONSULTATION PROCESS FOR THIS SUBMISSION
This submission has been developed from consultations with Indigenous representatives
and staff from the eight (8) remote media organisations (RIMOs) supported by IRCA. These
RIMOs in turn represent 147 RIBS (remote Indigenous broadcasting service) communities
across Australia. The submission also draws on the outcomes of planning and policy
development undertaken by the sector. Some of the RIMOs will also make separate
submissions to raise points specific to their region or activities.
Recently IRCA organised a very successful Remote Digital Technical Forum, held in Alice
Springs from 27-28 th July, with representatives attending from all RIMOs, along with
DBCDE, FaHCSIA and ACMA reps and remote area technicians. The forum addressed
issues around the impending switchover to digital transmission across Australia, including
remote Australia. Specifically, it looked at the impact of the Direct to Home model of
receiving digital television in communities in terms of loss of local broadcasting capability,
cultural impact of additional mainstream media services, technical and maintenance issues
and the issue of what Indigenous television content would be available to viewers in the
digital environment, specifically the option of including ICTV on the VAST platform.
Reviewer Neville Stevens AO made a strong contribution by attending the forum and
receiving first-hand accounts from the remote media sector participants who attended. The
forum was followed by two days of IRCA and ICTV Board meetings, during which the IRCA
Board developed and endorsed a series of recommendations resulting from the forum (see
Appendix 1). The IRCA Board also discussed the Review questions and outlined their
responses, which have been incorporated into this submission. More detailed interviews
were undertaken with Board members and all responses recorded and transcribed. Further
interviews have been conducted by telephone, with all RIMOs sent drafts of the submission
for ongoing input.
Other planning documents and forums that have informed this submission include:
‣ Sector Plans created at AICA AGM Planning Day, Adelaide 24/10/09;
‣ IRCA Strategic Business Plan 2008-2011;
‣ Planning meetings at Remote Media Festivals 2008 & 2009, including Digital TV and
Broadband forum in Darwin, September 2009;
‣ ICTV submission to the NITV Review September 2009;
‣ IRCA and RIMO submissions to 2006 Review of Indigenous Broadcasting Program;
‣ ‘Digital Dreaming: A National Review of Indigenous Media and Communications’
report for ATSIC 1999;
‣ Recent ‘Information Technology and Indigenous Communities’ Symposium, hosted
by AIATSIS, Canberra, 13-15 th July 2010;
‣ RIMO Strategic Plans.
See Appendix 2 for photos from the planning meetings and forums outlined above.
Thanks to everyone who gave valuable input and feedback on this submission, especially:
‣ IRCA Board members: Nelson Conboy (Chairperson), Annette Victor, Jenni Enosa,
Roma Butler, Henry Augustine, Christopher Reid, Louise Cavanagh
‣ ICTV Board members: Annette Victor (Chairperson), Winnie Woods, Belle Davidson,
Bernadette Angus, Noel Sampi, Louise Cavanagh, Nelson Conboy, Bess Price.
‣ RIMO Managers- Neil Turner (PAKAM), Susan Locke (PAW Media), Chris Ashby
(PY Media), Don Bayliss (TEABBA), Paddy Donovan (Ng Media)
‣ Linda Chellew (IRCA Manager), Rita Cattoni (ICTV Manager)
‣ Andrew Crouch (CAT), Dr Inge Kral (ANU), David Tafler, Dr Frank Rijavec, Dr
Michael Meadows (Griffith University).
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 16

5. IRCA BACKGROUND
Indigenous Remote Communications Association Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
Corporation (IRCA) was established in 2001 and is the peak body for eight Remote
Indigenous Media Organisations (RIMOs) as well as other remote media organisations and
practitioners. The eight RIMOs support 103 remote Indigenous Broadcasting Service (RIBS,
formerly BRACS) communities across Australia who produce, broadcast and receive radio
and television plus 44 retransmission-only sites. The RIMOs are:
‣ Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (PY) Media
‣ Ngaanyatjarra (Ng) Media
‣ Pintubi Anmatjere Warlpiri (PAW) Media & Communications
‣ Pilbara and Kimberley Aboriginal Media (PAKAM)
‣ Queensland Remote Aboriginal Media (QRAM)
‣ Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association (CAAMA)
‣ Torres Strait Islander Media Association (TSIMA)
‣ Top End Aboriginal Bush Broadcasting Association (TEABBA)
IRCA was formed in 2001 to represent RIMOs and RIBS communities that were struggling to
be heard at the national level due to a number of factors such as geographical isolation,
difficult work conditions and limited funding. IRCA plays an important role in advocating on
behalf of remote communities, whose needs are unique compared with urban and rural
Indigenous communities. IRCA supports the sustainability of the remote Indigenous media
and communications sector and has input at a national level on policy and funding issues
and on the strategic development of the remote media sector.
In the nine years since its formation IRCA has developed a key role liaising with government
and promoting the media specific needs of remote Indigenous communities. IRCA has
achieved some key milestones since its formation, including:
Playing an instrumental role in establishing the Indigenous Community Television
Service (ICTV) which broadcast over Imparja's narrowcast channel 31 from 2001-7;
Supporting the annual National Remote Media Festival with the host RIMO;
Lobbying for the RIBS television transmitter rollout in 2005-06;
Playing a key role in the establishment of the Australian Indigenous Communications
Association of Australia in 2004, and the National Indigenous Television Service
(NITV) in 2006;
Supporting TEABBA during the ATSIC organisational review;
Supporting the re-establishment of QRAMAC as the RIMO for north Queensland;
Representing the concerns of the remote media sector in its response to the
Indigenous Broadcasting Program review;
Organising the IRCA / ICTV Summit in Alice Springs, March 2007, to develop an
agreement with NITV;
Effectively lobbying for the establishment of the Indigenous Remote Radio Rollout
(IRRR) 2008;
Creating the Indigitube website in collaboration with ICTV;
Facilitating the Remote Digital Technical Forum in Alice Springs, July 2010.
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 17

IRCA is unique in its a national focus on the media needs of the remote region and has
played a critical role in building pride, strength and cohesion in the remote Indigenous media
and communications sector.
6. THE CONTEXT FOR REMOTE INDIGENOUS MEDIA
The remote Indigenous media and broadcasting sector is unique in that it provides a primary
and essential media and communications service to 147 very remote Indigenous
communities. Individual Remote media organisations (RIMOs) support up to 30 RIBS
communities across vast regions of up to 1,000,000 square kms. Each RIMO provides a
range of support services to their constituent RIBS communities, including training,
production support, regional radio networks, technical support, regional coordination and
representation in the national forum. RIBS facilities enable local Aboriginal people to
produce radio and television programs and stories in local language(s) for broadcast either
locally, regionally or nationally as well as access to a range of media and communication
services.
Remote media plays a significant role in remote communities for communication of
information in local languages, maintaining TV and radio transmission facilities, providing
local broadcasting, contributing to ICTV weekend broadcasts, providing media and ICT
training, documenting significant events, organising cultural and music events, and providing
a focal point for local cultural and community expression and engagement.
The majority of people living in remote RIBS communities speak an Indigenous language as
their first language. Many older people have little or no English literacy, yet have rich
cultural knowledge. However, the number of old people with memories of pre-contact
traditional culture and lifestyle is rapidly diminishing, making this is a critical period for
preserving of Indigenous knowledge and heritage. Remote media plays a key role in
documenting this cultural knowledge for future generations to help keep the language and
culture strong.
The bi-lingual nature of remote delivery means that most staff roles- cultural officers,
translators, broadcasters and trainers- can only be filled by local Indigenous people. These
need to be recognized with award wages. There is also a requirement in most regions for
non-Indigenous staff with specialized skills to provide management and administrative
support, training and skills development and technical support. These dedicated people
work in a highly collaborative approach to support remote Indigenous media and are greatly
valued by their co-workers and the mob they work for.
Special factors for consideration in setting policy and funding for this sector include:
Lack of communications infrastructure and suitable media facilities in many
communities;
Lack of awareness about the internet, the coming of broadband and the emerging
opportunities and choices of Indigenous people
Impacts of remoteness / distance on all costs, particularly of providing training,
technical support and service delivery to communities spread across vast regions
(coverage areas of RIMOs up to 1,000,000 square kms);
Lack of access to essential services i.e. broadband, housing, employment and
training opportunities, reliable power supply;
Lack of technical services, coupled with high costs and delays in procurement of
goods and services;
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 18

Limited services in languages, need for inter-generational transfer of knowledge
through media;
The emerging opportunities and viability of ‘media’ as a career or business
opportunity coupled with the difficulty in establishing a viable small economy around
media;
Need for user solutions that are robust, user-friendly, affordable, accessible, and
locally appropriate, rather than one-size-fits-all solutions;
Lack of housing for staff positions;
Impacts of harsh climatic environments (salt, wind, heat, water, dust) and harsh
home environments, which imply the need for solutions that provide greatest
robustness and low replacement and usage costs;
De-centralised support model of delivery, with RIMO hubs supporting RIBS which
have own local community governance and decision-making;
Organisations (RIMOS) who are stretched to capacity by having to bring in funding
from multiple sources
Need for relaxation of regulatory constraints (eg- spectrum availability, licencing
rules, switchover schedules) for remote communities where no impact for other
interests/users.
The over-riding principles of remote media are:
Broad community ownership, access and participation;
Training and employment;
Providing access to communications facilities and services;
Relevant and culturally appropriate service delivery;
Adherence to policies of good governance and due diligence;Language and cultural
maintenance;
Enabling self-representation;
Inter-generational transfer of knowledge;
Maintaining important connection of Indigenous people to country;
Cultural protocols regarding deceased content, men’s and women’s business, local
control.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics website states: “In 2006, over 80,000 people lived in the
1,112 discrete Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in remote areas of
Australia” (see map below). Of these 1112 communities (see map on next page), only 103
are currently supported by the Australian Government as Remote Indigenous Broadcasting
Services 1 with regional coordination from the 8 Remote Indigenous Media organisations.
This has grown slightly from the 101 BRACS communities identified in the Turner report 2 in
1 103 designated RIBS communities, however in reality RIMOs support 147 communities with varying
range of services.
2 Neil Turner, ‘National Report on the Broadcasting for Remote Aboriginal Communities Scheme’,
prepared for National Indigenous Media Association of Australia, May 1998
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 19

1998. This Review provides an opportunity to connect other Indigenous communities into
the remote media and communications networks and help ‘join the dots’ across Australia.
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 20

KEY ISSUES FOR CONSIDERATION
1. Consider the specific policy and cultural outcomes for Indigenous
Australians to be realised through the Australian Government’s investment
in Indigenous broadcasting and media.
a. What are the most important policy and cultural outcomes for
Indigenous Australians that should be achieved through investment
in Indigenous broadcasting and media
The policy and cultural outcomes achieved through investment in Indigenous broadcasting
and media in relation to the remote sector include:
‣ Providing essential services in media and communications to remote Indigenous
communities using local Indigenous-owned organisations, networks and
protocols;
‣ Providing services to enable people to continue to live in remote communities in
connection with traditional homelands;
‣ Skills development, employment and enterprise, awareness and engagement to
help break welfare dependency cycles;
‣ Facilitating good communications between government and remote
communities;
‣ Supporting and promoting awareness of other government funded programs, in
language to ensure awareness- Land management, heath, education,
employment and training, housings, arts, HACC, youth programs;
‣ Closing the Gap on Indigenous disadvantage, in areas of health, education,
employment, imprisonment and other social indicators through engaging remote
people to become part of the solution and develop locally specific programs to
address these issues;
‣ Maintaining Indigenous languages and cultural practice, and recording these for
use by future generations;
‣ Enabling self-representation;
‣ Improving governance and leadership skills;
‣ Empowerment, self-esteem, and wellbeing improved through uptake and
confidence in using media and new media tools;
‣ Development of an Alternative Learning Sector, with a successful track record of
engagement using media and ICTs and informal project-based training methods
(see Dr Inge Kral research and report ‘Plugged In: Remote Australian Indigenous
Youth and Digital Culture’);
‣ Building responsibility through managing media centres and providing peer
training and support to others;
‣ Real reconciliation through building cross-cultural workplace relationships with
mutual respect and trust, and skills & knowledge transfer;
‣ Embracing a positive, rather than punitive, approach to Indigenous affairs policy;
to provide communities with tools for self-empowerment and hope;
‣ Confident access of services in the new digital delivery environment, rather than
expansion of digital divide issues.
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 21

An Essential Service
Recommendation 1 (HIGH PRIORITY): That communications and media be
considered an essential service for remote Indigenous communities, and that it be
resourced appropriately.
Telecommunications in remote areas are desperately inadequate, with many communities
still unable to access reliable phone services or internet. With the upcoming National
Broadband Network rollout, it is a critical time for the communications needs of remote
communities to be addressed. Telecommunications provide a key role in service delivery to
remote communities, with services increasingly going on-line, including health, education,
banking, Centrelink, justice, and emergency services. The future viability of communities will
be largely determined by the quality of communications infrastructure connecting them.
The ATSIC submission to the Estens ‘Regional Telecommunications Inquiry’ in 2002
identified communications as the fourth essential service:
ATSIC sees telecommunications as central to the future of the Indigenous economy.
It also believes that better communications will offer new solutions to old problems,
contributing to capacity building and creating long term, sustainable Indigenous
employment at the community level. Consequently, communications in regional and
remote Indigenous communities must be treated as the essential fourth service (after
housing, power and water). 3
Communications and media are essential services in remote Indigenous communities, but
this has still not been turned into policy. severely impacting on the prioritisation of providing
communications infrastructure to remote communities, as well as the funding to establish
and maintain these services.
The final report from the Inquiry outlined the importance of communications in remote areas:
Telecommunications has been identified as an important tool for the economic
development and self-sufficiency of remote Indigenous communities, assisting them
to achieve their social and business aspirations. However, these remote Indigenous
communities have generally not attracted the interest of commercial service
providers. 4
With convergence of media and ICT, the ability of remote media organisations to deliver
media services and training, and connect communities to regional communication networks
(intranet, radio broadcasting, IPTV, videoconferencing) is determined by the quality and
affordability of broadband services. Some regions are still unable to set up regional radio
networks using Tieline codec’s in community radio studios due to poor quality or lack of
phone services.
RIMOs have increasingly become involved as ‘regional agents’ in lobbying for
telecommunications in their regions as this is fundamental to delivering media and
communication services. Some RIMOs have also been involved in setting up
3 p17, ATSIC submission to Regional Telecommunications Inquiry
4 p.133, Estens, Dick. ‘Regional Telecommunications Inquiry’ report, DCITA 2002
IR CA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 22

communications infrastructure, including public phones, home phone services, broadband
satellite equipment, UHF radio networks, and community WiFi networks.
Primary Service Provider
Recommendation 2 (HIGH PRIORITY): That the remote Indigenous Media Sector be
recognised as having special needs as the primary service provider of media and
communications services in remote communities.
The remote media sector is unique in that there are no other service providers for media and
communications operating in the regions supported by the RIMOs. The role of RIMOs is
drastically under-valued by all levels of government and regional shires, and the resourcing
inadequate for the vast regions and range of services being delivered.
RIMOs install and maintain all TV and radio services, produce and broadcast local language
programming, set up production and broadcast facilities, deliver training, coordinate regional
networks and manage licencing for these services. With a presence in all communities in
their regions, they understand the media and communications needs of the communities
better than any other agency, and are expected to be able to support these needs.
The role of RIMOs in representing their region’s needs in policy and program development is
under-utilised. Also, the disturbing trend of government departments bypassing local
agencies when outsourcing program delivery (media and IT training, regional agents,
equipment rollout etc) needs to be addressed to avoid inappropriate decisions, lack of
regional coordination and wastage.
Media and Communications Policy
Recommendation 3 (URGENT): That a new national policy for Indigenous Media and
Communications be developed.
This new policy will inform future planning and funding for the sector, and should:
identify Indigenous media as a first level of service for indigenous audiences;
recognise convergence of media, ICT and telecommunications;
seek to position Australia as a leader in the rapidly changing media and
communications landscape;
recognise the full scope of activities undertaken by the sector;
help to maximise outcomes for the sector from upcoming Digital TV Switchover
and National Broadband Network;
recognise the differing needs and context in service delivery between remote,
regional and urban Australia;
recognise Article 16 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous
Peoples. 5
At the AICA AGM in 2009 there was a call for a new policy for Indigenous Media and
Communications to guide future development in the Industry. While this Review pre-empts a
5 Article 16 is outlined in the Introduction of this submission
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 23

new policy, it is an opportunity to develop the framework and process for development of
such a policy. This is much-needed policy with the convergence and digitalisation of the
Industry, and international trends in Indigenous media and ICT uptake.
The Digital Dreaming report 6 in 1999 identified Indigenous media as a first level of service
for indigenous audiences (p11-12 of Executive Summary), outlining two distinct roles:
“to disseminate information to their own communities; and
to be active in informing and educating Australians about each other.”
It outlined ATSIC Program Policy and Guidelines for Indigenous media as aiming to
“empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander peoples through:
control of their own broadcasting and communications services; and
access to other broadcasting and communications services: and
production of their own linguistically and culturally relevant programmes.”
The ‘Digital Dreaming’ report outlined a vision for a future for Indigenous media and
communications in Australia, with numerous suggestions for policy development and growth
of the sector to engage with a convergent digital future. It identified the need for IT and
telecommunications to be included in the policy and funding model. Unfortunately most of
the recommendations of the report were not implemented and the sector has been funded
ever since without clearly articulated and appropriate policy.
The IBP Review in 2006 also failed to develop a policy. It did not recognise the
convergence of media and ICTs at a time when the global trend in media and
communications was towards multi-media and multi-platform delivery and away from
traditional mass broadcast models. This review had significant impact on remote media by
removing funding for video production or programs other than radio broadcasting. A new
policy should incorporate the full suite of media production formats and communications
platforms, and include music development, print/publishing, mobile telephony (for media
creation/ sharing/ viewing), archiving and other new media forms.
The policy should provide recognition of the specific context and needs of remote
Indigenous people. Remote areas have unique needs and considerations for program
delivery which are rarely met by one-size-fits-all approaches. Pan-Aboriginal models do not
meet the needs of remote people as seen by the general lack of interest in the NITV.
IRCA highly recommends that the development of Policy be an inclusive process.
Funding for Indigenous Media Sector
Recommendation 4 (URGENT): That funding for the Indigenous Broadcasting and
Media sector be increased.
This much-needed funding increase is essential to promote the ongoing development and
growth of the Industry, and facilitate its key role in the transition to a digital future.
6 ‘Digital Dreaming: A National Review of Indigenous Media and Communications’ report for ATSIC 1999,
undertaken by Indigenous Media Australia.
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 24

The ‘Digital Dreaming’ report noted the funding for the sector was “demonstrably
inadequate” back in 1999 and needed to be increased from $12million to $22.35 million.
This recommendation was not implemented.
Despite a significant increase in the number of Indigenous media organisations across
Australia and demand for funding more than doubling since 1996, the funding levels have
remained virtually unchanged. The IBP budget is currently at $14.786 million, only a 23%
increase in 11 years. The success of the program and outcomes to date should be
recognised with increased funding.
In submission to the review of the IBP in 2006, AICA and IRCA argued that the funding
should be increased to recognize the growth in the sector. Instead the funding remained the
same and the scope of activities was reduced, leading to unnecessary competition for the
same funding by remote, regional and urban organisations.
Due to the broad nature of the Industry- covering media production and broadcasting,
training and employment, new media and ICTs, technical services, Indigenous community
development, cultural maintenance and more- it would be appropriate that the funding be
sourced from a range of government departments. The current silo that IBP has been
slotted into has restricted recognition of the importance of the sector and the funding levels.
The only recent increase in Government investment in the Industry was the establishment of
NITV in 2006 7 . While this is an important program, the choice of a mainstream programming
model which has effectively resulted in funding being directed to an elite group of primarily
urban film and TV practitioners (for whom other funding programs were already available).
There has been virtually no support or development outcomes for the existing grass roots
organisations which have had to survive on minimal funding for many years. A more
equitable model of funding distribution needs to be implemented.
Need for a Remote Sector Funding Program
Recommendation 5 (URGENT): That a remote sector-specific funding program be
established.
The IBP no longer serves the scope of activities delivered by remote media organisations or
RIBS communities. This proposal is to re-establish a funding program specific to the remote
sector, as per the former BRS program. A new program should be established which better
recognises the specific nature of the remote ‘context’, the full scope of activities delivered by
the sector, the higher costs of remote area delivery and the convergence of media and
communications technologies and multiple delivery platforms. Currently under the IBP, the
remote sector is competing for funding with regional radio stations, Imparja TV and other
very different programs, creating rifts within the sector.
IRCA notes that the IBP still provides direct funding to some RIBS communities rather than
through regional RIMOs. While there may be some special circumstances where there is
not an active RIMO to support the community, IRCA suggests that all funding for remote
communities/ RIBS should be coordinated by the RIMOs to ensure effective and coordinated
media and communications outcomes. An MOU between the RIMO and RIBS communities
can be established to ensure effective delivery of services.
7 The $48 million over 4 years was just short of the annual funding level for the entire IBP program. The
$15.4million in 2010/11 exceeds the IBP budget.
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasti ng and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 25

Despite the reduction in scope under the IBP, most RIMOs have continued to try to find
ways to address community demand to deliver a wide range of community media services.
As well as coordinating regional radio networks and technical services, several RIMOs have
found separate funding to maintain video production and contribute content to the ICTV
weekend service. Some RIMOs also manage IT facilities, providing access and training,
conduct music development programs, run important heritage archiving projects, maintain
local web portals and provide telecommunications advocacy within their regions.
Funding for the sector should have provision for capital funding for digital media equipment
and facilities to enable broadcast-quality media production. Many communities still have outdate
VHS video cameras, but there has been almost no equipment funding allocation
through IBP since 2003/4.
Capital funding is needed to establish Community Media Centres (existing RIBS facilities to
be upgraded or replaced) which are designed to effectively provide a range of media and
communications services to the community (see Recommendation 23 and picture on page
3). These will be scalable to the community size and needs. Also, staff housing is a critical
need, which needs to be addressed for remote hub sites (see Recommendation 49).
There is also an urgent need for funding for Repair and Maintenance of Facilities (see Rec
50). This can be most efficiently carried out by RIMO-managed Technical Services Units to
ensure facilities have preventative maintenance schedules in place to avoid costly
equipment replacement and emergency service trips.
The new program should enable aspirant remote communities to be included and become
part of the sector. This will only be possible if increased funding is provided which enables
existing RIBS and RIMOs to continue to be properly resourced. Many communities were not
included in the original BRACS program and are now keen to become involved or are
already creating media through other programs. This is an ideal opportunity to review the
RIBS communities and extend the program to aspirant communities. This may also require
additional remote media organisations to be established to support clusters of communities
in current ‘black spot areas’ outside of existing RIMO coverage areas.
Indigenous Broadcasting a Discrete Sector
Recommendation 6 (HIGH PRIORITY): That Indigenous Media be recognised as a
discrete Industry sector, rather than a sub-section of the community broadcasting
sector.
The labelling of Indigenous Media within the Community Broadcasting sector has hampered
its growth as an industry. Community broadcasting is identified by its inherent culture of
broadcasting to local and special interest audiences as an alternative to mainstream
services and relies on a volunteer workforce. Indigenous media, on the other hand, offers a
primary service to Indigenous audiences, with regional and national networks that cover
large areas of the country. For Indigenous broadcasters and media workers, the Industry is
their main source of employment and has an Award wage structure recognised under the
recent Award Modernisation process. The remote Indigenous media sector is also
recognised to provide unique employment and career development prospects in areas
identified under the Federal Government's 'Closing the Gap' commitment, as shown by its
selection for the first rollout of the National Jobs Package.
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 26

A Key Role in Indigenous Languages Policy
Recommendation 7 (HIGH PRIORITY): That the remote Indigenous Broadcasting &
Media sector be included as a key stakeholder in the planning and implementation of
the new National Indigenous Languages Policy
In August 2009, the Australian Government announced a new National Indigenous
Languages Policy with five key objectives:
1. National Attention: To bring national attention to Indigenous languages – the oldest
surviving languages in the world; and the pressures they face.
2. Critically Endangered Languages: Reinforce use of critically endangered Indigenous
languages that are being only partly spoken to help prevent decline in use and to
maintain or extend their common, everyday use as much as possible.
3. Working with Languages to Close the Gap: In areas where Indigenous languages are
being spoken fully and passed on, making sure that government recognizes and
works with these languages in its agenda to Close the Gap.
4. Strengthening Pride in Identity and Culture: To restore the use of rarely spoken or
unspoken Indigenous languages to the extent that the current language environment
allows.
5. Supporting Indigenous Language Programs in Schools: To support and maintain the
teaching and learning of Indigenous languages in Australian schools. 8
The National Indigenous Languages Survey (NILS) Report 2005 found that of the 145
indigenous languages still spoken in Australia, 110 are critically endangered.
Primary government funding for addressing this rapid deterioration of Indigenous languages
is through the Maintenance of Indigenous Languages and Recordings (MILR) program.
Currently most funding under the MILR program goes to language centres, despite many
remote language areas not being supported by a language centre. This limits language
resources to primarily text-based materials. To date, RIMOs have had limited success in
gaining MILR funding for collecting and preserving of language –based recordings and
resources.
IRCA and the RIMOs are keen to play a role in the implementation of the National
Indigenous Languages Policy. Language and cultural maintenance is a key aim of all RIMOs
as well as IRCA and ICTV. IRCA urges that the significant role of the remote media sector
be recognized in recording, preservation and broadcasting/distribution (via radio, video/DVD,
ICTV, on-line etc) of language-based media programs for language maintenance outcomes.
RIMOs support communities with an active media program in many of the regions where
these Endangered languages are, making the remote media sector well placed to play a key
role in the implementation of the new policy.
IRCA urges that that the maintenance of Indigenous languages and cultures be included
within the Broadcasting Services Act. It would increase the recognition and awareness of
Australia’s Indigenous heritage and support the significant role that recording and
broadcasting plays in maintaining Indigenous languages and culture. This is the case in
Canada and in New Zealand as part of the Treaty of Waitangi, and is reflected in the funding
allocated to Indigenous television services for this purpose. For instance, APTN in Canada
8 From DEWHA website: www.arts.gov.au/indigenous/languages_policy
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 27

has an annual budget of around CAN$37 million9, with a further CAN$8 million a year
funding for cultural program production by the Dept of Canadian heritage. Maori TV gets
$36 million a year (2009 figure). 10
This submission outlines specific programs towards achieving these aims, including the
establishment of a Language and Cultural Recordings Fund (Rec 11) and an Audio-visual
Archiving program (Rec 12).
b. What are the current practices in the Indigenous broadcasting and
media sector that promote Indigenous content, music, culture and
language and can these be improved
The promotion of Indigenous language and culture through creation of local media and online
content and music are at the core of remote Indigenous media practice, albeit without
any recurrent funding for production. There is substantial evidence of the rapid uptake and
skills development in digital media and music production in remote communities (as
evidenced by Dr Inge Kral's research 11 and the number of presentations at recent AIATSIS
‘IT and Indigenous Communities’ symposium). There is significant potential for improvement
through development and resourcing of the sector.
Some of the current activities are outlined, along with some key suggested areas of
improvement in italics (more detail in later questions):
Radio broadcasting via regional networks, primarily in language
‣ Expansion of radio networks to include aspirant communities
‣ On-line delivery with ongoing web development and moderation funding
‣ Establishment of at least 3 additional radio networks (see Rec 40)
Video production for ICTV and local broadcast/ distribution (Note: videos often for
local audience only, with some strictly for gender-specific audience)
‣ Re-introduction of funding for video and multi-media production, including
training, RIMO video trainer position, and equipment and facilities (see Rec 9)
‣ Creation of a Remote Audio-visual Content Production Fund enabling remote
producers to produce, broadcast and distribute programs (where appropriate)
and maintain IP and copyright (see Rec10)
‣ Funding for maintenance of TV broadcast facilities and local video
playout/switching equipment be re-instated (see Rec 9)
‣ An archiving project to digitise, preserve and catalogue collection and re-edit
videos to remove deceased content (see rec 12)
‣ Recognition and funding for distribution opportunities, including but not limited
to ICTV.
9 APTN reaps significant funds (about $1.5 million) from a compulsory cable TV levy on subscribers
(a pproximately 13 cents per connection)
10 Information supplied by Dr Michael Meadows
11 See report: ‘Plugged In: Remote Australian Indigenous Youth and Digital Culture’ attached with this
submission
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 28

Cultural performance events & recordings of Law/dreaming stories and traditional
song/dance forms, as well as language recordings and oral histories
‣ An Indigenous Languages and Cultural Recordings Fund (see Rec 11)
‣ Repatriation of material currently sitting in archives and libraries in Australia
and internationally (see Rec 11 & 12)
ICTV broadcasts to most communities, which is community-produced programming,
primarily in Indigenous languages
‣ Funding for ICTV to negotiate a full-time dedicated channel on the VAST
digital satellite platform for ICTV, (as separate or in addition to NITV), to begin
from 1/7/2011 (see Rec 8)
‣ Realistic funding to ICTV to operate a 24/7 digital television service to cover
playout facilities, staffing, content licensing, technical support, repatriation and
research of archive material, legals and general administration (see Rec 41)
‣ Capital funding for switchers to enable communities to receive ICTV now, until
such time as a digital service is in place (see Rec 39)
‣ Capital funding for new digital receivers in communities (see Recs 39)
Music development, festivals, performance, recording, in both traditional and
contemporary music modes
‣ Funding of a full-time Music Development Program (see Rec 15)
‣ Funding for distribution and business support to enable the establishment of
remote Indigenous music industry. (see Recs 15 & 29)
Archiving of audio-visual recordings (not funded) and repatriation of recordings
‣ Establish an Audio-visual Archiving funding program (see Rec 12)
‣ Promotion of an Archive access platform (like Ara Irititja Archival Project or
similar) to be made available as a platform for regional or local community
access archives (See Rec 12)
‣ Repatriation of audio-visual resources back to communities. (see Rec 11 & 12)
On-line content development for sharing language and cultural content, via internet
and intranet portals (such as Indigitube website and RIMO websites)
‣ Recurrent funding program be established for on-line content development and
maintenance for remote areas (see Rec 10)
‣ ICT Training and professional skills development be set up as an ongoing
program (see Rec 10)
‣ Industry development, with establishment of IRCA, annual Remote Media
Festival with awards, Industry forums and regular meetings
‣ Recurrent Funding for the Annual Remote Media Festival (see Rec 20)
‣ Increased resourcing of IRCA as sector peak body to coordinate Industry
development, facilitation of forums & events, governance and promotion of the
sector (Rec 20)
Re-establishment of Full-Time ICTV service
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 29

Recommendation 8 (URGENT): That Indigenous Community Television be reestablished
as a full-time Indigenous TV service in remote Indigenous communities
from 1st July 2011 via the VAST digital platform.
This requires the government to grant ICTV full-time use of the second allocated Indigenous
TV channel on the VAST platform. Also for the Imparja uplink of Indigenous services be
transferred from the Aurora platform to the VAST digital platform from 1st July 2011,
providing separate channels for ICTV and NITV.
There is an opportunity now for the Government to join with remote indigenous communities
in their effort to restore and grow the essential, grass-roots service of ICTV, and support
RIMOs to reactivate video programs, with training, equipment, cultural recording and
production, and broadcasting. In terms of likelihood of successful outcomes for investment,
ICTV is a sure winner.
ICTV is currently broadcasting via the Westlink channel on Aurora platform on weekends
only, with communities switching to receive the service. If DEWHA approved Imparja to
transfer to the VAST platform, a full-time ICTV service could be operational from 1 st July
2011. Capacity already exists on the VAST platform for “both NITV and ICTV or similar” plus
15 radio services (John Wilkinson, Imparja Technical Manager). Currently Imparja uplinks
NITV and 12 radio services via the Aurora satellite service, which DEWHA subsidises under
IBP for $1.8m pa. These services could be transferred to the lower-cost VAST platform as
early as July 2011 if DEWHA was to approve the funding to be used for this purpose. (Note:
A simulcast period on both platforms may be required for users/communities to upgrade
existing decoders to digital set-top boxes at $269 each).
The cost of the transponder rental for these two services is similar to the cost of a single
service on the Aurora satellite. Licencing and recurrent funding allocation will need to be
made to accommodate full-time satellite service delivery of ICTV beyond 2013.
Video and Multi-Media as Core Activities:
Recommendation 9 (URGENT): That video and multi-media production be reintroduced
as part of the core activity funding for remote Indigenous media.
This recommendation is to recognise the importance of visual media as a primary
part of remote media practice and reinstate it within funding guidelines. This would
enable training in video and multi-media, community production, training staff,
resourcing and the maintenance of TV broadcast facilities to be reactivated.
In 2006, the IBP Review determined that video would no longer be funded, instead that all
video/TV production funding for the sector would be channelled through the NITV
Commissioning process. This had a major impact on the remote sector, for whom video
production and broadcasting had been a key part of their activities. Some RIMOs have
managed to continue video production without funding or with alternate sources to address
local needs and interests. Others, however, have been actively prevented from undertaking
any video production by regional ICCs, in strict accordance to IBP funding guidelines.
With digital convergence of media production and distribution formats, it is now possible for
a video production to be distributed via various platforms (DVD, ICTV, local broadcast, online
through Indigitube, subscriber modules like Hitnet or Ara Irititja Archival project, audio
content via radio, or broadcast on other TV networks including NITV, ABC or SBS, Pay TV
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 30

or international) and packaged for multi-media usage. Remote media producers are already
engaging with many of these platforms and technologies, many of which are more affordable
and accessible than previous analogue equivalents. For this reason, it is proposed that
multi-media be included with video production and distribution to support a digital future for
the remote media sector.
Video, and the new tools of media creation (digital cameras, mobile phones, digital audio
recorders etc) are increasingly becoming used as powerful tools for learning and cultural
preservation. Media production is a powerful tool for adult learning, requiring a high level of
competence and the ability to transfer oral storytelling to visual media format. This is one of
the few sites within community life where Indigenous people have autonomy and control and
are modelling professionalism, expertise and leadership to the next generations. 12
The recognition of the convergence of media and ICTs within the funding and operations of
media and communications programs will help to provide ongoing community access
facilities for both media and IT applications. To date, IT programs (through NTN, TAPRIC,
BIA etc) have been one-off, without continuity or recurrent funding to maintain facilities and
ensure ongoing support and access. There is a need for ongoing training and technical
support, appropriate on-line content and applications and facilities for IT and multi-media.
By combining these with media programs (in line with community and regional demand)
there is a natural collocation of facilities, function and community media worker coordination,
building sustainability for the program.
Remote Audio-Visual Production Funding:
Recommendation 10 (URGENT): That a Remote Audio-visual Content Production
Fund be established
The establishment of a Remote Audio- Visual Content Production Fund would enable
community-based production of content across a range of media and distribution platforms.
This would:
‣ allow for cross-platform content creation using all forms of production format
‣ provide an increase in content for broadcast on a full-time ICTV service
‣ be distinct from NITV production funding/ commissioning model, enabling access for
remote producers
‣ Entitle content producers to choose appropriate distribution of their productions (local
broadcast, ICTV, NITV, ABC/SBS or non-distribution for culturally sensitive recordings,
or web-based delivery platforms and e-commerce models, such as iTunes)
‣ Ensure IP remains with community producer or RIMO, as appropriate
The Remote Audio- Visual Content Production Fund could be managed directly through
RIMOs as a first preference through its annual funding arrangement through DEWHA. For
large projects, special remote Indigenous funding programs could be established through
state or federal production funding agencies (Screen Australia, Screenwest, NT Film Office,
SA Film Commission etc) rather than through the current commissioning process under
NITV. (Note: The Aboriginal Peoples Television Network in Canada split content funding for
the TV network evenly between regions).
12 Observations by Dr Inge Kral
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 31

The application process should be simplified to provide access to all remote media
producers for their various distribution regions (local, regional, national, etc) and platforms
(NITV, ICTV, on-line, DVD, local broadcast, etc) and audiences. IRCA can provide input into
developing the guidelines and application process for this fund to ensure it is appropriate to
the needs of the sector.
It is critical that all contracts allow that IP (including copyright) for Indigenous cultural and
community content remain with the producer, not the government or commissioning agency.
This has proven an ongoing and unresolvable issue with attempted ICTV/NITV
commissioning contracts with a range of agencies.
Language and Cultural Recordings:
Recommendation 11 (HIGH PRIORITY): That an Indigenous Languages and Cultural
Recordings Fund should be established.
This program would support RIMOs and remote media workers to record, maintain
and repatriate Indigenous languages and cultural practice for future generations.
Local broadcasting services are the most popular services in remote communities as they
relate directly to the audience in the local language. As well as providing relevant news and
information, they have local music, presenters, and stories. Children are the primary
audience for local radio networks and ICTV, making these powerful tools for
learning/education and cultural preservation. A key role of remote media is to maintain
language and culture, and an ongoing recording and production process is required to
achieve this.
The approximate percentage of the remote Indigenous population for whom English is not
the first language is up to 90% in some remote areas, with some people speaking up to 5
languages other than English. There are more than 50 active languages across Australia
with more than 200 speakers. Many of these language groups are represented by the
remote media sector and are not represented or supported by language centres.
Table 1: Language content on various media services. 13
Language
% of regional
population with
this first language
Content %
ABC
/commercial
NITV ICTV Local
programming
Anmatjerre/ Warlpiri/ 85 0

As can be seen in the table above, local broadcast networks are critical to maintaining
language, with virtually no Indigenous language representation on the mainstream TV and
radio services, including NITV. However, there is a high percentage of local first language on
local radio networks and video broadcasts, with ICTV also broadcasting in a range of
languages across Australia.
Audio-Visual Archiving:
Recommendation 12 (URGENT): That an Audio-visual Archive program be established
to support and resource the preservation and archiving of Indigenous communityowned
audio-visual collections. Also to develop delivery platform/s to enable
community access to archived audio-visual materials in their respective communities/
regions.
Recommendation 13 (URGENT): IRCA to develop an Archiving Strategy and pilot
project for the sector, with policy and procedures for archive management.
There is an urgent need by all remote Indigenous media organisations to digitise and archive
aging collections of video recordings taken on VHS, S-VHS and other outdated formats, with
magnetic tapes deteriorating, risking the loss of significant social and cultural heritage. In
most cases, the recordings were made by Indigenous people, for a local audience, and the
knowledge of the participants, locations, and cultural and linguistic content and sensitivities
are often known only the Indigenous media workers.
The focus is on community ownership of archives with community control over storage and
access (ie- not for public access). Most archive funding currently requires access be
available to the broader community. This is inappropriate for Indigenous collections of
recordings, which are intended for specific local audiences and community control must be
maintained over access.
To date there have been no funding programs to provide the scale of archive projects
required, to enable RIMOs and RIBS to digitise collections, catalogue and, where necessary,
re-edit to remove deceased content.
There is also a need for delivery platform/s to enable community access to archived audiovisual
materials in their respective communities/ regions (eg-Ara Irititja Archival Project,
Traditonal Knowledge Revival Pathways, HitNet kiosk modules, etc).
IRCA can play a role in developing a coordinated culturally appropriate Archiving Strategy
for use by remote media organisations and communities to conserve their unique and
culturally significant collections of audio-visual recordings. The Strategy would include
policies and procedures to have compatible systems and support for the sector.
Archives should be community-owned and controlled, with best practice systems for
digitisation, storage, backup, cataloguing, meta-tagging and managing cultural and
deceased content. This project must have Indigenous ownership and involvement at its core
with skills transfer and employment of remote media workers central to the process.
Also, with new digital media formats being more accessible and affordable, there is a
proliferation of digital video, audio and photographs being recorded, but no robust systems
for cataloguing or meta-tagging of these media assets. A meta-tagging system, enabling
information to be added at creation or importing level, needs to be created to identify and
catalogue this new content. This would include information on creator, location, subject/s,
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 33

estrictions on access, date/time, and associated story among other information. Voice
recording on digital cameras and new facial recognition software may be useful tools in
developing these systems.
Archives play a significant role in inter-generational knowledge transfer and maintenance of
language and cultural practice. They also form a rich repository for use in schools, crosscultural
learning and e-classroom environments. Without this urgently needed archive
program, a large proportion of the important cultural and social heritage recordings created
under the BRACS program risk being lost to future generations.
Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property
Recommendation 14 (HIGH PRIORITY): Recognition of Indigenous Cultural
Intellectual Property (ICIP) Rights needs to be built into all funding/ commissioning
arrangements, enabling communities to maintain local Indigenous control over ICIP
for all productions, audio-visual recordings and documentation created using that
funding.
Clause 11 in the Australian Government Program Funding Agreements, which provides to
the government the Intellectual Property rights on all materials created using the funding,
must be removed for Indigenous cultural programs. In some cases, including the funding of
NITV’s production budget, this has not been removed. While all organisations are willing to
provide the government with appropriate samples of work to use in reporting and publicity,
this must be negotiated directly with the organisation.
Music Development:
Recommendation 15 (MEDIUM PRIORITY): Music Development be recognised as a
relevant role of Indigenous media organisations.
Currently several RIMOs- CAAMA, PAW Media, Ngaanyatjarra Media, PY Media,
PAKAM/Goolarri Media- have contemporary music development programs, to enable music
skills development, performance at festivals and events, recording and distribution, e-
business development. Several areas also have programs for promotion or collaboration
with traditional music modes and genres. Short-term funding for these programs has come
from various programs, state and federal, although there is no specific music development
funding program with DEWHA.
In 2008, the Cultural Ministers’ Council released the ‘Indigenous Contemporary Music Action
Plan: Towards A Stronger Indigenous Contemporary Music Sector’, which outlined a series
of initiatives for music development across state and federal funding programs.
“Indigenous culture is a strength to be celebrated and a major force in shaping our
national culture and identity. Across Australia, from the large cities to the most
remote communities, Indigenous people are making music. It’s an art form that has
the power to draw young Indigenous Australians into education and training
programs. Making music is strengthening pride in culture, language and history and
Indigenous Australians’ contribution to Australia’s mainstream culture.” (P1, ICMAP)
While there are several programs for short–term music projects, there is currently no
dedicated Indigenous music development funding program by Australian government. At the
Australasian World Music Expo in 2009, the consortium of Indigenous music groups who
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 34

attended called for one to be established. There was also broad recognition of the natural
role of remote media organisations in coordinating these programs within their regions to link
with existing radio, video and multi-media programs, training and facilities and regional
festivals and events.
CAAMA is a leader in the field, having undertaken music recording and distribution for
Central Australian community bands for nearly 20 years. Ngaanyatjarra Media, which has
recently been funded for a 3-year Music Development program, has developed a 5-year
Strategy document which can be used as a template for other organisations in the sector.
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 35

2. Consider and make recommendations on the most efficient, effective
and appropriate form of the Australian Government’s investment.
a. How well does the current system of investment work
The remote media sector acknowledges the continued investment of the Australian
Government over many years into the development of the sector, with significant outcomes.
However, since the 2006 IBP Review, the focus has been on delivery of training and radio
broadcasting, while funding for content development (particularly video and multi-media) is
almost non-existent. There has been almost no Repair and Maintenance funding, and no
funding of regional Technical Service Units, despite this being seen as part of core business
for remote communities, leading to equipment failure and long delays in repairs. There has
also been virtually no capital funding under IBP for many years. Funding has not kept pace
with growth and demand in the sector, and increased costs of delivery, leading to a
tightening of funding and scope of activities. This has stifled this growth and been counterproductive.
During a time of convergence and rapid expansion of the potential outcomes from media
and ICT technological development and applications, and a critical period for preserving of
Indigenous knowledge and heritage, increased investment would reap enormous rewards.
b. How could it become more efficient and effective
Program Relocation to DBCDE with Production and Cultural Programs under DEWHA
Recommendation 16 (HIGH PRIORITY): That primary funding for the Indigenous
broadcasting and media sector be relocated from DEWHA to DBCDE.
Recommendation 17 (HIGH PRIORITY): That funding for media production and
language and cultural program continue to be administered by the Indigenous Culture
and Content Section of DEWHA, while promoting linkages with other production
funding sources, such as Screen Australia and state film agencies.
IRCA suggests that operational, capital and Repair and Maintenance funding for the
Indigenous broadcasting and media sector should be located within DBCDE alongside other
public and community broadcasting programs, as well as telecommunications and ICT
programs. This would help to recognise Indigenous media as a significant part of the
Australian broadcasting landscape and increase linkages and opportunities under the NBN,
Digital TV switchover, Indigenous Communications Program and with mainstream
broadcasters. It would also support the sector’s uptake of new technologies with the
convergence of media, ICTs and telecommunications.
The primary criteria for location of funding programs is based on departmental presence in
regional centres where media organisation representatives have access to meeting with
agency program staff. Canberra is a very remote place for most Indigenous people, leading
to limited contact and understanding of aims and activities. Consequently, DBCDE may
have to extend its presence in ICCs in key regional centres that has a specific responsibility
for the sector. This would also help improve DBCDE understanding of impacts of other
programs in remote areas, including Indigenous Communications Program, Digital
Switchover and National Broadband Network.
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 36

Production funding for culture, language and heritage seems to fit best within the Indigenous
Culture and Content Section of DEWHA. Production funding for video/TV/multi-media
content could be provided direct to the RIMO, rather than through a third party. However,
DEWHA could arrange linkages with the existing screen production agencies- Screen
Australia, NT Film Office, Screenwest, Film SA, NSW Film & TV Office etc- to support the
application process for remote producers or organisations to gain funding for larger film and
TV productions. The IP and copyright clauses would need to be removed to ensure
community ownership of cultural content is maintained.
No National Indigenous Broadcasting Authority
Recommendation 18 (HIGH PRIORITY): IRCA does not support the creation of a
National Indigenous Broadcasting Authority to manage funding and decision-making
on behalf of the remote Indigenous media sector.
Following the experience of the centralised NITV model, there are deep concerns that a
centralised Indigenous broadcasting authority would not adequately represent the interests
and needs of remote people and may lead to exclusion of remote media or reduction in
community ownership and autonomy.
While there is a need for a cross-departmental approach to funding of the sector, IRCA
believes that this can be achieved through improved coordination at a government level.
This also includes better communication and coordination of programs between federal and
state funding programs to ensure equity between regions.
Resourcing Of Remote Media Organisations
Recommendation 19 (URGENT): That RIMOs be provided adequate resourcing,
staffing and infrastructure to effectively deliver media and broadcast services to the
RIBS communities in their regions.
Funding for the remote RIBS communities is most efficiently managed through the regional
RIMOs, with coordinated regional programs in training, technical support, production and
broadcasting for the region. The resourcing to date under the IBP has not been adequate to
effectively cover the vast regions with the full range of services.
Critical areas that need additional resourcing include:
Increased funding and support structures for RIMOs to undertake the full scope
of activities over vast regions;
Upgrades to RIBS facilities;
Capital funding for vehicles, video equipment, IT equipment and facilities and
broadband connectivity;
Housing for RIMO staff based in remote communities;
Content production funding;
Upgrade to Digital Broadcast equipment;
R&M budgets and Technical services units for each region;
Award non-CDEP wages for community media workers;
A coordinated change management process to support the industry to develop
and flourish in the digital environment.
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 37

The resourcing needs of RIBS communities would be identified through an updated report
on the sector (see Rec 22). This would inform regional (and national) planning to identify
how to best support the media and communications needs and aspirations of each
community. In regions with very large coverage areas, RIMOs may consider setting up
satellite hub sites to support clusters of communities. While this would require additional
resourcing (housing, vehicle, etc), it could enable improved service delivery for remote
communities, particularly where road conditions or weather conditions (eg-wet season)
make travel difficult.
Resourcing of IRCA
Recommendation 20 (URGENT): IRCA requires adequate funding to effectively
support the development of the remote media sector with additional staff positions as
outlined in the IRCA Strategic Business Plan 2008-2011. Also recurrent funding is
needed to facilitate forums and consultation with the sector and coordinate the
annual Remote Media Festival.
The workload and remoteness of RIMO staff and media workers, combined with lack of
access of services- technical, training, policy, legal etc- requires a high level of support from
the peak body, IRCA. Currently IRCA has funding for a Manager, part time Policy Officer
and Administrative Assistant.
In order to be in a position to implement the vision for remote media and communications
outlined in this submission, IRCA will need to be adequately resourced with skilled staff who
understand the needs of the remote sector. The IRCA Strategic Business Plan 2008-2011
outlines the following staff roles required to effectively support the development of the
remote sector: General Manager, Indigenous Trainee Manager, Membership Services
Officer, Employment & Training Officer, Policy & Research Officer, Technical Consultant,
Business Development Officer, and Administrative Assistant.
Each year IRCA organizes the Remote Media Festival in a different region, with the RIMO
for that region hosting the event. In 2010 it is to be on Thursday Island in October, with
TSIMA hosting the event. The Festival is the annual showcase and awards ceremony for
media production from the sector for the year, and is also an important event for Industry
development, with forums, skills workshops, AGMs for IRCA and ICTV, equipment and
project demonstrations, cultural performance and more.
Remote Media Festival
While it is the major event for the remote sector each year, there is no recurrent funding to
organize the event, cover travel costs for participants to attend, or cover accommodation
and catering. To have this included in recurrent funding would reduce the stress of
organizing the festival each year and excluding participants who are unable to cover travel
costs.
Recurrent funding is also needed for Industry development forums. These forums build
cohesion in the sector, develop good governance, promote effective cross-regional sharing
of knowledge and ideas, reduce sense of isolation and build the capacity of the sector into
the future. The recent Digital Technical Forum is a good example of how effective these
forums can be in providing sector-wide planning and developing innovative solutions to
technological challenges.
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 38

Change Management Process
Recommendation 21 (URGENT): IRCA proposes the establishment of a coordinated
Change Management Process for the remote sector.
A Change Management Process is needed to provide the roadmap for the sector as it
prepares for the significant transition period over the next 3-5 years, including digital
TV, broadband rollout in communities, mobile telephony and a digital future.
IRCA would play a key role in developing and implementing the Change Management
Strategy over a 3-5 year period, in conjunction with government departments and the
remote media sector.
The first stage is planning, with a grass roots consultative process with all parts of the
sector, research into international models, and confident facilitation of the process. It is
critical that the pioneers and leaders of remote media are involved to provide guidance and
community ownership in this process, to ensure the core values of remote media remain
intact.
A model for this process has been developed in Canada by the First Peoples Technical
Council (see Attachment 5).
Updated Report on the Remote Sector Needs
Recommendation 22 (URGENT): That an update of the 1998 Turner report into the
remote sector be undertaken to inform planning and change management for the
sector.
This report would be to provide up-to-date information about RIBS and RIMOs,
including:
Current statistics and resourcing requirements;
Communications infrastructure needs; and
RIBS facility upgrade and program needs.
Potential partnerships, linkages with other community organizations i.e. Art
Centres
It could also identify:
Aspirant communities not previously included under BRACS program; and
‘Black spot’ areas in need of support (via IRCA, existing RIMOs or establishing new
mini RIMOs).
The report would provide detailed recommendations for sector development.
It has been 12 years since the National Report on the 'Broadcasting for Remote Aboriginal
Communities Scheme' was undertaken by Neil Turner in 1998 and the sector has changed
significantly in that time. There is urgent need of updated statistics on the sector to assist in
planning and advocacy. This would also provide baseline data for a Change Management
Process (see Recommendation 21). It is proposed that this Review be undertaken by IRCA
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 39

in conjunction with each RIMO to ensure it meets regional planning needs as well as
national planning.
The report would be aimed at identifying communications infrastructure and resourcing
needs in each community (funding for facility upgrade, broadcast R&M, media worker
position, training etc) and region in order to help strengthen the sector and prepare for the
NBN, digital switchover and local uptake of ICTs.
It would also provide an opportunity to include other aspirant communities within the sector
that were not included in the original BRACS community allocations in the late 1980s to
early 1990s 14 . Only 147 (of a possible 3-400) communities across Australia are currently
supported to broadcast Indigenous community programming (TV & radio) locally. While
many more communities are now involved in creating media content and running ICT and
music programs, or are interested in doing so, they are currently not associated with a
RIMO 15 or the remote media network. This would be an opportunity to identify ‘black holes’
where active communities may have sufficient demand for a new mini RIMO to be
established, or alternatively IRCA to take on a larger role to support the sites.
There have also been regional structural changes that need to be incorporated. For
example, the Northern Territory Government have identified 20 ‘Growth Towns’, leading to
demand for RIMOs to provide additional services in these towns.
RIBS Facilities Infrastructure Program
Recommendation 23 (URGENT): A Facilities Infrastructure program be implemented
to upgrade RIBS buildings and RIMO hub facilities.
The upgrades should include purpose-built buildings, enabling a range of services to
suit the needs and size of the community. These may include radio broadcasting,
community access IT facilities, music recording, video production, archive computer,
server room for broadcast equipment and central media server. Where appropriate,
RIBS may be collocated with other community facilities (eg- art centre, telecentre/
access IT facilities, library).
RIMOs are set up to support a cluster of RIBS communities, based on a ‘Hub and Spoke’
regional design. The RIMO provides support to the cluster of RIBS communities via a
central support, training and production facility. The RIBS provide a community media
facility for radio and TV broadcasting and production, with some RIBS providing other
services, including community access on-line computers and printer, viewing facilities,
archive computer, music recording facilities, community WiFi transmission etc.
The original BRACS program did not include buildings, relying on communities to supply a
facility for the BRACS radio studios and transmission equipment. There has not been any
14 Note: An increase in the number of communities eligible for funding could only happen if there was
increased funding made available.
15 It is currently not viable for RIMOs to support new communities as it further stretches limited
resources, as annual funding levels have not been increased accordingly.
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 40

maintenance or upgrade funding for buildings. Consequently, many RIBS facilities are
desperately in need of repair or replacement.
Similarly, RIMO hub facilities have never received infrastructure funding under IBP to
establish professional facilities for training, broadcasting, production, archiving, studio
recording, regional communication or technical workshops. Most RIMOs are trying to carry
out these activities in sheds or office buildings not designed for the purpose. A model for a
hub Media and Communications Centre has been developed in Irrunytju community by
Ngaanyatjarra Media. (See Appendix 6).
For a facility to be sustainable, it requires enough community activity to provide the
‘activation energy’ for regular use and engagement of local coordinators/ media workers. It
also requires sufficient support by the RIMO with regular training workshops, technical
support and maintenance.
Facilities should be run as community access centres, owned and managed by the
community in order to get participation. They should not be co-located with government
services or formal training facilities or community offices, as this reduces ownership and
participation and often limits access times to office hours (eg- 10-12am, 2-4pm).
Remote Sector As Preferred Suppliers
Recommendation 24 (HIGH PRIORITY): A preferred supplier arrangement should be
implemented to ensure Government media campaigns intended for Indigenous
audiences be outsourced to Indigenous media organisations, for both production and
distribution.
While some government agencies are making use of Indigenous radio and TV services to
convey their messages, there is an under-usage of these services by many agencies.
There is still a tendency for government departments to use mainstream advertising
companies to produce messages that are often inappropriate or ineffective for remote
audiences.
A weighted percentage of all government communication campaigns targeted for Indigenous
audiences should be earmarked for production and distribution by Indigenous media
organisations. An example of this is the recent $25million Binge Drinking campaign which
was outsourced only to urban non-Indigenous agencies to create and distribute.
Triennial Funding
Recommendation 25 (HIGH PRIORITY): Funding should be at least triennial to
provide surety and continuity for organisations.
Uncertainty of funding, with a mix of piecemeal and one-off funding programs, has created
an environment of instability, lack of forward planning, and unsustainability for the sector.
One-off funding programs inevitably lead to disruption or removal of services, resulting in
disappointment and difficulty to re-engage participants in future programs. This has been
the ongoing experience of remote Indigenous communities.
Triennial funding allocations provide a much greater sense of continuity and enable
organisations to develop 3-year plans that are realistic. This also reduces the concerns of
funding being discontinued for programs being carried out mid-year (the best output period
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 41

for desert and Top End). Often allocations are only provided in June for the next financial
year, making scheduling of work very difficult.
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 42

c. What options could be considered that could provide a balance
between funding for content production, funding for infrastructure
and support for new media and other emerging technologies
All of these areas are important and, apart from radio broadcasting and training, all have
been severely under-funded within the IBP. The immediate primary focus of the remote
sector now is on getting a full-time active TV service for ICTV, which requires a mix of
infrastructure costs (transfer to VAST platform, ICTV playout facilities, video production
equipment for remote video producers), ICTV resourcing and content production. Beyond
that, there is a need to upgrade media centre facilities to promote growth into vibrant
community access on-line centres with broad community access and participation in media
and ICT activities (as shown in the diagram on page 3). With digital TV and NBN coming, it
is critical that communities have the tools to create and share their own locally relevant
media, and can maintain community broadcasting of local content.
Employment
d. How can the Indigenous broadcasting and media sector and the
mainstream media sector increase, create and develop Indigenous
employment opportunities in the media professions including print,
broadcasting, television and technical positions
The remote media sector is fully dedicated to providing meaningful employment
opportunities for remote media workers. However, this has been severely hindered by the
lack of recognition of media and communications as an essential service, which would
provide paid Indigenous staff positions in each community and appropriate facilities for
carrying out this work.
To date, IBP funding for the sector has not included wages for Indigenous community media
workers, relying on CDEP or the National Jobs Package 16 for basic wages (at approximately
$200-300 per week). This has meant that media work is not considered a real job, as the
level of payment does not relate to training undertaken or skills and experience in the
Industry. There has been no recognition of Award wages or pathways for career
development leading to a high turnover of participants. A tiered wage structure would
recognise skills development, work output and level of independence in media production
and managing media centres.
IRCA supports the philosophy outlined in PAW Media’s Training and Employment Strategy
2007-10:
“PAW believes the economic viability of remote Indigenous communities, including
meaningful and successful job opportunities, employment and sustainable livelihoods, is
achievable through a long term staged program of flexible training, cultural
considerations and individual support. This program relies on the establishment and
maintenance of positive relationships between PAW staff and participants and the
establishment of a viable media and communications industry in the region….PAW
broadly aims to support Indigenous people toward both economic independence and
16 Or NT Jobs Transition Program in NT communities
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 43

cultural preservation. PAW recognises that livelihoods (income) can be drawn from a
range of activities that are not necessarily within the standard employer/employee
relationship structure. This Training & Employment program looks at the broad range of
income generation possibilities within a remote Indigenous media industry. It is within
this context that training support is provided.” (p.23-24)
Remote Media Training Strategy
Recommendation 26 (URGENT): That a Remote Media Training Strategy be
developed for the remote Indigenous media and communications sector, which links
training to employment and prepares media workers for future directions and growth
in the sector.
In the remote sector, training is generally managed at a regional level. However, with
regular staff changes at RIMOs there is value on collating the training knowledge base of the
sector to inform future trainers and trainees.
A Remote Media Training Strategy would:
link training with employment or business opportunities;
ensure training leads to employment outcomes;
Cover areas of: Media Production (Radio, video, ICT, music), Specialised areas
(camera, editor, sound recordist, journalist, director, producer etc), Archiving,
Translating, Technical Trainees, Media centre coordinators, ICT facilitators/
catalysts/ peer trainers, Cultural officers, Governance, Office work & Management;
Includes new areas within media sector- archiving, music, IT and on-line production;
Accommodates mix of accredited and non-accredited training; (Note: Non-accredited
training is a proven model for remote communities, providing broad community
access and peer skill sharing. Funding bodies need to recognise this as a legitimate
and effective training model);
Favours project based and on-the-job training delivery within community RIBS
workplaces or similar non-threatening environment, with small group or one-on-one
learning with a culturally appropriate trainer (existing relationship, same gender,
culturally aware);
Fosters the ‘malpa’/ co-worker system of having an Indigenous worker linked to each
non-Indigenous staff role to promote skills and knowledge transfer & cultural
awareness of staff
Promotes role of local trainers to do peer training;
Supports on-line training by locally based Mentors/trainers (where high speed
internet and computer access is available).
provide a template for RIMOs to adapt as required to regional situation.
provide training resources (eg-RIBS tool kit) for sharing across the sector.
Training delivery needs to be flexible, community-based and tailored to the needs of each
person. As the community RIBS or media centre provides more activities or services for the
community (radio and video broadcasting, training and supervision of on-line community
access computers, archive and/or music recording computers, printing photos etc) the duties
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 44

of the Community Media Worker/s increase to make it a more complete and satisfying role.
Other media workers may choose to specialize in a particular field.
While some regions have good working relationships with RTOs (eg-Batchelor Institute,
Goolarri Media, CBAA and some TAFE colleges), others have found the accredited training
delivery too inflexible and students not completing a full Certificate course. Most RTOs
prefer students to travel to campus for workshops, which many remote trainees are reluctant
to do. Some RTOs have outsourced the training delivery to RIMO, and provided resources
and assessment, which has been an effective collaborative approach.
The RIMOs have a good track record for training delivery within their regions, primarily with
community-based non-accredited training. The research undertaken by Dr Inge Kral has
identified the value of establishing community access on-line media centres as vibrant
informal learning environments for young people:
In remote areas young people are accessing resources through remote community
organisations such as Ngaanyatjarra Media and Warlpiri Media, youth centres, youth
arts programs, and the remote community Library Knowledge Centres. In these
locations early expertise is acquired by ‘mucking around’ with technology—using
iTunes, downloading music, playing computer games, looking at and labeling photos,
playing with Word Art and so forth—as an initial stage before moving onto more
interest-driven participation (Fig. 2). This is an important first step in gaining
independent, non-directed computer experience and problem-solving confidence.
This stage involves experimentation and exploration with relatively low investment
where there are few consequences to a trial-and-error method and making mistakes.
More sophisticated multimodal practices may later be acquired in digital film-making
and music workshops provided by media organisations. Here youth are introduced to
the multimedia iLife suite (including iPhoto, iMovie and GarageBand) available on
Macintosh computers. Further competence is gained informally through observation,
peer learning, trial and error, practice and interactions with non-Indigenous mentors.
In some locations young people have proceeded onto independent video-making,
using complex computer editing programs leading to DVD production. In other sites
they are recording songs on the GarageBand software program and producing their
own CDs. 17
Award Wages
Recommendation 27 (HIGH PRIORITY): Future funding programs to recognise award
wages under new Awards scheme for media workers/broadcasters within funding
allocations.
Under the Broadcasting and Recorded Entertainment Award 2010, there is recognition of
wage levels based on skill and experience. In order to encourage career development,
create pathways and provide encouragement and reward for effort, skills and experience,
funding for wages for media workers should be paid at Award rates based on job
description, training level attained and experience.
In May 2010, the Australian Indigenous Communications Association in partnership with
17 p.5‐6, ‘Plugged In: Remote Australian Indigenous Youth and Digital Culture’
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 45

CAAMA made a successful application to the Fair Work Australia Tribunal to vary the
Broadcasting and Recorded Entertainment Award to reflect the specific needs of Indigenous
broadcasters. The changes are:
‣ payment of a language allowance for speakers of community languages; and
‣ a joint classification of Journalist/Broadcaster will apply only to the Indigenous
broadcasting sector.
The language loading are: (a) Level 1 (elementary level)—159.66% of the standard rate;
and (b) Level 2 (includes reading, writing and production in language)—319.64% of the
standard rate.
The minimum award rates for the two primary positions specifically for Indigenous radio
broadcasters who research, produce and present programs, are:
1. Broadcaster/Journalist Class 2 (Award Grade 7)- $705.20/wk or $18.56/hr
2. Broadcaster/Journalist Class 1 (Award Grade 8)- $724.20/wk or $19.06/hr
Flexible Work Practice
It should be noted that many remote Indigenous people prefer more flexible work
arrangements than the western 38-hour week, office-based work model. People often work
hard on a project but may take time off for sorry business, cultural business or to travel to
attend meetings or to visit family. Rather than expecting remote Indigenous people to adapt
to whitefella paradigms, it is more pragmatic and appropriate to adapt to the Indigenous
paradigm. Remote media organisations have a good track record for providing flexible work
schedule arrangements, but still achieving substantial outcomes from their Indigenous
workforce.
Each RIMO has different work practice models and strategies in place to achieve outcomes,
so are best placed to determine wages models. In general, however, the model of fixed
weekly wages for fixed hours worked, as per the National Jobs package is not a realistic
model. More flexibility needs to be allowed to base wages on actual hours worked, using
award rates that recognise tasks undertaken and skills level. Tasks such as translations,
video production and radio broadcasting require higher skill level and experience.
National Jobs Package
Recommendation 28 (HIGH PRIORITY): The National Jobs Package needs to be
reviewed, with consultation from IRCA and the RIMOs delivering the package.
IRCA acknowledges and welcomes the government’s efforts in providing an employment
program for the sector. However the National Jobs Package needs to be appropriately
resourced and provide more flexibility to local circumstances if it is to be equitable and not
set up to fail.
The National Jobs Package funding has been set up as one-size-fits-all, without taking into
account the nature of Indigenous work practice or the real costs of delivering training and
support to participants in multiple communities spread across vast remote areas.
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 46

The package covers wages for a fixed number of participants at $350/week 18 regardless of
hours worked (assumes 20 hours/week). It provides no incentive to employees by not
having different pay levels based on duties, skills and experience of employee, or allowing
top-up wages to be paid for higher duties or overtime. It is not flexible to remote Indigenous
work practice or cultural and family commitments. The on-costs cover administration and
basic training costs, but do not include on-costs of delivery in communities away from the
base site. These include vehicle and travel expenses, additional staff wages for training and
administration, staff housing costs, or workplace facility expenses (fitout, power, phone,
internet, maintenance). The model assumes workplaces are already established and that all
participants are centrally located in one place for training and support.
By providing a process for input into a revision of the program, it can be reconfigured to
better meet the needs of the sector and Indigenous workforce.
Business Development
Recommendation 29 (MEDIUM PRIORITY): Support the development of media based
micro-economies
Remote media workers acknowledge that government funding for community-based, cultural
video production or projects can not be relied upon as a single source; they well recognize
the need for innovation and are already rehearsing models offered by other organizations
serving indigenous interests which have successfully married enterprise–based principles
with community service.
Cited are enterprises such as: Papunya Tula Artists, which is “entirely owned and directed
by traditional Aboriginal people,” and whose aim is to champion artists, economic
development and maintenance of the rich cultural heritage of Western Desert communities;
Big hART’s Ngapartji Ngapartji, a project which promotes “language learning, teaching and
maintenance, community development, crime prevention, cross cultural collaboration, new
literacy training models as well as film, art and theatre making”; the Traditional Knowledge
Revival Pathways (TKRP) project, which aims to preserve and strengthen traditional
knowledge to benefit environment and community well–being; and Ara Irititja Archival
Project, a project of the Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara people that works to return
materials of cultural and historical significance to Anangu. These are models whose
successes are predicated on their ability to deliver good service or cultural experience and
thereby win both providers and subscribers to their enterprises. 19
Media, as a career or business opportunity, enables producers to have a greater control
over their work environment, and provides an alternative to the ‘full-time work paradigm’. A
well developed strategy, which integrates with the broader media community and beyond,
has the potential to enable remote Indigenous people to produce and distribute their media
products- videos, audio productions, music, photography, iPhone applications, language
resources, multi-media artworks, and so on.
18 Increased from $304/week in 2009/10
19 From ICTV submission to NITV Review.
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 47

With an increasing market for Indigenous content, and a growing range of broadcast and online
distribution outlets looking for unique content, there is potential for this to become a
burgeoning business.
The RIMOs and IRCA and ICTV could help to facilitate this business development for the
sector. IRCA has already conceptualized an on-line music arm within the Indigitube website
to enable sales of remote Indigenous music, similar to iTunes.
e. How can the Indigenous broadcasting and media sector most
effectively and efficiently be represented Should there be a single
peak body
IRCA and AICA
Recommendation 30 (HIGH PRIOIRTY): IRCA supports the continuation of both AICA
and IRCA as separate peak bodies.
IRCA fully supports AICA but is not in favour of a merger with AICA. AICA should continue
as the representative body for the national Indigenous media sector. IRCA should continue
as a peak body to represent the specific policy, governance and support needs of the
remote Indigenous media sector.
AICA’s membership is made up of members from remote, regional and urban Australia,
covering radio, TV, multi-media and print, with the majority from the radio broadcasting
sector. The needs of IRCA’s membership are quite different although there is some crossover.
IRCA is an organisational member of AICA and works collaboratively and productively
with AICA in areas of mutual interest. IRCA proposes that an MOU be established between
the two organisations for more efficient service delivery and collaboration.
IRCA is based in Central Australia where it can maintain a clearer focus on its constituents.
IRCA is a strong and viable organisation which supports its member organisations in their
management and administration taking into account the diverse cultural contexts of their
work- human resources (directory of support staff), governance, policy and funding. IRCA
has open and transparent communication channels that advance, protect, maintain and
promote the identity and integrity of its members. It provides regular meetings, forums and
an annual National Remote Media Festival. Membership is open to any 'relevant to remote'
individual or organisation.
IRCA seeks to have representation in policy decision-making regarding change to media
and communications services for remote areas (eg- Digital TV transition, National
Broadband Network, etc). IRCA seeks to expand its support role to the many remote
Indigenous communities and regions that are still poorly serviced.
The reasons that IRCA was set up as a separate peak body, to ensure the concerns of
priorities of Aboriginal people living in remote communities are taken into consideration,
remain current.
A Memorandum of understanding between IRCA and AICA is desirable. IRCA supports the
notion of developing an MOU's to facilitate communication, coordination of roles and to
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 48

provide mutual support where appropriate.
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 49

What do listeners and viewers want from Indigenous radio and television
In 2007, Griffith University published the report Community Media Matters: An Audience
Study of the Australian Community Broadcasting Sector 20 , which identified that remote
Indigenous audience prefer local Indigenous radio and TV services (such as community
broadcasts, regional radio networks and ICTV) as their primary service. The summary of the
report states:
“A wide range of audiences access Indigenous radio and television across Australia with
both Indigenous and non-Indigenous listeners and viewers identifying the following as
key attractions:
They feel Indigenous media offer an essential service to communities and play a
central organising role in community life;
Indigenous media help people to maintain social networks;
Indigenous media are playing a strong educative role in communities, particularly
for young people;
They offer an alternative source of news and information about the community
which avoids stereotyping of Indigenous people and issues;
They are helping to break down stereotypes about Indigenous people for the
non-Indigenous community, thus playing an important role in cross-cultural
dialogue; and
The stations offer a crucial medium for specialist music and dance.” (p.1)
All of these points apply for remote Indigenous audiences, who also want:
Access to the same symbolically powerful tools for self-representation- cameras,
microphones, computers, phones- to promote empowerment;
Content that relates to them- local language, people, places, stories, news and
music;
Programming that maintains community values, language and cultural integrity;
Equal status with other mainstream services- not relegated to on-line or
restricted delivery;
Programs that teach the young people about cultural, social and political
knowledge; TV and radio are increasingly being seen as contemporary tools for
conveying information and knowledge from the elders; 21
Information about current issues and meetings (radio is used as a form of
‘meeting place’) 22
Programming that links up family members and friends across large regions;
20 Research team comprised Chief Investigators Associate Professor Michael Meadows and Dr Susan
Forde, Dr Jacqui Ewart, with Dr Kerrie Foxwell, Mr Derek Flucker, Ms Heather Anderson, and Ms Christine
Morris
21 Aboriginal academic Marcia Langton described this at the recent ‘IT and Indigenous Communities’
symposium in Canberra, saying that media has become “the new modality of culture”
22 p56, ‘Community Media Matters’ report
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 50

Access to tools and training to create their own programming, to communicate
with the broader national and global community;
Entertainment and a sense of cultural safety and wellbeing (sound mental
health).
ICTV
The majority of remote Indigenous people prefer ICTV over NITV as it relates more to
remote community lifestyle, locations, languages, cultural content and has a community
access model for content contribution. The Community Media Matters’ report described
ICTV’s achievement:
“ICTV represents the most significant advance for remote Indigenous communities in
the past 20 years in terms of its potential to contribute to the maintenance of
languages and cultures, boosting self-esteem and making a significant contribution to
reinforcing a sense of identity amongst its diverse audiences. It has already begun to
achieve this, according to the audience feedback we have included in our study…”
“…viewers spoke with passion and pride about the importance of seeing images of
local, identifiable Indigenous people on TV — in many cases, for the first time.
Although ICTV is performing many roles in the communities we visited— maintaining
languages and cultures, connecting communities, promoting cross-cultural
awareness, a source of news and information — audiences most commonly talked
about it in terms of education: providing an environment where children, adults, both
Indigenous and non-Indigenous, could learn.” (p.62)
The key values that guide ICTV are community control at a local level, free access and
active participation. The qualities that distinguish ICTV and remote indigenous television
production are:
‣ Language based programming
‣ all programs made by and for Indigenous people
‣ open access to the distribution platform - free of over-determination or prescription
from programmers or commissioning agents
‣ authentic self-representation through community ownership and control of the
production process
‣ direct responsiveness to Indigenous cultural protocols
‣ community determination of production values or ‘quality’
‣ a program duration and flow that is not chopped up to fit into mainstream notions of
programming
‣ decentralised consortium-style institutional structure and governance
‣ predominently traditional and remote/regional audience or constituency 23
‣ free of commercial advertising (driven by market interests not welfare of viewers)
23 ICTV Submission To NITV Review, September 2009
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 51

There is very high demand from communities to have ICTV returned as a full-time service
(see Recommendation 8).
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 52

3. Consider the impact of media convergence on the Indigenous
broadcasting and media sector; the carriage of Indigenous broadcasting
and media on new digital platforms, including terrestrial services,
broadband enabled platforms and the new Government-funded satellite
service.
a. What are the likely impacts of media convergence on the
Indigenous broadcasting and media sector – are there any impacts
unique to this sector
Telecommunications, ICT and media communications can play a crucial role in overcoming
inequities due to remoteness, improving access to basic services (health, education,
employment and enterprise opportunities etc), improving ongoing viability of remote
communities and ‘connecting up families’.
Media convergence has already been a reality in many parts of remote Australia and has
been built into the changing face of remote Indigenous media and communications.
Computers are used in all aspects of media production, distribution and viewing, young
people are creating and sharing media using mobile telephones, digital cameras and MP3
players are ubiquitous, and on-line community access IT centres (telecentres, RTCs, PYKu
centres, community colleges or libraries) are becoming common in remote communities.
Programs like Networking the Nation, Telecommunications Action Plan for Remote
Indigenous Communities (TAPRIC), Backing Indigenous Ability and the current Indigenous
Communications Program have helped to provide ICT facilities, internet access, IT training
and technical support and on-line content in remote communities. Several remote media
organisations have played a key role in delivering these programs and have built ICT into
their scope of activities.
Low English literacy levels is a key factor influencing types of ICT applications being used,
with many users tending toward audio-visual and icon-based navigation, rather than textbased
applications. This is one reason why media applications are very popular, such as
creating playlists for local radio, loading digital photographs and creating slideshows,
manipulating images, creating images in Paint, playing games including online games, video
editing, viewing photos on the Ara Irititja archive, and recording music using Garageband
software. Additionally, with MP3 players, digital camera, mobile telephones and even laptop
computers becoming more affordable, remote Indigenous people are increasingly
purchasing these tools for media creation, storage and viewing/listening. Young people are
becoming engaged in and wanting to develop further media skills, leading to a new wave of
interest and uptake in media in remote communities.
However, while some parts of remote Australia are already networked with broadband, the
large majority of Indigenous people in remote communities still have limited access to
broadband or computer facilities and training. Lack of access represents a huge
disadvantage, and an inability to participate in the creative economy. There is still a long way
to go in overcoming the digital divide.
The Challenges of Broadband in Remote Communities
This technological and ideological change is happening very quickly. There is a lot of
concern by senior people in remote communities about the potential negative impacts of
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 53

oadband and ICTs on cultural authority, language and the influence of more western
media and values on young people, further increasing the generational divide. As young
people increasingly aspire to western values and commercialism, they can easily become
lost in the transition from the traditional culture of their grandparents and aspire to the
‘universalist youth culture’ that they are increasingly having access to through mainstream
media and internet.
However, the actual consequence of the introduction of new technology is that young people
are developing technological competence using the new digital tools and using this to reengage
with language and culture. They are developing a role as mediators between old
people and and applying current technologies to preserve culture and build social capital for
the future. They are choosing to become the new generation of storytellers, and are gaining
status and recognition within their own community and the outside community. 24
The key challenge for RIMOs in promoting broadband and ICT infrastructure into their
regions involves balancing a complex set of agendas:
‣ Raising awareness of the pros and cons of internet access in communities through
consultation and training, so that remote Indigenous people are empowered to be
active ‘drivers’ for the rollout and can decide if or when to take up internet access;
‣ Providing community access to ICT services and facilities, through locally run on-line
media centres and free or affordable access to broadband;
‣ Ensuring that broadband rollout clearly addressed community concerns and needs,
including telephony, access to local media content, internet banking;
‣ Reducing the social and cultural risks of broadband and ICTs via content filtering,
anti-virus software, and training and awareness;
‣ Creating 'Yarnangu 25 '-friendly on-line resources, training tools and local content;
‣ Staging the roll out of new technologies at a pace that yarnangu felt comfortable with
and could engage with;
‣ Providing regional coordination, training and technical support;
‣ Designing programs to fit with the overall RIMO objectives.
Telecommunications & National Broadband Network
Recommendation 31 (HIGH PRIORITY): That IRCA plays a consultative role in
considering the implications and potential outcomes of the NBN (and other
telecommunications programs) for remote communities.
Recommendation 32 (HIGH PRIORITY): That sufficient broadband capacity be
provided to remote areas to make enabling applications, such as IP
videoconferencing, VoIP and ITPV, accessible and affordable in remote communities.
24 Observations by Dr Inge Kral
25 Yarnangu – local language word for Aboriginal person i.e. Koori
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 54

Recommendation 33 (HIGH PRIORITY): That broadband access be included under the
USO to ensure similar speeds and costs for remote areas as in urban and regional
areas.
IRCA welcomes the National Broadband Network program. However, it is not yet clear what
level of connectivity will be provided to remote and very remote communities under the
National Broadband Network. The Government claims that the National Broadband Network
(NBN) will provide at least 12Mbps to remote Australia, most likely using a mix of microwave
and satellite delivery. IRCA urges that it be implemented in such a way as to ensure that all
communities, no matter their size, are connected into the network (preferably using
terrestrial delivery); and access to broadband is made affordable for communities.
Access to terrestrial broadband communications, particularly in the form of mobile phones
and wireless connected laptop computers, is an important enabler of appropriate skills and
technology development. This reduces the digital divide for Indigenous populations and has
significant outcomes in terms of empowerment, engagement, healthy lifestyle and
employment. If remote communities are able to get similar levels of broadband access to
other Australians, this can break down the tyranny of distance and significantly increase the
ongoing viability of remote communities.
As this Review precedes the broadband solutions in remote areas, future funding or delivery
models should be flexible enough to adapt to any forthcoming opportunities presented by the
NBN. Until the outcome of the NBN rollout and solutions and cost models for remote areas is
known, it is not realistic to consider high-end applications such as IP videoconferencing,
VoIP networks or broadband-delivered IPTV content to remote areas at the present time.
However, there is a real concern that remote communities will miss out on benefitting from
this $43 billion program, further increasing the digital divide in Australia. The outcome of the
recent election may have significant impact on the scope and accessibility of broadband in
remote regions.
b. What are the opportunities and risks for the sector with new digital
platforms
IRCA And RIMOs As Regional Agents
Recommendation 34 (HIGH PRIORITY): That IRCA and the remote media sector play
an up-front role in community consultation and raising awareness about the
opportunities and risks of new digital platforms.
A consultation process needs to be undertaken to identify community concerns and
aspirations regarding broadband delivery, digital TV and models for ICT and digital media
uptake in communities, so that these are considered in developing new policy. A
communications campaign about these significant changes for communities should be
launched across radio, TV and web platforms and social media. Also, opportunities for ‘trial,
experimentation and play’ projects should be established in remote communities, especially
for youth. New generation media centres provide a Lifespan learning environment for young
people to engage, develop skills, create media and increasingly take on professional and
leadership roles in their communities.
Access to ICT and broadband communications is crucial to the success of a huge range of
activities, including economic participation, health, media, arts, education & training, land
management, governance/meetings, transfer of knowledge and more. This is even more
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 55

critical in remote areas where there is a lack of alternate service delivery and services are
only available on-line. ICT disparity can often exist between indigenous regional ‘hub’
communities and more remote communities and homelands where there is often limited or
no access to digital services and ICTs.
We need policy support to recognise the emergence of this new industry. There are
currently many policy gaps, e.g. Training, pricing of telephony and broadband access in
indigenous communities, need for subsidies, ICT in school curriculum, archiving and
metadata standards.
Mobile Telephony as Primary Service under USO
Recommendation 35 (HIGH PRIORITY): Mobile telephony should be seen as a primary
service for remote Australia with a USO arrangement to ensure affordable access/
capped calls.
All Australians should have the right to access to basic telephony services, but this has still
not happened for many remote community households. Indigenous people are urgently
seeking telecommunications, and where they have it, are allocating up to 25% of their
disposable income to it. Priority should be given in Indigenous communities for mobile phone
towers with wireless internet access, rather than fibre to the premises or public phone boxes,
or extension of residential fixed telephone access. This should be a key consideration of the
model of broadband delivery to remote communities under the NBN. If mobile towers are
sufficiently high-powered and located at high pints with maximum range, also provides for
remote safety through ready access for reporting of accidents on remote dirt roads or
violence.
Due to shared households and lifestyle (mobile populations, living outside of houses), mobile
telephony is a more appropriate form of telephony access. In remote communities where
mobile telephony has been installed, mobile phones are tending to be more popular than
fixed services in remote areas. Even in sites where there are no services there is high
uptake of mobile phones for use as a media storage tool and for use when in coverage
areas. Mobile phones are being used as a media creation/distribution tool, sharing content
via Bluetooth, and will increasingly be used for the next generation of media makers.
There is also a need and opportunity for creating more Indigenous content, applications for
viewing, and for reaching people using mobile devices.
Threats of mobile telephony and broadband access include:
Cost of access being unaffordable
Inappropriate content (There needs to be content filtering for ISPs to reduce cultural
impact of broadband)
Unsolicited calling and marketing
The primary issue with mobile telephony is the high cost of usage. Recent research by
Laurel Dyson, undertaken in Hopevale where a mobile tower had been installed in 2008,
indicated that 55% of people owned or shared a mobile phone. The average monthly usage
costs were $378, compared with about $47.95 for a fixed line phone for the same number of
calls, or about $45 using the public phone. For remote Indigenous people, the high costs of
mobile are prohibitive, with many people owning phones but not able to afford recharge
cards.
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 56

If mobile call rates were on a capped untimed call rate of $0.30 under a USO arrangement,
mobile telephony would be an ideal service for remote communities.
Wireless Internet and VoIP:
Recommendation 36 (HIGH PRIORITY): Wireless internet connectivity be made
available to remote communities, enabling on-line access and communications and
Voice-over IP telephony. Connectivity needs to be rolled out in conjunction with
training, on-line content development, technical support as part of a broader
recurrent program.
Shared wireless broadband in communities can make a significant difference to affordability
and access for Indigenous people, as well as provide social and economic development
opportunities. Share WiFi networks in communities is being trialled in the Ngaanyatjarra
Lands with very successful outcomes- rapid increase in uptake and home computer usage
and increased ICT awareness and skills. It also provides an internet service for visiting
support staff in community, who would otherwise have no connectivity for email or access to
on-line services.
VOIP is revolutionising telephony and provides a more affordable option to other forms of
telephony. Indigenous communities can be expected to quickly adopt VOIP telephony as
they gain access to the internet.
ISP
Recommendation 37 (MEDIUM PRIORITY): An Indigenous ISP be established as a notfor-profit
service for indigenous organisations and people
This would ensure there are affordable and culturally appropriate internet services available
for Indigenous people.
Videoconferencing
Videoconferencing is also highly popular in remote communities as a communications tool,
as it enables large groups to be involved in a televisual link-up that enables communication
via body and facial language, providing a much greater sense of connection and satisfaction.
Videoconferencing is particularly useful for linking with family members who are away from
the community for extended periods due to incarceration or being in hospital, on renal
dialysis or in aged care facilities. It is also useful in meetings, e-health, training delivery,
court hearings and so on, reducing costly travel to remote areas.
Videoconferencing facilities can provide a valuable community resource within remote media
facilities, where there is an appropriate room for privacy and adequate management and
technical support. However, the equipment costs and ISDN costs (line rental + call rates)
are currently prohibitively expensive for general usage within RIMO budgets. IP
videoconferencing is a more affordable solution if high bandwidth broadband is available to
communities at affordable rates. Alternatively, on-line services such as Skype are more
affordable, although the quality is currently too low for large group interaction. The NBN
rollout will determine applications such as this and VoIP for general community use.
UHF Radio Networks
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 57

Several regions have had UHF radio networks established under capital funding programs
such as networking the Nation. While these are very popular in remote regions, some of the
networks (ie- Ng Lands, APY Lands) are no longer operational due to lack of recurrent
funding for maintenance. This points to the issue of one-off capital funding programs without
recurrent funding for operational costs and R&M. There is high demand for R&M funding to
rectify these networks and make them operational again.
c. How should a national Indigenous television service be delivered in
a digital environment
The following recommendations (32-48) came out of the recent Digital Technical Forum held
in Alice Springs, organised by IRCA and ICTV. As outlined in the Consultation section, this
forum brought together sector representatives, technical adviser and government
representatives to address the impacts of Digital Television Switchover for remote
communities. The full set of Recommendations from that forum, are attached as Appendix
1.
NITV and ICTV
Recommendation 38 (URGENT): IRCA strongly believes that there is a need for two
primary Indigenous TV services - NITV and ICTV - to meet the different needs of their
respective audiences and programming models.
Both services have a proven track record and existing infrastructure and audience
identification. Further, some regions may seek to have a regional TV network for specific
regional programming, language grouping (as per current radio networks- CAAMA, PAW,
PAKAM, TEABBA, 5NPY, TSIMA etc), and targeted promotions. This could be distributed
via alternate platforms to VAST.
National Indigenous Television
IRCA supports the concept of a national Indigenous Television Service, but notes that
the current model has not been inclusive of remote producers nor meets the needs of
remote audiences.
The requirement of NITV to “carry substantial programming intended for remote area
audiences and made in remote communities” has simply not happened. Of the proposed
$2million per year that was intended for remote production under NITV’s commissioning
budget, almost none of this money has gone to the remote media sector. In 2008-9, the
sector engaged in a long drawn out process to develop a series of 26 episodes of remote
content for NITV (entitled ‘Jukurrpa: From the Desert to the Sea’), but this was unable to
proceed due to a number of factors previously outlined in this paper. Essentially, these are
differing ethos that each organisation operates under.
Meanwhile ICTV, which had been operating and broadcasting since 2002 without any
content budget, was removed from its satellite channel. While ICTV has since arranged
delivery on weekends via Westlink’s satellite service, its annual budget is 1% of NITV’s
budget. Its current operations rely heavily on in-kind and pro-bono assistance and a high
level of dedication amongst its staff. This situation is not tenable in the long term.
The following aspects of the current NITV model are areas of concern:
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 58

Commissioning - aimed at a high-end production model which is expensive, time
and resource heavy, and exclusive of remote producers. This model does not allow
fro a direct relationship between training, practice, production and broadcast.
Programming- remote audiences do not identify with the bulk of programming on
NITV as it is primarily in English and produced in an urban and regional context.
Governance- Company Board structure is not inclusive or transparent; Board
members are not representative of the Indigenous media sector or regions
Funding- NITV has taken up the bulk of funding for TV broadcasting and video
production for the Indigenous media sector, leaving the remote sector without any
funding for its existing TV service ICTV or for video production, capital equipment or
training.
No allocation of delivery platform- NITV were not provided a channel, resulting in
ICTV being removed from Imparja’s second narrowcast channel to enable NITV to
use it. This led to a major rift in the sector.
Consideration of cultural and deceased content
Recommendation 8 proposed the return of ICTV as a full-time service for remote
communities via the VAST digital TV platform. Imparja uplink of Indigenous services be
transferred from the Aurora platform to the VAST digital platform from 1 st July 2011,
providing additional capacity for both ICTV and NITV and 15 Indigenous radio services
(using existing DEWHA funding to Imparja). In order for communities to receive this signal
they will need to swap the existing decoders, set up for Aurora, for digital set top boxes.
Community Upgrade to Receive ICTV & Digital Services
Recommendation 39 (URGENT): That a capital fund be provided for all self-help
retransmission sites to replace existing decoders for digital set-top boxes (at $269 per
service) to receive the services from the VAST satellite platform rather than current
Aurora platform.
Immediate Request: That funding be provided immediately for an automated switcher
and decoder to enable RIBS communities to receive ICTV
ICTV is broadcasting via Westlink service on the Aurora network on weekends. This
switcher is needed to automatically swap a community-selected channel each Friday
afternoon 6pm WA time and revert back on 6am Monday morning. The switcher also
enables local content insertion and can be used beyond digital switchover.
If ICTV successfully transfers onto the VAST digital platform from 1 st July 2011, then each
community will have to upgrade to set top boxes for each TV and radio channel coming from
the VAST platform. This will provide a transition phase to digital TV in remote areas,
however last mile broadcast will continue as analogue until 31 st December 2013.
Three New Radio Networks
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 59

Recommendation 40 (HIGH PRIORITY): That the additional 3 radio services on VAST
platform be made available for aspirant radio networks.
The transfer of services by Imparja from the current aurora platform to VAST will enable an
additional 3 radio channels to become available (currently 12, will be 15 on VAST). This will
provide capacity for several regions, which have been requesting a radio network, including
Ngaanyatjarra Radio network, CAAMA, NIRS, TSIMA and QRAM/TAIMA network, to be able
to establish one. This is also an ideal opportunity to undertake a review of the other 12
services to identify whether they are being effectively utilised.
ICTV Funding
Recommendation 41 (URGENT): That ICTV staffing levels be increased to employ a
full-time Manager, programming coordinator, editor, trainee editor and technical
support.
That ICTV receive additional funding for capital equipment to upgrade its play-out
system and relocate to Alice Springs, as well as increased operational funding to
become a full-time aggregation and delivery service.
That ICTV receive funding to pay for licensing of content for broadcast on the service.
Expand ICTV Audience Coverage
Recommendation 42 (HIGH PRIORITY): That there be a promotion and expansion of
the ICTV service to other remote Indigenous communities across Australia, with
provisions made for interested communities to be able to switch to receive the ICTV
service.
Digital TV Switchover- DTH or Digital Terrestrial broadcast
Recommendation 43 (URGENT): With Digital TV Switchover, that remote self help
retransmission sites be given the option between Direct-to-home (DTH) or upgrading
local TV broadcast facility to digital ,with local content insertion capability.
Recommendation 44 (URGENT): If DTH model is mandatory, that local broadcasting of
at least two digital TV services be maintained by all RIBS communities for local
content insertion capability and redundancy.
Recommendation 45 (HIGH PRIORITY): The requirement for Electronic Program
Guides (EPG) should be waived for remote communities to enable affordable transfer
to local retransmission.
There is real concern within the remote media sector about the impact of the Digital TV
Switchover, under the proposed Direct-to Home (DTH) model, on the ability for communities
to broadcast locally produced programming (as established under the BRACS program to
help maintain language and culture in remote communities) as well as for the future of ICTV.
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 60

IRCA has been proactive in identifying the options for remote communities in the digital TV
future, by recently organising the Remote Digital Technical Forum in Alice Springs. This
session was highly productive and identified a number of options previously thought not
possible, including:
Local digital terrestrial broadcasting is both an affordable and technically feasible
alternative to DTH at a community level. Equipment costs can be reduced if the
requirement for Electronic Program Guides (EPG) can be waived for remote
communities. If communities were given the option of pooling DTH subsidies, they
could select services from the VAST suite (if permitted by ACMA) for local broadcast.
This would reduce ongoing maintenance needs (similar to current situation for selfhelp
retransmission sites) and ensure community members can receive TV services
outside of houses, in sorry camps and so on. This does not exclude individual
households opting for DTH satellite services.
For sites that proceed with a DTH model, supplementary local digital broadcasting of
up to 5 services is still possible to ensure continuity of locally-produced programming
as well as provide a redundancy service for houses that have satellite faults (which is
inevitable) and outdoor reception. Users simply switch between satellite and external
antenna (roof-mounted or ‘rabbit ears’) on their digital TV or set top box.
The assumptions for DTH model do not apply in remote communities: People do not
own their house (mostly government-funded housing, FaHCSIA issue); people move
regularly between houses or communities; people live outside of house and often
watch TV outside or in sorry camp area; houses do not necessarily have stable roof
trusses; people do not have sufficient income to cover difference from subsidy for
installation or digital TV purchase or ongoing maintenance costs; people prefer local
programming in local language to 16 channels of English language programming.
Flexibility to local conditions and needs is the key- the ability to receive locally
transmitted digital TV with a very basic antenna such as ‘rabbit ears’ is more
important than the ability to receive an EPG that would require a DTH home dish or
more expensive retransmission hardware. The EPG is a convenience, but not a
significant desired outcome and creates complications out of all proportion to its
value.
RIMOs can play consultative and awareness-raising role with communities about this
choice.
Delay of switchover date may be required to ensure appropriate delivery model
worked out.
There is real concern about the additional cost burden of maintaining satellite
infrastructure on every household, given the harsh conditions in remote areas
(cyclones and salt air, heat, incidence of tampering), rather than a single broadcast
facility.
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 61

Full Subsidy for Digital Switchover
Recommendation 46 (HIGH PRIORITY): That costs of installation of Digital TV
services for remote communities, DTH or digital re-transmission, be fully subsidized
by the Government.
Recommendation 47 (HIGH PRIORITY): An ongoing Repair & Maintenance allocation
be provided for maintenance of Digital TV facilities, whether DTH or Digital
transmission. Training be provided for community-based workers to undertake first
level maintenance of DTH satellite dishes.
If the Government do continue to proceed with a Direct-to-Home model, as is the current
policy, IRCA foresees a number of issues that need to be addressed:
‣ Installation Costs- The proposed cost-shifting of installation to the household is also
an issue with shared households (not individually owned) and very low income
populations;
‣ Ongoing Maintenance of equipment- as above. Currently the RIMOs manage
R&M of transmission equipment, but there is no plan for how remote households,
with individual dishes and likely high maintenance needs, will be addressed. IRCA is
concerned that RIMOs will end up being bombarded by requests for repairs,
detracting resources from other core media services. Under the DTH model, there
will be a need for RIMOs to be resourced to install and maintain satellite facilities on
every house in every community into the foreseeable future.
‣ Quality of installation and equipment to suit conditions- IRCA is very concerned
that satellite dishes will be prone to environmental conditions (especially corrosion at
coastal sites and cyclones in Top End) and tampering or misalignment, requiring
regular maintenance or replacement of dishes and set top boxes. DTH satellite
dishes needs to be robust, all-weather, and appropriate to the conditions. For
coastal areas, fibreglass dishes are more suitable to reduce effects of corrosion.
RIMOs as Preferred Providers for DTH
Recommendation 48 (HIGH PRIORITY): RIMO Technical Services Units or contractors
to be given preferred supplier status for DTH satellite equipment rollout in region, or
RIMO asked to nominate preferred alternate supplier/installer
This provides a community benefit and helps make the TSU viable, but also ensures quality
installation and provides local Indigenous employment and skills transfer.
The RIMO-based technicians will invariably be called upon to provide ongoing maintenance
of satellite dishes so it is best if they undertake the initial installation.
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 62

4. Identify the contribution of Indigenous broadcasting to Closing the Gap.
a. How is Indigenous broadcasting and media contributing to Closing
the Gap
Remote Indigenous media provides the most effective portal for government and regional
service providers to convey information to remote Indigenous people about health, education
and training, housing, employment programs and so on. Campaigns produced in language
using local talent and broadcast by Indigenous media services have a higher acceptance by
remote audiences. With a high proportion of remote Indigenous people having English as a
second (or third, fourth, fifth) language, and Indigenous media networks being the most
popular service for remote audiences, this is the most effective way of ensuring people get
the message.
By engaging people in meaningful training and employment and providing relevant services
and culturally appropriate programs, remote media plays a significant role in closing the gap.
Community media centres are providing a Lifespan learning space in remote communities
where there is little engagement in formal education and training. It is a space where remote
Indigenous people are interacting on an equal basis with media professionals, without any
power differential. It engages all generations in technologically competent tasks of creative
cultural production intended for use by the community. There is no right or wrong way.
By having local voices, places and people on radio and TV, remote people feel represented
and validated, compared with an absence or negative representation in mainstream media.
Remote media organisations are managed by Indigenous Boards with all decision-making at
the local or regional level, providing real governance and leadership opportunities. These
people with leadership training would be well placed to play key roles in their communities in
the future.
Remote media also provides a forum for Indigenous people to engage with other agencies in
addressing social and health issues in communities. This enables local people to use their
skills and knowledge become part of the solution, rather than this being seen to be the role
of non-Indigenous people to attempt to resolve to address the problems. A non-consultative
approach, as demonstrated in the NT Intervention, where Indigenous agencies with longterm
experience and cultural knowledge in communities were sidelined by non-Indigenous
‘experts’, can lead to resentment, discouragement and counter-productive outcomes on
communities.
In some areas, community media centres are providing a broader range of activities and
training tools to encourage broader community access and usage of facilities. By building
community ownership and having enough applications (radio studio, video production, digital
camera, on-line computers, media viewing/ listening, archive computer, music recording
setup, printer, teleconferencing etc), the facility becomes a significant part of community and
a meaningful job for a media worker to coordinate. It is necessary to achieve a certain
‘activation energy’ for a facility to become popular and sustainable.
The ‘Aboriginal Deaths in Custody’ report recognised the need for Indigenous media for selfrepresentation
and Aboriginal people to be able to discuss their own issues. There are many
examples from remote communities of how engagement of young people has reduced
incarceration levels and provided meaningful activity (music recording, video production,
radio broadcasting, computer usage) and reduced the effect of boredom and hopelessness.
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 63

See above.
b. What can Indigenous broadcasting and media do to contribute
further to Closing the Gap
c. What are some of the barriers that reduce the ability of Indigenous
broadcasting and media to contribute to Closing the Gap
Some of the barriers are:
Government silos in policy and funding;
Lack of awareness of remote community issues by Government policy and decisionmakers,
or focus on negatives rather than strengths; lack of consultation with remote
sector in this process;
Limited awareness of possibilities using new technology within remote communities;
Overcoming lethargy and disengagement of people living in sometimes desperate
conditions;
Lack of resources to deliver programs and employ quality staff;
Lack of awareness of remote media by other service providers, resulting in the sector
being overlooked in government department information and awareness campaigns;
Lack of training providers with a community delivery focus;
Lack of recognition by training providers of media and ICT as core literacy skills
within a digital economy;
Linkages with other programs and service providers not sufficiently developed.
d. How can the contribution of Indigenous broadcasting and media
to Closing the Gap be measured
IRCA chairperson Nelson Conboy had this advice for new programs being designed for
remote areas: “set up to succeed”.
In terms of measuring the effectiveness of Indigenous media to convey government
messages, a study project could be done in three similar remote communities to determine
the effectiveness in conveying a government campaign. The comparative study could have
one community with only traditional text-based information (booklets, stickers, on-line
information etc), another using mainstream media services and English language radio
campaign, and a third using Indigenous media organisation to write and produce a radio and
TV campaign using local language and talent and broadcast on the local networks. (This
could be extended to also having one community with TV campaign using ICTV, which only
goes to some communities.)
By asking people questions relating to the campaign message at each site prior to and
following the campaign, it would be possible to determine the effectiveness of each media
and from a comparison between mainstream and local services in terms of message
transmission, understanding and any behavioural change as a result.
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 64

e. What contributions cannot be measured
Things that cannot be readily measured or considered, but must be recognised in
determining success factors, include:
Indigenous cultural knowledge
Language skills
Authority over country
History
Peer support
Community decision-making processes
Level of ownership and empowerment
Relationships/ family networks
Broader community benefits and outcomes.
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 65

5. Assess future options for funding the delivery of Indigenous broadcasting
and media in light of future challenges and opportunities and uncertainty
about the sustainability of existing funding models and taking into
account regional cultural and language requirements.
a. What are the main future challenges and opportunities facing the
sector
There are many challenges and opportunities that have been raised within this submission.
However, there are two additional challenges that have yet to be discussed in detail -
Staffing and Technical Services.
Staffing
In the 1999 ‘National Report on the Broadcasting for Remote Aboriginal Communities
Scheme’, Neil Turner outlined the issue of staffing: “the success or otherwise of regional
media training and development depends to too great an extent on the suitability of a single,
usually non-indigenous, individual who needs to be extraordinarily culturally sensitive,
patient and non-self-assertive, but also a good communicator and tough to appropriately fill
their role.”
While all RIMOs are working to building the capacity of local Indigenous media workers to
take on the full-time positions within the organisation, the reality is that there is still a
requirement for staff with high level skills, Industry experience and work ethic that are not yet
available within several of the more remote regions.
However, it is very difficult to attract and recruit suitably skilled staff with the aptitude to work
in a cross-cultural environment and who are prepared to live and work in remote community
conditions with significant off-road travel. Wages are not very high for the demanding
workload, housing is very limited resulting in shared accommodation or rather basic housing.
The excessively high demands of the roles to address unachievable community needs with
inadequate resourcing leads to dedicated staff ‘burning out’. The ‘cultural shock ‘ of arriving
in a remote Indigenous community to live and work is very high for most non-Indigenous
people (across all fields), resulting in a very high turnover rate. Consequently, recruitment
can be a real hit-and-miss affair and there can be a high turnover of staff.
So how can this be addressed Several suggestions are:
‣ Develop a course in Remote Cross-cultural Training delivery- This would help
potential trainers to gain cultural awareness skills, ESL training techniques,
introduction to Indigenous languages, understanding of community development
practice, and appropriate models for informal training delivery. It should include a
practical element, with an ‘attachment’ to a remote community workplace for at least
one 4 week block. While such a course may need to be tailored to specific
disciplines (such as media and ICT) and regional differences, it would build greater
preparedness for the task and help students to pre-select themselves for future work
in the field;
‣ Increase awareness of remote Indigenous media - A tertiary course or unit could be
introduced to showcase remote Indigenous media, with its unique history and
practice, and flag this as a potential area of employment for trainers and project
facilitators; Also showcasing of the sector to the broader public (via festivals,
mainstream TV broadcasts of programs, on-line promotion);
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 66

‣ A promotion campaign within the media and communications Industry and
community development sector could help to attract people to support the
development of the remote Indigenous media Industry; Roles could be volunteers on
projects, freelance trainers, technical advisers, or project officers. This would build
cross-cultural exchange and promote remote Australia as having similar needs and
approaches to many international community development projects;
‣ Database of experienced trainers/ project workers- IRCA is looking at developing a
database of media professionals with existing experience and good track record of
working in remote Indigenous media;
‣ Link with Indigenous Community Volunteers to promote the sector for volunteersneed
to outline the necessary skills base and program needs of the sector
‣ Improved wages and conditions to maintain good staff, including appropriate
housing.
Staff Accommodation
Recommendation 52 (URGENT): Staff Accommodation - There is an urgent need for a
capital funding program to address staff housing needs in remote hub sites.
There is a desperate shortage of staff housing in all remote hub sites, impacting on
the ability to recruit staff and deliver funded programs. There are no funding
programs currently available for staff housing for remote media and communications
staff. All other government funded programs- education, health, police, community
services, Shire programs, community management and staffing – are provided with
good quality housing, whereas media organisations are relegated to poor housing
and shared accommodation.
While all RIMOs are dedicated to local Indigenous employment policies, in the remote
regions there is still a need for skilled media professionals to undertake training and
coordination roles. Secession to local employment is part of a long-term planning and skills
transfer process.
Staff housing and on-costs for remote staff are critical to the success of remote-delivered
programs; it is not possible to recruit professionals without reasonable living and working
conditions. This has severely impacted on several community-located RIMOs, including
Ngaanyatjarra Media, PAW Media and PY Media, affecting staff tenure and ability to deliver
funded programs and recruit staff. Pleas to state and federal Ministerial level have not been
able to provide any solutions to date. More inter-departmental cooperation is needed to
address this issue.
Technical Services
Recommendation 53 (URGENT): Each RIMO-supported region needs to be funded for
a Technical Services program to provide Repair & Maintenance to community
broadcast facilities.
There is currently no clear funding policy to address broadcast facility maintenance and
replacement of faulty transmission equipment. Some RIMOs receive no R&M funding, others
a small amount which is far from sufficient, and one of the biggest issues in remote areas is
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 67

the high cost of maintenance and long delays in rectifying equipment failure, often leaving
communities without broadcast and communications services for many months. The cost of
commercial technical services from regional centres is often prohibitive and can lead to
culturally inappropriate solutions.
Regional coordination of technical services is essential, with a regular maintenance service
trip to all communities and a process for addressing breakdowns. By having their own
Technical Service Units with a full-time broadcast technician, RIMOs are able to be more
proactive in setting up sites in a consistent and managed way, developing innovative
solutions, keeping site records, providing preventative maintenance to reduce equipment
failure and costs, undertaking equipment upgrades over time, and providing skills transfer to
local Indigenous trainees.
The costs involved include a full-time wage and on-costs, housing, dedicated vehicle and
running costs, tools, replacement equipment, and consumables. However, this is offset over
time by reduction in equipment costs and paying contractors for emergency technical visits.
There is often high demand for other technical service work in communities - satellite
equipment installs, ICT maintenance, WiFi installs, networking, UHF and HF radio etc- which
can lead to income generation to subsidise running costs of the Technical Service Unit
(provided technician is qualified to do these tasks).
Feedback from RIMOs (i.e. TEABBA) strongly propose that Shire Councils do not have
carriage of Technical Services funding for but that this is be aggregated and provided to the
RIMOs for efficient management of services. They in return would provide consistent, high
level service, ensure accurate logging of service records and site visit reports are kept up to
date.
b. What would a sustainable funding model look like
This has been addressed in the responses to Question 2.
c. Are there licensing issues that need to be addressed to improve the
sustainability of the Indigenous broadcasting and media sector
Licencing
Recommendation 51 (HIGH PRIORITY): That a special class of Indigenous community
broadcast licence for remote Indigenous communities be created.
Recommendation 52 (MEDIUM PRIORITY): That continuation of both community
broadcasting and narrowcasting licences (currently to be removed) after digital
switchover unless a new class of licence (ie- Indigenous broadcasting license)
replaces existing licence categories.
d. What are the specific challenges for rural and remote service
providers and communities
See section 6 in Introduction and recommendations throughout this submission.
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 68

6. Develop a robust performance framework for the Indigenous
broadcasting and media sector.
a. What does good performance for the sector look like
Describe the key elements. How can this be measured
The current Performance Indicators required by DEWHA are fairly irrelevant and
meaningless, with numbers required in boxes for a few questions. A better assessment tool
would include more qualitative reporting, which provides more meaningful data and a real
sense of outcomes. Reporting on the status of programs, level of engagement and broader
community benefits requires a level of analysis which cannot be achieved with quantitative
reporting. This can lead to better understanding of program outcomes for funding agencies
to help inform policy development. Reporting could be provided via written reports, audiovisual
reporting, and/or on-line reporting.
Good performance for remote media organisations will vary greatly depending on the scope
of activities, resources available (staffing, facilities, communications access, vehicles etc),
population spread (number and size of communities and coverage area), administrative
requirements and local demand. There is no one-size-fits-all performance framework.
Each funding recipient should be able to provide their own indicators of how they determine
success of a project, using community determinants (social, cultural, political and economic
aspirations) as compared with government policy determinants. This could help to inform
development of programs to better align to community needs and aspirations.
Some examples of Indigenous Indicators of Program Success:
‣ Are our people engaged as producers and viewers of our own media content
‣ Does it help keep language and culture strong and put value on our culture
‣ Does it improve our lives
‣ Will we get jobs and better wages
‣ Does it help us maintain our family roles, responsibilities and linkages
‣ Does it help us to take a key role in decision-making and empower us
‣ Does it acknowledge and support our cultural roles and protocols
‣ Does it enable us to tell our own stories in our own way
‣ Does it support Inter-generational learning
‣ Does it give the young people something meaningful to do 26
Performance based on Strategic Planning
Recommendation 53 (HIGH PRIORITY): That Performance outcomes for the
Indigenous broadcasting and media sector be linked to locally determined Strategic
Planning and priorities.
Currently each RIMO is required to develop a Strategic Plan to provide policy and
operational guidelines for the organization, generally over a 3-5 year period. This is
developed through extensive community consultation and Board oversight. To date, these
26 Daniel Featherstone, Masters Project
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 69

have not been linked to Performance Indicators. By extending this to a 3-year Operational
Plan, coinciding with triennial funding periods, each planned outcome can have performance
indicators and proposed timeframe against it. (Note: IRCA can play a role in setting up a
template for such a Plan and in assisting RIMOs develop Strategic Plans if required.) This
would provide a locally-specific performance assessment tool. This Plan could be reviewed
on a regular basis by Boards to allow flexibility for variations or unforeseen changes (there
are many in remote areas). This would also help reduce the impact of changes in staffing by
providing a clear roadmap for new staff joining the organisation.
b. How will we know if the programs are achieving the policy and
cultural outcomes
This Performance assessment model will provide clear indication of outcomes against predetermined
levels set out in Strategic Plans. Qualitative reports with descriptions of
outcomes, including photos and examples, will also provide evidence of performance.
The remote media sector recognises the need to match funding with measurable
performance outcomes. In return for appropriate levels of resourcing, IRCA and RIMOs
would ensure key deliverables are met, including:
The remote sector adheres to best practice in operations, planning, governance,
addressing performance outcomes and meeting regulatory obligations;
Agreements are in place in all RIBS communities clarifying roles and
responsibilities;
All RIMOs are fully staffed with community workers who are supported in their
roles and responsibilities;
All facilities and equipment are well managed and maintained;
There is primarily Indigenous participation in the workforce;
Remote communities have access to appropriate communications technology.
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 70

7. Assess options for the most efficient, effective and appropriate
arrangements within the Australian Government for the administration of
Indigenous broadcasting and media.
a. Should infrastructure and content be administered separately (for
example content under arts and culture and broadcasting
infrastructure under communications and broadcasting)
Yes. See Recommendations 16 and 17.
b. How could the delivery of Indigenous broadcasting and media
services by the Government be improved
This is an opportune time for remote media to move from the periphery to the centre of
remote community service delivery, and to both re-vision and integrate the role of media and
ICTs in the community.
A cross-departmental approach is needed to recognize and foster the role of media and
communications within remote communities, and better integrate media with other
programs- ICT & multi-media, music, theatre, design, publishing, arts, youth, land
management, health, education and training, language programs, Indigenous Knowledge
Centres, archiving projects, telephony, technical services, school resources - and with
broader networks.
These linkages are already happening at local levels but are rarely recognised by the
funding agencies. Remote media organisations have developed links and collaboration with
other regional service providers- Community councils, Land Councils, Shires, Land
management, health agencies, education and training bodies etc. These relationships can
be strengthened through increased recognition of the role of the remote media organisation
as the key agency for creating community recordings and cultural content.
In particular, IRCA sees a natural linkage between the remote media and the arts sector,
with many opportunities for mutual collaboration and value–adding. This includes through
video documentation of artist stories and descriptions of paintings, incorporation of multimedia
artworks and interactive artist profiles in exhibitions, sharing of facilities as Cultural
Centres within communities, collecting of oral histories and cultural stories for intergenerational
knowledge transfer, and so on. This linkage can help promote remote media
and cultural productions to broader audiences for cross-cultural awareness and economic
development.
IRCA also suggests that there needs to be a vehicle established for ongoing dialog between
the sector and DBCDE, DEWHA and FaHSCIA. Since the abolition of ATSIC, there has
been an increase in doubling up of programs by different agencies in remote regions which
can lead to competing for limited resources and animosity. Better inter-departmental
communication and ‘buy local’ policies can reduce this cross-over. More consultation and
inclusion of the sector in planning and decision-making will also help to improve efficiencies
and outcomes.
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 71

Other Recommendations:
Need for a new Agency
A key recommendation that came out of the recent IT and Indigenous Communities
symposium in Canberra (13-15 July 2010) was the need for a new agency to be established
to support the development of digital media and ICT in Indigenous communities. Its role
would be to provide expert services and support through a key period of change to the
broadcasting and media sector converting to digital technology and re-structuring to provide
appropriate services in an internet enabled environment. This agency would have crossdepartmental
support but be set up similar to Australia Council for the Arts.
Note: Funding for this agency should be above and beyond the government’s current
investment into Indigenous broadcasting and media. It is a positive way forward towards
Closing the Gap and developing capacity and resources to take up on the potential benefits
of the upcoming National Broadband Network.
Indigenous Digital Services and Creative Industries Council
Recommendation 54 (HIGH PRIORITY): That an Indigenous Digital Services and
Creative Industries Council be established.
The core services of this agency would include:
Indigenous consultation & communication
Policy development
Technical research and development - sustainability and appropriateness
Telecommunications troubleshooting – remote areas
Legal consultation (IP & equity issues)
Funding distribution
Programs for ICT in communities
Awareness & Communications campaign management
Management of an Indigenous e-Portfolio database of trainees, trainers and
qualifications records
Online hub where registration and aggregation of Indigenous programs, archives,
websites and platforms provides access to online resources and builds a network for
Indigenous people (social capital)
This body would recognize and serve Indigenous people at each of the following levels, with
a particular emphasis on the Remote Sector where adequate and equitable infrastructure
and access to services are core to the Government's mandate to 'Closing the Gap' -
clan/family/language group
remote living
regional and urban living
Potential Funding Scope of Council:
Digital Television & Radio – content and infrastructure
Online platforms
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 72

Connectivity
Technical support
Skills Development
Information Management
Enterprise development
Youth Cafes
Community Applications (Education, Health etc)
Annual Indigenous ICT Summit and annual Remote Media Festival
Background Information:
a. As first identified at the conclusion of the AIATSIS Information Technology on Indigenous
Communities Symposium by Marcia Langton (July 2010), who said that a new agency “like
the Australia Council” is needed.
b. Refer Canada's 'First Nations Technology Council' - British Columbia
http://fnbc.info/FNTC/Connectivity
Quoted from this website:
"The First Nations Technology Council (FNTC) was created by a First Nations Summit
Resolution to develop a First Nations Technology Plan to ensure that all 203 BC First
Nations:
Are connected with high speed broadband;
Have access to affordable, qualified technical support; and,
Have the skills needed to access technologies that can improve their lives.
Subsequent Resolutions passed by the First Nations Summit, the Union of BC Indian
Chiefs and the BC Assembly of First Nations Chiefs have given FNTC the further
mandate to: Develop an Integrated Information Management Strategy; Establish a
Common Services Organization to support the development of technologies and
applications in First Nations communities; and, Develop the Fully Integrated
Technologies (FIT) Community Model" (see Appendix 2)
IRCA Submission to the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Sector Review 31/8/10 73